The Best Deodorant To Use To Prevent Wet Underarms

No one likes being a sweaty, smelly mess. If you have excessively sweaty underarms, don't just put up with it; find a deodorant powerful enough to knock out that sweat, and keep you dry and fresh. If you're a little unsure which types work best to block sweat, don't worry.

Stop sweat with the right deodorant. (Image: Branislav Ostojic/Hemera/Getty Images)

Antiperspirant

Choose a deodorant with antiperspirant. Regular deodorants block odor but they don't reduce sweating. Antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that block sweat. Solid, gel and roll-on versions all work as long as they contain antiperspirant. Many deodorants don't come with antiperspirant, so read the label to be sure you're getting the right one.

Clinical-Strength Antiperspirant

Clinical-strength deodorants contain higher percentages of aluminum chloride -- the active ingredient in antiperspirants. For those who sweat heavily, this is the best option. If you're a light sweater, clinical-strength antiperspirants aren't as necessary. Those with sensitive skin might actually react badly to antiperspirant, so only opt for clinical-strength formulas if necessary.

Prescription Strength

If you have hyperhydrosis -- meaning you sweat four to five times more than the average person, a prescription-strength antiperspirant, which contains up to 25-percent aluminum chloride, might do the trick. Your doctor can also recommend other sweat-stopping measures such as underarm laser hair removal or Botox injections under the arms. Both techniques have been shown to stop sweat. If you don't want to go such a drastic route, take a cold shower, as it will help to lower your body temperature and stop sweat.

When To Apply

Studies have shown applying your deodorant at night is more effective than in the morning. At night you sweat less, which means your more of your antiperspirant is absorbed into your pores, blocking perspiration. Reapply in the morning if you like; but don't worry about a shower washing off your antiperspirant, as your body will have already absorbed it so you'll be good to go.