Whether you're looking for a sore muscle solution or a probiotic to improve digestion, you're sure to find plenty of options in the aisles of your local drugstore.
However, often there are so many products to choose from that it can be hard to know which ones will actually do the trick. Thankfully, U.S. News & World Report has just dropped its "Best OTC Medicine & Health Products" list, featuring 128 categories, ranging from sleep aids to pain relief. And Shanley Chien, Senior Editor of Health at U.S. News, stopped by to share some of the top picks from the list.
The products were chosen based on survey results from hundreds of pharmacists and dermatologists, but we also tapped a few experts of our own to get their insights on some of the product categories from the list. It’s important to note that all of the experts share that you should always speak with your doctor before adding any new supplements or medications to your routine.
Keep in mind, these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Below, browse the best over-the-counter health products, per U.S. News & World Report.
Best pain relief solutions, according to U.S. News & World Report
For pain relief creams, this was the pharmacists’ top pick.
According to the brand, this gel is designed to help relieve stiffness, aches and pains related to arthritis symptoms. It can be applied to common pain areas, like your knees, wrists, elbows and feet.
“I’ve been using Voltaren for the past year or so after it was recommended to me by my doctor to help with knee pain when I was consistently running,” shares editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson. “He recommended using it not just immediately before a run or workout, but also in the days leading up to it so my knee has the consistent support the gel provides.”
If you don't want to get your hands dirty with a gel or cream, you can use these patches for targeting areas like your back, arms or hips. According to the brand, these patches contain the maximum OTC strength of lidocaine allowed without a prescription. The patches help to provide temporary numbing relief for areas of pain or soreness, the brand shares.
Advil has long been a popular name in pain relief. And while these caplets are marketed for back pain specifically, the brand says that they can also be used for headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches and more, largely because they feature both acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
"Acetaminophen is a straight painkiller that works on the central nervous system to block pain signaling," says pharmacist and wellness expert Dr. Nayan Patel. "Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory that works on the inflammation markers at the site of pain." He points to research that showed that the combination of acetaminophen and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like ibuprofen, provided the most improvement in lower back pain symptoms compared to when taken individually.
However, he shares that it is not a fix for pain. "This kind of medication is good to take while you go see a physician to identify and treat the underlying cause, because taking the medication alone is not solving the problem."
Best outdoor protection and first aid products, according to U.S. News & World Report
Summer comes with a lot of time spent outdoors. From backyard dinners to camping trips and hikes, we love any excuse to get out in the fresh air. However, we could do without the bugs. This spray is designed to keep you protected from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and more, the brand says. Plus, it will keep you protected for up to eight hours, OFF! shares.
“I love OFF! insect repellent because I’m a mosquito magnet, but it also protects against all the bugs,” says executive editor Adrianna Brach. “It’s a must-have when I go camping with the family and especially in the summer [because it works well for me]. The spray goes on ‘dry’ so it doesn’t drip everywhere or get messy.”
Whether it’s a minor sunburn or a bug bite, you can tackle the itch with this spray from Dermoplast. According to the brand, it provides fast, cooling relief for minor cuts, scrapes, burns and more. The spray formula makes it easy to apply without getting your hands dirty.
There are certain places where you know a standard adhesive bandage will only last a day or so: On your hands, on your heels and in areas that typically get sweaty. In those cases, you can try this liquid bandage. According to the brand, it’s flexible and waterproof, so it’ll stay firmly in place.
According to the brand, this cream helps relieve itch that is associated with minor skin irritations and inflammation, as well as rashes caused by eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, poison ivy and more.
As someone with sensitive skin who is often dealing with rashes from eczema or other irritants, Cortizone-10 is my go-to for soothing my skin. I always like to bring a tube when I travel for on-the-go relief.
Best sleep and relaxation products, according to U.S. News & World Report
If you're looking for a drug-free sleep aid, these gummies from Unisom feature ingredients like melatonin, lemon balm and vitamin B6.
According to Patel, "melatonin’s primary role is to help sustain and maintain your sleep once you have fallen asleep," and your body produces it naturally when you go into deep sleep. Some melatonin formulas — those that are sustained-release to more closely mimic the body’s natural melatonin release — can be effective for sleep maintenance, Patel says.
However, if you are taking a melatonin supplement for sleep, the dose should ideally be between one to three milligrams. Not only can a higher dosage cause next-day grogginess, but Patel says that if you need more than that, it is a sign that there may be other factors that need to be addressed, because your body may not be producing enough melatonin naturally.
There are five milligrams in one serving of these gummies. Since the serving size is two, only taking one at a time would put you in that suggested dosage range.
Along with other vitamins, these tablets contain vitamin B12, which may help with sleep, Patel says, but it depends on what time you take it. "[Taking] vitamin B12 during the daytime helps you get more focused and alert, and when you are more focused during the day, you are actually able to fall asleep more easily at night. But B12 taken at night can have the opposite effect and keep you awake."
Diphenhydramine, the main ingredient in these gels, is designed to stop allergy-induced histamine release, says Patel. But it often comes with drowsiness as a side effect, even though that's not its intended purpose. He warns that it does have the potential for side effects and you can also develop a tolerance quickly (meaning, the more you use it, the less effective it becomes).
Jen Birkhofer, the vice president of commerce at NBC, shares that she uses the brand's sleep aids when she wants a better nightly snooze. She says, “They don’t completely knock you out, you just slowly drift to sleep. You wake up feeling rested in the morning and not groggy, like some other brands."
Magnesium helps support muscle relaxation and calm the nervous system, to help prepare the body for rest and sleep, Patel says. Magnesium is also a mineral that has been "significantly depleted" from our modern diet, he adds.
"Having magnesium supplementation on a regular basis is beneficial during the daytime as well as nighttime," Patel says. "If magnesium helps relax your muscles and allows you to transition into sleep more easily, it is a reasonable and effective option to incorporate into your routine."
Best gut health and debloating products, according to U.S. News & World Report
According to Shanley, some evidence reports that improving your gut health may help improve your overall health. “More and more research shows the importance of a healthy gut for our metabolic health, mental health and immune systems,” she shares.
This probiotic contains a type of bacteria called Lactobacillus rhamnosus. According to registered dietitian Gabrielle Kishner, it is one of the most commonly studied strains and research has shown that it may help prevent and treat certain stomach infections and diarrhea.
“This probiotic also contains inulin, which is a prebiotic. Prebiotics are like ‘food’ for probiotics. They help the probiotics work better in your gut. When choosing a probiotic, I always recommend looking for one that has both probiotics and prebiotics, like this one does. This combination can help support your digestive health more effectively.”
Fiber has become somewhat of a buzzword in the wellness space recently. And while the best way to get your fiber is from eating fruits, vegetables and other high-fiber foods, dietitian Jennifer Weis says that for those who struggle to meet their needs through food alone, a fiber supplement can be helpful.
“Metamucil is made from psyllium husk, a type of soluble fiber that helps slow down digestion,” says Kishner. “This can help prevent big spikes in blood sugar and keep you feeling full for longer. Psyllium husk can also support heart health by helping lower total and ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol. It works by forming a thick, gel-like substance in your gut that binds to bile acids and helps remove them from the body.”
Weis notes that this supplement does contain sugar, so sensitive individuals may want to try an alternative (like the brand’s unflavored option). “For those managing blood glucose levels, this added carbohydrate can be significant — especially coming from a supplement rather than whole food,” Weis says.
“Using electrolyte packets can be good in moments of dehydrating events, such as sports or hot weather,” registered dietitian Nicole Sohayegh previously told us. “If you are sweating, you need to rehydrate, and depending on how much you are sweating, electrolytes might be needed.”
With this variety pack, you’ll get four different fruity flavors to try. While Pedialyte was originally marketed for kids, Shanley says that the experts like it for adults because it provides a balance of key electrolytes and less sugar.
You should always consult with your doctor before you start a supplement so they can run labs to assess potential deficiencies. But Weis shares that when it comes to B vitamins, “certain populations are more likely to benefit. This includes those with with chronic alcohol use [and] people with anemia related to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. “Chronic alcohol intake can impair the absorption of B vitamins, making a B-complex supplement a helpful option in some cases.”
This supplement touts energy and brain support. And Weis says that B vitamins do “play key roles in hemoglobin production and in the Krebs cycle — the process by which mitochondria generate energy within cells.” Because of that, she shares that B vitamin supplementation may indeed improve energy levels, but she shares that its only the case “when it corrects an underlying deficiency.”
While most people can meet their B vitamin needs through a balanced diet, Kishner says that vegetarians and vegans are a common exception as they “may not get enough vitamin B12 since it is found mainly in animal products.” She adds, “When working with vegetarian or vegan clients, I often encourage them to have their B12 levels tested to determine whether B12 supplementation is needed.”
What are some things to keep in mind when adding a supplement or OTC medication to your routine?
“Most supplements and OTC medications are there for symptomatic relief. They are not actually going to solve the problem,” Patel says. “The reality is that the majority of these issues are self-inflicted, whether through our routines, our diet, or something we are doing that is causing the symptoms. And the symptoms are not showing up simply because you are aging. People need to be aware of that before they reach for a product. Address what is actually causing the problem first, and use OTC products as a support tool, not a solution.”
How we chose
The above products are all included on U.S. News & World Report’s Best OTC Medicine & Health Products list. To create the list, U.S. News worked with global market research firm The Harris Poll, and surveyed 357 pharmacists and 129 dermatologists who were practicing in the United States in March 2026. The brands that were included ranged from skin care to supplements. Our editorial team also independently reviewed and reported on products, sourcing our own third-party experts.
Frequently asked questions
"Supplements can give the body a jump start so it can be restful and prepared for the next day," Patel says. However, if you're struggling to sleep, you should always start with creating a good foundation for yourself, not just reaching for a sleep aid or supplement. "That means finishing your last meal at least three hours before bed, eliminating screen exposure at least one hour before sleep, and blocking all blue, yellow, and red light sources in the hours leading up to bedtime," he shares.
Once those foundations are in place, he says, "a supplement can provide an additional push. "But if you find yourself relying on supplements, that is also a signal to evaluate your diet, because the two go hand in hand."
"People with neurological and brain disorders should exercise caution," Patel says. "Melatonin may inhibit the effects of anticonvulsant medications and could increase seizure frequency, particularly in children with neurological disabilities It can also interact with blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, CNS depressants, and immunosuppressants. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should consult their physician before using melatonin."
Probiotics can help restore beneficial gut bacteria, particularly after disruptions such as antibiotic use, Weis shares. "For those needing additional support, they provide a concentrated source of helpful microbes that may ease symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. A well-balanced gut microbiome plays a key role in overall health, influencing digestion, food tolerance, and gastrointestinal comfort, as well as areas like mental health, weight regulation, and skin health."
Weis says that probiotics may be helpful for those who have recently used antibiotics or who are unable or prefer not to eat probiotic-rich foods like fermented vegetables, cultured dairy (yogurt, kefir) or fermented soy products (miso, tempeh). Probiotics tend to work best when combined with a fiber-rich diet, she adds.
"People with weakened immune systems, gastrointestinal diseases or serious illnesses need to be extra careful," says Kishner. "Always talk to your doctor before starting a probiotic to make sure it is safe for you."
How much fiber you need will vary depending on your age, sex and overall energy requirements. "A general guideline is about 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed," says Weis. "Because calorie needs often decrease with age, fiber recommendations tend to decline slightly after age 50. For example, men age 50 and younger are advised to consume about 38 grams daily, while those 51 and older need around 30 grams. Women age 50 and younger should aim for about 25 grams per day, and those 51 and older about 21 grams."
Women in peri- or menopause may benefit from higher fiber intakes (closer to 30–35 grams), she adds, as it can support digestion, help manage constipation and promote feelings of fullness.
Some people struggle to get the fiber they need in a day, which is where a supplement may come in. "Many people are unsure of their personal fiber needs, which can make it difficult to consistently meet them," Weis says. "There’s also confusion around which foods are truly fiber-rich and how to incorporate them into everyday meals. Another common barrier is that fiber is primarily found in carbohydrate-containing foods, and with carbohydrates often being unfairly vilified, people may unintentionally limit important fiber sources. Even those who focus on vegetables may fall short if they rely mostly on lower-fiber, non-starchy options. And, of course, personal preferences—such as not enjoying fruits, vegetables, or whole grains—can make adequate intake more challenging."
"I wouldn’t recommend taking B vitamin supplements without first speaking with your healthcare provider and getting labs drawn to assess your actual vitamin levels," says Kishner. "Your healthcare provider can help figure out the right dose for you if you need a supplement. While B vitamins play an important role in energy production, more is not always better. Certain B vitamins can be taken in excess, which may lead to side effects such as nerve damage, skin flushing or redness, and other uncomfortable symptoms."
Meet the experts
- Shanley Chien is the senior editor of health at U.S. News.
- Dr. Nayan Patel, PharmD, is a pharmacist, wellness expert and the founder of Auro Skincare. He is the author of “The Glutathione Revolution.”
- Jennifer Weis, RD, is the founder of Jennifer Weis Nutrition Consulting in Philadelphia. She specializes in creating custom nutrition plans, particularly for those dealing with PCOS, IBS, diabetes or cardiovascular issues.
- Gabrielle Kishner, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition By Gabrielle in New York City. She has experience providing medical nutrition therapy to clients, who range from individuals managing chronic diseases to people seeking help with their wellness goals.
- Nicole Sohayegh is a registered dietitian at New York City Nutrition.
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