B.F. Ascher & Company

What B.F. Ascher & Company does

B.F. Ascher & Company, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned manufacturer of over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare products headquartered in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Founded by Bordner "Bo" Ascher around 1949/1950 near Kansas City, the company began as a prescription pharmaceutical manufacturer before transitioning in the 1970s to OTC consumer healthcare products. The company has operated continuously for 75+ years with a small corporate staff (1-10 employees), suggesting a lean operation that relies on outsourced manufacturing and concentrates internal resources on brand stewardship, distribution, and regulatory compliance. The company remains family-owned by the Ascher family with no external venture capital or private equity involvement disclosed.

The company's product portfolio centers on five core brand families: the Ayr saline nasal care line (isotonic and hypertonic nasal mists, nasal gels, drops, baby formulations, and Neti rinse kits with refill SKUs); Benzedrex, an FDA-approved propylhexedrine nasal decongestant inhaler; Neo-Synephrine phenylephrine-based nasal decongestant sprays in Mild, Regular, Extra Strength, and Severe formulations; Mobisyl, a trolamine salicylate topical analgesic cream; and ITCH-X, a benzyl alcohol and pramoxine HCl anti-itch gel. The portfolio also includes Pen-Kera therapeutic moisturizing crème. The underlying technology consists of established OTC drug and device formulations — saline solutions in multiple concentrations, topical decongestants and analgesics, and topical anesthetic combinations — protected by registered trademarks across all major brands.

B.F. Ascher operates a consumer packaged goods (CPG) distribution model, selling through major U.S. retail pharmacy chains (Walgreens, CVS), mass-market retailers (Walmart), online marketplaces (Amazon, theonlinedrugstore.com), independent pharmacies reachable via a store locator, and a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at bfascher.com. Revenue is generated through one-time product transactions at retail. The company also runs a B2B2C prescriber sampling program through a healthcare-professional portal, and supports consumer marketing via organic social media (Facebook, Instagram), website content including a CDC flu map widget for seasonal demand generation, and direct email/contact channels. Distribution is U.S.-only with national reach achieved by 1990.

Name

B.F. Ascher & Company

Legal name

B.F. Ascher & Company, Inc.

Website

https://bfascher.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

B.F. Ascher & Company is a privately held, family-owned OTC healthcare products manufacturer founded in 1949 near Kansas City, selling nasal care (Ayr), decongestants (Benzedrex, Neo-Synephrine), topical analgesic (Mobisyl), and anti-itch (ITCH-X) products through major U.S. retailers and online channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pharmaceuticals

NAICS

Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (42421), Health and Personal Care Retailers (456)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)

akta.pro primary industry

Eye, Ear & Nasal Care OTC (Eye Drops, Ear Drops/Wax Removal, Saline Sprays) (CRADAMAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cold, Flu, Cough & Allergy Remedies (Decongestants, Antihistamines, Cough Syrups, Lozenges) (CRADAMAD), OTC Pain Relief & Fever (Analgesics, Anti-inflammatory, Topical Pain Relief) (CRADAMAC), Dermatology OTC & Skin Health (Acne Treatments, Eczema/Psoriasis OTC, Antifungals, Wart Removal) (CRADAMAF)

Keywords

• OTC pharmaceuticals
• Nasal care products
• Topical analgesics
• Saline nasal sprays
• Anti-itch treatments

Headquarters

HQ city

Shawnee Mission

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. OTC Pharmaceutical and Consumer Health Product Sales: B.F. Ascher generates revenue through the manufacture and sale of over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare products including nasal care (Ayr family), topical analgesics (Mobisyl), nasal decongestants (Benzedrex, Neo-Synephrine), and anti-itch products (ITCH-X). Products are sold through retail pharmacies, mass-market retailers (Walmart, CVS, Walgreens), online marketplaces (Amazon), and direct-to-consumer e-commerce. Revenue is derived from one-time product transactions at recommended retail prices, consistent with a standard consumer packaged goods (CPG) distribution model.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

B.F. Ascher & Company manufactures and distributes over-the-counter (OTC) consumer healthcare products across five brand families: Ayr saline nasal care (mists, gels, drops, rinse kits), Benzedrex nasal decongestant inhaler, Neo-Synephrine phenylephrine-based nasal sprays, Mobisyl topical analgesic cream, and ITCH-X anti-itch gel, plus PEN-KERA therapeutic moisturizing crème. The company sells primarily through retail pharmacy and mass-market chains, online marketplaces, and its own e-commerce storefront to individual consumers in the United States.

Product overview

B.F. Ascher & Company is a healthcare products company offering a portfolio of over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical and medical device products primarily focused on nasal care, pain relief, and skin care. The product portfolio centers on five main brand families: the Ayr saline nasal product line (including nasal mists, gels, drops, and rinse kits for various nasal moisturizing and irrigation needs), Benzedrex (nasal decongestant inhaler), Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine-based nasal decongestant sprays in multiple strengths), Mobisyl (topical pain relief creme), and ITCH-X (topical anti-itch gel). The Ayr family represents the company's core盐水 nasal care platform offering isotonic and hypertonic solutions in multiple delivery formats (spray, gel, drops, Neti rinse kits) for moisturizing, congestion relief, and sinus irrigation. The Neo-Synephrine and Benzedrex lines address nasal decongestion through different active ingredients. Mobisyl provides topical analgesic relief for joint and muscle pain, while ITCH-X offers itch relief for skin irritations. All products are available over-the-counter at pharmacies and retail locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ayr: Line of saline nasal products including mist, gel, drops, and nasal rinse kits for moisturizing and soothing dry nasal passages
• Benzedrex
• Itch-X
• Mobisyl
• Neo-Synephrine
• Pen-Kera
• Pretty Feet & Hands RSR

Products and services

• Ayr Saline Nasal Mist Non-medicated isotonic saline nasal spray that moisturizes dry nasal passages and relieves dry, crusty, and inflamed nasal membranes due to allergies and colds; targeted at individual consumers and families.
• Ayr Saline Nasal Gel Moisturizing gel with glycerin, aloe vera, and sodium chloride that soothes dry noses due to colds/flu, allergies, winter dryness, low humidity, CPAP/BiPAP, chronic sinusitis, air travel, nosebleeds, radiation therapy, and oxygen therapy; available in 0.5 oz and 1.0 oz tubes; dye-free, paraben-free, gluten-free.
• Ayr Allergy & Sinus Hypertonic Saline Nasal Mist Hypertonic saline nasal mist (2.65% sodium chloride) that helps dry nasal congestion, reduces nasal swelling, and flushes allergens and dust from nasal passages; recommended for ages 6 and older.
• Ayr Saline Nasal Gel No-Drip Sinus Spray No-drip sinus spray that helps relieve dry sinus passages due to low humidity, colds, flu, allergies, air travel, smoke, radiation therapy, winter dryness, CPAP/BiPAP, oxygen therapy, and overuse of decongestant sprays.
• Baby Ayr Saline Nose Spray/Drops Non-medicated saline spray/drops (30 mL) for infants that loosens and thins mucus secretions, aids aspiration, and restores moisture for clogged nasal passages.
• Ayr Saline Nasal Drops Saline nasal drops that moisturize dry nasal passages and relieve dry, crusty, and inflamed nasal membranes due to allergies and colds.
• Ayr Saline Nasal Neti Rinse Kit Nasal irrigation kit containing 1 Neti pot and 40 buffered saline nasal rinse packets for sinus and allergy symptom relief using gravity-based irrigation that flushes irritants, excess mucus, and bacteria from nasal and sinus areas.
• Benzedrex Inhaler FDA-approved OTC topical nasal decongestant inhaler containing propylhexedrine 175 mg that delivers 0.40 to 0.50 mg per 800 mL of air, providing fast relief from nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies; lasts up to 3 months after first use; not a controlled substance.
• ITCH-X Fast-Acting Anti-Itch Gel Topical anti-itch gel combining benzyl alcohol 10% and pramoxine HCl 1% with aloe vera that provides fast, long-acting relief for itching associated with insect bites, minor burns, sunburn, minor cuts, scrapes, rashes, hives, and poison ivy/oak/sumac.
• Mobisyl Creme Topical analgesic cream containing trolamine salicylate 10% (a salicylate analgesic) with aloe vera; deep-penetrating, odor-free, greaseless, non-staining, paraben-free, gluten-free formula for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains; available in 3.5 oz tube and 8 oz jar formats.
• Neo-Synephrine Nasal Spray Nasal decongestant spray containing phenylephrine hydrochloride for temporary relief of nasal and sinus congestion due to cold, hay fever, or upper respiratory allergies; available in Mild Strength (0.25%), Regular Strength (0.5%, up to 4 hours relief), Extra Strength (1.0%), and Severe No-Drip (1.0%) formulations.
• PEN•KERA Therapeutic Moisturizing Crème Non-irritating, mild therapeutic moisturizing crème suitable for sensitive skin, free of corn starch and alpha hydroxy acids, used for psoriasis and general moisturizing.

Quantifiable outcome

• AYR is one of the best selling brands of saline products available nationally
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• AmazoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmazon serves as a primary online marketplace distribution partner for B.F. Ascher products. All major product lines including Ayr saline products, Benzedrex, ITCH-X, Mobisyl, and Neo-Synephrine are available for purchase on Amazon through the company's Amazon storefront. This partnership enables national direct-to-consumer online sales.
• WalmartcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWalmart serves as a major mass-market retail distribution partner for B.F. Ascher OTC products. Products sold at Walmart include Neo-Synephrine, Mobisyl, ITCH-X, Ayr Nasal Rinse Kit, Benzedrex, and other Ayr saline products in Walmart stores and on Walmart.com.
• Walgreens PharmacymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWalgreens Pharmacy chain distributes Neo-Synephrine products (Regular Strength, Extra Strength) at Walgreens stores nationwide and on walgreens.com, providing consumer access through one of the largest U.S. pharmacy chains.
• CVS PharmacymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCVS Pharmacy distributes multiple B.F. Ascher products including Ayr Saline Nasal Gel No-Drip Sinus Spray, Ayr Saline Nasal Mist, and Neo-Synephrine Severe No-Drip Nasal Spray at CVS stores and on CVS.com.
• Online Drug StoreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Online Drug Store (theonlinedrugstore.com) serves as an online pharmacy distribution partner for B.F. Ascher, offering Benzedrex, ITCH-X, Ayr Gel, Baby Ayr, Ayr Nasal Mist, and Ayr Nasal Rinse Kit to consumers.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Procter & Gamble (Vicks):
• Bayer Consumer Health: Bayer Consumer Health operates a broad OTC portfolio including Claritin (allergy), Alka-Seltzer Plus (cold/flu), and Aleve (pain), all of which compete with B.F. Ascher's Neo-Synephrine, Ayr allergy, and Mobisyl lines. As a global OTC giant, Bayer exemplifies the scale of competition B.F. Ascher faces.
• Haleon: Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare) owns major OTC brands including Flonase (nasal allergy), Sensodyne, Centrum, and Advil, competing across all of B.F. Ascher's core categories including nasal care, pain relief, and consumer health. It is one of the largest pure-play OTC companies globally.

Direct peers

• Church & Dwight: Church & Dwight owns the Simply Saline brand, which directly competes with Ayr in saline nasal care, and operates a broader OTC and personal care portfolio that overlaps with B.F. Ascher's product categories. As a major CPG company with significantly larger marketing and R&D budgets, it represents both a direct competitor and a benchmark for category scale.
• Prestige Consumer Healthcare: Prestige Consumer Healthcare acquires and operates legacy OTC brands (e.g., Chloraseptic, Clear Eyes, Compound W, BC/Goody's), mirroring B.F. Ascher's business model of stewarding established OTC brands in respiratory, pain, and skin categories. Similar tuck-in acquisition targets and brand portfolio strategies make Prestige a highly comparable peer.
• NeilMed Pharmaceuticals: NeilMed is a direct competitor in saline nasal care and sinus irrigation, offering nasal mist sprays, neti pots, and rinse kits that overlap directly with B.F. Ascher's Ayr product family. Both companies target the same consumer use cases (nasal moisturizing, allergy relief, sinus irrigation) with similar delivery formats and OTC retail distribution.

Emerging players

• Xlear: Xlear is an emerging player in saline nasal care with a focus on xylitol-enhanced saline sprays and sinus products, competing directly in B.F. Ascher's Ayr category. It represents a newer, innovation-driven entrant in the same OTC nasal care space, often found in the same retail channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xfacebook.com/itchx
• YouTubefacebook.com/AyrSalineSolutions
• Instagraminstagram.com/itch_x

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about B.F. Ascher & Company