Most clinical strength antiperspirants simply aren’t good solutions for treating excessive sweating (a.k.a hyperhidrosis). One problem is that “clinical strength” is less of a scientific term and more of a marketing one. What makes something “clinical strength” versus “extra strength” is usually up to the manufacturer to decide. This is how you can get similar antiperspirant deodorants that are labeled “extra clinical strength” and “prescription strength”.
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In fact, plenty of these clinical strength antiperspirants rely on the same ingredients as regular, over-the-counter antiperspirants. Some popular hygiene companies just increase the amount of their active ingredient (and also the cost of the product) when they choose to label something clinical strength. And sometimes they just tweak the recipe.
But when you’re trying to stop excessive sweating, you can’t rely on just using more of the same ingredients found in ineffective conventional antiperspirants. So which is the best clinical antiperspirant? Let's dive in.
How Does Antiperspirant Work
Antiperspirant contains the ingredient called aluminum chloride which stops the sweat and eliminates odor. At Duradry, we use 15% because any more than that has been shown to irritate the skin and that amount is just as effective as using 20%. At 20% of this ingredient, you'll require to see a doctor for a prescription deodorant, even though there's no proof it works any better than at 15%.
When to Use Deodorant VS Antiperspirant?
Deodorant is used when you're looking to simply mask odor, whereas antiperspirant will eliminate both odor and sweat - making it ideal for those who suffer from hyperhidrosis. Clinical strength deodorant is not required to achieve positive results. As mentioned above, 20% of the active ingredient is considered clinical, whereas it has been proven that the results are the same when used at 15% of the active ingredient instead.
What Makes the Best Clinical Strength Antiperspirant?
I was personally frustrated by this issue because I had spent years looking for an effective, harm-free, and affordable solution to my own excessive sweating. Through my journey, I discovered what makes an antiperspirant effective can be boiled down to:
The type, strength, and purity of the active ingredients; The method of application (roll-on, dab-on application, gel), which also affects how many uses you’ll get out of the product.
To get your hands on the highest amount of sweat-controlling ingredients of any products available over the counter - you'll need a prescription. But, as you'll read more about below, more of this active ingredient, doesn't necessarily mean better results!
In this post, I’m going to cover nine popular brands that consumers come across when looking for the best clinical antiperspirant.
Clinical Strength Antiperspirants for Excessive Sweaters
At Duradry, we are considered a clinical strength antiperspirant for the same reasons mentioned above. At 15% of aluminum chloride, we are able to achieve the same, if not better, results for our hyperhidrosis clients. The benefit of dropping down to 15% from 20%? Less irritated skin!
1) Duradry
After growing frustrated with my options, I decided to develop an antiperspirant brand for people who were trying to manage their excessive sweating.
Duradry’s complete solution consists of three products that work together to form a 3-step treatment for excessive sweating. Over 97% of our customers have reported that using all three products together helped them achieve full dryness within one week.
Our 3-step solution includes:
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Duradry PM: Duradry PM is a topical gel that you apply directly to your skin before you go to bed. You can use this product 3-4 times a week.
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Duradry Wash: Duradry Wash cleans off bacteria and any residue or oils. This prepares your skin for the morning antiperspirant. Duradry Wash can be used every day.
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Duradry AM: Duradry AM is our roll-on morning antiperspirant that absorbs sweat and eliminates body odor. You can use this product every day.
You can buy each product individually, or save more when you try the 3-step solution. Right now, we have a deal where you can get all three products for $20.
Duradry PM
If you’re simply looking for Duradry’s version of a single clinical strength antiperspirant (which actually works), then you’ll want to get Duradry PM — the overnight product.
Our formula has been described as 'Amazing on its own', 'Magic Gel', and 'Smelly Pits No More' according to our user reviews. That's because...it works. We set out to create a product that helps people battle hyperhidrosis and that's what we did. As a trio, Duradry Wash, Am, and PM are a combination to be reckoned with. But, many of our users have achieved successful results with just one or two of our products.
What Ingredients Go Into Duradry PM? Why Does It Work?
Duradry PM uses the active ingredient Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate. Research shows this is the most critical ingredient for treating excessive sweating. Without Aluminum Chloride, your antiperspirant probably won’t be strong enough to treat your hyperhidrosis.
Aluminum Chloride works so well because its molecules are tiny, allowing them to get deep into your pores. They thicken beneath your skin when they come into contact with water. And as these molecules thicken, they plug up your pores and keep your sweat from coming out.
But one of the important things to know is that Aluminum Chloride is so good that you don’t need to overdo it. We put 15% Aluminum Chloride in Duradry PM because studies show:
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15% Aluminum Chloride is just as effective as 20%. Plus, 15% Aluminum Chloride is less likely to irritate your skin.
- If we made it 20%, you’d have to get Duradry by prescription, for the same level of effectiveness. This would have made it inconvenient and more expensive to get a product that isn’t technically any better for treating excessive sweating.
We also paired our active ingredient with Salicylic Acid — something that no other brand on this list has done — to help make Duradry more effective while reducing any risk of skin irritation. This makes Duradry a great option for excessive sweaters with sensitive skin.
How to Apply Duradry PM
You apply Duradry PM’s unscented gel at bedtime. We say bedtime because that’s when your sweat glands are usually the least active, letting Duradry PM do what it does best — transfer its active ingredient into your pores to promote dryness. We made Duradry PM a gel, based on my own personal experience from comparing gel, wipes, and roll-on applications.
With gel antiperspirants like Duradry, I usually got more uses per product. This lowers the cost per application of your antiperspirant.
Compare that to a liquid antiperspirant.
When you’re applying a liquid to your underarms, it’s easy to spill and waste antiperspirant. Second, liquids can leak out of your bottle, which is a significant issue, especially for people who need their antiperspirant on the go. If you’re using a liquid antiperspirant, you’re likely using a dab-on applicator. The problem with dab-on applicators is that there’s always going to be some product left at the bottom of the bottle that is practically impossible to extract.
Another benefit of using gel antiperspirants over liquid or spray-on antiperspirants? You tend to get more of the active ingredient directly on your skin. This is especially true if you’re applying antiperspirant to a part of your body that has hair.
To summarize: Duradry PM is our version of a clinical strength antiperspirant, which contains just the right amount of a critical active ingredient to significantly reduce wetness. It’s one part of our three-step solution, which also contains Duradry AM, a daily strong antiperspirant that offers extra protection, and Duradry Wash to cleanse your pores and boost your treatment’s effectiveness.
You can try our three-step solution for just $20, and if Duradry doesn’t control your excessive sweating, you’re entitled to a full refund.
Duradry Wash
Our clients love Duradry Wash because it deep cleans your pores from the inside out! It also works as a deodorizer, and removes odor-causing bacteria and helps to stop it from growing. 90% of our Duradry Wash product is made with natural ingredients and it will help leave your skin moist with a glow.
When you receive your Duradry Wash bottle, you'll notice it's not the size of your average body wash bottle. That's because it lathers up very well and is designed to be used only on specific areas of your body. Some people will use it on their underarms and hands, others on their feet, and some even on the groin area. It not only adds extra protection to prevent excessive sweating but it also moisturizes the area to tackle dryness and itching. We'll dive deeper into the ingredients below - notice how 90% of our Duradry Wash formula comes from naturally derived ingredients such as green tea and avocado oil:
What Ingredients Go Into Duradry Wash?
Here are the ingredients that are included in our Duradry Wash:
- Water
- Glycerin
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Coco-glucoside
- Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate
- Panthenol
- Polyquaternium-7
- Camellia Sinensis (green tea) Leaf Extract
- Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil
- Menthol
- Disodium EDTA
- Polysorbate-20
- Citric acid
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Phenoxyethanol
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
- Avocado Oil
- Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Olive Leaf Extract
- Fragrance
Some of the best features of Duradry Wash are:
- Penta Foam Concentrate: Creates a thick foam that deep cleans
- Bergamot and Grapefruit: Strong natural deodorizers
- Olive Extract and Avocado Oil: Keep skin hydrated
How to Apply Duradry Wash
Use Duradry Wash on your favorite loufa to create a lavish foam and scrub!
Duradry AM
Duradry AM performs with all day sweat and odor protection as it contains maximum strength of the enhanced active ingredient at 20%! It's a comfortable, creamy, and a super dry formula that's both talc and silicone-free.
Although it looks like your average deodorant stick - Duradry AM is anything but that. Proven effective for those who suffer from hyperhidrosis - 75% of our skin friendly formula is from naturally derived ingredients like Arrowroot and Sage. It's the best prescription antiperspirant you'll ever use - especially since it doesn't need a prescription but works better than if you got one with a note from your doctor! It also comes in 4 different scents:
- Barça - Described as a more feminine scent, this fragrance will bring both romance and florals to mind.
- Clear Sky - A gender neutral scent that appeases those ready to tackle the day with a sharp mind and rested body.
- End Game - Described as a more masculine scent preparing you for a motivated day ahead.
- Limitless - Leaning to a more masculine scent, this fragrance will remind you of the order of nature in a world full of chaos.
No matter the fragrance you choose, you can count on our extra strength antiperspirant formula to help you battle both excessive sweating and odor.
What Ingredients Go Into Duradry AM?
- Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex Glycine
- C13-15 Alkane
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Caprylyl Glycol
- Cetyl Palmitate
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Fragrance, Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- Isododecane, Isohexadecane
- Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Root Extract
- Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil
- Sodium Caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate
- Stearyl Alcohol
- Triethyl Citrate
Aside from being both Talc and Silicone-free, here are more features of our Duradry AM:
- Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex Glycine: Enhanced version at 20% as active ingredient
- Sage Derivatives: Natural deodorizer
- Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea): Natural moisture absorbent
How to Apply Duradry AM
Wake up and apply as you would any other antiperspirant or deodorant for an ultimate dry feeling all day long.
2) Certain Dri
Certain Dri makes three different antiperspirants that they classify as “clinical strength” but only one is recommended for excessive sweaters: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical*.
*It’s worth noting that “prescription strength” is another misleading marketing term. Unless a brand contains above 15% Aluminum Chloride, it doesn’t require a prescription.
What Ingredients Go Into Certain Dri?
This roll-on antiperspirant contains 12% Aluminum Chloride — the active ingredient which we discussed above. However, 12% is significantly less than Duradry PM, which means it’s below what studies show is the most effective concentration.
Like Duradry, Certain Dri also recommends you apply its antiperspirant at night. And most customers who have success with it use it 3-4 times a week. It comes as a roll-on and can be purchased online or in drug stores or pharmacies around the US.
Here's a list of ingredients used in the Certain Dri Everyday Strength Clinical Solid:
- 20% Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex Glycine
- Cyclopentasiloxanev
- Stearyl alcohol
- Mineral oil
- Hydrogenated castor oil
- Cetyl alcohol
- Diisopropyl adipate
- Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate
- Glyceryl stearate (and) PEG-100 stearate
- Fragrance
- Silica
- PPG-14 butyl ether
- Talc
3) SweatBlock Clinical Strength Antiperspirant
SweatBlock makes a few different products suitable for excessive sweaters, but we’re going to focus on their antiperspirant wipes. These wipes (or towelettes) come in a box of 10 for $18.99. If you use 2-3 per week, it’ll last you about between 3-4 weeks — just shy of a month.
It can be tricky to get direct access to your skin with wipes like these, especially if you have hair under your arms — which can prevent the active ingredient from getting into your pores.
What Ingredients Go Into SweatBlock?
SweatBlock's Antiperspirant Wipes treat excessive sweating with the same active ingredient, Aluminum Chloride (14%). This is a higher concentration than Certain Dri, but lower than Duradry. And without Salicylic Acid in the mix, Aluminum Chloride has a higher chance of causing skin irritation.
*Like a lot of antiperspirants, SweatBlock products are designed to work best when used on your underarms. You can try SweatBlock’s towelettes on your hands, feet, or back — but if that’s your main use for it, then keep in mind it’s not guaranteed.
4) Doctor Sweat
Doctor Sweat aims to reduce excessive sweating with antiperspirant pads that you pat on your skin. This product claims to provide 7 days of protection against sweating after only one application.
What Ingredients Go Into Doctor Sweat?
This product takes a similar approach to SweatBlock, with a 15% Aluminum Chloride solution applied through a “pad” that you dab onto your armpits. Again, if you have hair in this region, it may not reach the pores — but you also shouldn't apply a pad to recently-shaved or broken skin.
5) ZeroSweat
Zero Sweat includes a lotion and roll-on combination as their main product. They also claim to work for seven days with only one application.
What Ingredients Go Into ZeroSweat?
Their main product is a roll-on antiperspirant that uses 15% Aluminum Chloride — the optimal concentration of the active ingredient. However, it doesn’t contain anything designed to soothe your skin — so there’s a higher chance of unpleasant irritation. ZeroSweat also sells a dab-on antiperspirant with ALOE containing 12% Aluminum Chloride (comparable with Certain Dri), and wipes (like SweatBlock).
6) Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant
Dove Clinical Protection includes a 0% alcohol formula and contains moisturizers to help with skin soothing and healing. It comes in the original Dove scent along and aims to keep you dry all day long.
Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant's Active Ingredients
- Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (20%)
- Inactive Cyclopentasiloxane
- Dimethicone
- Paraffin
- Microcrystalline Wax
- Fragrance (Parfum)
- Silica
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
- Dimethicone Crosspolymer
- Bht
7) Degree Clinical Strength
Degree Clinical Strength comes in a women's and men's version. They boast a 'trisolid' formula and ask their users to apply at night when the sweat glands are least active. Once the solution is applied, what they call 'motionsense microcapsules', can be found on the surface of the skin and release a refreshing scent when they are met with friction.
Degree Clinical Strength's Active Ingredients
- Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (20%)
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Dimethicone
- Paraffin
- Microcrystalline Wax
- Fragrance (Parfum)
- Silica
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate
- Dimethicone Crosspolymer
- Hydrated Silica
- Maltodextrin
- Gelatin Crosspolymer
- Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
- Cellulose Gum
- Bht
8) Secret Clinical Strength
Secret Clinical Strength is a solid and aims to absorb odor actively as you sweat. This product claims 48 hour protection and is a refreshingly PETA certified cruelty free product.
Secret Clinical Strength's Active Ingredients
- Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (Anhydrous)
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Stearyl Alcohol
- Mineral Oil
- PPG-14 Butyl Ether
- Cyclodextrin
- Talc
- Petrolatum
- Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- C20-40 Pareth-10
- Fragrance
- Dimethicone
- Behenyl Alcohol
- Panthenyl Triacetate
9) Dove Men+Care
The Dove Men's line comes in many different scents. For the purpose of this article, we're going to focus on the Sportscare Comfort Deodorant Stick. This line doesn't align itself with the clinical purpose as it doesn't contain the main active ingredient required to reduce excessive sweating.
Therefore, it's more of a deodorant than an antiperspirant - and there isn't really a prescription strength deodorant. If you're looking for clinical strength, that would have to be an antiperspirant. If you sweat and experience body odor after playing sports or exercising, you may find this product will likely only mask odor as opposed to help you reduce excessive sweating.
Dove Men+Care's Active Ingredients
- Dipropylene Glycol
- Water (Eau)
- Glycerin
- Propylene Glycol
- Sodium Stearate
- Poloxamine 1307
- Fragrance (Parfum)
- Stearic Acid
- Simethicone
- Disodium EDTA
- BHT
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant?
People who suffer from hyperhidrosis don't rely on deodorant, but they can rely on an anti-perspirant. That's because deodorant will simply mask odor, whereas an antiperspirant will quite literally block eccrine glands - which make sweat. So, if you sweat a lot, you'll want to pick up an antiperspirant but you simply want to smell nice, a deodorant will do.
How Long Does Antiperspirant Last?
Typically, antiperspirant will need to be applied daily like a regular deodorant stick. Some products recommend weekly usage but there's controversy regarding the effectiveness of those products.
Why Do My Armpits Smell Even With Deodorant?
When you experience excessive sweat, that sweat will dry up and mix with bacteria on your skin - causing odor. Deodorant doesn't stop you from sweating, it only masks the scent, kind of like spraying some perfume on after a good workout! Consider switching to an antiperspirant like Duradry - it will help reduce sweating and therefore reduce any bad odors.
Our three step system will help keep you dry and smelling great all day long. The active formula in antiperspirants like ours can cause itching and redness. That's why - unlike other antiperspirants, we also use skin moisturizing ingredients to help combat any irritation.
What's the Best Clinical Strength Deodorant?
If you're on the hunt for clinical protection deodorant, what you're really looking for is prescription strength antiperspirant. Deodorant is an over the counter odor masking product. So, it doesn't function to reduce your sweat but rather just makes it smell like you don't sweat - which is never really the case, now is it? Body odor and fragrance don't usually mix too well!
Antiperspirant, on the other hand, contains aluminum zirconium. This helps to reduce your sweat, stopping it at the source before it starts to mix in with bacteria on your skin and cause odor in the first place. So, what's the best clinical deodorant? It's antiperspirant. Try our Duradry clinical strength antiperspirant system - 4.99 stars out of over 500 reviews says it works like a charm!
