:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1999x0:2001x2)/peo-clinical-strength-deodorant-GROUPSHOT_tstaples_142-1-280a4d94ffe444dabb59f8c241244b95.jpeg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1 "These Clinical Strength Deodorants Give You 'Just Hopped Out of the Shower' Freshness")
Deodorant: It’s probably something that you use daily but don’t think much about.
Maybe you have one that you’re loyal to and have used for years, or maybe you just grab whatever is cheapest at the drugstore. But if you’re experiencing serious sweating — the kind that actually impacts your day-to-day life — it may be worth considering a clinical strength deodorant.
To see exactly which clinical strength deodorant performed the best, we swiped on 42 different formulas and put them through some real-world protocol, like engaging in physical activity for 15 minutes to see just how sweaty we got. We left it on (without reapplying) and then evaluated the product’s efficacy after 24 hours as well. Several of our editors also wore some of these deodorants for two weeks to see how they performed with regular use. Testers ultimately weighed in on how well each one worked and how nice it smelled, plus how easy it was to apply and whether or not it left behind any telltale streaks.
Below are the best clinical strength deodorants that PEOPLE tested.
What to Know About Clinical Strength Deodorants
Active Ingredients
“Read the label and look for the presence of [key] ingredients, which block the sweat ducts by forming a plug that lasts from 12 to 48 hours, depending on the percentage of one of [the following] active ingredients,” says Dr. Zalka. These include aluminum chloride, aluminum trichloride, aluminum hexahydrate, aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum hydroxy bromide. Our winning clinical strength deodorant pick, Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant, contains a 20 percent concentration of aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine.
Soothing Ingredients
Many of the aforementioned active ingredients in clinical strength deodorant, particularly in higher concentrations, can come with an increased risk for skin reaction or irritation, notes Dr. Zalka. If you have sensitive skin, look for formulas that contain the addition of ingredients such as aloe or moisturizing oils, which can help mitigate irritation, she says.
Type
As you’ve seen in our roundup, clinical strength antiperspirant-deodorants come in a wide array of product types from gels to wipes to roll-ons, solids, sprays, and creams. Wipes, like the SweatBlock Antiperspirant Wipes, are a fantastic option for travel or for when you’re wearing a dark, fitted shirt and don’t want to risk any transfer. However, if residue is your main concern, many formulas excel at drying down quickly and clearly like Clinique’s Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-On.
Scent
The scent is also a matter of personal preference. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a clinical strength deodorant that is completely devoid of fragrance. Many synthetic fragrances are irritating to those with reactive skin, and even natural essential oils can cause a burning sensation, so it’s best to look for “fragrance-free” on the label if you’re worried about any interactions.
Lasting Power
Whether you’re powering through a long workout or a full day at the office, you’ll want a clinical strength deodorant that controls sweating and odor from sun up to sun down. Look for options with staying power, like Degree Advanced Antiperspirant Deodorant, which we found to last up to 24 hours.
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Boasting a moisturizing, alcohol-free formula, this clinical strength deodorant nourishes and soothes underarms with a super-quick dry-down time. It’s ideal if you’re dressing in a hurry and want to avoid residue transfer. Bonus: Its hydrating properties and creamy texture help fight irritation from shaving while delivering 48-hour sweat and odor protection.
We tested this deodorant in a variety of settings — working from home, exercising in a poorly ventilated gym, walking outside in warm weather — and found that it staved off odor and sweat with just one application. The twist-up design also dispensed the ideal amount of product without any transfer, including on days when we wore dark clothing. While we wish there were more scent options, you can’t go wrong with Dove’s classic fresh scent.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex Gly (20%) | Size: 1.7 ounces | Type: Balm | Scent: Fresh, clean
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Fresh, powdery scent
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All-day odor protection
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Budget-friendly
Featuring Degree’s signature MotionSense™ technology, designed to release fragrance in sync with body movement, this deodorant promises to keep you smelling fresh all day long — and it delivers. Even during stressful workdays, 45-minute spin classes, and sunny afternoon walks, it kept underarm odor in check.
We can’t rave enough about the scent: clean and crisp, like fresh laundry, a smell we wanted to last throughout the day. Our tester noted, “While it isn’t as strong or fresh by the end of the day, my underarms still smell …like I just hopped out of the shower.”
Despite the product’s pleasant smell, it didn’t quite keep sweat at bay. It also left behind residue, and the click-style applicator dispersed the product unevenly. Still, we think this budget-friendly option is well worth the buy.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex Gly (20%) | Size: 1.7 ounces | Type: Stick
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A unique application for an antiperspirant, this tube dispenses a nourishing cream that can be applied with your fingertips, which is especially great for those prone to razor burn. And despite the fact that this is a white, cream formula, we found that it didn’t leave behind any residue, so we gave it a perfect score when it came to transfer resistance. We attributed that to the unique applicator, which made it easy to dispense the ideal amount of product and rub it in fully without it ever getting caked on.
It performed extremely well during the first part of our testing: Our underarms felt completely dry after a few minutes of jumping jacks, and all we could smell was the faint floral scent of the deodorant, not any sweat. That did dissipate over the course of the day, although we never felt overly sweaty or gross.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum chlorohydrate | Size: 2.53 ounces | Type: Cream | Scent: Light floral scent
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People / Tamara Staples
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People / Jessica Juliao
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Unscented and hypoallergenic
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Excelled at preventing sweat and odor
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Includes skin conditioners to hydrate skin
This aluminum-free, unscented deodorant was a clear winner for sensitive skin — and it’s one of the cheaper options in our roundup. Infused with skin-soothing ingredients like provitamin B5, this product provides clinical strength protection without irritating the delicate underarm area. We loved its easy application, along with its effectiveness in reducing sweat and odor. Even after engaging in multiple outdoor activities on a hot day, we didn’t notice any underarm odor and only needed to reapply once in the evening.
Note that if you often wear sleeveless shirts or dark clothes, this product occasionally leaves a white cast; however, the dry-down time is minimal, so with some careful maneuvering after applying, you shouldn’t have any transfer on your clothing. With a near-perfect overall score, this option is not just ideal for sensitive skin types but for anyone looking for an everyday, effective deodorant for a good price.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex Gly (20%) | Size: 1.6 ounces | Type: Stick | Scent: Unscented
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Thanks to aluminum, this stick works to keep sweat at bay and is designed with sensitive skin in mind. It’s also got aloe to help hydrate the skin and vitamin E to nourish the often agitated armpit area.
Even after a super sweaty day on the subway, we didn’t smell any odor from our underarms, a feat we deem miraculous. That being said, it didn’t entirely block sweat after 24 hours (scoring a four of five in the efficacy category), but given how well it masked any smell — and how smoothly it applied — we’d still recommend it. The fresh and woody scent was also a plus, though it did wear off somewhat quickly, and it also transferred to the inside of clothing.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrate | Size: 1.3 ounces | Type: Stick | Scent: Fresh
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For many, the scent of deodorant is part of the appeal, but if that’s not the case (or you’re sensitive to fragrance), this fragrance-free roll-on choice is a great option. This dermatologist-tested option excelled when it came to texture and application; we loved that it went on smooth and clear and absorbed almost immediately without leaving behind any visible streaks or residue.
That being said, after 24 hours, our underarms were damp, and there was some body odor present. This product is a good, lightweight deodorant for everyday use. If we were to work out or sweat more, we might want something with more of a scent and a stronger antiperspirant.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum chlorohydrate | Size: 2.5 ounces | Type: Roll-on | Scent: None
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If you’re looking for a no-fuss deodorant that won’t leave those annoying white streaks on your clothes, consider Certain Dri’s clinical strength dry spray. A nice alternative to the standard stick deodorants, this spray goes on clear, dries instantly, and doesn’t transfer to clothing — benefits that will come in handy when wearing tank tops and dark fabrics.
Though the product didn’t prevent sweat altogether, it definitely minimized odor and left our underarms smelling fresh at the end of the day. A note on the scent: It can be overpowering, and it lingers hours after use, so if you enjoy wearing scented products, this spray will likely clash with other fragrances.
The formula also contains 25-percent aluminum chlorohydrate, an active ingredient that quells excessive sweating but can cause skin irritation if applied incorrectly. The brand recommends avoiding immediate use after showering or shaving and applying sparingly at nighttime to dry underarms.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum chlorohydrate (25%) | Size: 4.2 ounces | Type: Aerosol | Scent: Fresh
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These wipes claim to offer some serious sweat-stopping power. According to the brand, one wipe can block sweat for up to seven days, an appealing premise for those who sweat excessively. While we only tested the products on this list for a 24-hour period, we stayed dry the entire time. The product is fragrance-free, but we did notice a bit of a musty scent the following day.
Combined with a stick deodorant after day one, this would be a great pick for super sweaters. (The brand also suggests pairing this with a deodorant for odor-masking purposes.) And even though the wipes felt wet going on, the dry-down was quick and they left behind no marks on clothing or skin. They are easy to use and would be convenient for travel.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum chloride (14%) | Size: 10 wipes | Type: Wipes | Scent: None
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People / Tamara Staples
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Health / Jessica Juliao
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Dries invisible, leaving no white residue
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All-day protection against sweat and odor
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Scent is mild, clean, and long-lasting
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Roll-on applicator isn’t the most user-friendly
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Thin, liquid formula makes it difficult to know how much product is being applied
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Aluminum chloride may be irritating to freshly shaved skin
Who doesn’t want an invisible deodorant? This standout blew us away with its ability to go on completely clear, leaving no trace of white residue behind. We even patch tested rolling it directly on a black T-shirt, and there was zero transfer. Thanks to the sweat-blocking power of aluminum chloride, this lightweight, dermatologist-tested formula provided all-day protection with just one application, earning it a perfect score in our efficacy category.
Though we typically love a roll-on option, this applicator wasn’t the easiest to use; we found that we had to apply the product at an angle or hold it upside down to get enough formula on the roller. This pick is also fairly pricey compared to some of the others on our list. For a more wallet-friendly option that dries clear and is effective at fighting sweat and odor, try Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant. But if you’re looking for a truly invisible deodorant, we think this one is a safe bet.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum chloride (15%) | Size: 1 ounce | Type: Roll-on | Scent: Fresh, Unscented
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Great value for the quality
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Long-lasting sweat and odor protection, even after intense workouts
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Excellent for heavy sweaters
A deodorant should go the extra mile during workouts, and this formula exceeded our expectations. Our tester, who calls herself “the sweatiest person I know,” found this deodorant to be highly effective during intensive workouts — keeping her armpits “desert-dry,” even as every other part of her body was drenched.
The product’s hero ingredient is aluminum zirconium, a compound found in many antiperspirants that controls sweat and odor by temporarily blocking sweat ducts in the armpits. While we were impressed with the formula’s sweat- and odor-blocking abilities over a 24-hour period, we found that it didn’t quite hit the 48-hour mark, as the brand claims. The scent — a fresh, powdery fragrance — was also a bit strong for our tester’s taste. But if you have an active lifestyle or sweat excessively, this pick has some serious sweat- and odor-fighting power.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex Gly (20%) | Size: 2.7 ounces | Type: Stick | Scent: Fresh
Behind the Scenes
To thoroughly test clinical strength deodorants, we first tapped Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology in New York City for his guidance and expert intel on how to properly use this product category. We selected 34 different formulas to put to the test.
- Application: We then applied each product according to the manufacturers’ instructions and assessed the clinical strength deodorant’s consistency, scent, and whether or not it left a residue.
- Physical Activity Test: After applying the clinical strength deodorant, we engaged in 15 minutes of physical activity, from jumping up and down to running on a treadmill — enough to get our heart rates elevated — and noted how sweaty we felt before performing a “sniff test” to see if any odor lingered.
- Long-Term Testing: After 24 hours, we once again rated the efficacy of the deodorants in terms of both sweat and odor protection (without ever reapplying the product, as according to Zeichner, “double application provides only minimal additional benefits”).
- Evaluation: Application, scent, transfer resistance, and overall value were also assessed and ranked on a scale of one to five. Finally, we analyzed each tester’s insights and compiled them to create this list.
Our editors also tried eight additional deodorants — for a total of 42 — and wore them for two weeks to gauge real-world effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the difference between clinical strength deodorant and regular deodorant?
It all comes down to the level of active ingredients, which are a variety of aluminum-based options such as aluminum chloride, aluminum trichloride, and aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine. Regular antiperspirants tend to have between 12 to 15%, whereas clinical-strength versions can contain up to 20%, notes Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. As such, they’re more effective at blocking sweat and keeping your underarms dry.
That being said, clinical strength “deodorant” is a little bit of a misnomer. There are both deodorants and antiperspirants on the market, and it’s important to clarify the distinction between the two: “Deodorants contain perfumes and other ingredients that mask odors for those who want to avoid body odor,” explains Dr. Alicia Zalka, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep. “Antiperspirants contain aluminum-based ingredients that block the release of moisture from sweat ducts for those who wish to avoid wetness.” All of the “clinical strength deodorants” on the market contain these aluminum-based ingredients to actually block sweat, so they’re technically clinical strength antiperspirants, Dr. Zalka points out. Most of them, as well as other antiperspirants on the market, also contain perfumes and fragrances that act like a deodorant and keep you smelling good as well.
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How do I know if I need a clinical strength deodorant?
“All of us have moments of what we would call ‘excessive sweating,'” says Dr. Zalka. “Think of a hot yoga class, public speaking, or hiking uphill on a hot, humid day. It is momentary and episodic. However, if you have severe sweating at times of rest, all day long, or when not under exertion or stress, you may indeed, have true, excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis.” For those who experience life-interrupting sweating, Dr. Zalka says a clinical strength deodorant could be a great option.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Melanie Rud is a freelance writer for PEOPLE, who combed through testing insights and considered the active ingredients in each deodorant to bring you this list. While researching clinical strength deodorants, she spoketo Alicia Zalka, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep, and Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Our lab team also consulted with Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology in New York City, for his guidance on how best to use the products before conducting our tests.
Trina Gray, a contributing writer for PEOPLE, updated this article with fresh insights from our most recent product test, adding six clinical strength deodorants that won our PEOPLE Tested seal of approval.
Our Expert Panel
- Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep.
- Debra Jaliman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, is the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology in New York City.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.