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The best options for when you need a little help managing your moisture.
By Evan Malachosky, Jacorey Moon, and Adam Hurly
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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.
Products in the Guide
Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant
Best Overall Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreHelmm Compass Starter Kit PV Sport Deoderant
Best Upgrade Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreDove Men+Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray
Best Affordable Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreDegree UltraClear Black+White Antiperspirant Deodorant
Best Clothes-Protecting Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreHarry’s Odor & Sweat Control Antiperspirant
Best Antiperspirant Deodorant for Scent Lovers
Read moreJack Black Pit Boss Antiperspirant
Best Scented Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreZeroSweat Antiperspirant Deodorant with Aloe
Best Aloe Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreTom’s of Maine Mountain Spring Antiperspirant
Best Sustainable Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreSweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands & Feet
Best All-Body Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreCarpe Underarm Antiperspirant
Best Antiperspirant Deodorant for Hyperhidrosis
Read moreArm & Hammer Ultra Max Deodorant (Pack of 2)
Best Odor-Neutralizing Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreDuradry 3-Step System
Best PM Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreOld Spice Pure Sport Solid Deodorant (Pack of 2)
Best Mass-Market Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read moreDry Ice Cooling Antiperspirant + Deodorant
Best Cooling Antiperspirant Deodorant
Read more
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.
Best Overall Antiperspirant Deodorant
Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant
$7.00(19% off)
Pros
- Has clinical strength
- Lasts up to 72 hours
Cons
- May irritate skin if applied incorrectly
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.
Best Upgrade Antiperspirant Deodorant
Helmm Compass Starter Kit PV Sport Deoderant
$32.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Pros
- Visually-appealing aesthetic
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.
Best Affordable Antiperspirant Deodorant
Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray
Pros
- Comes in an easy spray format
Cons
- Spray-on deodorants are harmful if inhaled
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.
Best Clothes-Protecting Antiperspirant Deodorant
Degree UltraClear Black+White Antiperspirant Deodorant
Pros
- Has technology to prevent deodorant marks and stains on clothing
- Lasts for 48 hours
Cons
- Fragrance isn’t strong enough to conceal smell
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.
Best Antiperspirant Deodorant for Scent Lovers
Harry’s Odor & Sweat Control Antiperspirant
$5.00 at Harry's
Pros
- Comes in different scents
- Lasts for 48 hours
Cons
- Popular combinations sell out
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.
Best Scented Antiperspirant Deodorant
Jack Black Pit Boss Antiperspirant
$22.00 at Ulta Beauty
Pros
- It’s cruelty-free
- Uses aloe juice for hydrating, softening, and soothing properties
Cons
- 4x as expensive as Degree or Harry’s
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.
Pros
- Uses aloe and chamomile to reduce skin irritation
- Lasts up to 7 days
Cons
- Pricey for 1 Oz of product
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.
Best Sustainable Antiperspirant Deodorant
Tom’s of Maine Mountain Spring Antiperspirant
$7.00 at Grove Collaborative
Pros
- Affordable
- Uses recycled aluminum
Cons
- Doesn’t perform well for rigorous movers
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.
Best All-Body Antiperspirant Deodorant
SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands & Feet
$16.00(6% off)
Pros
- Comes in a lotion form that can be applied to different body parts
Cons
- Might take 2-4 weeks of application for full effect
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.
Best Antiperspirant Deodorant for Hyperhidrosis
Carpe Underarm Antiperspirant
$23.00(13% off)
Pros
- Good option for those with hyperhidrosis
Cons
- 3x as expensive as Certain Dri
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.
Best Odor-Neutralizing Antiperspirant Deodorant
Arm & Hammer Ultra Max Deodorant (Pack of 2)
$4.00 at Walmart
Pros
- Uses baking soda as a natural deodorizer
- Affordable
Cons
- Not best for sensitive skin types
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.
Best PM Antiperspirant Deodorant
Duradry 3-Step System
$34.00 at duradry.com
$42.00(20% off)
Pros
- Dermatologist-approved
- Can be bought in bulk to save money
Cons
- It works best as a daily 3-step process
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.
Best Mass-Market Antiperspirant Deodorant
Old Spice Pure Sport Solid Deodorant (Pack of 2)
$7.00(0% off)
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Not good for sensitive skin types
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.
Best Cooling Antiperspirant Deodorant
Dry Ice Cooling Antiperspirant + Deodorant
$10.00 at dukecannon.com
$12.00(21% off)
Pros
- Uses menthol for cooling effect
Cons
- Only comes in one scent
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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