Best colon cleanser

If you’ve ever wanted to feel lighter or less bloated, you may have turned to cleanses or detox products to help rid your body of toxins or other buildup. Many people believe that the colon is a part of the body that needs regular cleansing and detoxification.

The trouble is that most cleansing and detox products haven’t yet been tested for efficacy. So, many of the claimed benefits of these products come from supporters and other customers – not scientists or doctors. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the products are bad or don’t work. It just means that there hasn’t been enough scientific research done to validate those claims.

However, most colon cleansing products are generally safe if used as directed, and many can have benefits like stimulating bowel movements or promoting regularity. We’ve put together our recommendations of the best colon cleansers of 2023, including their ingredients, side effects, pricing, and more.

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick summary of our top colon cleanser picks.

Our 2023 recommendations for best colon cleanser

• Best for most people: Peak BioBoost
• Best for plant-based diets: ColonBroom
• Best budget pick: VitaPost Colon Detox Plus
• Best for quick results: Herbal Power Flush
• Best for long-term effects: UMZU zuPOO

We used these fundamental considerations as points of comparison when evaluating colon cleansers. These core criteria helped us determine the best colon cleansers available in 2023.

Cost

Winner: VitaPost Colon Detox Plus

At-home colon cleansers range in price depending on how many bottles you purchase at once and any available bulk or subscription discounts. For a 1-month supply, the supplements in this guide ranged in price from $25-$70. Ingredients and manufacturing processes also impact this price.

Our winner in this category is Colon Detox Plus. This colon cleanser offers high-quality ingredients at a low cost and includes bulk order discounts and a 5-month money-back guarantee. Unlike its competitors, it does not offer free shipping but includes several tiered shipping options so you can pick your price and speed.

Effectiveness

Winner: Herbal Power Flush

An effective colon cleanser helps provide relief in both the short and long term. In the short term, it helps speed along bowel movements and stabilize your good gut bacteria. It can be used for maintenance in the long term, ensuring that you stay regular and continue to have a healthy colon.

Herbal Power Flush works on two levels: immediate relief of constipation issues and a cleanse that helps promote a healthy digestive system. This flexibility and its natural ingredients make it the most effective colon cleanser in this review. You don’t have to choose between short-term relief or long-term results if you select Herbal Power Flush.

Safety

Winner: Peak BioBoost

Since the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements, it can sometimes be challenging to gauge how safe they are to take. We recommend consulting with your doctor before taking any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Knowing that your doctor approves of the colon cleanser before you take it can help alleviate any worry.

Based on our testing, we recommend Peak BioBoost as the safest option. It includes all-natural ingredients – no fillers, additives, preservatives, dairy, gluten, sugar, or soy. This eliminates many potential food allergy risks. Most components have also been studied in scientific trials that determined their efficacy and safety.

Ingredients

Winner: ColonBroom

Most colon cleanser supplements that you find online are made with natural ingredients, and many are transparent about their formulation. This helps consumers know what they’re taking and determine if they have any allergies or drug interactions with the product. Some supplements include ingredients that have not been clinically shown to improve digestion or regularity, while others contain truly effective ingredients.

ColonBroom is our winner for best ingredients. Not only does the product work for both vegan and keto diets, but all of its components are plant-based. It’s a drinkable powder with a pleasant strawberry flavor sweetened with stevia. The main ingredient in ColonBroom is psyllium, which is high in fiber and acts as a prebiotic – stimulating the good bacteria in your gut.

Convenience

Winner: UMZU zuPOO

Many at-home colon cleansers include capsules or powders that need to be taken for a specific period to see best results. Some products involve a cleanse that lasts for several weeks and is repeated every few months. These products help you stay regular with repeated use. So you don’t have to remember to order the products, many offer subscribe and save options.

Our most convenient pick is UMZU zuPOO. This product is a 15-day cleanse that you can repeat about every 3 months. Each bottle includes 30 capsules, which is enough for a full cleanse. If you select the subscribe and save feature, you save 15% and can set the delivery interval to every 30, 60, or 90 days with free shipping. This way, you don’t have to remember to order more when it’s time to cleanse again.

The practice of colon cleansing has been around for thousands of years. Generally, it involves flushing the colon to cleanse it of waste. Historically, this practice was done by a technician called a colonic hygienist, but now you can buy colon cleansing products and take care of the issue at home.

While the verdict is still out about how truly impactful colon cleansing can be for your health, there are some benefits, including:

• Improved digestion
• Boost in energy
• Removing toxins and waste
• Weight loss
• Decreased bloat
• Reduction in brain fog

Many of these benefits are claims made by colon cleanser advocates and are not yet supported by clinical research. In fact, there are many risks associated with colon cleansing. (See the “Are colon cleansers safe?” section below.) Many of the ingredients in at-home colon cleansers have been shown to be effective in scientific trials, while others have been used in home remedies and traditional medicine.

There are also many different types of at-home colon cleansing products. If you don’t want to shell out the money for an in-office colonic, you can purchase one of these products online or in-stores:

• Powders or capsules
• Laxatives
• Enemas
• Certain herbal teas

There are also juice cleanses and high-fiber diets to help clear the colon of excess waste. This guide covers dietary supplements that are available for purchase online, many with all-natural ingredients and few side effects.

At-home colon cleansers are usually made with natural ingredients that help to speed along bowel movements. Taking the supplements as directed, staying hydrated, and eating balanced, healthy meals can help you see results.

Some colon cleansers are taken as needed, meaning that you take the capsules until you have a bowel movement and then stop taking them. Other colon cleansers involve a full cleanse, usually lasting around 2 weeks. These cleanses require you to take capsules every day (sometimes multiple times per day) during the length of the cleanse period for best results. Many products recommend repeating the cleanse every 2-3 months.

Once you take the capsules, you’ll start to feel some changes in your digestion within a few hours or days. Many cleansers cause gas or bloating before you can have a bowel movement. Some instruct you to repeat or increase doses if you haven’t had a bowel movement within a few days. Always follow the product instructions.

In general, doctors say that colon cleansing can be effective for those about to have a colonoscopy procedure or those with excessive constipation. Clearing out excess waste helps your doctor see your colon better to perceive any issues. If no drugs have worked to move waste along, a colon cleanser is a good option.

If you’re planning to use a colon cleanser for regular body maintenance, it might be because you believe that your colon becomes blocked up with excess waste that accumulates over time. This extra waste sitting in your colon contains toxins that can slowly poison your body, affecting functions from cognition to metabolism. Removing this built-up waste rids your body of these toxins.

The trouble is that these ideas are not yet confirmed by science and are mostly anecdotal. In fact, a review of scientific literature about colon cleansing concluded that there are more risks than rewards. Doctors have generally ruled out the necessity of regular colon cleansing because the body already has mechanisms to cleanse itself. But many people who do at-home colon cleansing report some immediate benefits, like weight loss or less bloating. This is because many colon cleansers rid the body of excess water weight.

If you want to give at-home colon cleansing a try and are unsure if they’re a good choice, speak with your doctor. Also, fully read and follow any instructions provided with your colon cleanser to prevent potential injury or side effects.

All of the colon cleansers in this guide use natural ingredients that are safe for most people. It’s always important to check the label to make sure you’re not allergic to any ingredients. Also, many colon cleansers are not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, taking certain medications, or living with gastrointestinal diseases. As always, check with your doctor before starting any new colon cleanse.

In general, the less often you use a colon cleanser, the safer it is. Frequently cleansing the colon can have adverse side effects and can even cause the colon to be less able to perform its job of absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream. So, consider using a colon cleanser if you really need it, but don’t overdo it.

Cleansing too often or not following recommended dosing can have serious consequences, such as:

• Dehydration
• Imbalance of electrolytes
• Infection
• Kidney failure

According to most doctors, the best way to cleanse your colon is to eat a diet high in fiber. This is the most natural way to make sure you are expelling waste without having to take a colon cleansing supplement or use an enema. Adult women should get 21-25 g of fiber per day, and adult men should get 30-38 g per day. Foods high in fiber include:

• Fresh fruit
• Vegetables
• Beans
• Some cereals

Also, stay hydrated and exercise regularly to keep the colon functioning as it should.

Best for most people

Peak BioBoost is a stimulant-free, all-natural dietary supplement that is flavorless and can be mixed with almost any beverage without altering the taste. The product promotes many benefits, including:

• Regular bowel movements
• Less bloat
• Softer stool
• Complete bowel elimination
• Reduction in constipation
• No straining

You should start off taking one scoop of Peak BioBoost per day. This is usually enough to help regulate bowel movements. You can move up to two scoops per day if it doesn’t work. Because the powder is flavorless, you can mix it with any liquid, including tea, coffee, water, or a smoothie. You can also cook it into food like baked goods and pasta.

The supplement does not contain any artificial ingredients, sugar, preservatives, additives, gluten, fillers, dairy, or soy. It is appropriate for those with vegan, vegetarian, paleo, or keto diets and does not contain GMOs. If you have an allergy to milk, eggs, wheat, or soy, please be aware that Peak BioBoost is manufactured in a facility that also processes these items.

Ingredients

Peak BioBoost includes an ingredient called Xylooligosaccharides (XOS), which is a prebiotic that helps promote healthy gut bacteria. A clinical trial showed that, after eating XOS for 6 weeks, human subjects showed a better-balanced bacteria count in their intestines. This suggests that daily consumption of XOS can help with intestinal function and overall health.

In addition to XOS, Peak BioBoost includes other beneficial ingredients, like:

Price and privacy

Peak Biome – the company that makes Peak BioBoost – offers a 1-year money-back guarantee. You can buy the products in bulk with no subscription necessary.

• 1-month supply: $39.95 + $4.95 shipping and handling
• 3-month supply: $104.85 with free U.S. shipping
• 6-month supply: $179.70 with free U.S. shipping

U.S. orders should arrive within 5-7 business days. For security, the site uses an ordering server that encrypts your data. McAfee Secure and other third-party systems keep your payment info safe.

Best for plant-based diets

ColonBroom is a plant-based dietary supplement that helps increase fiber intake to relieve constipation and boost digestive health. It does not contain sugar and is sweetened with stevia. The supplement has a natural strawberry flavor.

Other issues it can help with include:

• Bloating
• Irregular bowel movements
• Intestinal issues
• Weight gain
• Fatigue and mood swings
• Digestion problems

ColonBroom’s site includes a quiz with around a dozen questions that helps you understand how the product could work best for you. It asks questions about your current bowel health, diet, and exercise routine. Then, it provides a personalized agenda that shows how ColonBroom could fit into your health goals.

To take ColonBroom, add 1 tsp of powder to 8 fl. oz of water and drink. Then drink an additional glass of water. When you first start taking ColonBroom, take one serving per day. After five days, you can increase to two servings per day. Take the supplement either one hour before or 30 minutes after a meal.

Generally, you’ll feel the changes to your bowel movements within 24-72 hours. You should take the product for 2-3 months for best results.

Don’t take the supplement before bed. And, if you take regular medication, take ColonBroom two hours before or after your medicine. Make sure you drink the recommended amount of water with the supplement. Without enough water, the product may not wash down completely, causing it to swell in the throat. This blockage could cause you to choke.

Ingredients and side effects

The main ingredient in Colon Broom is psyllium husk powder. Psyllium is a type of fiber that is also a prebiotic – a substance that helps stimulate good bacteria in the body. Generally, psyllium is known as a laxative that helps to form stool that is easy to pass. You can find it in many over-the-counter fiber therapies like Metamucil or Maalox.

Other ingredients include:

• Natural flavor
• Citric acid
• Crystallized lemon (citric acid, lemon oil, lemon juice)
• Stevia leaf extract
• Sea salt
• Fruit and vegetable juice (for color)
• Rice hulls

Because the supplement increases your fiber intake, you may notice bloating or changes to bowel movements within the first few days. ColonBroom contains psyllium and strawberries, which may cause allergic reactions. Speak with your doctor if you experience any allergy issues, such as:

• Nose or eye irritation
• Shortness of breath
• Skin itchiness

Also, consult with your doctor before starting ColonBroom if you are pregnant or nursing. The supplement may also not be ideal for people who have IBS or difficulty swallowing.

Price

You’ll receive your order within 2-4 days with free shipping. ColonBroom offers single purchases as well as the opportunity to subscribe and save. For single purchases, here’s how much you’ll pay:

• 1-month supply: $68.99
• 3-month supply: $124.17
• 6-month supply: $186.30

If you decide to subscribe and save, you’ll be sent a new supply at regular intervals.

• Every month: $62.09 (save 10%)
• Every 3 months: $93.15 (save 55%)
• Every 6 months: $144.90 (save 65%)

Each order comes with a free anti-bloating diet guidebook, and ColonBroom offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. Take $10 off your order with code INNERBODY.

Best budget pick

VitaPost Colon Detox Plus is a 15-day detoxification program that helps clear buildup and toxins from your digestive system. Each course includes 60 capsules that contain natural ingredients, including calcium, extracts, probiotics, and prebiotics. The detox is designed to:

• Support your colon’s natural cleansing process
• Promote a healthy digestive system
• Assist with smoother bowel movements
• Help the body absorb nutrients

Their formulation includes 11 herbs that your body needs to naturally detox itself. The FDA does not approve dietary supplements, but this product is made in an FDA-registered facility following GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines. This means that the product is made with high-quality ingredients and the highest standards.

Because the detox takes 15 days, you should take four capsules per day: two with breakfast and two with dinner. Each capsule is about 19 mm long – most customers find them easy to swallow. VitaPost suggests starting with two capsules daily to gauge your body’s reaction to the supplement. If you don’t have any side effects, take four pills daily until you run out. You should drink at least eight cups of water per day while taking Colon Detox Plus.

It’s also a good idea to repeat your detox every two months. This ensures that your body is free of toxins and buildup, especially if you haven’t kept to a healthy diet or notice negative changes to your digestion. When going through the cleanse, you should also eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Doing so can help improve the effectiveness of the detox.

Even though Colon Detox Plus can help your body naturally cleanse itself from the inside out, it isn’t meant to treat any illnesses. People with digestive health issues or anyone new to colon cleansers should consult with their doctor before starting the detox.

Ingredients and safety

Colon Detox Plus includes several ingredients that help promote gut health and increase fiber intake. These ingredients include:

Some people should avoid Colon Detox Plus, including people with gastrointestinal issues and those who are pregnant or lactating. If you are allergic to any of the supplement ingredients, avoid taking it. Anyone starting a new health regime should consult with their doctor first.

Even though Colon Detox Plus doesn’t contain ingredients that people are commonly allergic to, people with food allergies should know that the supplement is produced in a facility that processes milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

Price

VitaPost ships to 20 countries and provides three shipping tiers.

• 3-5 business days: $4.95
• 2-3 business days: $9.95
• 12-15 business days: $9.95 (for international orders)

Each bottle of Colon Detox Plus contains 60 capsules, which is one 15-day detox course. You can purchase one bottle at a time or multiple bottles to save in the long run. Remember that VitaPost suggests repeating the detox every two months.

• 1 bottle (60 capsules): $24.80
• 2 bottles (120 capsules): $44.80 (save $4.80)
• 3 bottles + 1 free (240 capsules): $67.20 (save $32.00)

VitaPost offers a 5-month money-back guarantee on all orders. Products must be returned unopened to take advantage of the refund.

Best for quick results

Herbal Power Flush is a digestive aid and dietary supplement that helps speed along bowel movements. Its plant-based formula is vegan-friendly and made with fiber, herbs, and digestive enzymes. The extra strength formula has many benefits to a healthy digestive tract, including:

• Clearing buildup from the colon
• Cleaning and strengthening the digestive system
• Making you more regular with consistent bowel movements
• Improving constipation
• Reducing bloating
• Promoting gut health

For short-term relief, swallow one capsule at bedtime with 8 ounces of water on an empty stomach. You should take it 2-3 times per week, but you can increase to once per day if you do not see results. Typically, you should see results in 6-12 hours.

For long-term relief, BiOptimizers – the company that created Herbal Power Flush – says to take 3 capsules per day for two weeks while drinking at least 3 liters of water. Within 24-48 hours, you should notice your bowel movements becoming regular. Continue for one month to achieve maximum benefits.

BiOptimizers also suggests eating a diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables and staying hydrated to promote bowel health while taking Herbal Power Flush. If you take prescription medicine or other supplements, take Herbal Power Flush several hours before or after these products. You may empty the capsule’s contents into a beverage instead of swallowing it as a pill. Warning: the taste may not be pleasant.

Ingredients and safety

Herbal Power Flush contains some ingredients commonly found in colon cleansers, with a few that may be unfamiliar. The supplement contains:

• Psyllium seed husk
• Cascara sagrada bark
• Red clover flower
• Kelp
• Cellulase
• Amylase
• Phytase
• Protease
• Lipase

Psyllium is a type of fiber that is a prebiotic, meaning that it promotes gut health and the stimulation of probiotic bacteria. Cascara sagrada is typically used to treat constipation and promote healthy bowel movements. Red clover is often used in traditional medicine to promote bone and heart health. Kelp is a source of fiber that promotes gut health.

The last five ingredients on the list – cellulase, amylase, phytase, protease, and lipase – are digestive enzymes. Typically, digestive enzymes are produced by the body and help break down food and maintain a healthy digestive tract. If you have insufficient enzymes because of malnutrition or other issues, you might have gastrointestinal problems like bloating or diarrhea.

Taking supplements with digestive enzymes can help correct these problems, but keep in mind that the FDA does not regulate supplements. There’s no way to know what dose of enzymes is right for you or if you’ll have side effects from taking the supplement.

Herbal Power Flush is only for adults 18 and up. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have an ulcer, gastritis, or bowel disease, don’t take Herbal Power Flush without consulting a doctor. Stop using the product if you notice adverse effects, like stomach cramps or diarrhea.

Price

To cut costs, BiOptimizer offers product bundles and a subscribe and save option. The more products you purchase, the more savings you’ll see. If you subscribe, you receive 12% off, and the product is sent to your home at regular intervals. You can update your subscription frequency to every 1-10 months or weeks.

Each bottle of Herbal Power Flush contains 90 capsules.

• 1 bottle: $59 (subscribe & save price: $51)
• 3 bottles: $150 (subscribe & save price: $132)
• 6 bottles $265 (subscribe & save price: $233)

BiOptimizer offers a 365-day money-back guarantee on its products. Return any unopened products for a full refund (minus shipping and handling).

The company also provides free shipping on orders over $90 in the US, over $150 in Canada, and over $200 for other countries. Orders over $150 get a free copy of From Sick to Superhuman: The Biological Optimization Blueprint, a guidebook about getting fit and living a healthy lifestyle. Orders over $400 also receive a free bonus gift that isn’t revealed on the site.

Best for long-term effects

zuPOO is designed to cleanse your colon and provide gut support. Taking the dietary supplement rids your body of built-up waste and leads to better digestion. In addition, the product is designed to:

• Decrease bloat
• Improve waste elimination
• Provide smoother digestion
• Increase weight loss

This product is designed as a cleanse, meaning that you take the entire bottle of capsules over 15 days. You should take 2 capsules with a full glass of water every night before bed at least one hour after eating or taking other medications. Stay hydrated throughout the day for best results.

Generally, you’ll feel the effects of zuPOO within 12-48 hours. Gas may begin to build up before your body eliminates excess waste.

To completely cleanse the digestive system, continue to take the supplement for 15 days. UMZU recommends repeating the cleanse to maintain a healthy digestive tract, but you shouldn’t repeat it sooner than every 90 days.

While many of the products in this review are vegan-friendly, be aware that the zuPOO capsule is made from bovine gelatin. The rest of its contents are vegan, however. It is also a dairy-free product, but it is manufactured in a facility that also processes dairy-containing products.

If you decide that zuPOO isn’t the product for you, UMZU offers a Supplement Quiz to help you find what you need. Answer a handful of questions about your symptoms and supplement preferences to find out which product might be best suited for you.

Ingredients

zuPOO contains six natural ingredients designed to flush out your system. Some of these are familiar ingredients seen in many other supplements, while others are unique.

As with all dietary supplements or colon cleansers, talk to your doctor to make sure the products are safe for you. This is especially important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or living with a gastrointestinal illness.

Price

Each bottle includes 30 capsules, a 15-day supply. You have the option to complete a one-time purchase or select the subscribe and save option. Each bottle costs $29.95 for a one-time purchase, or $25.46 with subscribe and save, a 15% discount. You can order up to four bottles at once, and UMZU does not offer bulk savings discounts.

With the subscribe and save option, you can choose to have the supplement delivered every 30, 60, or 90 days. UMZU also provides a 60-day money-back guarantee and free shipping on all US orders over $99.

If you don’t think that at-home colon cleansing is right for you, there are alternatives to consider. These options have their own pros and cons, so make sure you do your own research to ensure they are a good choice for you.

Colonic irrigation

Also known as colonic hydrotherapy, this method involves a technician inserting a tube into your rectum and flushing your colon out with large amounts of water.

Laxatives

These products are short-term solutions to constipation. You can purchase them in capsule or powder form at your local drug store. Laxatives are typically fast-acting and help you have a bowel movement within a few hours.

Enemas

An enema is like an at-home colonic, meaning that you use an enema to rush water up your rectum to stimulate a bowel movement. You can purchase enemas at your local drugstore. Typically, it takes between 5 minutes-1 hour to feel the effects.

Herbal tea

There are many herbal teas you can purchase at the grocery store to help cleanse your colon. Look for teas that include ingredients like peppermint, ginger, dandelion, licorice root, or others that help with constipation.

Juice cleanse

Many juices can help cleanse the colon, including apple, aloe vera, and lemon juice. Or you can purchase a juice cleanse that provides you with juice products to drink. As with colon cleansing supplements, remember that many juice cleanses are not FDA-approved.

High-fiber diet

According to doctors, the best way to cleanse your colon is by eating a diet high in fiber. This means eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and other high-fiber foods every day. With a regular exercise routine and daily hydration, your colon will be better prepared to cleanse itself naturally.

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions about staying healthy and living healthier lifestyles.

We extensively test each health service or product we review. Our content provides you, our readers, with an unbiased exploration of at-home health options, free of marketing jargon or gimmicks. We evaluate products and services based on their adherence to quality and the latest medical evidence and health standards. We ask ourselves two simple questions: Would we buy the product or service ourselves if it weren’t part of our job? Would we recommend it to family and friends?

Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this review was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy.