Best Softgel Laxatives of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Softgel laxatives are a popular choice for those looking for a gentle and effective way to relieve constipation. These products are designed to be easy to swallow and provide fast relief without causing discomfort. Softgel laxatives work by stimulating the muscles in the intestines, promoting bowel movements and helping to soften stool. They are a convenient option for those on the go and can be taken with or without food. Some common ingredients in softgel laxatives include docusate sodium, senna, and mineral oil. It is important to always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional before using any laxative product.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basic Care Stool Softener Laxative, Docusate Sodium 100 mg Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basic Care Stool Softener Laxative, Docusate Sodium 100 mg
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Kirkland Signature Stool Softener 100 mg, 400 Softgels Cover #TOP 2
Kirkland Signature Stool Softener 100 mg, 400 Softgels
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HealthA2Z Stool Softener 100mg Cover #TOP 3
HealthA2Z Stool Softener 100mg
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 9 Softgel Laxatives

#TOP 1

Amazon Basic Care Stool Softener Laxative, Docusate Sodium 100 mg

Amazon Basic Care
48678
Red & White
Amazon Basic Care Stool Softener Laxative, Docusate Sodium 100 mg Cover
Amazon Basic Care Stool Softener Laxative, Docusate Sodium 100 mg, Softgels, For Constipation Relief, 100 Count

Amazon Basic Care Stool Softener Laxative, Docusate Sodium 100 mg is a gentle and predictable solution for constipation relief. It contains docusate sodium 100 mg, the #1 physician recommended stool softener OTC active ingredient. These softgels work gently to soften stools and generally produce a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours. This stimulant-free stool softener is gluten-free and suitable for adults and children ages 2 years and over.

What We Like
Gentle, gradual relief
Easy to swallow softgels
No cramping or discomfort
Affordable price
Comparable to name brands
#TOP 2

Kirkland Signature Stool Softener 100 mg, 400 Softgels

No Model
400 Softgels
Kirkland Signature Stool Softener 100 mg, 400 Softgels Cover
Kirkland Signature Stool Softener 100 mg, 400 Softgels

Kirkland Signature Stool Softener 100 mg, 400 Softgels are a value pack laxative that gently stimulates the muscles of the colon to provide relief from constipation. It is comparable to Colace and has a stool-softener effect. The product comes in two boxes with a total of 400 SoftGels.

What We Like
Value pack of 400 SoftGels
Comparable to Colace
Has a stool-softener effect
#TOP 3

HealthA2Z Stool Softener 100mg

FPA064
Red & White
400 Count
HealthA2Z Stool Softener 100mg Cover
HealthA2Z® Stool Softener | Docusate Sodium 100mg | Red & White Capsules | Dependable | Gentle Constipation Relief (400 Counts)

HealthA2Z Stool Softener is designed to provide gentle relief from occasional constipation and bowel irregularity. The active ingredient, Docusate Sodium, helps your body absorb more water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. This product is stimulant-free, allowing for a natural bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. It is particularly useful for preventing dry, hard stools, ensuring you feel comfortable and relieved. Ideal for adults and children over 12, taking 1-3 softgels daily, preferably at bedtime, can help maintain regularity without harsh side effects.

What We Like
Gentle constipation relief
Stimulant-free formula
Works in 12-72 hours
Softens stool effectively
#TOP 4

Puregen Labs Docusate Sodium 250mg Stool Softener Laxative

Puregen Labs Docusate Sodium 250mg Stool Softener Laxative Cover
Puregen Labs Docusate Sodium 250mg Stool Softener Laxative | 100 softgels | Gentle Constipation Relief | Extra Strength | Stimulant Free

Puregen Labs Docusate Sodium 250mg Stool Softener Laxative is a gentle and effective constipation relief supplement that comes in a convenient softgel form. It contains extra strength docusate sodium 250mg that softens the stool by increasing the amount of water it absorbs in the gut, making it easier to pass. This stimulant-free stool softener laxative provides predictable relief from occasional constipation symptoms for adults and children over 2 years old. It is also gluten-free.

What We Like
Extra strength 250mg docusate sodium softens stool for easier passage
Gentle and predictable constipation relief for adults and children over 2 years old
Stimulant-free for convenient and safe use
Comes in a softgel form for easy swallowing
Gluten-free
#TOP 5

Major Docusate Sodium 250 mg Softgels

MAJOR
309046999607
Orange/Clear
Major Docusate Sodium 250 mg Softgels Cover
MAJOR Docusate Sodium 250 mg, Extra Strength Stool Softener Laxative for Occasional Constipation Relief – Stimulant‑Free, 100 Softgels (2 Pack)

Experience effective relief from occasional constipation with Major Stool Softener Softgels. These extra-strength softgels provide gentle support for bowel movements, typically working within 12 to 72 hours. You can rely on their targeted formulation to soften your stool, making it easier to pass. Designed for adults and children aged 12 and older, just one softgel daily can help you feel like yourself again. Major Pharmaceuticals prioritizes quality, ensuring that each softgel meets high standards for safety and effectiveness, so you can trust this solution for your digestive health.

What We Like
Effective for occasional constipation
Gentle on the digestive system
Works within 12-72 hours
Easy-to-take softgel form
#TOP 6

Colace Extra Strength Stool Softener 250 mg, 60 Count

20367618000179
Colace Extra Strength Stool Softener 250 mg, 60 Count Cover
Colace Extra Strength Stool Softener for Gentle Effective Constipation Relief, #1 Doctor Recommended Stool Softener Brand, 250 mg Docusate Capsules, 60 Count (Pack of 1)

The Colace Extra Strength Softener is a trusted choice for gentle and reliable constipation relief. As the top doctor-recommended brand, it’s safe for use during pregnancy and after surgery, giving you peace of mind. This stool softener works by increasing the water content in your stool, making it easier and more comfortable to pass. You won’t have to worry about harsh side effects, as it provides relief without causing cramping or straining. If you experience irregular or difficult bowel movements, this product offers a gentle, effective way to soften stool and ease your discomfort.

What We Like
Doctor recommended
Gentle relief
No cramping
Softens stool
#TOP 7

HealthA2Z Stool Softener Docusate Sodium 100mg

FPA065
Red Softgels
HealthA2Z Stool Softener Docusate Sodium 100mg Cover
HealthA2Z® Stool Softener | Docusate Sodium 100mg | Gentle Constipation Relief | Dependable & Easy to Take | Red Capsules | 400 Counts (Pack of 1)

The HealthA2Z Stool Softener is designed to help you ease occasional constipation by gently softening your stools, making bowel movements more comfortable. Its reliable formula works without harsh stimulants, so you can count on smooth and predictable relief without discomfort. The softgels are easy to swallow and gentle on your stomach, providing a simple way to take care of your digestive health. This product is perfect for adults looking for consistent and gentle support to maintain regularity and avoid the discomfort of irregular bowel habits.

What We Like
Gentle stool softening
Reliable, stimulant-free formula
Easy-to-swallow softgels
Supports regular bowel movements

Nature's Way Probiotic Pearls Women's Supplement

13950
Nature's Way Probiotic Pearls Women's Supplement Cover
Nature's Way Women's Probiotic Pearls, Supports Women's and Digestive Health*, Protects Against Occasional Constipation & Bloating*, 1 Billion Live Cultures, 90 Softgels

Nature's Way Probiotic Pearls Women's is a daily probiotic supplement designed to support vaginal, urinary tract and digestive health. With 1 billion live probiotic cultures, active Lactobacilli cultures and a triple-layer coating, these small pearls are easy to swallow and don't require refrigeration. Made with gluten-free and wholesome ingredients, this supplement is a convenient and reliable choice for women's health. Nature's Way is a trusted partner that offers digestive support for a healthy lifestyle.

What We Like
Supports vaginal, urinary tract and digestive health
1 billion live probiotic cultures and active Lactobacilli cultures
Triple-layer coating for maximum efficiency
#TOP 9

Kirkland Signature Stool Softener 100mg 400 ct

629240
Kirkland Signature Stool Softener 100mg 400 ct Cover
Kirkland Signature Stool Softener 100 mg, 400 Softgels

Kirkland Signature Stool Softener 100mg 400 ct is a laxative that contains Docusate Sodium 100mg as its active ingredient. It can help provide relief to people suffering from constipation by softening the stool. This stool softener is comparable to Colace, another popular brand of stool softeners. The product falls under the category of laxatives.

What We Like
Contains the active ingredient Docusate Sodium 100mg
Helps provide relief to people suffering from constipation by softening the stool
Comparable to Colace, a popular brand of stool softeners
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which laxative is best for impacted stool?

If stool softeners aren't providing enough help, the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step. These products hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements. Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea.

2. How do gel laxatives work?

Bulk-forming laxative How it works: It forms a gel in your stool that helps hold more water in your stool. The stool becomes bigger, which stimulates movement in your intestine to help pass the stool more quickly.

3. What is a softener laxative?

Stool softeners are a type of laxative that works by drawing water into the stool, making it softer and more comfortable to pass. All laxatives work in different ways, each with the intention of helping relieve constipation.

4. What is the best laxative to take?

Stimulant Laxatives Some popular brands include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-a-Mint), and sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot). Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too.

Editor's Notes

During our softgel laxative research, we found 24 softgel laxative products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 510,940 customer reviews through our big data system to write the softgel laxatives list. We found that most customers choose softgel laxatives with an average price of $13.04.

The softgel laxatives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of softgel laxatives, including KIRKLAND, HealthA2Z, P Puregen Labs, MAJOR, Colace. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.