When you suffer from excessive sweating (aka, hyperhidrosis), the antiperspirant you find on the shelves at the grocery store likely won’t work, even if the label says “clinical strength”.

Those products aren’t using the right active ingredients to combat sustained sweating, or they're not using enough of the right ingredients to actually make a difference.

 

 

But finding out information about different antiperspirant brands is tough — especially in the world of excessive sweating, where misinformation is rampant.

Duradry, Drysol, and Certain Dri are three popular solutions for excessive sweaters on the market today, yet all three products are quite different in design and formula.

To help you find a solution to your excessive sweating, we put together this comparison guide. We’re going to look at each brand, its ingredients, its price, and where you can get hold of it.

First, let’s introduce ourselves. We are Duradry and we made a 3-step system to treat excessive sweating because we weren't satisfied with the solutions available — including some of the leading brands, like Certain Dri and Drysol.

 

Antiperspirant VS Deodorant

So, what's the big difference? You probably see big names like Dove and Old Spice label their products as deodorant, while others label theirs as antiperspirant - is this a case of toh-may-to toh-mah-to?

The short answer here is no.

Deodorant and antiperspirant have a few key differences, mainly purpose. Here's a short definition of the two:

What is Antiperspirant?

An antiperspirant is designed to reduce sweating and eliminate odor.

What is Deodorant?

Deodorant simply masks odor but will not reduce sweating.

Which One Do I Need?

Well, are you looking to just smell good or are you also worried about sweat and wetness? Antiperspirant does a better job at keeping you both dry and smelling good. Most people prefer to battle both issues with antiperspirant - keep reading to find out which is the best antiperspirant and why.

Hyperhidrosis VS Sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating - but not just when you're exercising or in hot temperature areas. The sweat can be so excessive that your hands are dripping wet. There are 4 main areas of the body where excessive sweating takes place and they each have a specific name:

1. Head and Face - Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis

2. Underarms - Axillary Hyperhidrosis

3. Hands and Palms - Palmar Hyperhidrosis

4. Feet - Plantar Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis can be caused by several factors such as stemming from medication as a side effect, it could be hereditary, or it can even be caused by anxiety. Overactive sweat glands are the culprit here and hyperhidrosis can really affect the way we live our lives.

So, as you can tell by now, sweating and hyperhidrosis are not the same. Everyone sweats, but not everyone is suffering from excessive sweat.

People diagnosed with hyperhidrosis likely develop anxiety due to feelings of embarrassment, if the issue didn't already stem from anxiety itself. It can also stop them from attending social events due to worry of excessively sweating through their clothes. It's a real issue that 5% of Americans have to deal with on a daily basis and it's not fun.

 

Drysol vs Certain Dri vs Duradry: Comparing Leading Antiperspirants for Excessive Sweaters

The bright side is, there is light at the end of the tunnel. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis have options beyond prescription deodorant for excessive sweating to help them mitigate the symptoms and reclaim their social lives. Below, we compare the three most popular options - some of which are over the counter - and analyze what makes them so popular, which will provide results, and even how they work.

 

 

Duradry

That's us - our number one priority is to enhance the life of anyone who is suffering from hyperhidrosis in the simplest yet most effective ways possible. We tackle the problem in three different formats to provide our users with ample defense against excessive sweating.

 

How Does Duradry Work?

More than 97% of customers who used all three products together achieved full dryness within one week.

We sell three products that together form our 3-step system. Here’s how the 3-step system works.

Note: If you’re looking for a direct comparison of antiperspirants only, then you’ll want to read about Duradry PM — our cornerstone product that competes head-to-head with brands like Drysol and Certain Dri.

 

 

Our topical gel that you apply to the affected area before you go to bed. This is our cornerstone product that competes head-to-head with brands like Drysol and Certain Dri.

This is our cornerstone product that we made to help treat excessive sweating. We designed Duradry PM after we tried — and were unsatisfied with — Drysol, Certain Dri antiperspirant, and other prescription deodorant for sweating.

Duradry AM

Our roll-on morning antiperspirant absorbs sweat and traps odors.

Apply Duradry AM at the start of your day. We put the maximum permitted amount of our pure active ingredient, Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex Glycine, into Duradry AM (20%).

We made Duradry AM with a pleasant, neutral scent so it works for both men and women

Plus, we added odor trapping and highly absorbent ingredients that keep you feeling fresh and clean throughout the day.

 

Duradry Wash

Our wash cleans off bacteria and any residue or oils, preparing your skin for the morning antiperspirant.

In Duradry Wash, we use a thick, yet easy to rinse off Penta Foam Concentrate. This concentrate removes bacteria from your underarms, eliminating odors while moisturizing your skin like a lotion with help from vitamins and natural ingredients such as Green Tea Leaf Extract, Avocado Oil, and Grapefruit Seed Extract.

Plus, Duradry Wash removes any layers of antiperspirant residue, priming your skin for the active ingredients in our Duradry AM and PM products.

Duradry Wash can improve the performance of our other two steps by up to 20%.

 

Duradry Active Ingredients

In Duradry PM, our active ingredient is Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate.

This is the most important ingredient for helping with excessive sweating because it treats the problem at the source. Aluminum chloride molecules soak up water and thicken it.

When you apply aluminum chloride over areas of your skin where you excessively sweat, what you’re doing is allowing those molecules to thicken the water in the tiny holes in your skin where you perspire, which then blocks the sweat from coming out.

But while aluminum chloride is the most critical ingredient for treating excessive sweating, products that use more of it aren’t necessarily better.

We chose to use 15% aluminum chloride in Duradry PM for two reasons: 

1. Studies show 15% is just as effective as 20%, with the added bonus of not irritating the skin.

2. By using 15%, you can buy Duradry without going to the doctor and getting a prescription - no prescription deodorant for excessive sweating is going to outshine our formula. Any antiperspirant that uses more than 15% of aluminum chloride requires a visit to the doctor. This is inconvenient and adds to the cost of buying the product because now you need to factor in a co-pay to visit your general physician.

 

 

Plus, we paired our active ingredient of aluminum chloride with salicylic acid, to help boost the results of Duradry while also further reducing the risk of skin irritation.

When you apply Duradry PM’s unscented gel before bed, the active ingredient will work while you're sleeping and when your sweat glands are more inactive.

Duradry Side Effects

Duradry side effects are typically very mild and only affect people with very sensitive skin. If you don't have sensitive skin but are feeling very itchy or redness after using Duradry, you're likely allergic to the main active ingredient that stops excessive sweating. Talk to your doctor before continuing use.

Duradry PM: Gel Form VS Roll-on or Solid

We chose to make Duradry PM a gel over a roll-on or liquid because:

1. You get more uses per product, lowering the cost per application. If you’re using a liquid antiperspirant your money isn’t going as far as it does with a gel product. First, putting on a liquid isn’t as easy, leading to spills and waste. Second, liquids leak, which is a major issue, especially if you’re traveling. Finally, with liquids, you’re using a dab-on applicator which means there’s always going to be a little bit of product left at the bottom of the bottle that is nearly impossible to extract.
   
   
2. More direct contact with your skin. If you’re applying Duradry PM to an area on your body with hair, the gel does a better job of making contact with the skin. This is important — if you’re using a roll-on or liquid for your underarms, less of the actual antiperspirant is making direct contact, reducing its overall effect.

Duradry Price and Where to Buy

By using the right amount of ingredients to stop excessive sweating we’re able to sell Duradry directly to our customers through our website. You don’t have to go to a doctor or a drug store.

You put your order through our online store, and we deliver discreetly to your door. You can make a one-time purchase or save by enrolling in subscriptions. Plus, you can cancel your Duradry subscription whenever you want without any penalties.

 

Duradry Reviews

Our three step system has been working wonders for Duradry users. Out of 509 reviews, we've received consistent 5 star ratings resulting in 4.9 stars overall. The main reason why people love Duradry is simply because it works. Together, our three products attack the sweat and odor problem from all angles. Simply using a roll-on in the morning just isn't as effective as people may think - combat excessive sweating in the shower, while you sleep, and when you head out to start your day.

Best Review

On October 19, 2021 one of our users named C. left this review on our website:

Life Changer after only a week!

My entire life I was the sweaty girl. Always mortified. Mid-30s, after trying just one more product recommended by derm, life was bit easier - less bathroom breaks to re-apply anti-perspirant and tissues for sopping up excess sweat. But that came with an unbelievable constant itch and rash. So embarrassing, unprofessional looking, social anxiety when out with family that others would notice....now mid-50s and a random you tuber mentioned product. Signed up and a week later, no sweaty pits! No itch, no rash either! Where have you been for the 40 years that I held back and didn't raise my hand??? Thank you for FINALLY developing a product that takes care of my problem and giving me a sweat free, fully confident, no longer embarrassed second half of life!

Worst Review

You might find it 'sus' that the following is our worst review from our user Gabriel Innocenzi, but our lowest rating is 4 stars. There are more 4 star reviews on our website, but here's one example out of the bunch:

I think it's working

I have used this product for about a week now, and I think it has helped my sweating. It has taken a little to get used to, but definitely worth the shot if your not sure about getting it.

Certain Dri

Another over the counter brand that promises results for someone suffering from hyperhidrosis. Certain Dri deodorant has been around for some time, but has their formula followed them into 2021 successfully? Let's find out.

How Does Certain Dri Work?

Introduce how it works without talking about ingredients as that will come below. Also, don't dive deep into different products as that will also come below

Certain Dri makes three different products for excessive sweaters:

1. Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical

This roll-on antiperspirant is technically the only product Certain Dri recommends for those suffering from excessive sweating. This is because it contains 12% of aluminum chloride — the active ingredient we discussed above that is key to reducing excessive sweating. But at 12%, this means Certain Dri’s strongest antiperspirant has less than both Duradry PM (15%) and Drysol (20%) which we will cover below.

 

 

2. Certain Dri Extra Strength Clinical

Certain Dri’s Extra Strength Clinical option is a solid antiperspirant and deodorant, like a traditional stick brand. It doesn’t use aluminum chloride — the active ingredient doctors champion for excessive sweaters — but instead uses 25% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, which is the max concentration allowed by the FDA.

Note: Using aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is a relatively new approach to treating excessive sweating. At the time of writing, it’s shown positive results in treating palmar hyperhidrosis — excessively sweaty hands — but there isn’t a lot of data on how it works on armpits.

 

3. Certain Dri Everyday Strength Clinical

Certain Dri’s third product is its only product marketed towards everyday use. It’s more of a traditional antiperspirant and deodorant combo that is easy on the skin. It uses 20% Aluminum Zirconium Complex. These are the same ingredients found in most of the antiperspirants on the shelf. That means if those haven’t worked for you, it’s unlikely that Certain Dri Everyday Strength Clinical will.

Certain Dri Ingredients

Certain Dri antiperspirant markets its Prescription Strength Clinical — Roll-On as the “#1 doctor recommended” solution but according to their website, it is only considered the best because it uses aluminum chloride, which is the #1 active ingredient for excessive sweaters according to doctors. But as we covered, both Duradry and Drysol use more than 12% of aluminum chloride.

The independent study Certain Dri states came out in 2017, and it seems like the antiperspirant industry has changed significantly since then, as now you can get Duradry’s 3-step solution, which has more aluminum chloride than Certain Dri, doesn’t require a prescription, and comes with products that help moisturize and soothe the skin.

Certain Dri Side Effects

If you do a quick Google search on this antiperspirant - you'll find a common question: 'Why does Certain Dri itch so much?"

Certain Dri contains the ingredient aluminum chloride hexahydrate - as do other antiperspirants - and that is what makes people itchy. The trick is to also include ingredients that are soothing to the skin and hydrate the skin to help combat the itch side effect. Eventually, if you stick through the itch and pain, your skin gets used to it, unless you're allergic so be sure to take precautions.

 

 

Certain Dri Roll VS Solid

Certain Dri deodorant comes in two forms, a roll-on, and a solid. The roll-on is considered as their best product and has 12% of the active ingredient required to help with excessive sweating.

The solid on the other hand, is a clinical strength version with 25% of the necessary active ingredient - although that's more than what's needed to achieve results. You'll need a prescription to get your hands on this product.

Certain Dri Price and Where to Buy

All three Certain Dri products can be found at your local drugstore and pharmacy for under $10.

Certain Dri Reviews

There are Certain Dri reviews - many users mention that the product works but they are experiencing side effects like itching and redness. Take a look at the best and worst reviews below.

 

Best Review

Here's a top review left for the Certain Dri Extra Strength on Amazon by a user named Ceeg:

Highly effective and gentler than alternatives

"I do not have hyperhydrosis and it seems a lot of the negative reviews are from folks who have that diagnosis, so I felt obligated to review this product from the average consumer's perspective. I am a sweaty/smelly person in general and none of the typical OTC products with aluminum zirconium (even clinical strength, including the Certain Dry every day) have been effective at controlling moisture or odor. The Certain Dry prescription strength works well but fries my skin. This product has been a godsend as it leaves me dry and odorless.

Cons: It is drier and more crumbly than most other solid antiperspirants. It also leaves white streaks on clothing if you're not careful. IMO the downsides are not significant enough to dock any stars given how well it works for me"

Worst Review

Here's one of the lowest reviews (1 star) Certain Dri has received on the same product above by a user named Alexandra Teal:

Did not work for me 

"I suffer from hyperhidrosis, I sweat just sitting down. I gave this product a two week trial and it did not help me at all. I noticed no difference in my sweating and I followed the directions to a tee!"

 

Drysol

Drysol has been on the market longer than Certain Dri and Duradry. Referred by many as Drysol deodorant, this product is actually an antiperspirant. It’s known as a prescription-only antiperspirant. Like Duradry, it’s a topical solution, so you put it directly on your skin, whether it’s for your hands, feet, or underarms. You also apply it the night before, so it can get to work while you sleep.

How Does Drysol Work?

Drysol is sold as a liquid with a dab-on applicator. In our experience, a liquid isn’t the best value for excessive sweaters, because with the dab-on applicator you’re never going to be able to get all of your Drysol from the container — meaning you get less value. Plus, because it’s a liquid, if you take Drysol with you as you travel, there’s an increased risk of it leaking in your bag.

But Drysol usually does what it says it does — thanks to its high amount of aluminum chloride (20%), it reduces excessive sweating.

Drysol Ingredients

Drysol active ingredients include a higher than the necessary amount of aluminum chloride Its high concentration of ethanol in Drysol which dries the skin out.

Remember, recent studies — which came about after Drysol made its formula — have shown you can use 15% of aluminum chloride without losing any benefits while limiting the severity of side effects.

 

Drysol Side Effects

Even the most positive Drysol reviews mention how it’s highly irritant to the skin — this includes rashes, itching, and pain.

Drysol Price and Where to Buy

You can find Drysol at a drugstore and pharmacy near you with a prescription from your doctor.

Drysol Reviews

Drysol reviews are also mixed with many users calling skin peeling a side effect. Take a look below.

Best Review

This customer gave Drysol 5 stars:

Love it! (But use sparingly and dry well)

I struggle with excessive sweating (mainly in the winter and early spring). This did burn when I applied it to my under arms. I’ve had to wash it off numerous times after applying because it is so painful. But usually, as long as I put it on sparingly, and dry it very well, it works great! It helps so much and has made my life better. Follow the directions and dry well. If you have any pain wash it off immediately. The pain doesn’t go away if you don’t. Do not shave 24 hrs before using Drysol. All the best!

Worst Review

Another customer gave Drysol 1 star:

waste of money & time

I've been wearing this for over a week, as per package directions, and it doesnt work at all.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duradry Safe to Use?

Yes! Duradry is both FDA compliant, ISO-compliant, and completely safe! It works like other products on the market, the only difference is that our active ingredients work better than others on the market. Duradry side effects are not typical but can occur when our product is in contact with very sensitive skin. Try using Duradry on a small patch of skin and wait for any reactions if you do have overly sensitive skin.

Does Drysol Work?

Drysol received a 4.3 star rating on Amazon with mixed reviews about its effectiveness. Follow directions carefully and test the product on a small patch of skin to note any significant reactions such as red spots, over dryness, red spots, or pain.

 

 

Why Does Certain Dri Itch So Much?

The active ingredient in Certain Dri that causes itchiness is found in all antiperspirants. The difference is that other brands may use more skin soothing ingredients to combat reactions like Certain Dri side effects. Be sure to test the product on a small patch of skin before full use to note any adverse reactions - you could be allergic to that same ingredient.

What is the Best Antiperspirant for Excessive Sweating?

With the best product reviews, it's clear that users are preferring Duradry over other leading brands or even their prescription deodorant for sweating. We chock it up to our effective formula that will stop excessive sweating, but also soothe the skin at the same time.