The 10 Best Clinical Strength Deodorants and Antiperspirants of 2021

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First Look

Best Overall: Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid at Amazon

"Apply once at night for up to 48 hours of sweat protection."

Best Budget: Suave Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant at Amazon

"Its rich emollient base moisturizes dry underarms."

Best for Sweat: Certain Dri Clinical Prescription Strength Antiperspirant at Amazon

"It has the highest level of aluminum chloride without a prescription."

Best for Men: Dove Men+Care Clinical Deodorant Stick at Amazon

"This fights back on hot days and during intense workouts."

Best for Women: Mitchum Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant at Amazon

"Its moisturizing ingredients help prevent redness and discomfort."

Best for Hyperhidrosis: SweatBlock Antiperspirant at Amazon

"The towelettes block up your pores overnight."

Best for Sensitive Skin: Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant at Amazon

"It's great for improving your skin’s tone and texture after shaving."

Best Aluminum-Free: Hello Fresh Citrus Deodorant at Amazon

"This is by the far the best feeling and the only aluminum-free deodorant I've found that is moisturizing as well."

Best Smelling: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant at Amazon

"The smell is fantastic and it lasts until you wash it off."

Best Natural: Crystal Mineral Deodorant Roll-On at Amazon

"With this, there is no stinging (or stinking!), and definitely no burning sensation."

When it comes to clinical strength deodorants and antiperspirants, it's important to know that there are a few major differences between the two. Clinical strength formulas simply cover up or eliminate odor from sweat, whereas antiperspirants have the ability to actively stop someone from continuously sweating.

Depending on your perspiration level or any discomfort you face because of it, you may want to reevaluate the stick you’ve been using. To ensure your needs are being met, check out a breakdown of some of the best clinical strength deodorants and antiperspirants below. Whether you have sensitive skin or prefer to go the aluminum-free route, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid

Secret Clinical antiperspirant — Courtesy of Amazon.

Start your day sweat-free and stay dry with Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Deodorant, which guarantees double the amount of sweat protection than other leading competitors.

Apply it once and you’ll be protected from sweat for up to 48 hours. You won’t have to worry about those pesky, white deodorant marks either as Secret’s Invisible formula is exactly that, invisible.

Best Budget: Suave Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant

Suave clinical protection — Courtesy of Walgreens.

For those on the hunt for something budget-friendly that works, look no further than Suave Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant. This has been dermatologist-tested and won’t leave you with any underarm irritation.

“Underarm irritation from a deodorant can be caused by any number of ingredients, but good clinical strength deodorants include antiperspirants in the aluminum category such as aluminum chloride and aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex,” New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf told Verywell Health. Luckily, Suave is actively made of aluminum along with an emollient base that moisturizes and soothes the skin without making you feel damp or emitting unwanted body odor.

Best for Sweat: Certain Dri Clinical Prescription Strength Antiperspirant

certain dri antiperspirant — courtesy of Amazon.

If you’re always self-conscious about your sweat, you need the Certain Dri Clinical Prescription Strength Antiperspirant. Dri has the highest non-prescription levels of aluminum chloride, which is the key to dry underarms. Moreover, for the best results, you should apply it to clean skin at night in order for the antiperspirant to absorb deep into your pores. By the time you wake up, you’ll have sweat-blocking protection for up to 72 hours.

Best for Men: Dove Men+Care Clinical Deodorant Stick

Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant Deodorant — Courtesy of Amazon.

The short version is men sweat differently than women. Due to testosterone, males start perspiring at lower temperatures and generally produce more sweat. No matter what, the Dove Men+Care Clinical Deodorant Stick can combat it all.

Based on how much you sweat, you can apply a couple clicks of the deodorant in the morning and at night. If you have sensitive skin, you can breathe easy knowing it’s equipped with moisturizing technology to help against skin irritation. “The underarm skin is very sensitive making it prone to irritation, redness, and itching,” Graf emphasized.

Best for Women: Mitchum Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant

Mitchum Women Clinical Soft Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant — Courtesy of Amazon.

Mitchum Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant's advanced formula doesn’t disappoint and will keep your sweating under control.

It delivers 48-hour protection and while it’s available in three subtle scents, unscented is your best bet to avoid all irritations. “Fragrance is a common irritant found in many deodorants, especially for sensitive skin types,” New York City dermatologist Dr. Marie Hayag says. “In addition, those who are not initially allergic to fragrance can develop an allergy to it over time, which can lead to irritated, red and inflamed skin”

Best for Hyperhidrosis: SweatBlock Antiperspirant

SweatBlock Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Wipes — Courtesy of Amazon.

If you're sweaty all the time, you could have a condition known as hyperhidrosis, but you should consult your doctor first to confirm. As soon as you find out if this is what’s going on, consider the SweatBlock Antiperspirant.

With SweatBlock, you’ll get a set of clinical strength towelettes that can tame your extreme sweating for seven days. To ensure they live up to their “dry shirt guarantee,” clean your armpits, remove any excess underarm hair, and dab, don’t rub the towelette on yourself. Finally, let your skin air dry for five minutes and you’re all set.

It's best to use the towelettes before going to bed as the formula can block up your pores overnight to reduce overall sweat levels. Since you likely have other problem areas, know that you’re able to use SweatBlock for your hands, feet, or wherever else you’re experiencing pools of perspiration.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant

Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant — Courtesy of Amazon.

Having sensitive skin can be challenging, but it’s all about making sure you know what’s in your deodorant. Not only does the Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant offer strong sweat protection, it’s free of any harsh chemicals.

Dr. Hayag also pointed out some toxic ingredients to keep an eye out for in deodorants include triclosan, parabens, propylene glycol, and more. “In 2016, Triclosan was banned as it’s harmful to the human body and environment,” Hayag explained. “Parabens increase the risk of breast cancer, while propylene glycol can lead to dermatitis and cause the skin to become red or inflamed.”

As long as you steer clear of these things, you should be good to go. Another benefit of Dove’s Clinical Protection is that a quarter of it is made of moisturizers, which can smoothen and soothe your skin after shaving.

Best Aluminum-Free: Hello Fresh Citrus Deodorant

Hello Shea Butter Fresh Citrus Deodorant — Courtesy of Amazon.

“There’s a lot of controversy regarding aluminum present in antiperspirants,” says Gary Goldenberg, a New York City-based dermatologist. “Some sources contend that aluminum is a neurotoxin (harmful to the nervous system) and may be linked to cancer, such as breast cancer. However, conclusive evidence for this does not exist and aluminum in antiperspirant is regulated by the FDA.”

Even though it’s easy to just pick up the first aluminum based deodorant you see, why not take an extra moment to read the ingredients label and grab one that’s free of this potentially harmful chemical? The Hello Fresh Citrus Deodorant has a thoughtfully-created formula that incorporates 100 percent recycled packaging alongside a sea of natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, shea butter, and more. You can forget the stink and sweat with nature’s finest.

Best Smelling: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant

Cashmere Mist Deodorant Stick by Donna Karan — Courtesy of Amazon.

Treat yourself to the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist. It’s aromatherapy and an antiperspirant all in one. You’ll immediately feel relaxed as the effective antiperspirant combines Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley, and the freshness of bergamot with sandalwood, amber, and musk to produce a scent anyone would enjoy.

The award-winning formula behind it is also as gentle and calming as its scent. In addition to its effective ability to control perspiration and wetness, it can be used immediately after shaving without causing its irritation. It’s an ideal mist for all, especially those with sensitive skin.

Best Natural: Crystal Mineral Deodorant Roll-On

Crystal Mineral Body Deodorant Roll-On, Unscented — Courtesy of Amazon.

Sweat is completely natural, it’s your body’s way of cooling off. If you don’t want to do anything to disrupt your body’s flow, grab the Crystal Mineral Deodorant Roll-On.

“This deodorant is made of mineral salts that will neutralize odor from sweating, but keep in mind that this product will not prevent sweating, only odor,” Dr. Hayag highlighted. While you’ll likely still have wet pits, you won't smell. The item is also not sticky, non-staining, and is safe for the environment.

Final Verdict

Deodorants and antiperspirants were created to address two key concerns people have daily: body odor and sweat. When it comes to body odor, there are several things to look out for when selecting a product. First, you want to decide exactly what scent you want the product to produce, as it will act as a fragrance. There are options to get unscented or scented, both of which will block odors, or fragrance-free, which will not work to mask odors. Crystal Mineral Deodorant Roll-On is a great option if you're looking for a natural deodorant.

Sweat is specifically addressed in antiperspirants with the help of the ingredient aluminum chloride. Different antiperspirants on the market will have higher or lower grades of the ingredient. If you find your current antiperspirant is not temporarily blocking sweat to your liking, then consider purchasing a clinical-strength product with a higher amount of aluminum chloride included. Mitchum Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant is a great pick for combating underarm sweat. Still having trouble controlling moisture under the arms? It might be time to visit with a dermatologist about getting a prescription-strength antiperspirant.

What to Look for in Clinical Strength Deodorants and Antiperspirants

Sweat Physiology: Arguably the most important consideration when purchasing an antiperspirant is its ability to curb sweat throughout the day. There is nothing more frustrating than finding out the stick is unable to prevent moisture when you’re performing everyday tasks. The key ingredient to focus on is aluminium chloride if sweat is your problem. Some OTC antiperspirants have a higher grade of aluminium chloride compared to others.

Louis Kuchnir, a dermatologist based in Boston, Massachusetts, also recommends focusing on how you apply the product if sweat is an issue. “They should be applied when the armpit is completely dry,” Dr. Kuchnir says. “The aluminum will find the water in the top of the sweat gland, get in there, and cause it to become viscous and block the sweat gland all day long. So applying it when your armpit is completely dry is important.”

If you find that you’re unable to find any product on the market to curb sweat, then you might suffer from hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating not necessarily tied to physical exercise or activities. Dermatologists can prescribe a prescription-strength antiperspirant with higher concentrations of aluminum chloride to address hyperhidrosis. Your dermatologist might also recommend additional treatments to help with your excess sweating. “Botox is a magic bullet for underarm sweating and is very helpful for patients with hyperhidrosis,” Patricia Farris, a dermatologist based in Louisiana, tells Verywell Health.

Odor: Another key consideration when purchasing deodorant is if it will be able to mask odors the body produces underneath the arms. “The apocrine glands found under the arms secrete sweat that contains fats and proteins that react with bacteria causing a foul odor,” Dr. Farris says. “Deodorants are primarily alcohol-based solutions and often contain fragrance as well. The alcohol changes the pH of the skin and reduces bacterial colonization, hence reducing odor.”

Deodorant can come in three different forms: scented, unscented, and fragrance-free. Scented means there are added fragrances to the product to help mask the smell your body produces. But be careful, unscented also means that the product contains additives to address smells. “Unscented might add a masking fragrance, something that makes it harder to smell other things,” Dr. Kuchnir says.

Fragrance-free is a good option for someone who has skin sensitivities to additives put in deodorants and antiperspirants. If you fall in this category, though, it can be frustrating to figure out how else to address odor. Dr. Kuchnir recommends washing the armpits with an antibacterial soap to remove any odors caused by bacteria. Then you can apply fragrance in another form on a different part of your body if you wish.

Ingredients: One key ingredient often found in antiperspirants is aluminum chloride. In recent years there has been some concern the ingredient could cause health issues like breast cancer in women, but Dr. Kuchnir says those claims are unfounded. “I believe aluminium chloride is completely safe, and I don’t say that about a lot of prescriptions,” he says. Dr. Farris is also in agreement that the ingredient is safe to use in one’s deodorant. “There is no scientific evidence that aluminum products in deodorant cause cancer,” she says.

Clinical-strength deodorants will contain a higher concentration of aluminum chloride to address those who suffer from sweaty armpits. If that’s not enough, people can also visit with their dermatologist for a prescription-grade antiperspirant if they find the one’s over the counter and not doing enough for them to block sweat.

Some people might experience minor allergic reactions to ingredients put in the product to help mask any odors the body produces. If you find you’re having an allergic reaction to your deodorant, you can visit your dermatologist for a patch test to better understand what ingredient might cause the reaction. Fragrance-free deodorants are a good alternative for people who find their skin is more sensitive than others.

Allergies: As mentioned above, one of the few side effects someone can experience using deodorant is a minor allergic reaction to the ingredients. Dr. Kuchnir describes this allergic reaction as something similar to what one might experience if they come in contact with poison ivy. The reaction is the body’s way of responding to “molecules in the fragrances of deodorant” that cause inflammation on the surface of the skin.

Dermatologists can do provocative testing, known as patch testing, to determine the allergens causing a reaction on the skin. This test usually takes place on someone’s back so the dermatologist has enough space to test for a variety of different reactions. “This way you can kind of discover a patient’s sensitivities,” Dr. Kuchnir says.

Why Trust Verywell Health

As a seasoned health writer, Isis Briones knows the importance of finding products that work best for you and your conditions. You can count on her to always provide a variety of recommendations from licensed medical professionals because she has tested and reviewed tons of products over the years to know everyone is different.

Additional reporting for this story by Danielle Zoellner

As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.

“Some deodorants have their own smell. Some have masking fragrance, which cancel other smells,”—Louis Kuchnir, a dermatologist based in Boston, Massachusetts

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