Top Laxative Brands for Gentle Relief

When it comes to selecting the best laxative brands, it's essential to choose products that are both effective and gentle on the digestive system. Over the years, several brands have stood out due to their reliability and customer satisfaction. These brands offer a variety of laxatives, including bulk-forming, stimulant, and osmotic types, catering to different needs and preferences. For a comprehensive list of the top laxative brands available in the market, read on below.

Illustration of laxative

Best brands of laxative in 2025

Metamucil

Metamucil, a leading brand in the laxative market, is renowned for its effective psyllium husk-based products that relieve constipation and lower cholesterol. The active ingredient in Metamucil absorbs and holds water, adding bulk and moisture to hardened stools, making it easier for them to pass through the colon. Projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.11%, the Metamucil market is expected to reach USD 1.821 billion by 2032. Metamucil is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and wafers, catering to different consumer preferences. Its widespread use is driven by its efficacy in treating constipation and improving overall digestive health. For more information on Metamucil usage and benefits, visit their website.

Dulcolax

Dulcolax, a prominent brand in the laxative market, is known for its effective and widely used products, such as bisacodyl, which is a popular stimulant laxative. The brand has a significant presence in the market, with its products contributing to the overall growth of the laxative industry. For instance, in the North American laxative market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% by 2031, Dulcolax and similar brands play a crucial role. The brand's products are available in various forms, including tablets, suppositories, and liquids, catering to different consumer needs. Dulcolax is part of the broader Sanofi portfolio, which has shown strong sales growth, including a 10.2% increase in Q2 2024. For more information, visit their official website.

Senokot

Senokot, a prominent brand in the laxative market, is known for its effective and natural vegetable laxative ingredients derived from the senna plant. The brand's products, such as Senokot Regular Strength and Senokot-S Dual Action, provide reliable overnight relief from constipation, with the tablets generally producing a bowel movement in 6-12 hours. Senokot's products are favored for their easy administration and higher shelf life, contributing to the tablet segment's 67.7% revenue share in the global sennosides market in 2023. The brand's expansion, including the launch of new dietary supplement products, has been a key factor in the growing demand for sennosides, expected to drive the market at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2033. Retail pharmacies, where Senokot products are widely available, held a significant market share of 34.6% in 2023.

MiraLAX

MiraLAX, a prominent brand in the laxative market, is known for its effective macrogol-based products, such as MiraLAX, which is part of the broader macrogol laxative market projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2023 to 2030. The North American region, where MiraLAX holds significant market share, accounts for 38% of the global macrogol laxatives market. MiraLAX is widely used for treating constipation, including conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and drug-induced constipation. The global constipation laxative market, which includes MiraLAX, is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 10.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2019 to 2030. MiraLAX is distributed by major pharmaceutical companies, contributing to its widespread availability and market dominance.

Citrucel

Citrucel, a renowned brand in the laxative market, is recognized for its effective fiber supplements designed to relieve constipation and maintain a healthy digestive system. The active ingredient in Citrucel powder is methylcellulose, a nonallergenic, water-soluble fiber derived from plant-based cellulose, which helps make stool bulkier and softer for more comfortable bowel movements. Citrucel is available in both powder and capsule forms, catering to different user preferences. As part of the broader fiber supplements market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% to 6.5% from 2022 to 2032, Citrucel continues to be a significant player, especially with its presence in a market valued at USD 19.68 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 34.40 billion by 2032. For more detailed insights about Citrucel powder, visit their dedicated information page.

Philips’ Milk of Magnesia

Phillips' Milk of Magnesia is a leading brand in the laxative market, renowned for offering stimulant-free and cramp-free relief from occasional constipation. Invented by Charles H. Phillips in 1873, it became a household name when Sterling Products Corp. acquired the business in 1923 and ramped up national advertising efforts. The product is available in a range of flavors, such as Original, Fresh Mint, and Wild Cherry, and is cherished for its gentle, saline laxative properties. Drugstores, which claim a 46% market share in the laxative category, often recommend Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, emphasizing its trustworthiness among consumers. With a longstanding history of reliability and effectiveness, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia continues to be a top choice for those seeking constipation relief.

Colace

Colace, a renowned brand in the laxative market, is widely recognized for its effective stool softener, docusate, which helps make bowel movements softer and easier to pass. It is particularly used to treat or prevent occasional constipation and reduce pain or rectal damage caused by hard stools. The global laxative market, which includes brands like Colace, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2031, reaching a market size of USD 11.26 billion by 2031. North America, where Colace is prominent, is expected to dominate this market in terms of both market share and revenue. The acquisition of Colace by Atlantis Consumer Healthcare Inc. in 2023 further solidifies its position in the health and wellness sector. For more information about Colace, visit their official product page.

Benefiber

Benefiber is a leading brand in the laxative market, known for its clear, taste-free, and completely dissolvable prebiotic fiber supplements. Introduced by Novartis in 2002, Benefiber achieved the number two position in the bulk laxative category by 2008, with significant growth in market share and consumer trust. The product contains wheat dextrin, a soluble fiber that helps soften stool and support digestive health. Benefiber saw notable increases in key attributes such as consumer trust and recommendation rates, with a 33% trust rating in Q3 2008. It is available in various forms, including powder and stick packs, making it a versatile option for digestive health. For more details about their products, visit their official Benefiber website.

Ex-Lax

Ex-Lax, a well-known brand in the laxative market, is recognized for its effective and quick-acting products, particularly its senna-based stimulant laxatives. The global laxative market, which includes brands like Ex-Lax, is projected to grow significantly, with the North American market alone expected to reach USD 6.72 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.70% from 2024 to 2031. Ex-Lax products are popular for their ability to induce bowel movements within a short period, making them a preferred choice for managing constipation. The increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders and the need for effective treatments drive the demand for such laxatives. As part of the broader market, Ex-Lax contributes to the overall growth driven by factors such as inactive lifestyles and dietary habits. For more information, visit the Ex-Lax website.

Fleet

C.B. Fleet Company, acquired by Prestige Consumer Health Inc. in January 2017, is a prominent manufacturer of saline laxatives, contributing significantly to the global market. The company's innovative products, such as Pedia-Lax watermelon flavored oral chewable tablets, cater to pediatric needs and enhance its market position. The acquisition has strengthened Prestige's offerings in the women's health and gastrointestinal segments. The global saline laxatives market, valued at US$ 396.3 million in 2019, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2019 to 2027, with North America holding a dominant position due to rising constipation prevalence. For more information, visit their official website.