The 14 Best Antiperspirants to Combat Extra-Sweaty Armpits

The conversation around deodorant has largely steered itself towards natural products. It’s great to see consumers being so conscious of the ingredients in their grooming regimen, especially since the long-term effects of aluminum — the key ingredient used in antiperspirants — are still somewhat nebulous.

Are Antiperspirants Bad for You?

Currently, the various studies on aluminum all contradict and negate one another. Some say excessive exposure causes Alzheimer’s or dementia, while others claim this is hullabaloo when considering the light-dose application of deodorants. Without conclusive evidence on the matter, aluminum antiperspirants are still widely sold. (And largely viewed as harmless.) And like many products on the market, they are effective at the job they set out to do.

That’s why we still find value in touting antiperspirants. Until there is conclusive evidence that sways us one way or the other, we say this: Buy antiperspirants if you absolutely need them. They work. Some people who experience non-stop sweating (diagnosed as hyperhidrosis) will swear by antiperspirants since they allow these individuals to go about their day without swimming in their own body’s soup.

Understanding the Active Ingredients in Antiperspirants

The most common active ingredients in antiperspirant deodorants are aluminum chlorohydrate, which you’ll find in aerosols and other applicators, and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine complex, in solid sticks. Both do similar jobs. They block your sweat glands to prevent moisture from exiting. That’s good if you sweat a lot but bad if your sweating is only mild.

In that case, a normal, natural deodorant would work because it’s only addressing the bacteria that cause body odor, not sweat. Folks who fear developing cancer or dementia from using antiperspirants with aluminum shouldn’t stress; there is little to no evidence of an association between aluminum and cancer development.

Avoiding Antiperspirant Stains

When the sweat that breaks past aluminum’s physical barrier combines with these active ingredients, they become staining agents capable of yellowing white T-shirts. It’s the reaction that causes this color, not your natural sweat.

If you use an antiperspirant and spend a day under the sweltering heat, you’re bound to have some sweat that breaks through — and that’s when staining happens. It’s smart to reapply before this happens or invest in a longer-lasting formula.

Amazon

Best Overall Antiperspirant Deodorant

Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant

• $6.00 at Amazon
  $7.00 (19% off)

Active Ingredients: Aluminum chloride

Ounces: 1.2 Fl Oz

Scents: Unscented

If your sweaty situation is exactly that — a full-on situation — then you should talk to your doctor about using clinical-strength antiperspirants. Typically they will recommend one with aluminum chloride, as opposed to the traditional aluminum zirconium. That’s what Certain Dri’s formula includes, and it promises 72-hour sweat coverage for even the most hyperactive Hyperhidrosis.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Best Upgrade Antiperspirant Deodorant

Helmm Compass Starter Kit PV Sport Deoderant

• $32.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Active Ingredients: None

Ounces: 2.75 Oz

Scents: Hudson

This sport deodorant combats excessive sweating and major funk for 24 hours of protection. Helmm’s deodorant comes in a reusable, stylish case emphasizing its modern take on deodorant. Also, the refillable packaging is made to cut down on plastic.

Amazon

Best Affordable Antiperspirant Deodorant

Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray

• $24.00 at Amazon

Active Ingredients: Aluminum chlorohydrate

Ounces: 3.8 Oz

Scents: Clean comfort

With 48-hour sweat and deodorizing coverage, this spray-on deodorant also touts Dove’s signature moisturizing powers. A quarter of the formula is designated for keeping skin hydrated and cool, which is reassuring given the sensitivity of the under-arms. The clean scent is subtle enough for that just-showered freshness, but not so overwhelming that it competes with your fragrance of choice. Of the aerosol options and drugstore brands, this is one of your best bets.

Amazon

Best Clothes-Protecting Antiperspirant Deodorant

Degree UltraClear Black+White Antiperspirant Deodorant

• $7.00 at Amazon

Active Ingredients: Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate

Ounces: 2.7 Oz

Scents: Fresh

Another drugstore classic brand, Degree, offers an UltraClear formula with MotionSense technology that directly reacts to your body by excreting bursts of fragrance when you move. The Black + White part of its name helps your clothes stay clean and streak free by preventing white marks on black clothes and yellow stains on white clothes.

Harry’s

Best Antiperspirant Deodorant for Scent Lovers

Harry’s Odor & Sweat Control Antiperspirant

• $5.00 at Harry's

Active Ingredients: Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly

Ounces: 2.5 Oz

Scents: Stone, redwood, fig, shiso

Harry’s Odor & Sweat Control Antiperspirant comes in four different scents and three different levels of effectiveness. It contains jojoba oil to soothe the skin, making it a good option for sensitive skin types, and gives 48 hours of odor and sweat protection.

Jack Black

Best Scented Antiperspirant Deodorant

Jack Black Pit Boss Antiperspirant

• $22.00 at Ulta Beauty

Active Ingredients: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly

Ounces: 2.75 Oz

Scents: All-over

In addition to all-day coverage against odor and sweat, Jack Black’s roll-on antiperspirant utilizes Vitamin E and aloe juice to keep skin soft, calm and shielded against environmental toxins. You may have to apply this one twice as often as the competition (an extra application in the evening, if you’re hitting the gym or the dance floor), but that doesn’t make it inferior; in fact, it’s a matter of preference for how potent you want your antiperspirant to be.

Walmart

Best Aloe Antiperspirant Deodorant

ZeroSweat Antiperspirant Deodorant with Aloe

• $20.00 at Amazon

Active Ingredients: Aluminum chloride

Ounces: 1 Oz

Scents: Chamomile, fresh

ZeroSweat’s unique aluminum solution has been lauded by above-average sweaters thanks to its strong aluminum chlorate formula which absorbs into the sweat glands themselves to stop sweating. It’s so effective that just one application will stop sweating for seven days. While the original formula remains its most popular, its other, gentler version contains aloe and chamomile to reduce skin irritation.

Grove Collaborative

Best Sustainable Antiperspirant Deodorant

Tom’s of Maine Mountain Spring Antiperspirant

• $7.00 at Grove Collaborative

Active Ingredients: Aluminum chlorohydrate

Ounces: 2.8 Oz

Scents: Mountain spring

Fragranced with natural ingredients, Tom’s of Maine’s Mountain Spring Antiperspirant has a clean, fresh scent and aluminum-based formula that prevents excess sweat.

Amazon

Best All-Body Antiperspirant Deodorant

SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands & Feet

• $15.00 at Amazon
  $16.00 (6% off)

Active Ingredients: Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate

Ounces: 1.69 Fl Oz

Scents: Unscented

This lotion can stop palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis (that is, on hands and feet). It prevents you from soaking in your own sweat all day, or from swapping soggy handshakes at work or over drinks. It’s not a days-long fix like the other antiperspirants on this list; but it’s great to apply as needed, and should last a few hours, assuming you don’t thoroughly wash your hands. It’s also a good way to prevent excessive foot odor if that’s something you’re eager to nix.

Amazon

Best Antiperspirant Deodorant for Hyperhidrosis

Carpe Underarm Antiperspirant

• $20.00 at Amazon
  $23.00 (13% off)

Active Ingredients: Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate

Ounces: 1.69 Fl Oz

Scents: Eucalyptus, mountain air, powder fresh

This clinical-strength, and dermatologist-recommended formula, comes in the form of a skin-absorbing lotion that goes on smooth without a greasy feel. It’s packed with skin-moisturizing ingredients as well as eucalyptus which not only helps produce ceramides that keep your skin from drying out but also adds a fresh scent.

Walmart

Best Odor-Neutralizing Antiperspirant Deodorant

Arm & Hammer Ultra Max Deodorant (Pack of 2)

• $4.00 at Walmart

Active Ingredients: Aluminum chlorohydrate

Ounces: 2.6 Oz

Scents: Fresh

Arm & Hammer’s antiperspirant deodorant decreases underarm wetness and reduces underarm sweating caused by stress. It includes a hint of baking soda which helps you smell your best and it fights odor for 48 hours.

Courtesy

Best PM Antiperspirant Deodorant

Duradry 3-Step System

• $34.00 at duradry.com
  $42.00 (20% off)

Active Ingredients: Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine

Ounces: Antiperspirant stick (2.3 Oz), sweat minimizing gel (0.4 Fl Oz), deep cleansing wash (2 Fl Oz)

Scents: Barça, clear sky, end game, limitless

Duradry is a 3-step system consisting of AM and PM deodorants and an antiperspirant wash. You’re supposed to use all three every day, and this supply should last you eight weeks. You can pick from a few scents, too, as this isn’t supposed to feel that medicinal.

Amazon

Best Mass-Market Antiperspirant Deodorant

Old Spice Pure Sport Solid Deodorant (Pack of 2)

• $7.00 at Amazon
  $7.00 (0% off)

Active Ingredients: None

Ounces: 2.25 Oz

Scents: Pure sport

Though its branding has been updated, this is probably the antiperspirant you used when you went through puberty. And it works just as well today as it did during your awkward years. It gives you 24-hour odor and sweat protection with a light lemon-lime freshness, which pairs well with Old Spice’s similarly scented body wash.

Duke Cannon

Best Cooling Antiperspirant Deodorant

Dry Ice Cooling Antiperspirant + Deodorant

• $10.00 at dukecannon.com
  $12.00 (21% off)

Active Ingredients: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly

Ounces: 2.6 Oz

Scents: Bergamot & black pepper

Duke Cannon’s antiperspirant doesn’t just deter sweat — it actively cools your pits using menthol. It blocks out wetness, while the fresh scent hides unpleasant odors. This is ideal for folks who run hot.

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