Laxatives Global Market Report 2025

The laxatives market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $7.73 billion in 2024 to $8.39 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%. The growth during the historic period can be credited to greater awareness of digestive health, a growing incidence of constipation, an expanding elderly population, rising demand for natural and herbal laxatives, and increased healthcare spending.

The laxatives market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $11.55 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the increasing incidence of gastrointestinal disorders, a growing preference for over-the-counter laxatives, heightened awareness of preventive healthcare, rising demand for herbal and organic laxatives, and greater adoption of fiber-based laxatives. Key trends expected during this period include advancements in formulation technologies, the development of advanced delivery systems for improved effectiveness, innovations in natural and plant-based laxatives, the integration of digital health for personalized treatment approaches, and progress in combination therapies.

The increasing prevalence of gastric disorders is anticipated to drive the growth of the laxatives market in the coming years. Gastric disorders are medical conditions that impair the stomach’s structure and function, leading to symptoms such as pain, indigestion, and inflammation. This rise in gastric disorders is largely attributed to the growing consumption of processed and fast foods, which can negatively impact gut health by triggering inflammation and disrupting acid balance. Laxatives aid in managing these conditions by facilitating bowel movements, easing constipation, and alleviating discomfort caused by digestive blockages. For example, in February 2025, Cancer Australia - a government agency based in Australia - reported that in 2023, an estimated 2,576 new cases of stomach cancer were diagnosed, with a lifetime diagnosis risk by age 85 of 0.85% overall (1.1% for males and 0.61% for females). Thus, the growing occurrence of gastric disorders is contributing to the expansion of the laxatives market.

Leading companies in the laxatives market are prioritizing the development of advanced formulations, such as osmotic laxatives, to enhance digestive health outcomes while addressing consumer demand for safer, non-habit-forming solutions. Osmotic laxatives are non-stimulant agents that draw water into the intestines, thereby softening stool and encouraging bowel movements. These typically include ingredients like polyethylene glycol (PEG) or lactulose. For example, in June 2024, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, an India-based pharmaceutical firm, introduced LaxaGo, an over-the-counter osmotic laxative. LaxaGo is formulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 and balanced electrolytes to provide effective yet gentle relief. It also features a neutral taste profile to improve palatability and patient adherence, along with a non-stimulant action that reduces the risk of dependency associated with prolonged use.

In June 2023, Atlantis Consumer Healthcare Inc., a US-based provider of patient engagement solutions, acquired the Avrio Health brands Senokot, Colace, Betadine, and SlowMag for an undisclosed sum. The purpose of this acquisition is to strengthen Atlantis's portfolio in digestive wellness and consumer healthcare. By adding these well-established brands, Atlantis aims to offer effective, high-quality over-the-counter health products. Avrio Health is a US-based brand recognized for its solutions in digestive health, infection prevention, and other wellness areas.

Major players in the laxatives market are Pfizer Inc., The Procter & Gamble Company, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi S.A., Abbott Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, Bausch Health Companies Inc., Nestlé Health Science, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Zydus Lifesciences Limited, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Purdue Pharma L.P., Boiron S.A., Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and C.B. Fleet Company Inc.

North America was the largest region in the laxatives market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in laxatives report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the laxatives market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Laxatives are agents that aid in triggering bowel movements or softening stool to alleviate constipation. They are frequently utilized to address temporary digestive problems and support regular bowel function. Laxatives operate through various mechanisms, including softening the stool, enhancing the frequency of bowel movements, or activating intestinal muscles.

The primary categories of laxatives include hypertonic laxatives, lubricating laxatives, stimulant laxatives, volumetric laxatives, swelling laxatives, among others. Hypertonic laxatives function by drawing water into the intestines via osmosis to encourage bowel activity. These are available in different forms such as tablets, powders, liquids, suppositories, and gels. Their applications span across chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), recovery after surgery, as well as weight loss and detoxification, serving end users like hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies, and others.

The laxatives market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides laxatives market statistics, including the laxatives industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the laxatives market share, detailed laxatives market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the laxatives industry. This laxatives market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The laxatives market consists of sales of prokinetic agents, herbal and natural laxatives, suppositories, and enemas (local delivery forms). Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values and are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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