The best antiperspirants in the UK 2023

Do you suffer from moderate to excessive underarm or foot perspiration? Have you been looking for an antiperspirant solution that really works? This guide brings together the best antiperspirants available on the market today. You will also find everything you need to know about this product that effectively fights excessive perspiration and bad odors.

Dove Original Spray (Pack of 6) 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Dove Original Spray (Pack of 6)

Best antiperspirant in 2021

The spray version of Dove Original Antiperspirant is a classic that has already proven its effectiveness. It contains the famous moisturizing formula that cares for the skin and improves its appearance.

9,74 £ on Amazon

Presented in spray form, this Dove Original antiperspirant guarantees intense freshness for 48 hours. Dove Original Anti-Perspirant combines effective protection against perspiration and odor with a delicate, long-lasting fragrance. It contains ¼ of a moisturizer to keep your underarms beautifully soft and smooth, especially after a shave.

It's also an antiperspirant in an alcohol-free spray form that helps reduce skin irritation. This antiperspirant sprays on effortlessly for quick and easy application. Dove Original has been dermatologically tested and offers the ultimate combination of protection and skin care. Here you have a pack of 6 sprays of 100 ml each. You'll be protected for a long time!

Rexona Men Intense Sport 2
7/10

Best entry-level

Rexona Men Intense Sport

Best entry-level antiperspirant

Rexona Men Intense Sport offers advanced, long-lasting protection against perspiration and unpleasant odors. The formula is gentle enough for daily use.

3,15 £ on Amazon

Thanks to its unique formula, Rexona Men Intense Sport is three times more powerful than a regular antiperspirant, even four days after application. Its long-lasting fragrance, unique stain-reducing properties and anti-bacterial protection make it the antiperspirant of choice for men, and athletes in particular.

This product comes in a 45ml stick that is dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types. This antiperspirant contains a clean, masculine scent with moisturizing ingredients. And thanks to Rexona's Motionsense™ technology, the more you move, the more effective the active ingredients will be.

ETIAXIL De-transpirant 3
9/10

Best high-end

ETIAXIL De-transpirant

Best high-end antiperspirant

Specially formulated to treat excessive perspiration, ETIAXIL antiperspirant guarantees nearly a week of protection with a single application.

10,35 £ on 1001pharmacies

The ETIAXIL Detranspirant is specially designed to regulate perspiration without blocking this natural phenomenon. Moreover, its formula prevents the formation of bad body odors. Indeed, this antiperspirant signed Etiaxil contains aluminium chloride combined with alcohol, allowing an optimized antiperspirant action and an antibacterial protection. This association thus also contributes to the prevention of the bad smells.

Once applied, normal washing will not weaken the effectiveness of ETIAXIL antiperspirant roll-on. The product is odorless and can be safely complemented with a body spray or perfume. Specially designed for the underarms, this product acts directly on the sweat glands and regulates perspiration. The glands are thus treated, they only "fall asleep" and remain intact.

Rexona Confidence 4
8/10

Excellent for women

Rexona Confidence

Best antiperspirant for women

Confidence by Rexona is a deodorant with excellent antiperspirant capabilities. Presented in stick form, this product effectively protects you from perspiration and unpleasant odors.

2,61 £ on Amazon

Confidence deodorant/anti-perspirant by Rexona perfectly absorbs perspiration and neutralizes unpleasant odors. It will leave you feeling fresh and clean every day. What sets this product apart is that it is three times more effective at regulating excessive perspiration. It provides long-lasting protection, leaves no trace on clothes and is dermatologically tested.

For best results, apply the stick to clean, dry underarms. You can repeat the application at any time of the day. It's worth noting that Confidence deodorant/antiperspirant features the innovative TRIsolid™ formulation and offers you Rexona's most advanced protection against perspiration and odor.

Steripan Footcare 5
8/10

Excellent for feet

Steripan Footcare

Best antiperspirant for feet

If you suffer from excessive perspiration in your feet, with or without bad odors, Steripan Footcare is the perfect product to remedy this.

8,64 £ on Amazon

Enriched with a recognized antibacterial agent, this Steripan Footcare antiperspirant foot spray has been designed to limit the proliferation of micro-organisms responsible for unpleasant odors. Its invigorating fragrance provides a sensation of freshness and cleanliness. This spray contains a triple action formula containing powder of bamboo. The formulation aims to regulate the flow of perspiration while eliminating bad odors.

This spray has a volume of 150 ml and guarantees an effectiveness of 24 hours. It is easy to use, does not cause any irritation and has a fresh and flowery scent. Your feet smell instantly fresh, but the spray also leaves a white trace. The reason is that the spray looks more like powdered water than a real spray.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best antiperspirant

Any specific needs?

Best antiperspirant in 2021

Best entry-level antiperspirant

Best high-end antiperspirant

Best antiperspirant for women

Best antiperspirant for feet

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best antiperspirants

The best It's cheap High end For women For feet
Dove Original Spray (Pack of 6) 6
9/10
Rexona Men Intense Sport 7
7/10
ETIAXIL De-transpirant 8
9/10
Rexona Confidence 9
8/10
Steripan Footcare 10
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Dove Original Spray (Pack of 6)
Rexona Men Intense Sport
ETIAXIL De-transpirant
Rexona Confidence
Steripan Footcare
The spray version of Dove Original Antiperspirant is a classic that has already proven its effectiveness. It contains the famous moisturizing formula that cares for the skin and improves its appearance.
Rexona Men Intense Sport offers advanced, long-lasting protection against perspiration and unpleasant odors. The formula is gentle enough for daily use.
Specially formulated to treat excessive perspiration, ETIAXIL antiperspirant guarantees nearly a week of protection with a single application.
Confidence by Rexona is a deodorant with excellent antiperspirant capabilities. Presented in stick form, this product effectively protects you from perspiration and unpleasant odors.
If you suffer from excessive perspiration in your feet, with or without bad odors, Steripan Footcare is the perfect product to remedy this.
Format
Spray
Stick
Roll-on
Stick
Spray
Volume
100 ml (compressed)
45 ml
15 ml
45 ml
150 ml
Lasting antiperspirant effectiveness
2 days
4 days
5 days
4 days
24 hours
Target user
Men and women
Man
Men and women
Women
Men and women
Main ingredients
Dove moisturizing formula enriched with vitamins E and F
TRIsolid™
Aluminum chloride + alcohol
TRIsolid™
Bamboo powder

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Buying guide - antiperspirant

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How to choose your antiperspirant

There are several things to consider when buying your antiperspirant. You can't go in blindly, because the wrong choice can have serious consequences on your well-being and your health in general. Moreover, it will be money lost. Here are the criteria to take into account when buying an antiperspirant.

#1 - Type of antiperspirant

When it comes to antiperspirants, it's like deodorants, there are products in spray, stick and roll-on form. All of them work well, although the principle of antiperspirants is to be applied directly on the skin, not on the hair that covers it. So, normally, you have to decide which method will access the skin's pores directly.

Generally, most people like spray, but sticks and roll-ons also work very well.

#2 - Skin sensitivities

Antiperspirant is usually applied to a very delicate area of the skin, namely the armpits, although there are also antiperspirants for the feet. The skin of the armpit is very thin and will be very sensitive to more ingredients than other parts of the body. And so you have to be very careful about what products you put on it.

Some people may have major reactions to petrochemical ingredients, while others may not tolerate essential oils and baking soda. The most important thing is to know what types of ingredients can cause particular irritations and avoid them at all costs.

#3 - Ingredients

The best antiperspirants are those that contain aluminum salts, including aluminum zirconium and aluminum sesquichlorohydrate. These salts block sweat ducts at a more superficial level compared to other actives and produce less hydrochloric acid.

Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate has recently been used in some antiperspirants. These aluminum salts are particularly suitable for sensitive skin. So if this is your case, look carefully at the ingredients list and see if the antiperspirant you are interested in contains aluminum sesquichlorohydrate.

#4 - Scented or unscented

Some "unscented" antiperspirants still react with body chemistry to produce a slight odor that may not be appealing. On the other hand, scented products may conflict with perfumes, or they may simply not suit your body chemistry. Also, scented antiperspirants do not smell good on everyone.

Most people have a general knowledge of the scents they prefer, so choosing something similar will probably work for your scented antiperspirant too. But most antiperspirants are odorless. That's because their main job is to stop sweating, not to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

#5 - Antiperspirant strength

Antiperspirants come in a variety of strengths and it's important to understand what that really means. Typically, brands have one option with regular strength and another with clinical strength.

The regular strength antiperspirants may contain a different active ingredient than the clinical strength version, or it may have the same active ingredient but in a smaller dose. There is also a significant price difference between the two. For example, Dove has a regular strength antiperspirant (Advanced Care) that contains 15.2% Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly as the active ingredient, while its clinical strength version contains 20%.

Are antiperspirants harmful to your health?

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For many years, there have been numerous rumors about the health risks associated with antiperspirants and deodorants, including that they could lead to breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Many of these concerns have been linked to the presence of aluminum in antiperspirants. However, research has not determined a clear link.

The myth that breast cancer (which also occurs in men, although more rarely than in women) is linked to deodorant use has been widely circulated. However, many researchers have determined that there is no evidence to conclude that these products cause breast cancer.

Paraben

Paraben is one of the ingredients found in some antiperspirants that has raised concerns. However, studies have shown no direct link between parabens and health problems, including breast cancer. Scientists have also not found convincing evidence to link antiperspirants or deodorants to Alzheimer's disease. However, research in these areas is ongoing. For this reason, some consumers are still being very cautious.

Aluminum salts

As mentioned above, the aluminum in antiperspirants can act as irritants for some people. Especially if you shave your underarms, this area of the skin can be particularly sensitive. If you have particularly dry or sensitive skin, read the ingredient list of the product you choose carefully. The main active ingredient may also be the key. Some people react badly to aluminum chloride, others to aluminum zirconium, and still others have had adverse reactions to "organic" ingredients. The method of application may also contribute to irritation.

You may sometimes hear that the body develops resistance to antiperspirants over time, although the scientific evidence for this is minimal and inconclusive. It is possible, however, that some bodies develop compensatory hyperhidrosis due to blocked sweat glands; this has been observed in people who have undergone surgeries to stop sweating in their arms and hands, who would experience increased sweating in other areas, such as the feet or groin, after surgery.

The different types of antiperspirants

Not all antiperspirants are alike, and that's good. We all have different needs and each type of antiperspirant works differently. Once you know the basic differences between each type of antiperspirant, choosing the best product will be a breeze.

Anti-perspirant spray

Antiperspirant sprays are very popular with both men and women, and this is because of their quick application method. Also, spray antiperspirants dry quickly compared to sticks or roll-ons. The reason is that spray deodorants have a gaseous or liquid composition that makes them dry quite quickly.

The nice thing about spray antiperspirants is that they are fun and easy to apply. All you need to do to apply an antiperspirant spray is to uncap it and spray it on your underarms or feet from at least 15 cm away.

Advantages: Antiperspirant sprays are fairly quick to apply. Moreover, you do not have to wait long for them to dry. In general, the composition of antiperspirant sprays means that they leave no visible traces on your clothes. The spray format is also very practical for application on the feet.

Disadvantages: Because spray antiperspirants contain flammable ingredients, they are often not allowed on airplanes, making it difficult to transport. Some antiperspirant sprays can also irritate your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you should be careful when choosing one.

Who is it for? Antiperspirant sprays are suitable for everyone, men and women. On the other hand, people with sensitive skin should be very careful when choosing their product.

Anti-perspirant stick

Stick or stick antiperspirants are popular because of their portability and discreet application. Stick antiperspirants are available in solid or gel form. Gels "roll on" through the holes in the applicator and are much wetter than solids, resulting in longer drying times. Of course, stick solids take very little time to dry.

Advantages: The first advantage with stick antiperspirants is that the coverage is controllable. You can apply as little or as much as you need. It is also discreet. You can easily apply it imperceptibly if others are present.

Disadvantages: Even though the formulas used for stick antiperspirants are not very harsh, the product can block pores over time if you are in the habit of applying too much each time.

Who is it for? Anti-perspirant sticks are allowed in hand luggage on airplanes. This makes them perfect for people who travel a lot, including professional athletes.

Anti-perspirant roll-on

Some of you may think that roll-on or roll-on antiperspirants and stick antiperspirants are the same. Well, you're not entirely wrong. Both are used in almost the same way. Plus, even roll-on antiperspirants have a solid or liquid gel formula to keep you from sweating.

To apply a roll-on antiperspirant, you rub or roll it on your clean, dry underarms. The application method is simple, and you can apply them with the utmost discretion without anyone knowing.

Benefits: Roll-on antiperspirants are just as easy to apply as stick-on products. They generally offer good odor protection. But the best thing about roll-on antiperspirants is that they are gentle on the skin and will not cause itching or burning when applied. Plus, their compact size makes them easy to carry around.

Disadvantages: Because they are liquid, they can be cold and wet when first applied. Liquid gel-based roll-on antiperspirants may take a little longer to dry, so you'll have to wait a bit before getting dressed.

Who is it for? Unlike spray antiperspirants, roll-on models work best in most weather conditions. This makes them ideal for athletes and those who like to hike or camp and want to have an effective antiperspirant on hand.

Deodorant or antiperspirant

Deodorant

Deodorants are formulated to eliminate underarm odor but not perspiration. They are usually alcohol-based. When applied, they make your skin acidic, making it less attractive to bacteria. This is because deodorant works by using ingredients such as antimicrobials and alcohol to kill bacteria and contains fragrances to mask any remaining odors.

But the real reason bacteria are so likely to proliferate in the underarms is that there are a considerable number of sweat glands in this part of the body. As a result, the underarm area is a great environment for bacteria to thrive: moist, warm and full of lipids from the body's natural oils.

It is these bacteria that give off that bad body odor, and that is why the main task of a deodorant is to eliminate the bacteria.

Anti-perspirant

Many people think that deodorant and antiperspirant are the same thing, that all deodorants have antiperspirant properties, that antiperspirants automatically eliminate odor, but this is simply not true.

Antiperspirants contain mainly chemical agents that cause a reaction designed to control moisture, while the main purpose of a deodorant is to kill bacteria and control odor. So when it comes to antiperspirants, it's a different story.

Antiperspirants use active ingredients that block the sweat glands and prevent them from coming out. In every antiperspirant, these active agents are in the form of aluminum compounds and can be any combination of the following: aluminum chloride, aluminum glycine and zirconium, aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum hydroxy bromide, among others.

Verdict

The choice between a deodorant or an antiperspirant will depend on your main concern. If it's just a matter of eliminating body odor, any deodorant will do. On the other hand, if you sweat a lot, opt for an antiperspirant or at least an antiperspirant deodorant.

If you manage excessive sweating, a clinical antiperspirant with 15% aluminum chloride is still the most powerful protection you can get without a prescription.

5 advantages of antiperspirants

Dramatically reduce sweat production

An antiperspirant can help reduce the amount of sweat our bodies produce, which means our underarms will be drier longer. Antiperspirant is not just for underarms. Antiperspirant is versatile and can sometimes be used on other areas of our body such as our feet, hands, back and chest.

Some antiperspirants reduce the size of pores, but do not clog them

Some antiperspirants contain natural plant extracts (instead of aluminum salts) to provide an astringent effect by reducing pore size, rather than clogging them. This keeps your underarms healthy and fresh every day.

Are gentle on the skin

The best antiperspirants smell great. In fact, you can often hear the name "antiperspirant deodorant". That is, this product not only prevents sweating, but also fights unpleasant odors.

Provides freshness throughout the day

The best antiperspirants are beautifully scented, and you'll find a scent that suits your mood among the plethora of offerings from different brands. Indeed, every season new scents come out of the manufacturing units to attract or retain customers. There are also odorless antiperspirants. Moreover, they are available in several types of roll-on or spray and you have compact formats. This allows you to carry them on your travels, trips or missions, without any problem.

Work great at night

If you apply an antiperspirant at night, it turns out that it is more effective at keeping you dry the next day. A study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that if you apply an antiperspirant at night, when your body naturally sweats less, it improves the conditions for the active ingredients to penetrate the sweat glands.

Treat hyper-perspiration

Some antiperspirants are medical devices that help those who sweat excessively and have not had successful results with conventional models. They are used like a medicine and are available in pharmacies. Its use can be followed by a specialist for better results.

The best brands of antiperspirants

In our opinion, the best brands of antiperspirants in 2022 are :

Dove
Rexona
syNeo
Steripan
Purax

When it comes to providing intense antiperspirant protection for men and women with sensitive skin, Dove is among the best, especially when it comes to value for money. Its unique clinical strength antiperspirant formula, which is present in all of these antiperspirants, fights perspiration, protects against odor and protects sensitive skin. Dove products are known to be fragrance-free, dye-free, preservative-free and gluten-free.

In recent years, Dove has manufactured a variety of products that are capable of eliminating odor and perspiration. In addition to being gentle on your skin, Rexona products are probably the best at perfectly combining deodorant and antiperspirant. The brand uses a long-lasting formula to prevent sweating and odor, and a built-in moisturizer to prevent irritation.

This home and skin care specialist is known for offering skin-friendly products. In particular, the brand offers a range of effective antiperspirants, using a judicious combination of high-quality raw materials that protect the skin from irritation. SyNeo products are relatively expensive.

Created 30 years ago, the Steripan brand offers products designed for the whole family. First aid, hygiene, foot care or body insecticides, you will find a wide range of useful daily care. The brand makes it a point of honor to develop antiperspirants for feet that are respectful of all skin types and dermatologically tested. The formulas used are natural and safe.

Purax is a company specialized in the manufacture of antiperspirant products, strong and powerful. Its catalog includes antiperspirants in the form of pads, sprays, roll-on, cream, and even in the form of shower gel. Purax products are above all unisex, high-end products.

What is the price for an antiperspirant

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
3 £ to 10 £
Mid-range
10 £ to 16 £
High-end
more than 16 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Apply antiperspirant directly to the skin

Technically, it's possible to apply antiperspirant to clothing, but it won't do any good. Since the antiperspirant works by reducing the amount of sweat you produce, it won't be able to do that if the product isn't in direct contact with your skin.

For sensitive skin, choose the right time to apply antiperspirant

If antiperspirants have ever caused you a rash, avoid applying them right after showering or shaving. That's when they're most likely to irritate the skin. Also, avoid applying antiperspirant more than twice a day.

Use underarm antiperspirant only on the underarms

It is recommended that underarm antiperspirants be used only on this area of the body. Only prescription antiperspirant solutions may be applied elsewhere, as per individual prescription.

Tip to avoid stains after using antiperspirant

First, it is important to apply the antiperspirant, in any form, to completely dry skin. Don't apply too much! A few passes of a roll-on or a 2-3 second spray with a spray is enough. Wait until the antiperspirant is completely dry before getting dressed. If you notice that your clothes have white marks or stains when you take them off, it may be a sign that you've used too much antiperspirant.

Apply a thin layer of antiperspirant to your skin

Putting on too much won't make your antiperspirant more effective. A thin layer is more than enough. Apply antiperspirant to your armpits and anywhere you sweat heavily, but avoid all areas of the body with a mucous membrane such as the mouth, eyes and genitals.

FAQ

How do antiperspirants work?

Antiperspirants contain active ingredients (usually aluminum salts), which dissolve in the moisture of your skin. This forms a gel that reduces the amount of sweat you release. Antiperspirants also contain substances called antimicrobials, which work to kill the bacteria that cause body odor, helping you stay fresh longer.

When should you apply an antiperspirant?

Antiperspirants work best when applied to clean skin that is not already sweating. Thus, many people get the best results with an antiperspirant when applied at night, before going to bed, because the sweat glands are least active during sleep, and the product will be able to block the pores with maximum effectiveness. You can reapply in the morning for extra coverage, or just use a deodorant.

What antiperspirant should you choose if you have sensitive skin?

Some people find that they are sensitive to antiperspirants, especially under the arms, which can lead to irritation or a rash. If this is your case, you'll want to check the active ingredients carefully before purchasing and favor aluminum-based and alcohol-free products. You'll also want to avoid scented antiperspirants.

Can you use an antiperspirant and a deodorant together?

On paper, the answer is yes; although it's not always necessary. When used correctly, either product will keep you dry and feeling fresh all day. In fact, many products combine the key features of deodorant and antiperspirant to give you the benefits of both. In any case, if you find you're sweating excessively, you can use an antiperspirant(which can be fragrance-free) to fight perspiration and then a deodorant to help prevent unwanted odor.

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Dove Original Spray (Pack of 6) 11
Dove Original Spray (Pack of 6)
Rexona Men Intense Sport 12
Rexona Men Intense Sport
ETIAXIL De-transpirant 13
ETIAXIL De-transpirant
Rexona Confidence 14
Rexona Confidence
Steripan Footcare 15
Steripan Footcare

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