Winner of the Week

ITCH RELIEF

CORTIZONE-10 BUG BITE RELIEF STICK ITCH RELIEF

Why did you enter Product of the Year?

The Cortizone-10 team entered the Bug Bite Relief Stick in Product of the Year 2026 to highlight a meaningful innovation that reimagines how consumers relieve itch. By introducing a unique metal rollerball format to the Cortizone-10 portfolio, we delivered fast, long-lasting itch relief in a convenient, mess-free application. Winning Product of the Year validates our commitment to solving real consumer needs through differentiated innovation while bringing more delight to the treatment experience. We are leveraging the Product of the Year seal across social, digital display, online video, and streaming TV to build awareness and trust.

What do you believe were the key factors that led your Product of the Year win?

Our Product of the Year win was driven by a clear consumer-centric innovation strategy. We identified a need for effective bug bite itch relief in a format that was more convenient, portable, and enjoyable to use than traditional creams. By combining maximum-strength OTC 1% hydrocortisone with a unique metal rollerball applicator that cools on contact, we delivered both functional relief and an enhanced treatment experience. The no-mess stick format makes on-the-go application easy, creating meaningful differentiation within the category. Ultimately, the innovation resonated because it solved a real consumer need in a simple, intuitive way while leveraging the trusted Cortizone-10 brand equity.

How have you leveraged your POY win to drive distribution gains or retail partnerships?

We have incorporated the POY logo into our in-store displays and merchandising materials to highlight our award-winning status, strengthen shopper trust, and support retailer sell-in discussions. This recognition has helped enhance brand credibility and reinforce our value proposition with retail partners.

How is Cortizone evolving to meet the growing purchasing power of Gen Z consumers?

Gen Z consumers value convenience, portability, authenticity, and products that seamlessly fit into active lifestyles. The Bug Bite Relief Stick was designed with those expectations in mind, offering fast, targeted itch relief in a compact, no-mess format that is easy to take anywhere. Product of the Year recognition provides powerful third-party validation that resonates with this audience as they increasingly rely on trusted recommendations and peer influence when making purchase decisions. We are leveraging the Product of the Year seal across organic social content, creator partnerships, digital media, and e-commerce to drive credibility, engagement, and trial among younger consumers.

In a market saturated with options, how does Cortizone work to earn and maintain consumer trust and loyalty?

Consumers trust Cortizone-10 because we deliver proven, effective itch relief backed by the strongest hydrocortisone available without a prescription (1% hydrocortisone) and our position as the #1 doctor-recommended OTC anti-itch brand. We continue to earn loyalty by innovating with consumers’ needs in mind, developing solutions that make relief more effective, convenient, and easy to use in everyday situations.