9 Best Antiperspirants to Help Manage Your Sweatiest Days
As sure as the sun rises in the east, our pits can seriously stink, but body odor and sweat are nothing the best antiperspirants can’t handle. Perspiring is a natural bodily function, yes, but these products can make a big difference in your smell (and with it, your confidence) as you move through the steamiest days, sweatiest shifts, and everything in between.
While yes, deodorants have significantly improved in recent years to minimize potential smells building up in your pits, antiperspirants go above and beyond. These formulas utilize aluminum compounds as the active ingredient to help control sweat. (How? These aluminum salts dissolve in moisture on the skin's surface and are absorbed by the sweat glands.) This temporarily blocks your sweat ducts, reducing the sweat that reaches your skin. Some antiperspirants are even formulated with nourishing ingredients, such as vitamin B5, to minimize irritation while providing these sweat-blocking properties.
Our Top Antiperspirants
- Best Overall: Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid, $13
- Best Spray: Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant, $8
- Best for Hyperhydrosis: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant, $7
- Best for Odors: Duradry AM Deodorant & Antiperspirant, $15
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Clarins Roll-On Deodorant, $27
- Best Scent: Estée Lauder Youth-Dew Roll-On Antiperspirant/Deodorant, $25
So, which ones are actually worth swiping on? We turned to expert-tested picks that held up through heat, sweat, and serious sniff tests to bring you the best antiperspirants that actually keep you dry.
Best Overall: Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid
Why it's worth it: New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, gives Secret's Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid antiperspirant, a 2024 Readers’ Choice Award winner, major points for its skin-nourishing ingredients like castor oil and vitamin B5, which aren't guaranteed in many deodorant formulas. The 20% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex for sweat and odor protection is also key to stopping sweat at the source.
Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein
“I’m a sweaty girl living in a dry pit world, but Secret’s Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid is the only thing that’s keeping my underarms dry. It gets bonus points for being one of the few stick formulas that doesn’t clump or leave any residue behind.” —Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer
More to know
- Key ingredients: aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex (20%), vitamin B5
- Scent: Completely Clean (floral)
Best Spray: Dove Advanced Care Dry Spray Antiperspirant
Why it's worth it: Dove’s Advanced Care Dry Spray Antiperspirant is a drugstore staple (and a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner) for its fresh, clean scent and intensive formula that lives up to its sweat-minimizing claims. On top of its odor and sweat protection, this spray-on antiperspirant is enriched with moisturizing pro-ceramide technology (powered by ceramide-rich sunflower seed oil) to leave underarms feeling smooth without a sweaty, greasy feel. Dove’s antiperspirant spray also has a transparent finish that won’t stain clothes, so it’s the perfect choice to spray before slipping into a little black dress.
Tester feedback from shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
“When I tell you the Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant is the only product that touches my pits—I'm not lying. This antiperspirant lasts all day and applies dry and clear, with no white residue in sight. I live in constant 90-degree weather so I know a good B.O. blocker when I try it.” —Angela Trakoshis, shopping market editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: aluminum chlorohydrate (20.2%), sunflower seed oil
- Scent: Clean (fruit medley and white florals)
Best for Hyperhydrosis: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant
Why it's worth it: Certain Dri's Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant, which happens to cost less than $10 (score), is a go-to for Jason Miller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Freehold, New Jersey, since it offers highly effective sweat protection due to its aluminum chloride-based formula. This unscented, clinical-strength antiperspirant works wonders at minimizing sweat and odor-causing bacteria, but it can be irritating for individuals with sensitive skin. "Ideally, apply this antiperspirant to completely dry armpits at nighttime," Dr. Miller tells Allure. You can apply it again in the morning for added protection.
More to know
- Key ingredients: aluminum chloride (15%)
- Scent: fragrance-free
Best for Odor: Mitchum Triple Odor Defense Antiperspirant Gel
Why it's worth it: Sure, the Mitchum Triple Odor Defense Antiperspirant Gel has a pretty awesome price tag (two for less than $10?!), but that's not the only reason why Dr. Miller is a fan of this extra-strength antiperspirant. He says it's one of the few clear gel formulas that won't feel gunky or leave behind white marks on your clothes. Oh, and its 48-hour protection against sweat and body odor is pretty impressive, too.
More to know
- Key ingredients: aluminum sesquichlorohydrate (25%), glycerin
- Scent: fragrance-free
Most Transparent: Degree Unlimited Antiperspirant Deodorant
Why it's worth it: Here's another Best of Beauty winner beloved by Allure editors and consumers for its silky, dry formulation. Our testers say you only need one spritz of Degree's Unlimited Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray for all-day sweat and odor protection. Don't worry about white residue on your skin or clothes, either, as its formula is totally transparent. FYI: To get the most out of your spray deodorant, James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based at Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles, previously recommended shaking the container before applying and spraying it about two to three inches from the (ideally, recently cleansed) area of skin for approximately three seconds.
More to know
- Key ingredients: aluminum sesquichlorohydrate (18%), capric triglyceride
- Scent: bergamot & verbena
Best Splurge: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant Anti-Perspirant Stick
Why it's worth it: If you know Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant Anti-Perspirant Stick, you know. There's a secret society of people madly in love with this antiperspirant. Bolstered by aluminum zirconium, it'll keep sweat at bay without drying out your armpits, thanks to nourishing castor oil and dimethicone. Sometimes selling every two minutes, this deodorant features the same jasmine, lily of the valley, sandalwood, and vanilla notes as its perfume counterpart—which, while undeniably popular since its launch in 1994, doesn't fly off shelves quite as rapidly as this sweat-stopping solid. Bonus: The formula is gentle enough to comfortably apply right after shaving.
More to know
- Key ingredients: aluminum zirconium (15.4%), castor oil, dimethicone
- Scent: lily of the valley, jasmine, sandalwood
Best for Odors: Duradry AM Deodorant & Antiperspirant
Why it’s worth it: The magical antiperspirant that does it all (stops sweat in its tracks, kicks odor to the curb, feels totally non-sticky, and lasts literally all day) can feel like finding a unicorn. That’s until we learned about Duradry AM Deodorant & Antiperspirant from one of our go-to derms. “It contains aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly, a commonly used and well-tolerated aluminum compound," says Martha Viera, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Coral Gables, Florida. This means you get serious sweat protection without worrying about pit stains.
Plus, Dr. Viera says that "it's efficacious and reduces skin irritation compared to stronger aluminum chloride." So, while it's tough on perspiration, it's gentle on your skin. This effective aluminum compound, combined with a sophisticated odor-neutralizing complex, means these aren't just trying to cover up smells; they're actively working to zap the bacteria that cause odor in the first place.
If you experience hyperhidrosis (heavy sweating), particularly at night, the Duradry Sweat Minimizing Gel contains 15% aluminum chloride to block sweat glands while you sleep.
More to know
- Key ingredients: aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly
- Scents: vanilla and pear, seawater and salt, or citrus and cedar
Best for Sensitive Skin: Clarins Roll-On Deodorant
Why it’s worth it: When you want your deodorant to feel more like skin care—and less like, well, deodorant—Clarins Roll-On is the move. “I opt for this one when I want something that really feels kind to the skin,” says Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati, Ohio. It utilizes aluminum chlorohydrate for reliable sweat control, but what sets it apart is the addition of soothing botanical extracts, such as witch hazel and rosemary, to calm and purify the skin. The alcohol-free formula is gentle enough to use post-shave. “It’s a great balance of performance and comfort, and perfect for sensitive underarms,” says Dr. Bowles.
More to know
- Key ingredients: aluminum chlorohydrate, bachu leaf, witch hazel, rosemary
- Scent: rosemary
Best Scent: Estée Lauder Youth-Dew Roll-On Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Why it’s worth it: If your dream antiperspirant has you smelling like one of your favorite perfumes, Estée Lauder’s Youth-Dew Roll-On Antiperspirant/Deodorant is for you. It features the same bold, slightly spicy yet floral scent as the iconic Youth Dew Eau de Parfum, which makes you feel confident and maybe even a little indulgent. “The fragrance adds a subtle and elegant touch that makes your daily routine feel a little more special. Its aluminum chlorohydrate works effectively to reduce sweat by temporarily blocking sweat glands,” says Dr. Bowles. Because the scent is so distinct, skip competing perfumes, reapply as needed, and let your deodorant be your signature.
More to know
- Key ingredients: aluminum chlorohydrate
- Scent: Youth Dew (amber, rose, patchouli, and lavender)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are antiperspirants?
"Traditional antiperspirants do not decrease sweating, but rather block sweat from reaching the skin's surface," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. The various versions of aluminum compounds you may find as the active ingredient in antiperspirants are what do the sweat-blocking.
These include aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminium zirconium, aluminum chloride, and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, which serve a unified purpose. "All aluminum ingredients in antiperspirant products work to control wetness by forming a temporary plug within the sweat gland," cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson tells Allure.
What are deodorants?
Not all deodorants are antiperspirants, but most antiperspirants are deodorants. Deodorant is considered a cosmetic because, as Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously explained, it's formulated with antimicrobial agents to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the armpits.
But sweat itself isn't what makes you stink. "Odor is released when bacteria come into contact with the thicker, milkier substance produced by apocrine glands in our armpits and groin," she added—feet and butts included. While dermatologists say daily bathing is critical to combatting body odor, deodorant can still be very useful. "It is helpful to use deodorant in the areas of skin-on-skin contact, like under heavier breasts or stomach, to prevent skin maceration during high humid seasons or to prevent skin irritation from friction," Julie E. Russak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, told Allure.
Are aluminum deodorants safe?
The safety of aluminum as an antiperspirant ingredient has been called into question by clean beauty advocates and natural ingredient enthusiasts. Some believe aluminum can contribute to the development of diseases like breast cancer and Alzheimer's, but there isn't enough scientific evidence to support those claims.
"We rely on studies done on thousands of women to see if there are links to breast cancer and the suspected culprit," Sarah Cate, MD, a board-certified breast surgeon and an assistant professor of surgery and breast cancer specialist at Mount Sinai in New York City, told Allure. Ultimately, no one has developed breast cancer as a result of using antiperspirants.
Moreover, the Alzheimer's Association says the link between aluminum and the neurodegenerative disease is a myth and that "studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer's." So, while opting for aluminum-free or natural deodorant has its benefits (especially for people with easily irritated skin), aluminum-based antiperspirants are your best bet for true odor-blocking, wetness-quashing effects.
Meet the experts
- Jason Miller, MD, a Freehold, New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
- Hadley King, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- James Y, Wang, MD, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist based at Metropolis Dermatology
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Sarah Cate, MD, a New York City-based board-certified surgeon and assistant professor of surgery and breast cancer specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital
- Julie E. Russak, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital
- Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of skin-care brand BeautyStat
- Shereene Idriss, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare
- Martha Viera, MD, a Coral Gables, Florida-based board-certified dermatologist
- Alexandra Bowles, MD, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best deodorants with antiperspirants, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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