Before you start looking for the best clinical strength deodorant, the first thing to do is determine if you're actually interested in a deodorant or antiperspirant. the difference? "Deodorants mask the smell of sweat or odor by adding fragrance or reducing the bacteria that cause odor. Antiperspirants reduce how much the skin sweats by clogging the sweat glands with salt," explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lisa Chipps Interviewed by Bustle for this article. Combining the two is often the most effective, so below, you'll find clinical-strength antiperspirant and deodorant combos starting at just $6.
What does “clinical strength” really mean?
Dr. Chips says when you see "clinical strength" on a product label, it indicates a higher concentration of the active ingredient that reduces perspiration. "Most over-the-counter antiperspirants contain aluminum salts," she explains, so look for a product that contains up to 15 percent aluminum chloride—the maximum amount an over-the-counter product can contain—or a high concentration of aluminum chloride. One of the other approved aluminum salts. FDA. If you find that you're still sweating more than you'd like, use an antiperspirant/deodorant twice a day instead of once (but be sure to read the label on your specific product to make sure you're using it correctly).
When to see a dermatologist:
If over-the-counter products still don't meet your needs, talk to your board-certified dermatologist or health care provider to discuss prescription-strength options. In the meantime, try the best clinical-strength antiperspirants and deodorants listed earlier.
Buy the best clinical strength deodorant
hurry? These are the best clinical strength deodorants.
1. Overall Best Clinical Strength Antiperspirants: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirants
2. Best Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/Deodorant for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Antiperspirant/Deodorant
3. Best Scented Clinical Strength Deodorant: Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant
4. Best Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Wipes: SweatBlock Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Wipes
You May Also Like: Carpe Antiperspirant Foot Lotion
1. Overall Best Clinical Strength Antiperspirant
Containing 12% aluminum chloride, this roll-on antiperspirant from certain Dri is one of the most powerful antiperspirants you can buy over the counter. You only need to use it every few days as it provides 72 hours of effectiveness: Use it on completely dry skin before bed - so at least 30 minutes after showering. The brand even recommends using a hair dryer on a cool setting to make sure your skin is completely dry before rolling on. Some Dri also discourage people from using this antiperspirant after shaving because it can cause irritation on cuts or already inflamed skin.
If you want something a little less intense, check out the brand's equally effective Everyday Antiperspirant Deodorant, which can be reapplied every morning.
Active Ingredients: 12% Aluminum Chloride | Fragranced or unscented? Tasteless | Cruelty-free? Yes
Radiant Reviews: "I'm on day six now and I just went back to work today (I sweat the most at work) and when I got home my armpits were completely dry and I'm honestly shocked. This product It has truly changed my life and I recommend it to anyone struggling with excessive sweating! ”
2. The Best Clinical Strength Antiperspirants/Deodorants for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin and find most underarm products too irritating, try this antiperspirant/deodorant from Vanicream. Like all products produced by the brand, this product is designed for people with very sensitive and easily irritated skin and therefore does not contain the most common potential irritants and allergens such as fragrances, parabens, dyes and gluten. It does contain 20% aluminum zirconium trichlorohydroxyglycinate (the highest percentage of this particular aluminum salt in an over-the-counter product), so it's still an extremely effective, albeit mild, antiperspirant .
Active ingredient: 20% Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydroxyglycine | Fragrance or unscented? Tasteless | Cruelty-free? No
Radiant Reviews: "It has truly changed my life. Like all antiperspirants, it does not cause sweating and does not create a stink. But unlike any other antiperspirant, my skin Zero acne.”
3. Best Clinical Strength Scented Deodorant
Love scented deodorant? Then this clinical strength antiperspirant/deodorant from Secret is perfect for you. It comes in solid form and has the brand's classic "Total Clean" scent, which smells subtle and refreshing. It lasts up to 48 hours and dries almost instantly so you can get dressed as soon as you put it on.
Active ingredient: 20% Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydroxyglycine | Fragrance or unscented? Fragrance | Cruelty-free? Yes
Radiant review: "I love how this deodorant makes my armpits smell less bad and doesn't leave a sticky feeling when I shower and shave. In fact, my new clothes didn't discolor or Deodorant buildup makes me feel guilty about all the old clothes I used to sacrifice for the easiest application I could find.”
4. The Best Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Wipes
Once a week, you can apply one of these clinical-strength deodorant wipes to your armpits before bed for up to 7 days of sweat control. You can still use deodorant every day—think of it as a backup.
Active Ingredients: 14% Aluminum Chloride | Fragranced or unscented? Tasteless | Cruelty-free? No
Radiant review: "Truly life-changing. For the first time in over a decade, I was able to go out and run errands and not see a drop of sweat that day! I can't even imagine my life without this product."
You might also like
We all sweat, but this can lead to uncomfortable chafing and blisters. If you are facing such a problem, try this Carpe antiperspirant lotion. It's made with aluminum sesquichloride, talc, and eucalyptus oil to leave your feet feeling comfortable, dry, and fresh. For maximum effectiveness, use every night and reapply in the morning.
Active Ingredients: 15% Aluminum Sesquichloride | Fragrance or unscented? Fragrance | Cruelty-free? Yes
Radiant Reviews: "This is better than anything I've ever ordered or used. I've spent hundreds of dollars treating hyperhidrosis and wasted doctor's visits, embarrassment, and prescriptions when all I really needed was this 14 dollar stuff.”
expert:
Lisa Chipps, MD, MS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, California
