Antiperspirant Basics - International Hyperhidrosis Society | Official Site (2024)

Antiperspirants are available either over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription from your healthcare provider.

Over-the-counter antiperspirants are now available in different strengths with “clinical” strength products offering the most sweat protection (but at a higher cost). Clinical strength products seem to provide improved sweat reduction compared to traditional over-the-counter antiperspirants, and with less skin irritation than prescription products.

The most widely used active ingredients in antiperspirants are metallic salts. Clinical strength antiperspirants contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than “regular” strength over-the-counter antiperspirants (for example, two antiperspirants might contain the ingredient aluminum zirconium tricholorohydrex, but the clinical strength version might contain a concentration that is 25 percent higher.)

Prescription and specialty antiperspirants often contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate as an active ingredient. These are among the most effective antiperspirants but can cause skin irritation if instructions aren’t followed precisely. Typically, aluminum chloride hexahydrate concentrations of 10% to 15% are recommended for excessive sweating of the underarms. For managing sweaty handsor sweaty feet, higher concentrations are needed - usually around 30%.

In general, experts recommend a systematic approach to combating hyperhidrosis with antiperspirants. Start with the most gentle-to-the-skin formulations (traditional over-the-counter products) and progress to clinical strength over-the-counter antiperspirants, and then try stronger and stronger products (such as prescription formulations) until relief is found. A number of antiperspirant makers support the work of the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS) and are focused on the needs of hyperhidrosis sufferers. You can find out more about these companies and their products as well as discount offers on our Fan Faves page. If antiperspirants aren’t effective enough, talk to your practitioner about other excessive sweating treatment options including: iontophoresis for hands and feet, Botox injectionsfor hands, feet, underarms, face/scalp, and other body areas, Qbrexza or Brella for underarms, or miraDry for sweaty underarms only. (Watch our "Ask Me Anything" webinar about miraDry.)

Avoiding skin irritation is the key to success with antiperspirants, prescription and non-prescription alike: follow the product’s instructions, follow your dermatologist’s recommendations, apply at night before bed as opposed to only in the morning, and apply to completely dry skin.

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