Are you confused about antiperspirant deodorant? You’re not alone! Most people don’t understand the differences between deodorant and antiperspirant, or even what they are really used for. So, a combination product is even more of an enigma. Here are the answers to all of your antiperspirant, deodorant, and antiperspirant deodorant questions!

Antiperspirant deodorant is just what it sounds like - it combines the sweat reducing active ingredients found in antiperspirant with the antibacterial properties and scent of deodorant. Many people, especially those with hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, need the sweat prevention provided by antiperspirant and the bacteria and odor fighting action of deodorant.[1] People may struggle to understand whether they should use antiperspirant or deodorant, but thanks to antiperspirant deodorant, they can easily use both. Antiperspirant deodorants come in stick form, spray, and roll-on to make use convenient. To better understand what antiperspirant deodorant is, it is first necessary to understand the individual products that the combination is made from.

What Is Antiperspirant?

So, what is antiperspirant? It is a substance that people apply to the body which contains an active ingredient that reduces sweat production. Most antiperspirants on the market use a metallic salt, like aluminum chloride or aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex, as an active ingredient. An active ingredient is just the ingredient in a medication that makes it work. The metallic salts in antiperspirant form a superficial plug in sweat glands when mixed with the sweat a person produces. This can be extremely helpful for people who have overactive sweat glands.

There are several types of antiperspirants on the market that vary in strength, contain different active ingredients, and are mixed with different moisturizers and scents. This can make it challenging to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant.[1] In addition to using different types of active ingredients, antiperspirants come in a variety of application types. There are roll on antiperspirants, stick antiperspirants, sprays, and lotion antiperspirants. While all antiperspirants essentially do the same thing, the type of application method you should use is based on the part of your body you need to apply it and your personal preference.

Antiperspirant is considered to be a type of drug according to the FDA. This is because the active ingredients it uses are able to change the function of skin, by preventing the production of sweat. This means that antiperspirant is regulated by the FDA to ensure that it is safe to use.[2] However, in the last decade, there has been some debate as to whether or not antiperspirants cause cancer, and even Alzheimer's. However, there is little evidence to back up any claims that antiperspirants cause cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there are no strong epidemiological studies to date that link breast cancer and antiperspirant use. There are several chemicals in antiperspirant that people have been worried about exposure to including aluminum and parabens, but using antiperspirants with these chemicals does not seem to be an issue.[3]

What Is Deodorant?

Unlike antiperspirant, deodorant is not considered to be a drug by the FDA. Instead deodorant is considered to be a cosmetic product.[4] Deodorant is a substance applied to the body in order to reduce the smell of body odor and kill the bacteria that produce it. Many commercial deodorants use ingredients like sodium stearate, sodium chloride and stearyl alcohol, parabens, or the stronger ingredient triclosan, to kill bacteria present on the skin. They also contain a variety of scents which mask smells produced by the body.[2]

There are some concerns about the chemicals in deodorants. Like antiperspirant, some people worry that deodorants may cause cancer - probably because they are often mixed with antiperspirant in products. However, deodorant on its own typically doesn’t contain aluminum, which is what the cancer scare predominantly stemmed from. People are also concerned about the fact that deodorants contain parabens which are used as preservatives in deodorants and other products. Some researchers worry that parabens disrupt how hormones naturally work in the body in a way that may lead to cancer, but as now, there is no conclusive evidence of this according to the American Cancer Society. There are also concerns regarding other chemicals in deodorants like triclosan, phthalates, and fragrances. While some of these chemicals could potentially have some harmful effects, at the moment, there doesn’t seem to be conclusive evidence that deodorant is unsafe. If you are worried about the possible effects of the chemicals in deodorants than you should look into using a natural product, of which there are many on the market.[5]

Combination Products

Humans have been manufacturing deodorants for thousands of years, but in the late 1800’s modern antiperspirant and deodorants were produced for the first time.[6] Since then, people have been trying to find the perfect combination and this is why antiperspirant deodorants were created. Several popular companies, like Dove and Axe, sell combination products and many people happily use them. This is because people often need the sweat-reducing properties of antiperspirants but still desire the bacteria-fighting and odor-reducing properties of deodorant. By combining both antiperspirant and deodorant, consumers only have to purchase one product.

Buying a combination product costs less money than buying separate ones, saves time during a person’s morning routine and just makes sense. In a sense, many of the products on the market are combination products, even if they are not labelled as such. Oftentimes, antiperspirants will include a fragrance and may also have antibacterial properties while only being advertised as an antiperspirant. However, it is much less likely that a deodorant product would be labeled as an antiperspirant because of the FDA regulations. In order to determine whether or not a product is an antiperspirant, deodorant, or a combination of the two it is necessary to read the label carefully. It is always a good idea to be informed about the products you use on your body.

When Combination Products Don’t Work

There are, however, limitations when it comes to antiperspirant deodorant products. Some people require stronger antiperspirants, and in order to get the right protection, they need to use a clinical strength or prescription antiperspirant - and these often don’t come mixed with deodorant.[1] In this type of situation antiperspirant deodorants may not be the best choice. Instead, people can use a strong antiperspirant and choose the deodorant of their choice to apply over top of it. While it may seem more convenient to buy a combination product, in this type of situation, it is prudent to make sure you have individual products that meet your specific needs.

It is important to find an antiperspirant and deodorant combination that works for you, even if they are separate products that you use together to make things work. It is beneficial to do your research as there are many types of products available today. For example, there are many natural products that may be available online if you struggle to find products in store that fit your needs. There are also combination products that have various mixes of antiperspirant ingredients and deodorant ingredients, so don’t feel limited if you do best with a particular type of ingredient. In the end, the search will be worth going through to have a product that meets your particular needs. If you need more information about the different types of antiperspirants and deodorants there is tons of information on the rest of our site, we’re here to help!

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.com/books/hyperhidrosis-an-issue-of-dermatologic-clinics/pariser/978-0-323-32607-0
2. Zirwas, M. J., & Moennich, J. (2008). Antiperspirant and Deodorant Allergy Diagnosis and Management. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 1(3), 38-43. Retrieved November 12, 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3013594/
3. Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer Risk. (2014). Retrieved April 25, 2019, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk.html
4. Antiperspirants & Deodorants. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2018, from https://cosmeticsinfo.org/antiperspirants-deodorants
5. Heid, M. (2016, July 5). 5 Things Wrong With Your Deodorant. Time. Retrieved November 18, 2018, from http://time.com/4394051/deodorant-antiperspirant-toxic/

The answer depends. Most adults need to use some type of sweat control product on a regular basis to appear and smell hygienic. This is because of physiological changes that occur during puberty which affect the axillary region (armpit). However, some people, like those who have conditions that cause them to sweat too much or have especially stinky sweat, need extra help. These conditions are called hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis respectively. The average adult needs to shower regularly and use deodorant on a daily basis to stay clean and keep odor to a minimum, but people with excessive sweating need to use a different regimen. Wonder if you have hyperhidrosis? Task this simple test to find out.[1]

People with Hyperhidrosis should almost always use some type of antiperspirant as their first line of defence against sweat. It can also be helpful to use deodorant in addition to antiperspirant, or a combination product that contains both which is called antiperspirant deodorant. Many people who are first learning how to deal with hyperhidrosis wonder what antiperspirant is and how it differs from deodorant. Antiperspirant is a substance that contains an active ingredient that can reduce sweat production. Most antiperspirants contain metallic salts, like aluminum chloride, that form a superficial plug inside of sweat glands which prevents sweat from escaping onto the surface of the skin. Some people wonder whether antiperspirant is safe for them, and so far studies have not found any health issues caused by using aluminum containing antiperspirants. Antiperspirant is crucial for people who have overactive sweat glands because it reduces the amount of sweat they have to deal with. However, deodorant is also important. Human sweat is originally clear and odorless when it leaves the body, but bacteria on the skin metabolize it and produce bad smelling waste products that people recognize as the scent of body odor. Deodorants contain antibacterial properties that help to eliminate the bacteria and they have a scent which can mask any unfortunate smells that are produced throughout the day. Therefore, people with excessive sweat should ideally use both products.[2][3]

It can be a struggle to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant when starting out, especially because everyone is different. Reading and understanding the active ingredients used in antiperspirants is a good place to start. Dermatologists are the best doctors to treat Hyperhidrosis, and you can always ask your dermatologist for a recommendation if you are overwhelmed by all of the choices. There are also certain deodorants that are better for Hyperhidrosis than others, so take your time when choosing a product. It often takes trial and error to find the right fit, but having the right antiperspirant deodorant, or the right combination of products, will have a profound impact on your ability to manage your sweat.

Sources

1. “Body Odour Is Preventable.” This Day, 15 June 2017.
2. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
3. Zirwas, M. J., & Moennich, J. (2008). Antiperspirant and Deodorant Allergy Diagnosis and Management. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 1(3), 38-43. Retrieved October 3, 2018.

Anyone who has hyperhidrosis, a disorder that causes a person to sweat excessively, has had to deal with the unfortunate effects the condition has on their wardrobe. This is especially true for those with axillary hyperhidrosis. In fact, one study of people with axillary hyperhidrosis found that 70% of the participants reported the need to change their clothes at least two times a day.[1] That is a lot of laundry. Another problem people with axillary hyperhidrosis run into are stains caused by antiperspirant, which can be notoriously hard to get rid of. Many people aslo don't know how to remove antiperspirant from skin which can lead to even more stains. All of this adds to the anxiety that comes along with hyperhidrosis in the first place. Luckily, there are some quick and easy methods people can use to get sweat stains out of clothes so they can enjoy their life and get on with activities other than constantly processing laundry.

Prevention

Excessive sweating due to axillary hyperhidrosis can’t always be prevented, but there are steps people can take to keep it from destroying their clothes. First, there are medical treatment options for axillary hyperhidrosis that can help people to reduce the amount of sweat they produce and gain control over their condition. Here are some other ideas that can help prevent pit stains from causing problems:

Use antiperspirant. Many people don’t realize what antiperspirant is and how it differs from deodorants which can cause confusion. In fact, many people aren't even sure whether they need antiperspirant or deodorant. If you have hyperhidrosis you most likely need to use both. Antiperspirants contain an active ingredient that prevents sweat from forming on the skin while deodorants have antibacterial properties and fragrance to mask the smell of body odor. Unfortunately, antiperspirants can cause yellowish stains to appear on clothing but there are effective ways to get antiperspirant out of clothes so that this is not an issue.

Apply antiperspirant at night. This allows the antiperspirant to soak into the skin and dry so it is less likely to stain clothes the next morning.

Use garment protectors or wear an undershirt. These are absorbent pads that can adhere to the inside of a shirt. They can be used to soak up armpit sweat so that it doesn’t affect clothing.

Wear clothes that are good for people with excessive sweating. This means wearing light-weight fabrics like cottons and finding styles that allow skin to breathe. There are several ways people can use their wardrobe to mask, minimize and control sweat. There are specific ways to get pit stains out of polyester, which is especially prone to staining due to the fact that it is not breathable fabric.

Even with the best prevention pit stains happen. If that is the case then know that the quicker you can launder a stain the better the outcome will be.

How to Remove Armpit Stains

If you can launder an armpit stain before it begins to dry then it is very easy to get the stain out. Just run the stain under cold water and rub the area until the stain begins to fade. Once the stain is gone the shirt can be washed with the rest of the laundry like you would normally.

Armpit stains that have had a chance to settle in are much harder, but there are ways to remove them. Often these stains tend to turn yellow because of the mixture of sweat, bacteria, clothing chemicals, and the products produced by the bacteria. Human sweat is actually odorless when it leaves the body. Here are a few methods you can use to get your shirt stain free.

The Quickest Way to Remove an Armpit Stain

This is a good method to use if you don’t think a stain has set in all the way or if you need a quick way to launder you shirt.

1. Invest in a good stain remover. We recommend OxyClean spray as it is quick, easy, and effective, but any stain remover will work.
2. Turn the shirt inside out and spray the armpit stain with the stain remover. Let it sit for about an hour.
3. Once the stain remover has had some time to soak, put the shirt in the wash with the rest of your clothes and wash it on the hottest setting the shirt can take.
4. After running the washing machine check your shirt. If the stain is gone then you are done and you can put your shirt in the dryer. If the stain remains, repeat the process until it comes out. Do not put your shirt in the dryer until the stain is removed as doing so may cause the stain to become permanent.

There are also stain removers that need to be mixed in water in order to work. If you prefer to use one of these the process is still similar. Simply read the instructions on the product and mix the correct amount of stain remover with cold water. Then let your shirt soak for several hours until the stain begins to fade. Then you can wash your shirt and see if the stain remover worked. Remember not to put your shirt in the dryer if the stain remains.

How to Remove a Serious Armpit Stain

This method is best for people who have a shirt with a stain that has dried and set in. It is more work, but it is also more effective.

1. Get Dawn blue dish soap, 3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a toothbrush. Mix about a teaspoon to a tablespoon of each ingredient together in a bowl. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide on colored shirts, use cold water.
2. Turn the shirt inside out and use the toothbrush to gently work the solution onto the stain.
3. Let the shirt sit for about an hour.
4. Put the shirt in the washing machine on as hot of a setting as the shirt can tolerate (read the label to find this out).
5. After the load is done check your shirt. If the stain is gone then go ahead and put it in the dryer. If the stain remains, do not put it in the dryer, repeat the process again.
6. Put the shirt in the dryer once the stain is gone.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.

Many people who struggle with hyperhidrosis also struggle with stinky sweat. The medical term for stinky sweat is bromhidrosis. It is one of several conditions that cause physiological issue related to sweating. Bromhidrosis occurs when bacteria present on the surface of the skin digest the substances that make up sweat. This is especially problematic for people who have overactive sweat glands in the axillary region due to the type of sweat glands in the armpit, the fact that the armpit is moist and dark which is where bacteria grow best, and because it is an area that is often affected by hyperhidrosis. This is where the need for antiperspirant and deodorant arises.[1]

Many people don’t understand what antiperspirant is or how it differs from deodorant, but it is an important distinction. Antiperspirant contains an active ingredient that enables it to reduce the amount of sweat a person can produce, while deodorant has antibacterial properties and a scent to mask the smell of body odor. Both deodorant and antiperspirant are powerful tools for someone who has hyperhidrosis.[2] But, for people who also have Bromhidrosis, deodorant is especially important. This is because the antibacterial aspect of deodorant kills the bacteria that convert sweat, which is actually odorless, into bad smelling metabolites. Deodorant also has a scent that acts as insurance, as it helps to mask any stinky smell from the bacteria that manage to escape death from washing and the antibacterial properties of deodorant.

It has been established that both antiperspirant and deodorant are important tools for people with hyperhidrosis, but which deodorants are the best?

Best Deodorants for People with Hyperhidrosis

Deodorants need to contain certain specific properties in order to help someone with hyperhidrosis. Due to the fact that bacteria cause sweat to stink, a deodorant with strong antibacterial properties is a must. Some deodorants contain antimicrobial metal ions or antimicrobial ceramics that help kill bacteria and prevent the formation of bad smelling molecules that result from the chemical break down of sweat. It is important that any deodorant for someone with hyperhidrosis contains one of these or a comparable antibacterial substitute. Another important feature a strong deodorant needs is a good fragrance. A fragrance can draw attention away from the smell of body odor and mask it so that other people don’t notice it. However, even with these features, deodorant alone is often not enough protection for people with hyperhidrosis because of the volume of sweat they produce.[1]

For someone with hyperhidrosis, sweat control is the main objective. Many people wonder whether they should use antiperspirant or deodorant in order for that to happen. To obtain optimal sweat control, antiperspirant needs to be part of the plan. Luckily, there are antiperspirant deodorants on the market that can reduce sweat production, kill bacteria, and mask the smell of body odor with a fragrance. These are the products that will be most helpful for someone with hyperhidrosis. Antiperspirants are considered to be the first line treatment for hyperhidrosis, and adding the properties of a deodorant on top of that makes antiperspirant deodorants even more effective. It is a good idea to choose a soft-solid antiperspirant deodorant as they tend to be most effective.[1]

It can be difficult to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant deodorant, but understand the active ingredients and learning how to read the labels can help. Here are some specific examples of antiperspirant deodorant products on the market that can help control sweat and eliminate odor:

Certain Dri Everyday Strength Clinical Solid - This product contains 20% Aluminum Zirconium Complex as well as deodorant properties to lessen sweat production and keep people smelling good.

Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant - It contains Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (20%) to block sweat production and combines it with moisturizer and a deodorant fragrance to mask odor.

In some instances a combination product may not be strong enough, in which case you should move on to a stronger antiperspirant. If you still want the benefits of a deodorant but you really need an antiperspirant, then try using a strong antiperspirant, like SweatBlock Clinical Strength Antiperspirant, and add a regular deodorant with a fragrance you like on top of it to mask any odor.

Unfortunately, antiperspirants can often leave stains, but it is possible to get antiperspirant out of clothes and keep your wardrobe safe. It may take some trial-and-error but you can find an antiperspirant and deodorant or a combination product that works for you. If you feel that antiperspirants and deodorants are not enough to control your sweat then looking into other treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis and finding other ways to manage your sweat can help.

Sources

1. Perera, E., & Sinclair, R. (2013). Hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis: A guide to assessment and management. Australian Family Physician, 42(5), 266-269. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
2. Zirwas, M. J., & Moennich, J. (2008). Antiperspirant and Deodorant Allergy Diagnosis and Management. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 1(3), 38-43. Retrieved October 3, 2018.

If you’re one of the millions of people who’ve used antiperspirant or deodorant you know they both cause one very annoying problem - they stain! Below is some information about each product and several ways you can get rid of the stains they cause.

What Antiperspirant Is, Who Uses It, and Why It Stains

Antiperspirant is a substance or formulation that people apply to their skin in order to prevent or reduce sweating. Antiperspirants differ from deodorants because antiperspirants can actually block sweat from forming on the skin, while deodorants contain some antibacterial properties and have a scent to mask the smell of body odor. Antiperspirants are classified as drugs by the FDA because they contain an active ingredient that affects a biological process - preventing the formation of sweat. Most antiperspirants use aluminum chloride as their active ingredient, but other metallic salts like aluminum hexahydrate and aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex are also used. It is thought that these active ingredients block sweat by forming a sort of shallow plug within sweat glands that prevents sweat from escaping to the surface of skin.[1]

These active ingredients are what cause antiperspirants to stain so badly. When a person wearing antiperspirant sweats, the aluminum chloride, or whatever metallic salt is in the antiperspirant, mixes with their sweat and forms a plug. Once this happens the antiperspirant is likely to leave a yellowish stain on any clothes it comes into contact with. We aren’t sure why this happens, but some propose that it is because antiperspirants are very acidic. At any rate, these yellowish stains are often permanent, or at least, hard to remove.

Anyone can use antiperspirant in situations where they want to sweat less, but it’s essential for people with hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which people sweat excessively, even when it doesn’t benefit them physiologically to do so. Unfortunately, people who sweat constantly also need to wear antiperspirants continuously. This means that clothing is prone to staining and often needs to be replaced which adds more financial pressure to people who already have to deal with the hefty cost of treating hyperhidrosis[1]. In order to stop this cycle of clothing destruction people need to understand how to deal with antiperspirants stains.

What Deodorant Is, Who Uses It, and Why it Stains

Deodorant is a substance that’s applied to the body in order to improve a person’s smell and kill bacteria on the skin that cause body odor. It’s considered to be a cosmetic product so it’s not regulated by the FDA like antiperspirant is. Deodorants use various ingredients depending on the brand and what they are made to do. For example, “natural” products tend to use different ingredients than most other commercial products. Some of the common ingredients that can be found in deodorants include sodium stearate, sodium chloride and stearyl alcohol, parabens, or the stronger ingredient triclosan, to kill bacteria present on the skin. Deodorants come in a variety of packaging including roll ons, sticks, spray bottles and lotions.[2] Unfortunately, because of the ingredients it uses deodorant, like antiperspirant, it can stain clothes easily. Luckily, you can learn how to get deodorant stains out of clothes so it doesn’t cause too much of a problem.

Prevention

Preventing a stain is often easier than having to remove a stain. Here are some tips on how to prevent antiperspirant stains so they don’t happen in the first place:

Choose the Right Antiperspirant

Try to find an antiperspirant that does not stain badly. Many people struggle to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant as there are literally hundreds on the market. It is hard enough to find one that is effective and non-irritating, but looking for a good antiperspirant that does not stain easily is also important. This process will take some trial and error, but it will be worth it. This same advice applies to deodorants as well, as some formulations tend to stain worse than others.

Apply Antiperspirant Correctly

Antiperspirant is meant to be applied to dry skin. It is also a good idea to apply it at night so that it has time to sink into skin and work efficiently the next day. Doing this can reduce some of the rub off that occurs, although dry antiperspirant can still easily stain. It is not necessary to apply multiple layers, so apply a thin layer that is less likely to rub off.

It is less important to apply deodorant correctly. It is best to apply it in the morning to dry skin after taking a shower, but it can be applied whenever. If you are using it with antiperspirant, apply it in the morning after antiperspirant has had time to sink into the skin. How you apply deodorant doesn’t really affect how to remove deodorant stains or prevent them significantly.

Wear Protection

The biggest place that antiperspirant and deodorant stains accumulate is in the armpit. If someone knows they will be sweating excessively then they can purchase and use garment protectors, also known as garment shields. There are pads made specifically for people with this problem. They are pads the size of an armpit that can adhere to the inside of a shirt and absorb sweat so that it doesn’t show or stain clothes. Remember, it’s easier to prevent stains than learn how to remove deodorant stains or antiperspirant stains!

How To Remove Antiperspirant Stains

If you can’t prevent a stain, then you’ve got to try and wash it out. Here are a few methods you can use to get an antiperspirant stain out:

Method One:

1. Rinse the stain in cold water.
2. If the garment is delicate or if a stain has had time to settle then soak it in a mixture of baking soda, water and white vinegar solution. This will counter the acidity from the antiperspirant.
3. Wash the clothes and see if it worked.

Method Two:

1. Turn the clothing inside out and find the stain.
2. Pour white vinegar onto the stain and let it sit for a minute.
3. Scrub the stain with a toothbrush until it looks like it is coming loose.
4. Pour more vinegar onto the stain and allow it to sit overnight.
5. Wash the piece of clothing like you normally would in the washing machine. If the stain is still present, repeat the process again.

There is no way to guarantee that these methods will remove all antiperspirant stains, but it will greatly reduce their appearance.

How to Remove Deodorant Stains

Ready to learn how to remove deodorant stains? Here are a few methods you can try.

Method One:

1. Dip a sponge into white vinegar.
2. Apply the vinegar to the stain liberally and let the stain soak it in for a few minutes.
3. Put the shirt into the washing machine and wash it on the hottest setting the manufacturer allows.
4. Repeat this procedure if the stain isn’t gone after the first washing.[3]

Method Two:

1. Create a mixture of these products:

• A quart of lukewarm water
• ½ teaspoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent
• 1 tablespoon of ammonia

Put the shirt into the mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Rub the stain gently to loosen it up.

Let it soak in the mixture for another 15 minutes.

Wash the shirt in the washing machine. Don’t put it in the dryer if there is still a stain after it’s washed![3]

If you use a spray based deodorant you can use rubbing alcohol to remove a deodorant stain. Rub the alcohol directly onto the stain and then wash it thoroughly.[3]

Now you know how to get deodorant stains out of clothes! Luckily, it isn’t too hard.

What to Do if These Methods Don’t Work

If the above methods don’t help you get rid of antiperspirant or deodorant stains then you can try using a detergent or stain remover with oxygen bleach to try and get the stain out. The sooner you wash a stained item the better your results will be.[4]

One study found that pre-treating with a stain remover like Vanish could reduce the visibility of stains, but interactions between commercial detergents and the stain remover decreased it’s effectiveness.[5]

Unfortunately, antiperspirant and deodorant stains can be hard to remove, but with care most stains can either be prevented or treated.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Amsterdam: Elsevier Pub. Co., 2014. Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.com/books/hyperhidrosis-an-issue-of-dermatologic-clinics/pariser/978-0-323-32607-0
2. Zirwas, M. J., & Moennich, J. (2008). Antiperspirant and Deodorant Allergy Diagnosis and Management. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 1(3), 38-43. Retrieved November 12, 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3013594/
3. How to Take Deodorant Out Of Clothing. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2020, from https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-to-take-deodorant-out-of-clothing.htm
4. Out, Out, Pesky Sweat Stains. (2011, May 11). Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 5, 2018, from https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703859304576305372447004628
5. A novel washing algorithm for underarm stain removal. (2017). IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 254. doi:10.1088/1757-899X/254/8/082001 Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320940190_A_novel_washing_algorithm_for_underarm_stain_removal

It can be challenging to decide which antiperspirant is the right one for you, especially when many people don't understand what antiperspirant does and how it is different than deodorant. Antiperspirants actually block the production of sweat, while deodorants have antibacterial properties and contain scents to mask the smell of body odor. There are a plethora of over-the-counter topical treatments for hyperhidrosis, which can make it overwhelming when trying to figure out which one will be most effective. Antiperspirants are considered to be the first-line treatment for someone with primary focal hyperhidrosis as they are easily accessible, noninvasive and quite effective for many people. They are advantageous because they can be used on a wide variety of body parts that are affected by excessive sweating such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, the armpits, the face, and even the groin and back.[1] The key to finding the right antiperspirant is understanding the ingredients that are used in them and understanding what is written on the label.

Antiperspirant Strength

Antiperspirants come in a variety of strengths and it is important to understand what this actually means. Typically, brands have a regular strength option and a clinical strength option. The regular strength option may contain a different active ingredient than the clinical strength version, or it may have the same active ingredient but contain a smaller percentage of it.[1] There is also a significant price difference between the two. For example, Dove has a regular strength antiperspirant (they call it Advanced Care) that uses Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly 15.2% as it’s active ingredient, while its clinical strength version uses Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly 20%. On Amazon, the price of the regular strength is $8.10 for two bottles and it is $8.52 for one bottle of the clinical strength version. The clinical strength version of Dove contains 5% more of the active ingredient, but the price is about 50% higher than the regular. This demonstrates why it is so important to read the information about an antiperspirant product before you buy it. Clinical strength products are less likely to cause irritation and almost always contain a newer generation of active ingredients that are typically more effective.[1] Some of the brands that include a clinical strength option are Dove, Gillette, Secret, Arrid, Sure, PerspireX, Certain-Dri, SweatBlock, Degree, Hydrosa and various others.

Antiperspirant Ingredients

The active ingredient is what makes an antiperspirant work. The most common active ingredients used in antiperspirants are aluminum chloride and aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Many antiperspirants also use other metallic salts as an active ingredient, which act in a similar way as aluminum chloride. All over-the-counter antiperspirants have active ingredients that mechanically block overactive sweat glands from producing more sweat. Here is a break down of the common active ingredients in antiperspirants, and how they work:

Aluminum Chloride

Aluminum prevents sweat from being produced by obstructing eccrine sweat gland ducts so that sweat cannot be released. Aluminum chloride is in a partially neutralized form, as opposed to aluminum chloride hexahydrate, which is in an active form. Metal ions in the aluminum interact with other molecules in the skin in such a way that the epithelial cells in sweat glands are damaged and form a sort of plug. Sweat glands can still produce sweat, but the sweat cannot make it to the surface of the skin because of the plug. The plug formed by aluminum chloride lasts for about 24 hours. Eventually, the epithelial cells of the sweat glands recover and a new layer of aluminum chloride must be applied. Long-term histologic studies have shown that when people use aluminum chloride for a long period of time the aluminum actually damages some of the secretory cells within the sweat glands. This can cause a permanent reduction in the amount of sweat produced and, therefore, reduced symptoms of hyperhidrosis. Aluminum chloride is effective at reducing sweat production, but some studies have found that aluminum chloride can be quite irritating. Doctors may recommend using 1% hydrocortisone cream to treat irritation caused by aluminum chloride. Several years ago there was controversy over whether or not aluminum antiperspirants cause cancer, but it has been found that they do not.[1]

Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate

Antiperspirants with aluminum chloride hexahydrate are usually clinical strength. When offered in a concentration of 20% or higher a prescription is required. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is typically used if aluminum chloride alone is not effective.[1] Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is thought to work in a similar way to aluminum chloride, but its exact mechanism is not understood. Some researchers posit that there is an interaction between aluminum chloride hexahydrate and keratin in sweat ducts that causes the ducts to close. Another theory is that aluminum chloride hexahydrate works on secretory epithelial cells within sweat ducts. In either case, it has studies have proven that aluminum chloride hexahydrate is very effective at reducing sweat production.[1]

Irritation From Aluminum Antiperspirants

One of the drawbacks of using aluminum chloride or aluminum chloride hexahydrate is that they can be very irritating. This is partly because hydrochloric acid forms when a body part with aluminum chloride or aluminum chloride hexahydrate is exposed to water. Sometimes patients are told to use 1% hydrocortisone cream in order to combat irritation.[1] One study found that when mixed with salicylic acid, aluminum chloride hexahydrate produced much less irritation and still effectively reduced sweating. Some products now use both of these ingredients together in order to reduce side effects. Several products on the market today use this successful combination.[3]

Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex

Newer, clinical strength over-the-counter antiperspirants often use an ingredient called aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex to reduce sweating associated with hyperhidrosis. These products have been shown to provide more sweat protection and cause less irritation than aluminum chloride products. They produce less irritation because produce as much as 80% HCl than aluminum chloride. Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex blocks sweat ducts in a similar way to aluminum chloride, but at a more superficial level. The type of blockage made by aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex lasts for around seven days. It also produces much less HCl, the chemical that causes skin irritation, than typical aluminum chloride formulations. These newer products may provide a solution for people with sweating in more sensitive areas.[1]

Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate

Another active ingredient called aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is now being used in some of the newest antiperspirants on the market. It is said to cause less irritation but still effectively reduces sweating. Currently there are no major studies corroborating its effectiveness although these may come in the future.

Choosing an Antiperspirant

Once a person is able to understand how to read an antiperspirant label, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of active ingredient, they can pick an antiperspirant that will work for them. It is also important to consider the part of the body the antiperspirant will be used on. If, for example, someone needs an antiperspirant for the face or groin, which are sensitive areas they should be careful to only use formulations designed for sensitive skin. They may want to choose a product with aluminum chloride hexahydrate mixed with salicylic acid, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, or use one of the newer generation products with aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex.

It is best to try the regular strength products before moving on to stronger formulations, as they are less likely to cause irritation. Formulations with 10 to 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate can be used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis, while those who need treatment for sweaty hands or feet will probably need to use 30% aluminum chloride. Make sure to apply antiperspirant correctly, or it may be less effective. If over-the-counter antiperspirants are not enough, then prescription antiperspirants are the next step. It can also be helpful for people with hyperhidrosis to employ some other strategies to manage their hyperhidrosis via alternative methods like choosing clotheing that promotes less excessive sweating and learning how to put antiperspirant on correctly.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Ellis, H., & Scurr, J. H. (1979). Axillary hyperhidrosis - topical treatment with aluminium chloride hexahydrate. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 65(650), 868-869. doi:10.1136/pgmj.55.650.868
3. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science.