Consumer Health in 2025: The big picture
Consumer health in Ireland experienced moderate current value growth in 2025, slightly surpassing the previous year. Over-the-counter (c) remedies rebounded, primarily driven by increased sales of cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies during a stronger cold and flu season. Rising health awareness contributed to the growth of segments such as vitamins and dietary supplements and sports nutrition. Additionally, government initiatives, including the HSE’s Public Health Strategy 2025–2030 and Healthy Ireland policies, are fostering progress in wellness, digital health, and local care.
Key trends in 2025
Local consumers are taking an increasingly active role in managing their health, turning to preventive solutions and OTC products for minor ailments. Pharmacy-led educational campaigns have heightened awareness around self-care and pain management, with a particular focus on paediatric products. As a result, parents are opting for OTC remedies more frequently than general practitioner (GP) visits.
Competitive landscape
Reckitt Benckiser Ireland Ltd remained the leading company across multiple product areas, supported by strong brands like Nurofen, Disprin, and Gaviscon. Nevertheless, growth was less significant than in recent years because of increasing competition and the prevalence of private label alternatives. Price consciousness is driving growth in private label and affordable alternatives, especially in supermarkets and discounters.
Channel developments
Pharmacies remained the largest distribution channel, accounting for nearly half of all consumer health sales in Ireland. Nevertheless, the channel’s share is gradually declining due to intensifying competition from retail e-commerce, which is capturing a growing proportion of sales across most categories.
What next for Consumer Health?
Looking ahead, consumer health in Ireland is projected to see continued growth, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years of the review period. Significant expansion is anticipated within sports nutrition, spurred by increasing demand among a diverse range of consumers. Protein-based products, especially powders, are set to remain leading contributors to value sales, with ongoing product innovation and options such as clear whey protein powders providing further momentum.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Consumer Health industry in Ireland with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Analgesics
- Cough, Cold and Allergy Remedies
- Digestive Remedies
- Dermatologicals
- NRT Smoking Cessation Aids
- Sleep Aids
- Eye Care
- Wound Care
- Vitamins
- Dietary Supplements
- Weight Management
- Sports Nutrition
- Herbal/Traditional Products
- Paediatric Consumer Health
If you're in the Consumer Health industry in Ireland, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Consumer Health in Ireland report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Consumer Health in Ireland?
- Which are the leading brands in Consumer Health in Ireland?
- How are products distributed in Consumer Health in Ireland?
- How has the regulatory and operating environment for Consumer Health changed in Ireland?
- How are considerations such as stress, self-medication and shifting consumer lifestyles shaping demand for Consumer Health
- How significant are wider health concerns and consumer awareness in determining sales?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Consumer Health in Ireland
Consumer Health in 2025: The big picture
Key trends in 2025
Competitive landscape
Channel developments
What next for Consumer Health?
OTC registration and classification
Vitamins and dietary supplements registration and classification
Self-medication/self-care and preventive medicine
Switches
DISCLAIMER
DEFINITIONS
Analgesics in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Analgesics sees modest growth in 2025, driven by over-the-counter analgesics
Consumers increasingly interested in private label brands as they seek value for money
Pharmacies leads sales and registers dynamic growth
Analgesics will enjoy continued growth throughout the forecast period
E-commerce will become a more significant distribution channel
Holistic health will remain an ongoing trend in the coming years
Sleep Aids in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Stress and anxiety boost sales of sleep aids in 2025
Trust is the key factor in Nytol’s success
Pharmacies continues to dominate sales, though e-commerce registers slight increase in share
Growth expected as stress increases use cases
Sleep tracking technology will help personalise sleep aid recommendations
Herbal and traditional products will appeal to consumers' long-term health goals
Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Allergy awareness boosts category growth in 2025
Consumer loyalty maintains Reckitt Benckiser's leading position
E-commerce sees dynamic growth as consumers choose convenience and value for money
Environmental factors will boost demand for allergy relief over the forecast period
Technology will boost awareness and adherence
Natural claims will become increasingly commonplace
Dermatologicals in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Dermatologicals register modest growth in 2025
Bayer continues to lead due to increased demand for effective dermatologicals
Pharmacies remains dominant thanks to trusted advice and wide range of products
Growth in the category is expected to continue as social media boosts interest in hair loss and other dermatologicals
Technology is broadening the spectrum of products being recommended for skin complaints
Regulation is shaping the ingredients used in dermatologicals
Digestive Remedies in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Awareness of complex digestive issues contributes to category growth in 2025
Reckitt Benckiser benefits from flagship brand popularity
Pharmacies remain popular with bundle offers, loyalty schemes and tailored advice
Digestive remedies is expected to continue registering moderate growth
Technology will support awareness of lesser-known conditions, boosting e-commerce sales
Natural remedies set to benefit from perceived “gentle” efficacy
Eye Care in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Increasing screen time and allergy season boost eye care sales in 2025
Private label grows due to wide range of eye care products
Pharmacies remains dominant as consumers value expert advice
Lifestyle factors will boost regular use of eye care products over the forecast period
New product formats and education will boost category sales
Holistic wellness trend will drive growth in natural and hypoallergenic formulas
NRT Smoking Cessation Aids in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Decline in smoking prevalence continues to benefit NRT in 2025
Nicorette brands continue to lead NRT sales in Ireland
Pharmacies remains the dominant distribution channel
Growth expected to continue as Ireland aims to be “tobacco-free”
Monitoring of habits and on-the-go support will boost NRT effectiveness and support category growth
NRT will benefit from alignment with lifestyle trends
Wound Care in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Lifestyle trends increase the need for wound care in 2025
Cost drives private label growth, despite dominance of trusted brands
Convenience remains top of mind for woundcare channels
Lifestyle trends and ageing population will remain key factors in wound care growth
Advancements in technology set to aid speed of healing
Sustainability will remain a key trend in wound care
Sports Nutrition in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Ireland’s sports nutrition enjoys notable expansion in 2025
Fulfil retains its lead but loses share to Optimum Nutrition
Online growth and offline expansion support sales of sports nutrition
Ireland’s sports nutrition will see sustained growth in the coming years
New marketing strategies on the horizon
Health-conscious consumers will demand greater ingredient transparency
Dietary Supplements in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Dietary supplements continue to outperform vitamins in 2025
Revive Active helps consolidate Galway Natural Health’s leadership position
Subscription websites such as Symprove aid e-commerce growth
Growth predicted for dietary supplements over the forecast period
Format innovation crucial to outperforming brands in crowded spaces
E-commerce is expected to extend its channel share
Vitamins in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Vitamin D focus helps drive topline growth for vitamins
Vitabiotics maintains its leading position in 2025
Retail e-commerce continues to pull away from pharmacies as leading distribution channel
Stable growth forecast for vitamins, with vitamin D helping propel sales
Digital health tools and platforms may support sales and consumer awareness
Opportunities available through premium features and positioning
Weight Management and Wellbeing in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Shift to lifestyle-based weight loss contributes to category slowdown
Glanbia and Atkins reassess brand priorities in 2025
Trust and convenience define distribution trends
Natural health trends will reshape industry trajectory
Medical weight loss will continue to challenge the industry
Rise of holistic and preventative lifestyles may see brands align with government-backed weight loss programmes
Herbal/Traditional Products in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Herbal/traditional products sees modest growth amid shifting consumer priorities
Mondelez continues to lead sales in 2025 with its Halls brand
Traditional retail dominates, but digital channel accelerates
Slower growth predicted for herbal/traditional products in Ireland
Rise of functional and multi-benefit products bodes well for innovation
Clean, natural ingredients will fuel category expansion
Paediatric Consumer Health in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Paediatric consumer health continues to grow despite declining birth rates
Reckitt Benckiser continues to lead with Nurofen
Pharmacies remains the largest channel, offering trusted advice
Growth in paediatric health expected to continue, albeit at a slower rate due to population dynamics
Digital trends in Ireland will support the growth of paediatric health
Sustainability and natural formulas set to gain traction
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Consumer Health
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- Adult Mouth Care
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- Adult Acetaminophen
- Adult Aspirin
- Adult Combination Products - Analgesics
- Adult Diclofenac
- Adult Dipyrone
- Adult Ibuprofen
- Adult Ketoprofen
- Adult Naproxen
- Adult OTC Triptans
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- Paediatric Acetaminophen
- Paediatric Aspirin
- Paediatric Combination Products - Analgesics
- Paediatric Dipyrone
- Paediatric Ibuprofen
- Paediatric Naproxen
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- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Combination Products - Analgesics
- Diclofenac
- Dipyrone
- Ibuprofen
- Ketoprofen
- Naproxen
- OTC Triptans
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- Topical Analgesics/Anaesthetic
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- Sleep Aids
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- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic)
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- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies
- Combination Products - Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Cough Remedies
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- Nasal Sprays
- Oral Decongestants
- Inhalant Decongestants
- Decongestant Rubs
- Nasal Decongestant Drops
- Nasal Decongestant Plasters
- Medicated Confectionery
- Pharyngeal Preparations
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- Medicated Shampoos
- Topical Antifungals
- Vaginal Antifungals
- Hair Loss Treatments
- Nappy (Diaper) Rash Treatments
- Antiparasitics/Lice (Head and Body) Treatments
- Antipruritics
- Cold Sore Treatments
- Haemorrhoid Treatments
- Paediatric Dermatologicals
- Topical Allergy Remedies/Antihistamines
- Topical Germicidals/Antiseptics
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- Paediatric Diarrhoeal Remedies
- Paediatric Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies
- Paediatric Laxatives
- Paediatric Motion Sickness Remedies
- Diarrhoeal Remedies
- IBS Treatments
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- Antacids
- Antiflatulents
- Digestive Enzymes
- H2 Blockers
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
- Laxatives
- Motion Sickness Remedies
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- Emergency Contraception
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- Allergy Eye Care
- Standard Eye Care
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- NRT Gum
- NRT Inhalators
- NRT Lozenges
- NRT Patches
- Other NRT
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- First Aid Kits
- Gauze, Tape and Other Wound Care
- Sticking Plasters/Adhesive Bandages
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- Protein/Energy Bars
- Sports Protein Powder
- Sports Protein RTD
- Sports Non-Protein Products
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- Combination Dietary Supplements
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- Aloe
- Combination Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Cranberry
- Echinacea
- Evening Primrose Oil
- Garlic
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng
- St John's Wort
- Other Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
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- Co-Enzyme Q10
- Combination Non-Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Eye Health Supplements
- Fish Oils/Omega Fatty Acids
- Glucosamine
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- Calcium Supplements
- Mineral Supplements
- Probiotic Supplements
- Protein Supplements
- Other Non-Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Paediatric Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
- Tonics
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- Multivitamins
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- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Other Single Vitamins
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- Meal Replacement
- OTC Obesity
- Slimming Teas
- Supplement Nutrition Drinks
- Weight Loss Supplements
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- Herbal/Traditional Topical Analgesics
- Herbal/Traditional Sleep Aids
- Herbal/Traditional Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Herbal/Traditional Digestive Remedies
- Herbal/Traditional Dermatologicals
- Herbal/Traditional Paediatric Dietary Supplements
- Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Herbal/Traditional Tonics
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- Allergy Eye Care
- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic)
- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Topical Allergy Remedies/Antihistamines
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- Paediatric Acetaminophen
- Paediatric Aspirin
- Paediatric Combination Products - Analgesics
- Paediatric Dipyrone
- Paediatric Ibuprofen
- Paediatric Naproxen
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- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies
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- Paediatric Diarrhoeal Remedies
- Paediatric Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies
- Paediatric Laxatives
- Paediatric Motion Sickness Remedies
- Paediatric Dermatologicals
- Nappy (Diaper) Rash Treatments
- Paediatric Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
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Consumer Health
It is the aggregation of OTC, Vitamins and Dietary Supplements (VDS), Sports Nutrition, and Weight Management and Wellbeing
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This report originates from Passport, our Consumer Health research and analysis database.
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