Over the Counter Antiperspirants: A Brief Guide

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Antiperspirants are usually the first line of defense for Excessive Sweating, and works reasonably well for a good proportion of hyperhidrosis patients. This post is a brief guide to buying over the counter antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis.

Over the Counter Antiperspirant for Hyperhidrosis

Over the Counter Antiperspirant for Hyperhidrosis

Over the Counter Antiperspirants Vs. Regular Antiperspirants

While you may begin with using a regular antiperspirant in the affected area, these do not usually provide satisfactory relief from excessive sweat. There are several stronger (clinical strength) and specialized antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis that  may be more effective. There are a large number of clinical strength antiperspirant options (brands, strengths, formula, form etc) available in the market. Many of really high strength antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis may require a prescription in certain markets, while others with a lower strength (but much higher than the regular ones) are available over the counter.

In USA, the FDA allows over-the-counter sale of antiperspirants containing 15%-25% aluminum (with the figure varying based on the specific compound being used).

Antiperspirant Effectiveness for Different Types of Hyperhidrosis

One thing to note is that Antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis are usually more effective for the underarm region (as compared to hands, feet or face). This is primarily because the skin on palms and feet is much thinker than armpits, thus making absorption of antiperspirant more tricky.

Update: A new set of products based on Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate have been found to be effective for palmar hyperhidrosis. See review of Carpe antiperspirant.

There is definitely no harm in trying antiperspirants for palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis – it may work for you!

Popular over the counter antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis

In general, most over the counter antiperspirants contain some form of aluminum based compound as being the main active ingredient (though there are some exceptions) – mostly aluminum chloride or aluminum chlorohydrate. However, these compounds may result in skin irritation, so other compounds have been gaining popularity in recent years (e.g. aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine). However, Aluminium Chloride remains the most popular compound in most OTC antiperspirants.

Table: Popular Over the counter Antiperspirants for Hyperhidrosis

Brand Forms Pricing Compount Strength Amazon Link
DuraDry Solid High Aluminium Zirconium Trichlorohydrex and Aluminum Chloride Stong (~20%) Check Review
15% off coupon code HHN15 – buy
Certain Dri Roll on, Solid, Pads Low aluminum chloride. not very strong (~15%)  Amazon/Ebay
Odaban Spray, Lotion Medium aluminum chloride. Stong (~20%)  Amazon/Ebay
Drysol Dab on, Solution Medium aluminum chloride. Stong (~20%) Amazon/Ebay
Maxim Wipes, Roll-on Low aluminum chloride. Deodorant Amazon/Ebay
Driclor Roll-on, Solution Low aluminum chloride. Stong (~20%) Amazon/Ebay
SweatBlock Wipes High aluminum chloride. not very strong (~14%) Review, Amazon/Ebay
Dove Solid Very High aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly (20%) Strong (~20%) Amazon/Ebay
Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel Medium Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex Gly Strong (~20%) Amazon
Carpe Antiperspirant Lotion Lotion High Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate Medium (15%) Review, Buy

 

Also check out this post about various hyperhidrosis treatments comparison

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About Author

I have had hyperhidrosis (palms and feet) since my childhood. I have tried/researched almost every treatment for hyperhidrosis over last decade, and in the process have acquired considerable experience that I hope will help others suffering with hyperhidrosis. I am happy to help you in whatever way I can to manage your excessive sweat problem - see the About page for more details and my contact information. Remember you are not alone, and that hyperhidrosis is entirely manageable with informed treatment. Good luck! PS: I recently published all that I have learnt about Hyperhidrosis in my book No Sweat! I encourage you to check that out as I believe its the best resource out there to understand and manage hyperhidrosis without falling for the miracle cures. Will love to hear your feedback on how to make it better.

12 Comments

  1. Pingback: Hyperhidrosis Network | Antiperspirants For Hyperhidrosis - Hyperhidrosis Network

  2. Pingback: Hyperhidrosis Network | Tips For Job Interview With Sweaty Hands - Hyperhidrosis Network

  3. 5 Day has 25% aluminum chlorohydrate. They’re pads. Others bother my skin. These do not. It’s the only brand that seems to work for me.

  4. Great review! My husband is using Nivea Men Care. He tried a lot and now sticking to Nivea. It is the best antiperspirant for us. I wonder why this is not included?

  5. Timmy Stevenson on

    I am confused. Certain Dri has three products not one. This is because everyone’s skin behaves and reacts differently based on their skin types. That why it not fair to label Certain Dri as a “Not very Strong” product because this site is choosing their weakest product. And the other two also use two other different types of aluminum, much comparable to the ones on the list. Also, I curious, is there any antiperspirants on here that have properties of a deodorant as well? Certain Dri 20% product has the combined elements for excessive sweat plus give you odor control too. This stuff was a perfect product for any beginner looking to see what works for their hyperhidrosis. I really encourage you to look though your options, find a product that works for you, and don’t get options from people online. Look outside the book, like Certain Dri! If you are interested in a product that has many treatment options for how your skin reacts, look into http://www.certaindri.com for yourself. Good article, but next time include the deodorant and antiperspirant product. I don’t have to apply two different products now!

  6. I refuse to use any other deodorant besides Certain dri. I live in Florida and sweat ALOT! Ever since I switched to Certain Dri I haven’t had a problem with sweat stains and being embarrassed. I recommend to anyone in need of a deodorant that works!! Which lets be real shouldn’t this be everyone.

  7. Being a Florida resident and having Hyperhidrosis is not an easy thing! I’ve gone through so many different brands of hyperhidrosis antiperspirant but ever since I switched to Certain Dri Extra Strength Clinical, my hyperhidrosis has gotten under control! I’m so happy I switched!!

  8. Usually I do not read post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, very great article.

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