When it comes to an extra-steamy day or naturally overactive sweat glands, sometimes all you need to make you more comfortable is an extra-strength antiperspirant. The best clinical-strength deodorants and antiperspirants contain higher amounts of active ingredients that help minimize body odor and sweat, and they’re ideal for people with hyperhidrosis, hormonal dysfunction, or other conditions that make you sweat excessively.
We spent 1008 hours testing clinical-strength deodorants and antiperspirants from top brands, evaluating them for efficacy, transfer resistance, scent, application process, and value. We wore them through sweaty workouts, stressful meetings, and steamy commutes during a particularly humid summer in New York City. A dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the medical claims in this article around hyperhidrosis, ingredients, formulations, and how to properly use deodorants and antiperspirants.
Clinical-Strength Antiperspirants vs. Regular Antiperspirants vs. Deodorants
Which product is best for you depends on whether your main concern is moisture control or odor control and how much you sweat:
- Regular antiperspirant deodorants: All deodorant products making an antiperspirant claim work by temporarily blocking sweat-gland openings using ingredients like metallic salts (aluminum or zirconium), reducing how much moisture you produce. Kate Austin, BScH, MD, CCFP, a dermatologist in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, says they usually contain some deodorizer, as well, and are generally very effective at controlling both sweat and odor.
- Clinical-strength antiperspirant deodorants: The main difference is that clinical-strength deodorants contain up to 20% aluminum, while regular antiperspirant deodorants typically contain 12% to 15%.
- Deodorants without “antiperspirant” on the label: Austin explains that unwanted odor is usually caused by bacteria feeding on the organic materials in your sweat. Deodorant products that do not sport the word “antiperspirant” on them, often marketed as “aluminum-free” or “natural” deodorant, do not block sweat production. Instead they help control and/or mask the odor that can result from your sweat with naturally microbial ingredients and fragrance. If you suffer from excessive sweating, these products are probably not the best choice for you.
Ingredients to Look For and Avoid in Clinical-Strength Deodorants and Antiperspirants
Ingredients to Look for
- Metallic salts: All our experts agreed that metallic salts, like aluminum or zirconium, are the most effective active ingredient for blocking your sweat glands from producing moisture. In fact, for a deodorant to be labeled as an antiperspirant, it must contain one of the 18 active ingredients allowed by the FDA that can achieve sweat reduction, and all of them are a form of aluminum salt. Look for at least 15% strength to ensure you’re getting a clinical-strength product.
- Antimicrobial ingredients: In addition to reducing the amount of moisture your body produces (which results in less organic matter for odor-causing bacteria to feed on in the first place), many deodorants also contain antimicrobial ingredients that kill bacteria to further prevent odor from forming. Some common ones to look for are triclosan and benzalkonium chloride.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Parabens: It’s unclear whether or not parabens are linked to cancer, but Austin suggests avoiding them. Look for “free” on the label to identify paraben-free options.
- Potential irritants: Austin also adds that certain ingredients—fragrance, propylene glycol, essential oils, and sometimes vitamin E and lanolin—can cause allergic contact dermatitis (red, itchy, bumpy rashes in the armpits), especially if you have sensitive skin. Look for “sensitive” on the label for products that limit these ingredients, but keep in mind that most clinical-strength deodorants contain some fragrance. The “sensitive” options contain less, though.
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
- Irritation may occur: Since aluminum salt can cause skin irritation (especially when applied to freshly shaved skin), clinical-strength deodorants can cause a rash due to their high concentration of active ingredients. Plus, over time, blocking your sweat ducts with metallic salts could cause your sweat glands to become dysfunctional, adds Ren. This is why you should only move up to a stronger clinical-strength option if regular antiperspirants or deodorants don’t control your sweat or odor enough. Here are a few other tips our experts shared:
- Use it at night: Mary Stevenson, MD, a Dermatologist with NYU Langone Health in New York City, recommends applying your antiperspirant at night so the active ingredients have time to settle into the skin before you get up and start producing sweat. Nighttime application can also help lower the likelihood of irritation, adds Jeaneen Chappell, MD, owner of Chappel Dermatology in Dallas, Texas.
- When to see a healthcare provider: Board-certified dermatologist Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, MBChB, says you should speak to your doctor or dermatologist if you notice a sudden change in how much you sweat, your sweat is interfering with your everyday life, or if you have a strong odor that won’t go away, even after showering. They can help pinpoint if there’s an underlying problem, like hyperhidrosis or a thyroid issue, and explore your treatment options.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/maxim-clinical-strength-antiperspirant-64a25fcdaa4d416fad78b92740442ef6.jpg)
Key Specs
Type: Roll-on | Key Ingredients: 15% Aluminum Chloride
Why We Recommend It
Maxim Clinical Strength Antiperspirant is extremely effective at preventing armpit moisture. When our editor wore this antiperspirant to the gym, she was sweaty on her forehead, back, and other areas but had bone-dry armpits.
Maxim’s key active ingredient is 15% aluminum chloride, a highly effective antiperspirant compound that works by temporarily blocking sweat glands. This formula is a liquid roll-on, and our testing found it dries very quickly and doesn’t transfer any residue to clothing. Hamad adds that roll-on deodorants are nice because they’re easy to apply anywhere on your body that you sweat a lot, including sweaty hands or feet. The product is designed to be applied at night, and some even find it effective enough that they only need to apply it a few times per week, making it more convenient than deodorants that require daily use.
What really sets this formula apart, though, is that it is completely fragrance-free. Most of the products we tested have at least some fragrance added, but this one has absolutely zero, which can help reduce the risk of irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s also a great option if you love the scent of another regular deodorant but need more sweat protection; simply layer the deodorant on top after it dries or in the morning if you use this formula at night. Our editor found that applying it before bed and supplementing it with a regular deodorant during the day worked well to keep odor and moisture at bay.
Keep In Mind
While the fragrance-free formula is great for sensitive skin, the high alcohol content in the formula can cause a very uncomfortable stinging or burning sensation, particularly if applied right after shaving. Our editor found that this discomfort was noticeable but manageable if she applied it on days when she hadn’t recently shaved.
Lastly, Maxim Clinical Strength Antiperspirant is expensive at $18 for a small bottle, especially when you consider most people will need to purchase a scented deodorant to layer on top and that it’s not commonly found in stores, so you’ll need to order it online. That said, our editor said the moisture control is effective enough that it’s well worth the money if excessive perspiration is a top concern of yours.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/degree-advanced-stress-control-antiperspirant-deodorant-dry-spray-be2b8d558d8a4c9a891b4cfc4f3abd13.jpg)
-
Goes on slightly cold
-
Contains fragrance
-
Easy to find in stores
Key Specs
Type: Spray | Key Ingredients: 17.6% Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate
Why We Recommend It
If you want an antiperspirant deodorant combination that goes on easily, won’t leave residue to your clothes, and offers a neutral scent in addition to minimizing moisture, Degree Stress Control Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray is for you. In fact, the thing we loved the most about this deodorant was how little we noticed it. It worked even on the hottest summer days, commuting to work via subway in NYC.
In testing, our editor—who was 6 months pregnant at the time and is pretty sensitive to scents—said it dried quickly after spraying and left a light, fresh fragrance that didn’t linger heavily or overpower the senses. Formulated with moisture-controlling 17.6% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, It is designed to release its subtle fragrance throughout the day, responding to body movement, and claims to last for 72 hours. While we can’t confirm that it actually worked for three full days since our editor showers regularly, she did confirm she didn’t notice any bad smell a full 12 hours after application.
Our editor, who normally uses a stick deodorant, found the application so easy that she said she’s considering switching full-time. Plus, the spray button on the can locks, which makes it great for travel. We also appreciate that it’s made with recyclable aluminum and is widely available in stores.
Keep In Mind
Spray deodorants are always a bit cold during application. Also, if you prefer a strong-smelling deodorant, this one may be too subtle for you.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/degree-unlimited-by-degree-neutral-antiperspirant-deodorant-stick-5500f92d487e412688d0ed1b5b301949.jpg)
-
Goes on completely clear
-
Long-lasting
-
Lots of scent options
-
Easy to find in stores
-
Packaging is a bit bulky
-
Contains fragrance
Key Specs
Type: Stick | Key Ingredients: 17% Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate
Why We Recommend It
Unlike many traditional sticks that can leave white streaks on clothing, the Degree Unlimited By Degree Neutral Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick goes on clear and offers reliable all-day protection without leaving marks on clothing. Our editor found that even when wearing a black t-shirt, this deodorant left no visible marks after application or as she worked up a sweat throughout the day.
Our editor loved that Degree Unlimited went on powder dry and found the bergamot and verbena scent light and fresh without overpowering (other scent options include eucalyptus & mint, sea salt & violet, mango & jasmine, and almond & lily of the valley). They also noted the scent didn’t linger heavily on their skin or clothes, but it provided a pleasant freshness throughout the day. Degree claims the scent will release more as you move (what they call SmartAdapt), though this feature wasn’t particularly noticeable during testing. However, the protection remained consistent from morning to night, with no need for reapplication.
The key active ingredient in this deodorant is 17% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, a commonly used antiperspirant that works by temporarily blocking sweat glands and reducing moisture. Our editors found that a single application in the morning kept her dry and odor-free all day, even under stressful circumstances like running errands or managing busy family routines. Plus it’s easy to find in stores.
Keep In Mind
The packaging is a bit bulky, making this deodorant a bit cumbersome to handle. Also, this deodorant is a bit more strongly scented, which may irritate some people’s skin or nose (though our editor found the scent to be light and pleasant).
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mitchum-men-triple-odor-defense-clean-control-cccb15accbb543e3ac11a28761ddfd79.jpg)
Key Specs
Type: Stick | Key Ingredients: 25% Aluminium Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY
Why We Recommend It
If you want all the odor control without altering your natural scent, Mitchum Men Triple Odor Defense Clean Control is one of the most highly concentrated products we tested—with 25% aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, which makes it extremely effective at blocking sweat glands and reducing moisture, keeping our underarms dry and odor-free.
Not only did we find it effective for more than 48 hours in testing, but we also loved the unobtrusive scent. Our editor only had to apply the stick every two days, and even when they worked up a sweat doing yard work and a strenuous bike ride, they still reported the deodorant was delivering freshness without any body odor.
Compared to other brands for men, which can have overpowering or musky odors, Mitchum’s neutral scent is light and clean, even on the second day of wear. It is technically fragranced, but from our testing, this just seems to neutralize any odor and leave you smelling natural. We also love that this deodorant comes with a 100-day, money-back guarantee.
Keep In Mind
Our editor reported that this deodorant does leave some residue on clothing and, after 12 hours, left white, clumpy residue that was hard to wash off.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sweatblock-clinical-strength-deodorant-antiperspirant-8863411de4674acb864f44d1b9a8bfeb.jpg)
-
Effective at blocking odor
-
Goes on smooth
-
Doesn’t leave residue
-
Free from parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes, and sulfates
Key Specs
Type: Stick | Key Ingredients: 15.2% Aluminium Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY
Why We Recommend It
Stick deodorants provide a strong layer of defense because each swipe typically leaves a thick layer of product on the skin, says Hamad, which makes them great for serious odor protection. SweatBlock Clinical Strength Deodorant Antiperspirant is easy to apply, doesn’t leave residue, effectively prevents odor and sweat from transferring to clothing—and unlike many options we tested, doesn’t contain any parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde or sulfates.
With 15.2% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly as its active ingredient, SweatBlock Clinical Strength Deodorant Antiperspirant effectively manages both sweat and body odor very well. Testing showed that during a gym session and subsequent walk, the deodorant provided good control over body odor and perspiration.
The deodorant has a “coastal fresh” scent that our editor found pleasant and unisex, as well as ideal for daily wear without overpowering other fragrances. Our editor did not find it irritating, though they do not have sensitive skin.
Keep In Mind
While SweatBlock offers strong odor protection, our editor found it wasn’t the best at keeping them dry during intense workouts so it might not be the best option for very heavy sweaters. Also, at $14 a stick, it’s not the most affordable on our list, and since it’s not commonly found in stores, you’ll need to order it online.
How We Tested the Best Clinical Strength Deodorants
To find the best clinical-strength deodorants and antiperspirants, we spend over 1,000 hours testing products from top brands, assessing each one based on the following criteria:
- Efficacy: We applied the products and wore them for a full 24 hours each and, during that time, performed at least two workouts. We paid specific attention to how wet our armpits felt and whether we could smell our own sweat after a workout. We also assessed how we felt and smelled after a full 24 hours (before showering).
- Transfer resistance: We checked all of our clothing after application to see whether it transferred, whether it was easy to clean, and whether it dried clear or temporarily stained.
- Scent: We noted whether the deodorant had any scents or fragrances, how strong they were, and how well it masked our own.
- Application process: We assessed the product’s consistency, texture, and feel against our skin during the application. We also paid attention to whether the packaging was easy or difficult to use.
- Value: We compared the product’s overall performance to its price to determine whether its value matched the financial cost.
Types of Clinical-Strength Deodorants and Antiperspirants
Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Vicky Zhen Ren, MD, at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, says the best type of clinical-strength deodorant and antiperspirant is mostly personal preference, but there are advantages and disadvantages to each:
- Sticks are easy to apply and often contain more skin-soothing ingredients but are more likely to leave white residue on clothing.
- Roll-on is easy to apply and feels refreshing but requires drying time.
- Creams are harder to apply, but you only need a small amount, so the product goes further. They often contain more skin-soothing ingredients.
- Sprays have a nice refreshing effect and usually go on clear but leave particles in the air that you may inhale, as well as a lingering scent.
- Wipes are easy to apply and ideal for travel, but they are more wasteful.
Our Experts
We consulted with six dermatologists at various phases of this article, including Joshua Zeichner, who oversaw our testing process. We also spoke with five other dermatologists throughout our research to gain their expertise on what to look for in a safe and effective clinical-strength deodorant. Here’s a full list of all the experts we consulted:
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology in New York City
- Vicky Zhen Ren, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas
- Kate Austin, BScH, MD, CCFP, Dip.Derm, a dermatologist with GraceMed Olde Oakville Dermatology in Oakville, Ontario, Canada
- Mary Stevenson, MD, Dermatologist with NYU Langone Health in New York City and a member of the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS)
- Jeaneen Chappell, MD, owner of Chappel Dermatology in Dallas, Texas, and a member of WDS
- Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, MBChB, a US board-certified dermatologist based in the United Arab Emirates and co-founder of haircare brand Power Your Curls
Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao
Why Trust Verywell Health
Rachael Schultz has been diving into the science behind health and wellness for a decade. She specializes in combing through studies, interviewing doctors, and considering the research body as a whole to help readers get the most accurate, understandable, and well-balanced information possible about their health.
اكتشاف المزيد من LoveyDoveye
اشترك للحصول على أحدث التدوينات المرسلة إلى بريدك الإلكتروني.