Ingredients There are three main types of ingredients to look for on the label:
- Antiperspirant active ingredients that reduce sweat
- Deodorant ingredients that reduce odor-causing bacteria
- Fragrances that mask odors
But you don’t need all three in an effective antiperspirant. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can get away with an antiperspirant that doesn’t include ingredients that mask odors with added scents.
Metallic salts like aluminum are the most effective active ingredients in antiperspirants, Dr. Huang says. “These work by blocking the sweat glands from producing sweat,” she adds.
Some of the most common metallic salts in antiperspirants include:
- Aluminum chloride
- Aluminum chlorohydrate
- Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine
- Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine
“These are aluminum compounds that act like a plug in the sweat duct,” explains Dr. Ansell. “This obstructs the sweat ducts, reducing the amount of sweat excreted.” These compounds are also the most common active ingredients found in antiperspirants, she adds. While aluminum-free formulas are an option, they’re less effective at reducing sweat, Huang says.
For odor control, dermatologists say to look for triclosan. It’s an antimicrobial agent often used in deodorants for its ability to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.But there are some concerns about the safety of triclosan in some OTC products, such as hand soap. Triclosan could contribute to bacterial resistance and hormonal problems, according to the FDA, which has banned the use of the ingredient in some soaps.
StrengthIf you look at the label on any antiperspirant, you’ll notice a percentage next to the active ingredient. This refers to the strength or concentration of the active ingredient. The FDA has upper limits on how strong OTC antiperspirants can be.For maximum strength, look for labels that say “clinical strength,” says Ansell.
“Clinical strength means that the product contains a higher concentration of aluminum compounds,” Ansell explains. “Clinical strength antiperspirants usually contain up to 20 percent active ingredients compared to 10 percent in regular formulas.”
Not everyone needs a clinical strength antiperspirant, notes Foad. In some people, stronger antiperspirants can cause rashes or skin irritation, she says. This is why clinical strength is best reserved for those with excessive sweating. And even clinical strength antiperspirants may be too weak for those with severe hyperhidrosis. Over-the-counter antiperspirants are a good start, but if you feel you need a prescription-strength treatment, you’ll need to see your dermatologist.
ScentDeodorants almost always contain added fragrance, giving them a pleasant scent to help mask odors. However, some antiperspirants are fragrance-free. If you have sensitive skin, dermatologists say to consider fragrance-free antiperspirants. “Fragrance can sometimes cause irritant or contact dermatitis,” Ansell explains. “Unscented antiperspirants are less likely to irritate the skin compared to scented antiperspirants.” In addition to dermatitis, some ingredients, such as essential oils, in deodorants can contribute to allergic reactions.
For those without allergies or sensitivities, scented antiperspirants are optional. There are a variety of scents to choose from, though fresh, floral, and fruity scents are most common in antiperspirants developed for women. If you’re worried that unscented antiperspirants won’t block odors, don’t be. The active ingredients in antiperspirant — aluminum compounds — inhibit odor-causing bacteria, so they minimize body odor, too, explains Dr. Penzi.
TypeAntiperspirants take a variety of forms. Antiperspirant sticks and those with roll-on applicators are most common, but you can also find wipes and sprays. Type is simply a matter of personal preference, though some are easier to apply than others, says Ansell. I found that stick and roll-on antiperspirants work best: They provide thorough and even coverage. On the other hand, the portability of wipes when traveling or on the go can’t be beat.
TextureEven among antiperspirant sticks, there’s some variation when it comes to how it feels on your skin. This depends on the formula — whether it’s creamy, gel-like, powdery, etc. If you regularly use deodorant sticks, you might expect a powdered texture, but antiperspirant sticks are often creamy. Some are even classified as a lotion. Creamy formulas tend to be more moisturizing and less likely to dry out your underarms or cause skin irritation compared to gel formulas, Ansell says.
Gel-like formulas have the advantage of going on invisibly. If there’s one thing worse than pit stains, it’s deodorant stains, which creamy antiperspirants are often guilty of. Gel formulas are clear. Antiperspirant roll-on bottles often contain water-based formulas. These feel wet when first applied, but once they dry down, you likely won’t feel it.
