The 8 Best Clinical Strength Deodorants of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Secret's Clinical Strength Invisible Solid got a near-perfect score
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 34 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. 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 tell-tale streaks. When all was said and done, the Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant was the clear winner across the board, though there are also some other great options that we loved.
Below, the best clinical strength deodorants that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Pros
Applies smoothly
Its "clean lavender" scent imparts just the right amount of fragrance
Dries down quickly
Cons
It didn’t block sweat entirely, especially after physical exercise
This clinical strength deodorant solid is actually designed to be applied before bed to take advantage of your body's natural temperature variations as well as in the morning for added sweat-stopping protection. It claims to reduce sweating three times the amount of other formulas. Designed in partnership with dermatologists, it's formulated with provitamin B5 to help protect the skin barrier and retain its moisture levels, so it's caring for your skin while preventing excessive sweating. It also comes with a pleasant lavender scent to mask odors.
We absolutely loved this formula for the way it felt on our skin and controlled odor. Even though it left our armpits a little damp after a 15-minute walk outside on a hot day, we applaud it for how well it controlled odor. The lavender scent (which even lingered after 24 hours) also earned rave reviews, as did the smooth and silky texture of the solid formula.
Price at time of publish: $15.99
Active Ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (20%) | Size: 2.6 fl. oz. | Type: Stick | Scent: Lavender
Jessica Juliao
Best Stick: Jack Black Pit Boss
Pros
Fresh and woody scent is appealing to many
Effectively keeps odor at bay for a full 24 hours
Cons
It’s pricier than many other deodorants, ringing in at $21
The product may transfer a bit onto clothing
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 coming 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.
Price at time of publish: $21
Active Ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrate | Size: 1.3 oz. | Type: Stick | Scent: Fresh
Tamara Staples
Best Antiperspirant: DERMAdoctor Total Nonscents Ultra Gentle Antiperspirant
Pros
Ideal for those with sensitive skin
A large bottle provides about 90 applications
Cons
The concentration of aluminum is lower than in other clinical-strength formulas
Even though this deodorant contains lower levels of a sweat-blocking active ingredient, it still scored a perfect score when it came to efficacy; we didn’t feel sticky or sweaty, even after a full day, nor did we smell any odor. Speaking of smell, this option is fragrance-free, a nice choice for those with sensitive skin or who are prone to irritation: Our tester, who has very sensitive skin, said most scented products irritate her skin or don’t work well with their body chemistry. But after using this deodorant, there was zero odor. She also pointed out that even though the roll-on felt moist upon application, which concerned her a bit, it dried clear and without feeling clumpy or leaving behind any residue on skin or clothing.
Price at time of publish: $25
Active Ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine Complex 11.25% | Size: 3.04 oz. | Type: Roll-on | Scent: None
Jessica Juliao
Related: We Tested the Best Eczema Creams of 2023 — These 14 Actually Work
Best Wipes: SweatBlock Antiperspirant Wipes
Pros
One wipe can stop sweat for up to seven days
Wipe format is easy-to-use and convenient for travel
Cons
Even though these are fragrance-free, our tester noticed that there was a bit of a musty scent that emanated during physical exertion
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.
Price at time of publish: $19.99
Active Ingredient: Aluminum Chloride 14% | Size: 10 wipes | Type: Wipes | Scent: None
Tamara Staples
Best Budget: Degree Advanced Antiperspirant Deodorant
Pros
Excelled at preventing both sweat and odor for a full 24 hours
Fresh scent was still noticeable, even after 24 hours
Affordable
Cons
The scent of the product is strong, which may be off-putting to some
This unique antiperspirant-deodorant hybrid is infused with Degree's MotionSense™ technology, which releases a jasmine-rose-fruity fragrance every time you move. Of the formulas we tested, this one claimed to have the longest-lasting effect of offering sweat- and odor-defense for up to 72 hours.
And we were so impressed by these results. Not only were we stink-free, but our underarms also stayed dry the entire time, too. This would be a great product for hard workouts or marathon days. The fact that the scent lasted the entire day was also a plus, as this wasn’t always the case with many of the other deodorants tested. That being said, the fragrance is strong, so something to keep in mind. It also earned perfect marks for not leaving behind any white marks, as well as a great price, given both the quantity and quality of the product.
Price at time of publish: $22.76 for a 4-pack
Active Ingredient: Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate 16% | Size: 2.6 oz. | Type: Stick | Scent: Jasmine, rose, fruit
PEOPLE / Tamara Staples
Best Unscented: Clinique Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-On
Pros
Goes on smoothly and totally clear
Fragrance-free
Dermatologist-tested
Cons
This wasn’t the most effective pick when it came to stopping sweat
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. It 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.
Price at time of publish: $26
Active Ingredient: Aluminum Chlorohydrate | Size: 2.5 oz. | Type: Roll-on | Scent: None
Jessica Juliao
Best Invisible: Harry's Odor & Enhanced Sweat Control, Extra-Strength Antiperspirant
Pros
The fig scent is a unique option when it comes to deodorants
Residue-free
Cons
The scent of the deodorant does dissipate fairly quickly
This option earned a (nearly) perfect score when it came to efficacy; it didn’t entirely block out sweat and body odor but worked well enough that we were still impressed and would highly recommend the product. Our armpits were not nearly as sweaty as they usually are, and they didn’t smell, so this definitely did what it set out to do. It didn’t leave us dying to take a shower, even after a really hot day in New York City. The unique fig scent — described as light and fresh with a bit of sweetness — also earned rave reviews, as did the fact that it applied smoothly, felt cooling, and was completely clear, with no residue, even on a black shirt.
Price at time of publish: $27.78 for a 3-pack
Active Ingredient: Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex GLY 16% | Size: 2.5 oz. | Type: Stick | Scent: Fig
Jessica Juliao
Related: These Are the Most Delicious-Smelling Perfumes for Every Personality
Best for Sensitive Skin: Biotherm Deo Pure Antiperspirant Cream
Pros
Residue-free
Unique applicator helps dispense the perfect amount and ensure it’s rubbed in completely
Contains soothing properties
Cons
It does contain fragrance, which is a potential irritant
Costing over $20, it’s one of the more expensive products we tested
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 perfect 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 perfectly dry after a few minutes of jumping jack, and all we could smell was the faint scent of the deodorant, not any sweat. That did dissipate over the course of the day, although we never felt overly sweaty or gross.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredient: Aluminum Chlorohydrate | Size: 2.53 oz. | Type: Cream | Scent: None
Jessica Juliao
Things to Consider
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 pick, Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid contains a 20% concentration of aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine.
Soothing Ingredients
Many of the aforementioned active ingredients, 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, 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. Though if residue is your main concern, many formulas excel at drying down quickly and clear like Clinique's Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-On. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference.
Scent
Scent is also a matter of personal preference. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for something 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 an option 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.
Jessica Juliao
How We Tested
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 then applied the product according to the manufacturers' instructions and assessed each's consistency, scent, and whether or not it left a residue. 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. 24 hours later, 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”). 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Why does clinical strength deodorant work?
Clinical strength deodorants (which are technically antiperspirants) work because they contain higher levels of the aluminum-based, active ingredients that are found in traditional formulas. These form a plug that blocks the sweat duct to prevent sweat from escaping.
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 beauty writer, editor, and expert who writes for PEOPLE, Real Simple, Brides, Byrdie, and other outlets. To bring you this review, she combed through all of the testing insights from each of the testers who considered the clinical strength deodorants' active ingredients, soothing ingredients, formats, and scents. While researching clinical strength deodorants, we spoke with 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.
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.
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