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  • 10 Best Stool Softeners UK 2024 | Senosoft, Floradix and More 1
  • 10 Best Stool Softeners UK 2024 | Senosoft, Floradix and More 2
  • 10 Best Stool Softeners UK 2024 | Senosoft, Floradix and More 3
  • 10 Best Stool Softeners UK 2024 | Senosoft, Floradix and More 4
  • 10 Best Stool Softeners UK 2024 | Senosoft, Floradix and More 5

10 Best Stool Softeners UK 2024 | Senosoft, Floradix and More

We all hate that heavy, bloated feeling below the waist. Whether it is due to pregnancy or hormonal swings, after surgery or simply overeating during periods of festivities, constipation is always extremely uncomfortable and can really ruin your week. Luckily, there is always a fast acting – and often natural – solution available to ease your suffering. 


While nothing can replace a healthy and balanced diet, over the counter softeners are a quick and affordable way to resolve your bowel issues. This article will guide you through the best types of laxative for occasional or daily use and recommend ten great products. Including options from trusted brands such as Senosoft, Floradix and DulcoEase, we are certain that you'll find something that works for you!

Last updated 27/03/2024

Quick List - Top Stool Softeners

1

Senosoft

Macrogol 4000 Stool Softener
Macrogol 4000 Stool Softener

Water-Soluble Macrogol Powder for Relief and Hydration

2

Fybogel

Hi-Fibre Ispaghula Husk30 sachets
Hi-Fibre Ispaghula Husk

A Powerful Boost of Dietary Fibre

3

Floradix

Intestcare250 ml
Intestcare

A Natural Solution to Poor Digestion

4

Solgar

Psyllium Husks Fibre500 mg
Psyllium Husks Fibre

Daily Capsules to to Introduce More Fibre Into Your Diet

5

HealthAid

Colonease Plus
Colonease Plus

A Unique Blend of Active Ingredients to Maintain Colon Health

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Table of Contents

What Is a Stool Softener?

What Is a Stool Softener?

Although the words laxative and stool softener are often used interchangeably, they are not always the same thing. A stool softener is a type of gentle laxative and is best used for mild constipation. Essentially, it is a product that makes the stool pass easier without straining your bowels, either by attracting more water to the intestines or by adding large quantities of fibre to your digestive system.


A laxative is a collective name for a product that can help you to have a bowel movement. There are many different types, and all of them target different parts of your digestive tract. Some of them are quite gentle, while others have more potent ingredients that act faster but can also be harsher on your body. 


Want to know all about maintaining a healthy gut? Check out our best books on gut health!

How to Choose a Stool Softener in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Take Your Pick Between Equally Effective Natural or Pharmaceutical Stool Softeners
  2. Decide Between Tablets for Convenience or Liquid for Rapid Relief
  3. Observe the Time It Takes to Work: 2-4 Hours for Short Term, and at Least 24 Hours for Long Term
  4. Ascertain That It Meets Your Dietary Requirements if You Are Vegan or Gluten Intolerant
  5. Keep an Eye Out for Symptoms Like Bloating and Gas.
1

Natural and Pharmaceutical Stool Softeners Are Equally Effective: Decide Which You Would Prefer to Take

Natural and Pharmaceutical Stool Softeners Are Equally Effective: Decide Which You Would Prefer to Take

Stool softeners can generally be categorised into "natural" and "pharmaceutical" varieties. Both are equally as effective, and which one you choose is a question of personal preference. Pharmaceutical softeners are the ones that use active ingredients such as Macrogol. 


The more natural softeners are the ones made out of fruit pulp – usually prunes and figs and sometimes with an addition of senna leaves (which we would suggest avoiding unless you have severe constipation because senna is known for causing stomach cramps). Natural stool softeners can be a delicious and easy way to boost your fibre intake and should not have any adverse side effects. 


Probiotics are a great way to promote healthy gut bacteria, and our favourite way to take them is by drinking tasty probiotic drinks!

2

Choose Tablets for Convenience, or a Liquid Preparation for Fast-Acting Relief

Choose Tablets for Convenience, or a Liquid Preparation for Fast-Acting Relief

It's up to you to decide how you would like to take your medication. Some people find it difficult to swallow tablets (particularly the elderly and very young children) and hence are more likely to opt for syrup or a water-soluble powder


The format you choose is a question of which you find the most comfortable to ingest, however, liquids get absorbed faster into the bloodstream and reach the intestines. As for stool softeners, because they are all fairly slow-acting and gentle, it is unlikely that the format will significantly impact how quickly the medication acts. 


Most importantly, drink plenty of water after taking your stool softener – keeping your body well hydrated will help the medicine draw more water into your intestines and act faster. 


Another way to incorporate probiotics into your diet is by taking probiotic supplements to help keep your gut bacteria happy. 

3

Check How Long It Takes to Work: 2-4 Hours Is Good for Quick Relief, 24 Hours+ Is Better for Chronic Symptoms

Check How Long It Takes to Work: 2-4 Hours Is Good for Quick Relief, 24 Hours+ Is Better for Chronic Symptoms

Depending on how badly constipated you are, decide on what is the most suitable length of treatment is for you. Most stool softeners act pretty fast and can produce bowel movements in an hour or two


Others, however, can take anywhere between 24-48 hours to achieve the desired results. With some natural stool softeners, it can take longer for the results to manifest – 3 or 4 days, in some cases.


Information on how long the treatment usually takes can be found on the back of the pack. It will also specify the maximum amount of time you should be using the product for. For best results, it is recommended to take stool softeners before going to bed. That way, the medicine is likely to be most effective. 

4

Vegan or Gluten-Free? Make Sure It’s Suitable for Your Dietary Requirements

Vegan or Gluten-Free? Make Sure It’s Suitable for Your Dietary Requirements

If your stools are already soft but you still feel constipated, perhaps a stool softener is not the best solution for you. Instead, it would be best if you opted for a strong stimulant laxative that will induce bowel contractions and not result in diarrhoea.

 
If you have pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or coeliac disease, check the label for ingredients such as sugar and gluten. Most stool softeners consider such conditions and do not use sugar additives or grain fibre, but it's always worth making sure. 


Similarly, if you are pregnant, make sure you always consult your doctor before taking any new medication. Only a health care professional who is aware of your medical history can advise you on what is safe to take and what is not. 

5

Take Note of Common Side Effects Like Gas and Bloating

Take Note of Common Side Effects Like Gas and Bloating

Although for most people, taking stool softeners is a pretty painless and safe process, there are still some side effects that you may want to be prepared for. Two of the most common are gas and bloating which can be uncomfortable but is generally pretty harmless. In more severe cases, dizziness and rectal bleeding have also been reported. 


It is good to be prepared for these side effects, but don't let these discourage you from trying stool softeners. Most products will have their potential side effects listed in the leaflet inside the pack.  As a general rule, if you do begin to experience heart palpitations, severe rashes, bleeding or vomiting, discontinue using the product immediately and call a doctor. 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Stool Softeners in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Senosoft

Macrogol 4000 Stool Softener

Senosoft Macrogol 4000 Stool Softener  1

Water-Soluble Macrogol Powder for Relief and Hydration

2

Fybogel

Hi-Fibre Ispaghula Husk30 sachets

Fybogel Hi-Fibre Ispaghula Husk 1

A Powerful Boost of Dietary Fibre

3

Floradix

Intestcare250 ml

Floradix Intestcare 1

A Natural Solution to Poor Digestion

4

Solgar

Psyllium Husks Fibre500 mg

Solgar Psyllium Husks Fibre 1

Daily Capsules to to Introduce More Fibre Into Your Diet

5

HealthAid

Colonease Plus

HealthAid Colonease Plus  1

A Unique Blend of Active Ingredients to Maintain Colon Health

6

Nestle

Optifibre

Nestle  Optifibre  1

Dietary Fibre for a Safe and Effective Stool Softener

7

DulcoEase

Soft Gel Constipation Relief Capsules

DulcoEase Soft Gel Constipation Relief Capsules  1

Quick Effective Relief for Painful Dry Stools

8

Colpermint

Peppermint Oil Capsules for IBS Relief

Colpermint Peppermint Oil Capsules for IBS Relief 1

Soothes Discomfort by Relaxing Muscles Inside the Colon

9

Raw Fusion

Hydro Cleanse Stool Softener With Prebiotics

Raw Fusion Hydro Cleanse Stool Softener With Prebiotics 1

Hydrating Capsules for a Healthy Balance of Gut Bacteria

10

Ortis

Fruit & Fibres Chewable SquaresPack of 2

Ortis  Fruit & Fibres Chewable Squares 1

Constipation Relief Made From Figs, Tamarind, Rhubarb and Dates

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Senosoft
Macrogol 4000 Stool Softener

Macrogol 4000 Stool Softener  1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£6.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£6.99
Low Mid

Water-Soluble Macrogol Powder for Relief and Hydration

Senosoft does not actually contain any senna leaves as the name may misleadingly suggest. The active ingredient is macrogol which is an osmotic laxative, in other words, it attracts more moisture into your intestines keeping your poo soft and easy to pass. 


The product comes in handy soluble powder form which has little flavour and is easy to swallow. This is a fairly fast-acting stool softener and you are likely to feel the desired results in less than 24 hours. It's ideal for people of all ages and also safe for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding (although again, you should always consult your doctor first). 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Fybogel
Hi-Fibre Ispaghula Husk30 sachets

Reference price
£8.99
Mid

A Powerful Boost of Dietary Fibre

Fybogel is a convenient solution for people with low-fibre diets. Of course, nothing can fully replace a healthy and balanced diet in the long run, but in the meantime, this is a simple quick fix that will guarantee constipation relief in 2-3 days


Made from Ispaghula husk, this stool softener is more on the natural side, although it does contain flavourings and sweeteners. It is, however, easy to take on the go as it comes in convenient little sachets which only need to be stirred into a glass of water. Provided you talk to your doctor first, it can also be an option during pregnancy.

No.3

Floradix
Intestcare250 ml

Reference price
£13.49
Mid

A Natural Solution to Poor Digestion

This delicious miracle potion is a real lifesaver when it comes to fixing a bloated stomach and constipation. A fruity, tasty herbal supplement sourced from juices such as apple and plum as well as artichoke, turmeric, peppermint and magnesium, it is easy to take and does not have any side effects. 


This is an excellent natural constipation remedy and is suitable for all number of dietary requirements. It is a little pricey and it comes in a fairly small bottle, however, the delicious taste, effectiveness and ease of use more than make up for it! 

No.4

Solgar
Psyllium Husks Fibre500 mg

Reference price
£12.49
Mid

Daily Capsules to to Introduce More Fibre Into Your Diet

These small but powerful capsules are filled with psyllium husk, also known as Ispaghula – a plant commonly used to relieve symptoms of constipation but also mild diarrhoea. Easy to swallow, these capsules come in a handy and compact amber jar. 


This is also a reasonably priced product; it is likely to last you a long time since the instructions recommend you only take two tablets a day. Some have reported feeling bloated and gassy in the first few days of consumption, but the feeling soon passes as your digestive system gets more used to an increased quantity of fibre. 

No.5

HealthAid
Colonease Plus

Reference price
£9.75
Mid

A Unique Blend of Active Ingredients to Maintain Colon Health

If you are looking for an all-encompassing formula that will soften your stool but also support your gut health, look no further. These capsules contain aloe vera extract which will gently soften constipation, promote healing in the colon if you have micro-fissures, and introduce friendly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria cultures to help with digestion. 


You can use them as a stool softener that will get to work within 3-4 days, or, as they are designed to be taken – in the long term as part of a healthy and balanced diet and as a preventative measure for digestive issues. 

No.6

Nestle
Optifibre

Optifibre  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.29
Mid
Reference price
£13.29
Mid

Dietary Fibre for a Safe and Effective Stool Softener

This stool softening powder is a fantastic way to introduce more fibre into your diet without any side effects or strange flavours. Many fibre additives on the market do have a flavour of their own making it trickier to incorporate them into your daily routine if you don't enjoy the taste. 


While this fibre additive may take a couple of days longer to act than some pharmaceutical solutions, its inconspicuous taste and texture make it the perfect addition to your diet. Since the powder is gluten-free and soluble, it can be easily mixed into food as well as hot and cold drinks

No.7

DulcoEase
Soft Gel Constipation Relief Capsules

Reference price
£4.99
Low

Quick Effective Relief for Painful Dry Stools

DulcoEase is frequently prescribed to people who have a lack of moisture in their stool, therefore making them painful and potentially damaging to the colon. The main active ingredient in this stool softener is Ducosate Sodium, which it works by drawing more moisture to the colon from the rest of your body. 


This is an effective and painless way to relieve short-term constipation. Because it works by attracting water to your stool from the rest of the body, you may feel a little dehydrated after taking it, so make sure you keep drinking plenty of water afterwards. It will speed up the process and alleviate the side effects. 

No.8

Colpermint
Peppermint Oil Capsules for IBS Relief

Peppermint Oil Capsules for IBS Relief 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.99
Low Mid

Soothes Discomfort by Relaxing Muscles Inside the Colon

These handy capsules by Colpermin are an effortless way to relax the colon muscles and feel more comfortable. They are very popular among those who suffer from IBS but are also recommended to those who suffer from occasional constipation. 


These capsules are designed to delay the release of peppermint oil until it has arrived in the lower bowel, thereby directly relieving the discomfort and helping the stool pass easier. However, if you are vegetarian or you happen to have a soya or peanut allergy, it is recommended that you avoid this medication. 

No.9

Raw Fusion
Hydro Cleanse Stool Softener With Prebiotics

Reference price
£31.95
High

Hydrating Capsules for a Healthy Balance of Gut Bacteria

Taking 2-3 tablets of Hydro Cleanse with your drink of choice is a great way to jump your digestive system for the day. Packed with a proprietary magnesium blend as well as beetroot fibre and prebiotics, this product is ideal for hydrating your digestive system, drawing more moisture to your stool and creating a healthy gut bacterial balance


Although this oxygenating, magnesium-rich stool softener is a fairly pricey product, these completely natural capsules are suitable for any and every diet and have no side effects – they can even be given to babies and toddlers.

No.10

Ortis
Fruit & Fibres Chewable SquaresPack of 2

Fruit & Fibres Chewable Squares 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£23.49
High Mid
Reference price
£23.49
High Mid

Constipation Relief Made From Figs, Tamarind, Rhubarb and Dates

Made from figs, tamarind, rhubarb and dates, these delicious candy-like chewable pastilles are a great way to relieve constipation without straining your bowel muscles. Rich in fibre and fast-acting, the squares are perfect for consumption on the go and are suitable for all ages. 


This product is gluten-free as well as suitable for vegans and vegetarians and can be taken daily. However, although it does not contain any added sugar, the natural sugars that exist in fruit may make it unsuitable for people with diabetes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the Best Time to Take a Stool Softener?

You should always follow the guidance written on the packaging of the product itself, however, most will suggest taking them before going to bed. The reason for this is that many take time to produce results so by taking them at bedtime you should be able to pass stool by morning.

Can I Take a Stool Softener if I’m Pregnant?

In general, stool softeners are deemed safe for use during pregnancy, and several companies brands have products specifically catering to pregnant women. However, we recommend that you always consult your doctor before using any medication to be safe. 

Written and researched by Maria C

Top 5 Stool Softeners

No. 1: SenosoftMacrogol 4000 Stool Softener

No. 2: FybogelHi-Fibre Ispaghula Husk30 sachets

No. 3: FloradixIntestcare250 ml

No. 4: SolgarPsyllium Husks Fibre500 mg

No. 5: HealthAidColonease Plus

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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