United Kingdom Laxatives Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Drug Type (Hyperosmotic Laxatives, Bulk-Forming Laxatives, Stool Softeners, Lubricants, and Others), By Indication (Chronic Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Others), and United Kingdom Laxatives Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

United Kingdom Laxatives Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The United Kingdom Laxatives Market Size Was Estimated at USD 384.42 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.38% from 2025 to 2035
• The United Kingdom Laxatives Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 684.38 Million by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the United Kingdom Laxatives Market is anticipated to reach USD 684.38 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.38% from 2025 to 2035. The rising older population, sedentary lifestyles, an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses, and increased knowledge about digestive health.  The desire for self-medication and the demand for over-the-counter remedies both contribute to the market's growth.

Market Overview

The United Kingdom laxatives market refers to the industry that includes products to alleviate constipation and encourage bowel movements, which is the focus of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.  This covers both prescription and over-the-counter stimulants, bulk-forming, osmotic, and stool-softening laxatives. The market serves hospitals, retail pharmacies, and online platforms across the UK healthcare and consumer wellness landscape. It is driven by issues relating to lifestyle, aging populations, and growing digestive health concerns. The growing demand for simple-to-operate over-the-counter remedies, increasing awareness of gut health, and an aging population that is more likely to have chronic constipation.  Health-conscious consumers are drawn to new developments in plant-based and natural laxatives.  Accessibility and customer reach are further supported by the growth of digital health and e-commerce platforms. Additionally, there is demand for product diversity and focused marketing tactics in the laxative industry due to the increased interest in wellness trends and preventive healthcare. Developing palatable forms of natural, plant-based fibers, such as senna, aloe vera, and psyllium husk, in the shape of chewables, syrups, flavored powders, and fizzy tablets.  PEG 3350s high molecular weight improves osmotic action.  Pediatric and customized formulas also satisfy rising customer demand.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the United Kingdom laxatives market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the United Kingdom laxatives market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the United Kingdom laxatives market.

Driving Factors

The demand is significantly boosted by the aging population, which is more inclined to experience chronic constipation.  Increased digestive health problems are also an outcome of changes in lifestyle, such as sedentary behaviors, stress, and low-fiber diets.  The creation of natural, plant-based, and kid-friendly products as well as technological developments in medication composition further the growth of the fuel market.  Furthermore, a greater emphasis on preventive health promotes the frequent use of laxatives for digestive maintenance, while the growth of online pharmacies and healthcare platforms improves product accessibility. 

Restraining Factors

The significant negative effects of long-term use, including electrolyte imbalance and dependence.  Growth is further hampered by a lack of awareness in some demographic groups and a preference for alternative cures over prescription drugs. Product recalls and regulatory scrutiny may further limit customer confidence and industry growth.

Market Segmentation

The United Kingdom laxatives market share is classified into drug type and indication.

• The hyperosmotic laxatives segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.  

The United Kingdom laxatives market is segmented by drug type into hyperosmotic laxatives, bulk-forming laxatives, stool softeners, lubricants, and others. Among these, the hyperosmotic laxatives segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The segment growth can be attributed to the increasing number of cases of occasional constipation, their rapid relieving action, and the growing inclination of consumers for fast-acting remedies. Physician advice for short-term use and their over-the-counter availability additionally assist in the market growth.

• The chronic constipation segment accounted for the largest revenue in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.  

The United Kingdom laxatives market is segmented by indication into chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and others. Among these, the chronic constipation segment accounted for the largest revenue in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The segment growth is driven by low-fiber diets, sedentary lifestyles, aging populations, and increasing awareness of gastrointestinal health. Market expansion is additionally aided by growing access to healthcare and a preference for long-term, safe laxative alternatives.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations companies involved within the United Kingdom laxatives market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Sanofi
• GSK plc
• Novartis AG
• AstraZeneca
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC
• Fresenius Kabi AG
• Johnson and Johnson Private Limited
• Merck and Co., Inc.
• Others.

Recent Developments:

• In March 2025, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has launched the OTC Polyethylene Glycol3350 Powder for Solution in the U.S. as a generic alternative to MiraLAX. The 17g Scoop osmotic laxative treats occsional constipation and targets a market generating 555.7 million annually.

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at UK, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the United Kingdom laxatives market based on the below-mentioned segments:

United Kingdom Laxatives Market, By Drug Type

• Hyperosmotic Laxatives
• Bulk-Forming Laxative
• Stool Softeners
• Lubricants
• Others

United Kingdom Laxatives Market, By Indication  

• Chronic Constipation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Others