Best 3 Day Cleanse: Comparing the top detox cleanses

We all feel a little heavier than normal sometimes, especially after the holidays or a vacation. You might overindulge in food or alcohol and feel like it's time to detox your body and rid it of built-up waste and toxins.

In those circumstances, some people opt for a cleanse or detox product. These products have become incredibly popular over the last few years to help jumpstart a new diet, boost energy, and shed extra pounds.

But, do these products work? Are they safe? There are many 3-day cleanses on the market, so it can be challenging to decide which one might be right for you. Read our expert guide to learn about our top picks, including their upsides and drawbacks.

Here’s a quick summary of our top 3-day cleanse recommendations if you're in a hurry.

To determine our top picks, we looked at five evaluation criteria: cost, effectiveness, safety, ingredients, and convenience. We used these criteria to classify the top 3-day cleanses and give you further insight into each product.

Effectiveness

Winners: Dr. Kellyann and Lemonkind

A 3-day cleanse is intended to rid your body of toxins and waste, among other benefits. How effective a cleanse is depends mainly on how strictly you follow the company’s instructions and refrain from activities that could negatively impact the cleanse. The cleanse products also determine effectiveness. Do they contain scientifically backed ingredients? Will you see long-standing results once the cleanse ends?

Dr. Kellyann’s 3-Day Cleanse and Reset Kit includes various products – smoothies, broths, soups, and water flavorings – to help you feel full and satisfied during the cleanse. The products contain ingredients like collagen, inulin, and whey protein that have been shown in studies to have beneficial effects on overall health. Lemonkind is also an effective cleanse because of its diversity of ingredients. With Lemonkind, you’ll get 24 pre-prepared juices and a schedule that shows when to drink each one. The juices are packed with nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants that help digestion, weight loss, and energy.

Cost

Winners: Renew Life and R’s KOSO

The 3-day cleanses included in this guide vary in price from just $6 to $260. The cleanse price is determined by the types and number of products included. Some cleanses include many products like shakes, soups, and smoothies, while others are simplified and include only a few capsules or a single bottle of product.

Our winners for cost are Renew Life and R’s KOSO. Renew Life is – by far – the least expensive cleanse in this guide, costing only $5.99 for 12 capsules. You can even get the product for less ($5.39) by opting for the subscribe and save feature. R’s KOSO costs only $99 for one bottle of a fermented drink packed with over 100 ingredients. With their subscribe and save function, the price reduces to just $74, saving you about 25%.

Safety

Winner: Chef V

In this guide, many of the cleanse products are made with all-natural ingredients and botanicals that you would find at your local grocery store. Rarely will you see an ingredient that you don’t recognize. (When there is one, we’ve tried to provide resources that show what that ingredient offers.) You can rest assured that many of these cleanses are safe for most people. Of course, we always recommend consulting your doctor or dietitian before starting a new cleanse.

Chef V wins out for safest cleanse because of the way its products are made and its ingredient transparency. The majority of the ingredients in Chef V’s products are certified organic, and all of the juices are handmade. Chef V even has a few brick-and-mortar locations that you can visit or have your juice shipped directly from the store. You know what you’re getting with this product.

Ingredients

Winner: R’s KOSO

All cleanse products in this guide are packed with healthy ingredients that can lead to body detoxification. Sometimes, it’s hard to distinguish between the products because they contain similar ingredients. This isn’t a bad thing – it can help you feel confident that you’re getting high-quality products no matter what.

However, R’s KOSO stands out in terms of ingredients. Each bottle of the fermented drink includes over 100 components, including fruits, veggies, seaweed, mushrooms, grains, herbs, and beans. This is far above the ingredient lists of any of the other cleanses in this guide. Each bottle of KOSO is also fermented for over a year before being sold.

Convenience

Winners: Renew Life and R’s KOSO

Some cleanses require a lot of products and a specific schedule. You may have to drink eight juices a day or receive gallons of healthy drinks. Other cleanses require less product but offer the same types of results.

Renew Life wins for convenience because the 3-day cleanse only involves taking 12 capsules. You don’t have to mix up a smoothie or remember a juice schedule. You simply take some capsules in the morning and evening, and that’s it. R’s KOSO also ranks for convenience because it’s one product – a bottle of fermented drink. Replace all three meals with KOSO for three days for maximum benefits.

A 3-day cleanse – sometimes also referred to as a detox, detox cleanse, or detox diet – is designed to rid your body of toxins or other harmful buildup. Generally, these cleanses involve:

• Fasting for a short period
• Consuming only the detox products or the detox products combined with certain fruits and vegetables
• Drinking plenty of water
• Getting regular exercise

The instructions for different cleanses vary, but the goal is always the same: restrict your food intake to help your body flush out toxins. Some cleanses also claim to:

• Stimulate your organs (like your liver)
• Improve circulation
• Cleanse your blood
• Supplement your diet with nutrients
• Contribute to weight loss
• Reduce inflammation
• Eliminate bloating
• Improve digestion

Detox diets vary in length, intensity, and instructions. Make sure to read the packaging carefully and follow the steps for best results. The 3-day cleanses included in this guide involve some or all of the following steps:

• Drinking juices or other drinks that contain fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients.
• Eliminating certain foods from your diet during the cleanse.
• Staying hydrated or hydrating more than normal.
• Taking detox capsules.
• Monitoring your body’s reaction to the cleanse.
• Exercising to a degree that feels comfortable.

The results you see from completing a 3-day cleanse are based on your own experience, as many detox diets are not scientifically proven to work. Those that have gone through clinical testing have been hampered by flawed experimental conditions. Many cleanses don’t specify how or what toxins they eliminate, so evidence of the cleanse’s effectiveness is based solely on customer testimonials – not science. In fact, the body naturally cleanses itself, and it is the consensus of health experts that it doesn’t need assistance through cleanses or detox products.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that completing a cleanse is harmful or a bad idea. In fact, many people who use cleansing and detox products talk about the immediate benefits they experience, including weight loss, renewed energy, and better digestion.

Many people who complete a 3-day cleanse report feeling better physically and mentally. Some show quick weight loss results and report less brain fog and better moods, digestion, and energy levels. A 3-day cleanse may also help with:

• Getting regular exercise
• Avoiding harmful substances
• Eating foods high in vitamins and minerals
• Staying hydrated

Because cleanses encourage you to eat nutrient-rich foods, those lacking in essential nutrients will feel almost immediate physical improvement. Detoxes also encourage you to cut out processed food, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, and other harmful substances. Removing these from your routine is always a good idea and may account for feeling better.

When it comes to weight loss, those who cleanse tend to see quick results, sometimes losing multiple pounds over a short period. This may be due to the flushing of toxins and buildup, or it could be because detox diets tend to restrict calorie intake, causing you to eat less than normal throughout the cleanse. Many people report putting weight back on once the cleanse ends.

Some clinical trials have shown the potential benefits of cleanses. This cleanse trial showed improvement in patients’ cravings, sleep quality, and energy levels. This randomized controlled trial of a lemon detox diet showed an improvement in weight loss and insulin resistance.

Before starting any cleanse, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In general, cleanses are intended for adults, so consult with a pediatrician if you want to use a cleanse on a child under 18. If you are diabetic, malnourished, or have a history of eating disorders, a 3-day cleanse is very likely not the best option.

The 3-day cleanses included in this guide are generally safe for most people. However, it is essential when using detox products to pay attention to the label instructions and your body’s reaction to the products.

Since many cleanses involve some level of calorie restriction – whether this is through fasting or restricting the food you eat – you may experience lightheadedness, irritability, or fatigue. Restricting calorie intake long-term can cause malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and other complications that can severely impact your health.

Also, keep in mind that the FDA does not regulate cleanses and detox products, so you can’t ever be 100% sure about the safety of ingredients or doses. It’s important to notice how your body responds to the products and discontinue use if you experience any adverse side effects.

As always, consult your doctor before beginning a 3-day cleanse or any other detox diet.

Best for most people

Dr. Kellyann’s 3-Day Cleanse and Reset Kit is our top pick for 2023 because the kit includes several products to take over the course of the cleanse to detox your digestive system. You aren’t just drinking juice or taking capsules; instead, you get a variety of nutrient-rich drinks and foods that diminish cravings and keep your stomach full. The products include recognizable and effective ingredients like collagen, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar. Dr. Kellyanne offers the most extensive money-back guarantee of any of the companies mentioned in this guide, allowing 90 days for a full refund.

The products are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to assist in:

• Improved gut health
• Less bloating
• Better hair, skin, and nails
• Enhanced bone and joint health
• Weight loss
• Boosted energy levels

The contents of the kit are free of gluten, dairy, soy, and GMOs, and it is well suited for paleo and keto diets. The kit includes:

• Lemon Sips (9): To flush out toxins, keep you hydrated, and give you energy.
• Super Chocolate or Super Vanilla Smoothies (3): Choose your flavor. Each smoothie contains protein, collagen, greens, and berries.
• Bone Broths (3): Loaded with nutrients that care for your gut and skin. Protein helps keep cravings away.
• Super Berry Smoothies (3): Delicious and filled with antioxidants.
• Lemon Chicken Soups (3): Filled with nutrients to keep you full.

To complete the cleanse, follow these steps each day:

1. Drink one Lemon Sip first thing in the morning by adding it to water. You can drink three Lemon Sips per day as a pick-me-up.
2. Enjoy a Super Chocolate or Super Vanilla Smoothie for breakfast.
3. Eat a bowl of Bone Broth for lunch.
4. Have a Super Berry Smoothie as a snack mid-day.
5. Eat a bowl of Lemon Chicken Soup for dinner.

Ingredients and safety

Each of the 3-Day Cleanse and Reset Kit components is intended for different purposes and contains different ingredients. Below, learn more about each product and what makes it beneficial to the detox process.

The 3-Day Cleanse and Reset Kit is generally safe for most people unless you are allergic to any of the contents or already live with malnutrition. It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting any new cleanse, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or living with digestive illness.

Keep in mind that the goal of the product is to detox your system, so you may find yourself in the bathroom a lot during the cleanse period. You may also feel bloated for the first two days, but this will subside.

Price

You can make a one-time purchase of the chocolate or vanilla flavor 3-day cleanse kit for $134. If you choose to subscribe and save, you pay $120.60, saving 10%. You can choose to have the kit shipped to you every 1-4 months.

Dr. Kellyann offers a 90-day money-back guarantee with a $4.95 processing fee on returns. If you purchase the product from a third party, you must request a refund from the third party.

Dr. Kellyann ships anywhere in the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The company also ships to Canada. Shipping is free on orders over $149 to the U.S. and Canada. For orders under $149, those living in the continental U.S. pay a $9 shipping charge, while those in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Canada pay $15.

Keep in mind that this is a very popular item. While writing this guide, we noticed that the 3-day cleanse was switched to pre-order, meaning that it wasn’t currently available to purchase because of a backlog of orders. By the time of publication, the kit was available for purchase once again.

Easiest to take

Renew Life 3-Day Cleanse is a dietary supplement that consists of 12 capsules – six taken in the morning and six taken in the evening across the cleansing period. The capsules are made from herbs and are free of gluten, dairy, and soy. The cleanse is designed to aid digestion, helping you feel lighter with more energy. It also helps:

• Rid your body of waste and toxins
• Promote regularity without bloat
• Reduce water retention

The cleanse requires two parts, but is super easy to follow. In the morning, take two capsules without food. On the first evening, take one capsule with or without food. Increase your nightly dosage by one capsule each night. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the 3-day cleanse.

Ingredients

The capsules in the 3-day cleanse are vegetarian, and the morning and evening formulas contain different ingredients.

The morning formula includes Renew Life’s Flush Blend and Protect Blend. The Flush Blend includes:

• Milk thistle seed extract
• Taurine
• Chlorella
• Burdock root extract
• Dandelion root extract
• Horsetail herb extract
• Red clover leaf extract
• Turmeric root extract
• Wild indigo herb
• Red root bark

The Protect Blend includes:

• Cranberry fruit extract
• Dandelion leaf extract
• Hibiscus flower

The evening formula includes magnesium and Renew Life’s proprietary blend, consisting of:

• Cape aloe leaf
• Rhubarb root
• Slippery elm bark
• Marshmallow root
• Triphala

The product is generally safe for most people, but it does contain cape aloe and rhubarb, which can induce side effects in some people. If you already have digestive issues like diarrhea or stomach pains, cape aloe and rhubarb can make these symptoms worse. Before using the cleanse, consult your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking long-term medication, or living with a digestive illness.

Make sure to take the supplements as directed and to stay hydrated during the cleanse period. If you start to have adverse reactions, end your cleanse and consult your doctor.

Price

Renew Life offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all products. You have the option to make a 1-time purchase or select auto-delivery to save 10% and get free delivery. You can opt to have the product delivered every 1-6 months.

• 1-time delivery: $5.99 (+ $5.99 shipping)
• Every 1-6 months: $5.39 (free shipping)

Most comprehensive

The Lemonkind 3 Day RESET CORE Juice Cleanse includes 24 pre-prepared juices packed with enzymes and antioxidants. To complete the cleanse, drink eight juices per day every two hours. This process provides less than 960 calories daily. The cleanse does not contain GMOs, preservatives, or gluten and is vegan-friendly.

Completing the cleanse offers many benefits, including:

• Boosting metabolism
• Providing healthy nutrients
• Preparing you to begin a diet
• Improving digestion
• Increasing energy levels
• Supporting regularity
• Decreasing bloat

Before cleansing, Lemonkind suggests getting adequate sleep, exercising, hydrating, eating healthy food, and cutting out alcohol. During the cleanse, drink one juice every two hours between 7am-9pm. If you get hungry, you can also have raw vegetables, fruits, and nuts or a small salad. Enjoy herbal and green teas or a small amount of coffee as well. Since the cleanse reduces calories, light exercise is recommended.

Ingredients and safety

The cleanse outlines which juices to take at certain times of the day, so you’re drinking eight different juices each day. Each juice has its own ingredients, which are outlined below.

In general, the Lemonkind cleanse is safe for most people because it’s made with all-natural botanicals. It’s intended for adults and should be taken according to the label instructions. If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients, avoid this cleanse.

Lemonkind also advises against doing any cleanse for longer than seven days because of the limited caloric intake. Consult with your doctor before starting any cleanse to make sure it’s a healthy choice for you.

Price

The 3 Day Reset Core cleanse costs $125.95. Lemonkind ships to the U.S. and Canada, and all orders over $44 ship for free.

Lemonkind does not offer a money-back guarantee on their products. They do not offer refunds if you don’t like the product. If you have adverse side effects from drinking the juices, they may offer a refund on a case-by-case basis.

Most customizable

Chef V’s 3 Day Cleanse is designed to help you lose weight and detoxify your body. Chef V offers a variety of packages for you to customize to make sure you’re getting the right amount of product for enough people. For example, you can choose from a 1-, 3-, or 5-day cleanse for one, two, or four people.

With the 3-day cleanse, you receive three 64 oz Green Drinks, six Protein Shakes and three Detox Soups. These products can help to:

• Boost your metabolism
• Improve digestion
• Flush out toxins
• Begin weight loss
• Cut cravings
• Increase energy level

To complete the cleanse, you consume a certain amount of products every day:

• Four Green Drinks
• Two Protein Shakes
• One Detox Soup

Ingredients and safety

Each of the components of the cleanse is packed with nutrients and all-natural ingredients.

The all-natural and organic ingredients in the 3-day cleanse make it safe for many people. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not complete the cleanse. Chef V also does not recommend the cleanse to those who are elderly or have weakened immune systems.

Consult with your doctor or dietitian before starting any cleanse, especially if you have concerns about how your body will react to the ingredients.

Price

Prices of the 3-day cleanse vary depending on the number of people.

• For one person: $259
• For two people: $469
• For four people: $899

Chef V does not offer a money-back guarantee on cleanses and does not offer refunds once products are delivered. They recommend purchasing their Green Drink to try it out before committing to a full cleanse.

Best value and Easiest to take (runner-up)

R’s KOSO is the most unique product in this guide. It is a fermented drink made from over 100 ingredients that has been used for over a century in Japan for gut health. The word koso means “enzyme” or “ferment” in Japanese. The product is made with vegetables, fruit, and other plants and is rich in probiotics and prebiotics.

Drinking KOSO offers many benefits, including:

• Improving gut health
• Boosting immunity
• Enhancing digestion
• Increasing antioxidants
• Improving skin
• Flushing out toxins

Koso does not contain GMOs or dairy and is appropriate for vegan diets. It tastes like sweet plum juice and can be mixed with still water, sparkling water, yogurt, or alcohol. The product goes through a one-year fermentation process and can be taken as a daily supplement or in various cleanses. We outline only the 3-day cleanse in this guide.

The 3-Day KOSO Cleanse is similar to a juice cleanse in that you replace your meals for three days with 3-5 oz of KOSO mixed with a half cup of still or sparkling water. You can also consume non-caffeinated coffee or tea and should drink plenty of water every day. One bottle of KOSO is sufficient for a 3-day cleanse, and you can repeat the 3-day cleanse every two months.

Ingredients

KOSO includes over 100 ingredients, many you’d recognize from your own grocery list. The ingredients fall into a few categories, such as:

• Leafy vegetables
• Root vegetables
• Fruits
• Beans
• Mushrooms
• Rice and grains
• Seaweed
• Herbs

You can consult their website for a full list of ingredients, but we’ve included some notable components below.

KOSO is made with all-natural ingredients, so it is safe for most people unless you’re allergic to any of its components. The website states that it is even safe for people who are pregnant or nursing, but we suggest consulting with your doctor before starting any new cleanse.

Price

Shipping is free for all U.S. orders. You can make a 1-time purchase of a 16 fl oz bottle for $99. If you choose to subscribe and save, the same bottle costs $74, saving you 25%. You can choose to have your bottle delivered every 30, 60, or 90 days.

There is a 14-day refund policy on unopened products. If you open or use the product, it isn’t eligible for a refund or exchange.

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