By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
If you're feeling sluggish, run-down, or dealing with frequent colds, it may be a sign that your body could use a boost from the best detox cleanse. We’re exposed to toxins on a near-constant basis—everything from pesticides and chemicals in or on our foods, chemicals in our body products, and home cleaning products, pollution in our air, and even off-gassing from furniture and carpets.
The Best Detox Cleanses - Our Top Picks
- Detox Pure
- KOS Organic Acai Powder
- Performix SST Cleanse
- ONNIT Spirulina & Chlorella
- RenewLife Cleanse Smart
- Transparent Labs Curcumin C3
- Utzy Naturals L-Glutathione
- Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
- Raw Generation Skinny Cleanse
- KOS Moringa Leaf Capsules
Because of this daily exposure to toxins, our bodies are in a perpetual state of detoxification. The liver, gallbladder, kidneys, colon, skin, and lungs all work in concert to filter and remove these toxins on a daily basis. But these detox organs and tissues can become overloaded, fatigued, or clogged, leaving you feeling like you don't have the energy to complete your daily run or fight off that cold.
To help you learn how properly cleanse your system, we did a deep dive into what makes detox cleanse products tick and rounded up our 10 favorite options with selections ranging from the traditional juice cleanse to supplements that feature detoxifying ingredients for anyone wanting to try a detox on a smaller scale before fully committing. So, if you’re interested in supporting the detox process for the potential benefits for your health and well-being, keep reading!
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE’s readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We’ve consulted with a team of nutritionists and dietitians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Detox Pure
SPECS
- Ingredients: Acai berry, spirulina, kelp, chlorella, alfalfa
- Dosage: 2 capsules daily (ongoing)
- Form: Capsules
Detox Pure is designed as an ongoing—i.e., daily—maintenance product which is great because detoxing requires constant upkeep and is not as simple as a magic, one-time-use formula. It contains antioxidant-rich acai berry to support the detoxification process, plus superfoods like kelp, spirulina, and chlorella that supply important minerals, fatty acids, and natural fiber to support digestive and immune health. And because it comes in the form of small capsules, it’s easy and quick to take (unlike a detox smoothie or mixture you have to make every day).
Best For
- Athletes looking for a daily formula for ongoing support
- Those wanting natural ingredients like algae superfoods for trace minerals, fatty acids, natural fiber, and detox benefits
- Users who want a quick-and-easy detox
Not Best For
- Those on a budget as this can be an ongoing expense
- Users who have difficulty swallowing capsules
KOS Organic Acai Powder
SPECS
- Ingredients: Organic acai juice powder
- Dosage: 1 scoop (3g)
- Form: Powder
An "acai berry cleanse" is another method of detoxifying the system you may run into when searching for a potential cleanse. Be wary, though, as there can be unregulated or less-than-ideal ingredients as part of this type of cleanse. Acai berry, on its own, is rich in vitamins A and C, making it a powerful antioxidant that can potentially help neutralize and clear harmful free radicals in the body.(3) Further, acai berries may also be able to help you maintain healthy cognitive function as you age.(4) However, before reaching for an acai juice, puree, or premade berry bowl, watch out for high amounts of added sugars. KOS Organic Acai Powder has zero sugar—including added—and can mix easily into a drink, acai bowl, or baked goods. This product is also USDA-organic, gluten-free, and made without dairy and soy.
Best For
- Those looking for a more natural, low-sugar acai cleanse
- Athletes who prefer USDA-organic and non-GMO products
- Users who want an acai powder that can be mixed into juices, smoothies, or baked goods
Not Best For
- Those who want more detoxifying ingredients
- Those who have less time to prepare smoothies and bowls
Performix SST Support Cleanse
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamin C, cascara sagrada powder, milk thistle extract, dandelion root, senna leaf extract, bearberry uva ursi extract, turmeric powder, slippery elm powder
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Form: Capsules
Featuring a 1,250-milligram blend of liver-detoxifying ingredients like turmeric powder and milk thistle extract, Performix SST Support Cleanse packs a mighty stimulant-free punch. It also includes an extra 122 milligrams of vitamin C, another powerful detoxifying agent, and an immune booster.(8) Reviewers rate this capsule highly for its ability to cleanse the system, but you will want to make sure that you have regular bathroom access when taking it. The dose is two capsules daily, but you might consider starting with one capsule to see how it affects your body before taking the full recommended dosage.
Best For
- Those looking for a true "system flush"
- Users who want a stimulant-free cleanse
- Athletes needing a budget-friendly detox option
Not Best For
- Athletes who avoid proprietary blends that may not be third-party tested
- Those not prepared for excess bathroom trips
BUY: Performix SST Support Cleanse
ONNIT Spirulina & Chlorella
SPECS
- Ingredients: Organic spirulina, organic chlorella
- Dosage: 4 capsules, up to 2x daily
- Form: Capsules
ONNIT Spirulina & Chlorella is exactly what it says it is; 1,000 milligrams of organic spirulina and 1,000 milligrams of chlorella for transparent detoxification support. Spirulina and chlorella, two nutrient-rich microalgae superfoods, help support body detoxification by eliminating free radicals and harmful toxins.(9) ONNIT's detox product is also sustainably-produced, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly. Be advised; the dosage for this supplement is four capsules, up to two times a day, for a grand total of eight pills. Otherwise, this dynamic supplement is an excellent way to boost your nutrient levels and detoxify your system.
Best For
- Athletes looking for natural, sustainably-sourced detox cleanse ingredients
- Those who want to detox with nutrient-dense superfoods
- Users who can benefit from subscribe-and-save discounts
Not Best For
- Users who have difficulty swallowing capsules
- Those who don't want such a high dosage
BUY: ONNIT Spirulina & Chlorella
RenewLife Cleanse Smart
SPECS
- Ingredients: Artichoke leaf extract, dandelion root extract, milk thistle seed extract, Cape Aloe leaf, LAG (larch arabinogalactan), and more.
- Dosage: 1-2 Morning formula capsules + 1-2 Evening formula capsules
- Form: Capsules
RenewLife Cleanse Smart Advanced Total Body is a 30-day cleanse designed to promote regularity and work in harmony with your body's natural detoxification pathways to promote better well-being. The product contains two parts, a morning capsule, and an evening capsule, for around-the-clock support. The ingredient list contains herbs that support the liver and other detox organs, including milk thistle and chlorella. It also includes LAG (larch arabinogalactan), a prebiotic to support digestion.
Best For
- Those who can commit to a 30-day program for more complete detoxing
- Those looking for clean ingredients, free from artificial additives or preservatives
- Athletes who want complete body detox support
Not Best For
- People who have difficulty swallowing pills
- Those not looking for a 30-day program
Transparent Labs Curcumin C3
SPECS
- Ingredients: Curcumin CS complex®, BioPerine® black pepper extract
- Dosage: 1 capsule, up to 2x daily
- Form: Capsules
Turmeric is a spice derived from the polyphenol curcumin that has been shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and may help aid liver detoxification, especially when combined with enhancing agents like black pepper to increase its bioavailability.(1) Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 has 500 milligrams of a Curcumin CS complex® and 5 milligrams of BioPerine®, a black pepper extract. That's it, just two ingredients. When combined, curcumin and black pepper have the potential for detoxification and improvements in immune system function, joint health, and digestion.(2) Transparent Labs supplements are also clinically-dosed and third-party tested for purity, include natural ingredients, and are free from artificial sweeteners and coloring.
Best For
- Athletes looking for a detox supplement for inflammation
- Users looking for natural ingredients with better absorption levels
- Users who want a product that is third-party tested and budget-friendly
Not Best For
- Users who want a liquid-based cleanse
- Those who dislike the slightly spicy aftertaste from turmeric
BUY: Transparent Labs Curcumin C3
Utzy Naturals L-Glutathione
SPECS
- Ingredients: L-Glutathione
- Dosage: 1 capsule
- Form: Capsules
With Utzy Naturals L-Glutathione, you know exactly what ingredients you're getting, just 250 milligrams of pure L-glutathione per serving. "What exactly is L-glutathione, and how does it help your body detox?" you may ask. Glutathione is an antioxidant found in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria that has been shown to help support the immune system, detoxify the liver, and protect the body from cell damage by eliminating free radicals.(5) Utzy Naturals is quality-tested for purity, potency, and efficacy and does not contain gluten, corn, yeast, or artificial flavors. They also have a 90-day "empty bottle guarantee," which means that if you are unsatisfied with this cleanse product, you can get your money back regardless of whether your bottle is full or empty.
Best For
- Those who want a simple antioxidant-based detox supplement
- Athletes who prefer natural ingredients that are quality tested
- Users who appreciate a money-back guarantee
Not Best For
- Those who don't want to pay nearly $8 for shipping
- Users who prefer a liquid cleanse
BUY: Utzy Naturals L-Glutathione
Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
SPECS
- Ingredients: Spirulina, organic chlorella, organic acacia fiber, organic green banana flour, organic Jerusalem artichoke fiber, chicory root
- Dosage: 1 scoop (16.17g)
- Form: Powder
Detox cleanses aren't always pleasant, depending on the method you try, and you may end up experiencing side effects like fatigue, headaches, general discomfort, and skin issues. That and these methods aren't guaranteed to work well in the long term. An everyday preventative supplement, like Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens, allows you to bypass an uncomfortable cleanse and treat your system to a nutrient-rich, prebiotic drink instead. Prebiotics have also been shown to help improve gut health and digestion.(7) This prebiotic powder is clinically dosed, 100% natural, and features ingredients like spirulina and chlorella to help lower inflammation and flush out harmful toxins for liver support. This mixable powder comes in Peach Mango or unflavored and can be an excellent detoxifying boost to your regular juice or smoothie.
Best For
- Those who want an everyday supplement without having to "cleanse"
- Athletes looking for 100% natural ingredients
- Vegans and those allergic to gluten or dairy
Not Best For
- Those that don't enjoy "earthier" flavors
- Users who want a larger serving size
BUY: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
Raw Generation Skinny Cleanse
SPECS
- Ingredients: Plant-based; ingredients vary depending on juice
- Dosage: 3 bottles per day
- Form: Liquid
For a detoxifying juice cleanse, Raw Generation has an excellent track record and formulas backed by quality data and research. Raw Generation offers three cleanse suggestions—Skinny, Protein, and Lower Sugar—but for this list, we're recommending the Raw Generation Skinny Cleanse, which is three bottles per day with the ability to select up to a 10-day supply depending on the duration of your cleanse. These juices are flash-frozen to preserve their nutrients and enzymes as well as their longevity if you don't plan on drinking them all at once. Additionally, Raw Generation only uses clean, real-food ingredients that are non-GMO and have zero added sugars and preservatives. Reviewers love the boosts in energy and cognition they get from this gut cleansing system and the great taste.
Best For
- Those looking for a pre-packaged juice cleanse with real-food ingredients
- People able to commit to a program lasting several days
- Users wanting a detox cleanse with potential weight loss results
Not Best For
- Users on a tight budget
- Those not detoxing as part of a weight loss diet
BUY: Raw Generation Skinny Cleanse
KOS Moringa Leaf Capsules
SPECS
- Ingredients: Organic moringa leaf
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Form: Capsules
You may be hearing about the moringa leaf for the first time today; if that's the case, moringa is a nutrient-dense plant that is very high in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, protein, potassium, phosphorus, and iron levels. Moringa leaf has been shown to work wonders as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver cleansing agent, among other benefits for your immune system and energy levels.(6) With its two-pill-per-day serving, KOS Moringa Leaf Capsules net you a whopping 1,000 milligrams of this potent, natural ingredient. KOS only uses certified organic ingredients in their supplements and is third-party tested for quality. Reviewers love this product because it's easy to take and has shown positive results for minimizing inflammation in some sufferers.
Best For
- Athletes looking for a natural or plant-based anti-inflammatory supplement
- Those looking for a cleanse supplement that is quick, easy, and budget-friendly
- Users who want an alternative to liquid cleanses
Not Best For
- Those that have difficulty with swallowing capsules
- Users looking for more or different ingredients
BUY: KOS Moringa Leaf Capsules
What is a Detox Cleanse?
A detox cleanse is a method to assist the body's detoxification organs and tissues in removing toxins. By boosting liver function (our main detoxifier), improving digestion, and supplying key nutrients essential for the process, a good detox cleanse can help open the detoxification pathways, supporting the removal of toxins. A cleanse can come in many forms, including juices and teas, restrictive or fasting diets, and supplements that contain detoxifying ingredients like prebiotics or curcumin.
Disclaimer: Exercise caution when taking supplements. Always make sure to consult with your doctor before trying a new supplement or pill. Weight-loss supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Any supplements taken should be used in accordance with a healthy lifestyle. Any weight loss of more than a pound per week over a long period of time is unusual and should be monitored by a doctor.
FAQs About Detox Cleanses
How long does it take to fully cleanse your body?
There is no magic number for a detox length. The amount of time it takes to detox depends on the number of toxins stored in your body and how well your body's detox pathways are functioning. Remember—there is no such thing as a one- or two-day complete cleanse. Toxins accumulate over the years so it takes time to remove them safely.
How often should you detox your body?
Detox frequency is individually based on your diet and lifestyle. Rather than following strict guidelines, listen to your body and look for signals that it needs help, such as unnatural fatigue, frequent colds or illness, or new or worsening skin conditions.
The best way to reduce your need to cleanse is by avoiding as many toxins as possible through better food choices, body products, home cleaning products, and other sources of possible toxin exposure.
What foods should I avoid while detoxing?
It is imperative to eat clean while detoxing. Above all, that means no processed foods. Instead, choose whole foods and organic, wild, or pasture-raised whenever possible. Be sure to include a full dose of healthy fats (think avocados, seeds, nuts, fatty fish like salmon, and olive oil) daily because fats are necessary for detoxing. It’s also important to try to maintain healthy eating post-detox if you want to maintain a toxin-free body.
Can I have coffee while detoxing?
Coffee is a diuretic, meaning it pulls water out of the body. Unfortunately, this is exactly the opposite of what you want during a cleanse. So skip that cup of morning joe and spring for herbal tea which supports your detoxing goals while also giving you a nice caffeine-like boost.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
- Liu, W., Zhai, Y., Heng, X., Che, F. Y., Chen, W., Sun, D., & Zhai, G. (2016). Oral bioavailability of curcumin: problems and advancements. Journal of drug targeting, 24(8), 694–702. https://doi.org/10.3109/1061186X.2016.1157883
- Lobo, V., Patil, A., Phatak, A., & Chandra, N. (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy reviews, 4(8), 118–126. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.70902
- Poulose, S. M., Fisher, D. R., Bielinski, D. F., Gomes, S. M., Rimando, A. M., Schauss, A. G., & Shukitt-Hale, B. (2014). Restoration of stressor-induced calcium dysregulation and autophagy inhibition by polyphenol-rich açaí (Euterpe spp.) fruit pulp extracts in rodent brain cells in vitro. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 30(7-8), 853–862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2013.11.011
- Guoyao Wu, Joanne R. Lupton, Nancy D. Turner, Yun-Zhong Fang, Sheng Yang, Glutathione Metabolism and Its Implications for Health, The Journal of Nutrition,Volume 134, Issue 3, 2004, Pages 489-492, ISSN 0022-3166, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.3.489.
- Lakshmipriya Gopalakrishnan, Kruthi Doriya, Devarai Santhosh Kumar, Moringa oleifera: A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application, Food Science and Human Wellness, Volume 5, Issue 2, 2016, Pages 49-56, ISSN 2213-4530, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fshw.2016.04.001.
- Kieran M Tuohy, Hollie M Probert, Chris W Smejkal, Glann R Gibson, Using probiotics and prebiotics to improve gut health, Drug Discovery Today, Volume 8, Issue 15, 2003, Pages 692-700, ISSN 1359-6446, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1359-6446(03)02746-6.
- Miranda, C. L., Reed, R. L., Kuiper, H. C., Alber, S., & Stevens, J. F. (2009). Ascorbic acid promotes detoxification and elimination of 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal in human monocytic THP-1 cells. Chemical research in toxicology, 22(5), 863–874. https://doi.org/10.1021/tx900042u
- Caporgno, M. P., & Mathys, A. (2018). Trends in Microalgae Incorporation Into Innovative Food Products With Potential Health Benefits. Frontiers in nutrition, 5, 58. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00058
About the Author
Lindsey chose to study nutrition after watching her mother battle breast cancer, which helped her realize that proper nutrition is the key to good health and long life. She preaches a lifestyle mindset when discussing nutrition, and specializes in teaching the benefits of a healthy diet for conception, pregnancy, and early child development.
Discuss This Article