antiperspirants

Antiperspirants are topical products designed to reduce underarm sweating by temporarily blocking the sweat glands with aluminum-based compounds. They are commonly sold in sticks, roll-ons, sprays, and gels, and are frequently paired with deodorants.

Most antiperspirants use aluminum salts such as aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum chlorohydrate complexes, or aluminum zirconium compounds. On application, these substances interact with the sweat ducts to form a temporary plug that reduces water loss from eccrine glands.

Antiperspirants differ from deodorants, which aim to mask or reduce odor rather than sweating. Safety assessments consider aluminum-based actives safe for typical consumer use; potential side effects include skin irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. They should be avoided on broken skin or right after shaving.

In many regions, antiperspirants are regulated as over-the-counter drugs and may carry usage instructions, such as applying at night or allowing products to dry before dressing. Evidence does not support a clear link between aluminum-containing antiperspirants and Alzheimer's disease or cancer when used as directed.