When it comes to women’s deodorants more and more companies are releasing Clinical Strength options. With dosage’s of active antiperspirant ingredients that you once could only get with a prescription, you can now buy them quickly and easily at your local drugstore.
Since I typically run pretty warm (hee!), I decided to test two of the major contenders: Dove Clinical Protection and Secret Clinical Strength.
Basically they are both very equal. Both provided excellent protection during hot, humid days spent outside. To chose one, I’d pick the Dove variety since I love the Cool Essentials scent, plus it feels a bit softer under my arms. Sometimes high aluminum deodorants can be “too dry” and cause itchiness. While I didn’t itch with the Secret, it didn’t feel as comfortable all day as the Dove did. Unfortunately, the Dove is a dollar more (boo!). But if you act quickly both are currently Buy One, Get One half off at Drugstore!
Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant is $7.49 on drugstore.com and Dove’s Clinical Protection is $8.49 on drugstore.com
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Ingredients listings below…
Secret Clinical Strength
Active Ingredients: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (20%)
Inactive Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Tribehenin, Peterolatum, Cyclodextrin, C18 36 Acid Triglyceride, Fragrance, PPG 14 Butyl Ether
Dove Clinical Protection
Active Ingredients: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (20%)
Inactive Ingredients: Cyclopentadecanolide, Dimethicone, Microcrystalline Wax, C18 36 Acid Triglyceride, Silica, Fragrance (Parfum), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, BHT
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{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
Most regular deodorants are 19% aluminum, so the major difference in deodorant types is, well, about 4 bucks….. I haven’t had enough improvement with “Clinical Strength” formulas to make it worth it to me
I love the Dove scents too- very fresh and very clean! I truly hate the cost though… but eh, us sweaty humid weather lovers gotta do what we gotta do!
Mo, I swear my body gets immune to deodorants or I change or something. It’ll work fine for a year or 2 (like the 19% versions) and all of a sudden, it’s like I’m wearing nothing. Ew. So I’m stuck with the clinical strengths. Which sucks, cause they are DARN expensive!!!
Fabulous BB! I have been wondering if the new clincial strength products really add up to all the hype. Apparently, my brother in law adores this stuff!
I personally use and enjoy Dove’s basic Cool Essentials (non-clinical) with Cucumber, and can purchase a 4-pack for about $14 at Costco.
I am not sure just how that 1% extra gets the job done better,, but I swear by my Secret Clinical! It works way better than any other anti-persperant I have ever tried!
I have been thinking of giving Dove Clinical a try though just to see how it works.
Hi everyone, i just want you all to know that since i reached puberty at age 13, i have been a HEAVY sweater. When i was about 20 years old, i got dove clinical syrength and i have not seen one spot of sweat on my clothing since. It was truly a miracle for me. I could barely go out in public because i feared people would realize that i had a huge sweating problem. Definitely buy dove deodorant….it truly saved my life
For at least a year, I’ve been mad for the Secret Clinical Strength (haven’t tried the Dove version). Whenever it goes on sale, I stock up. This week, it’s on sale for $7.99 at CVS (with free store loyalty card), and I invested in six! I think I’m set for a while.
While I don’t love the more expensive price, compared to “regular’ deodorants/anti-perspirants, I just don’t have as good of luck with the lesser-priced ones (I keep a couple around, though, in a pinch, an emergency.). The *only* thing I wish were different, would be that it be a true solid, and not practically lotion-like, dispensing from those oblong holes. I definitely get better results with Secret CS, over anything else, even the regular Secret I used for decades.
Ok, I didn’t know my comment would register twice, sorry!
Jami, if possible, please delete the first version — I edited more, after seeing my original comment seemed not to have posted (so said my cell phone!). Thanks!!
ok, i tried the dove clinical protection and it worked pretty well! it was aweesome. until i realized that by the end of the day i smelled like a mixture of deodorant and b.o. i never had this problem with the regular deodorants, but they didnt stop me from sweating. I tried putting both dove clinical protection and a regular deodorant on, but i just ended up sweating a whole lot again. I dont get it. Im thinking about trying a scented secret clinical deodorant, any body have any insight on whether or not i should buy it?
Hey. I’m 12, haven’t started my period yet. But I sweat a LOT! I bought secret clinical strength but, I still was sweating. When it got hot outside, I really started sweating, or when I got nervous, I had to keep my arms down!
So, is the dove any better? And, if the dove is the same, then what can i use?
Hey Samantha, Welcome to Bionic Beauty! I feel your pain on the sweating issue. I am the same way. The Dove will still probably let you sweat. Here are some things to try though:
-If you shower right before applying your deodorant/anti-perspirant, be sure to let your underarms dry fully before applying.
-Try something like Certain Dri. Those are REALLY strong on the non-sweating department. Some people can go a few days without applying even. I always applied mine in the AM and then at night would just use something mild like a standard Dove deodorant with conditioners (look for one of the ones with Olay or something). This will help keep your underarm skin for drying out and getting itchy for the dryness of the Certain Dri. Again, be sure to apply when you underarms are fully dry after showering.
-Wear loser clothing and stay away from those microfiber shirts. Those microfiber shirts don’t breathe well and can cause extra sweating.
-As a last resort, see your doctor. I know there are some prescription strength anti-perspirants they can give you to use. And now there are also injections they put into your sweat glands & pores to help lower the amount of sweat they produce.
But just remember, sweating is normal. You are young, and I know that it’s tough right now. I had the same issues at your age. I still sweat like crazy, but it’s gotten a little better. Remember that it’s actually healthy and it’s your body’s way of detoxing. I know that doesn’t really help, but you are completely normal.
Feel free to write back with any questions, or use the contact form if you want to chat privately. 
Take care,
Jami (aka Bionic Beauty)
I’ve tried certain dri but, i’ll try again. And, I’ll tell you what happens after a week of using it.
I don’t wanna go to the doctor but, eeven the secret clinical strength doesn’t work so, i just hope thhat the certain dri will work. Idk, my life can b so hectic and it’s just so embarrassing cause, when I’m watching a movie I sweat, when i’m nervous or talking to my friends or a guy-i sweat….its like, right now I’m sweating. I hate it cause, all of my friends and family members don’t have this problem…its so embarrassing and, I read that antipersperants are bad for health and clog pores and stuff but, i don’t really have a choice not to wear them…
And, do I have Hyperhidrosis?
Thanks,
Samantha
Hi Samantha, If you try Certain Dri again, be sure to follow the instructions to the letter for best results. As for your sweating, I would really venture to guess that it’s just because of your age and hormones. You are growing and your body is changing. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Anti-perspirants are not necessarily bad for you. Granted you shouldn’t eat them, but do not fall into the trap of the fear-mongering that some websites do. Use what works for you. I also have found that after about a year on a deo/anti-pers, I have to switch regardless. My body must seem to get used to it or something. If you are worried about the health aspects of ingredients and clogging pores, try wearing one of the gentle ones at night time (like Adidas’ Aluminum Free or Tom’s mineral rock ones), and then apply your stronger one in the morning before school. Also, for clogged pores, use your body loofah or poof on your underarms as well. I’m testing a new underarm-specific cleanser called Clarsskin right now actually. It seems to be working great. It makes it easier to shave and my skin “darkness” has cleared up immensely! I’ll be posting a full review soon!
Unfortunately, I’m not a doctor, so I can’t really say if you have Hyperhidrosis or not. If you are worried, talk to your mom. Show her the research you’ve done, our chats on here if you’d like, and schedule a visit to the doctor.
I hope this helps some. Stay calm and remember that you truly are normal. People’s bodies go through all sorts of changes at your age and beyond.
Best,
Jami
Samantha, I understand completely I am just going to tell you one thing!
Go buy Dove Clinical it works it’s amazing it is so strong, and it is so mild that is wont dry you out or make yo itch its clinically proven and dermatologist recommnded.
Go get it right now it really works But YOU HAVE TO PUT IT ON AT NIGHT sounds weird but that is how it works directions on the box you will be so happy forever.
Thank you.
But, I really do hope I stop sweating as much and start sweating like a normal person. Uhm, just one more question….since I’m still sweating, if I don’t stop sweating by the time school starts, what can I do to stop the stink? Cause I shower morning and sometimes at night, and when I go to school towards lunch time at 11:30 i start to smell like sweat and a little deoderant.
And since its middle school, I don’t have time to spray perfume or reapply deoderant cause we aren’t allowed to carry handbags during school hours(i know, stupid) and I don’t have gym this semester so I can’t put anything on during gym.
So what can I do?
Your sweaty friend(lol),
Samantha
Hi there Samantha, My suggestion for school would be to get a doctor’s note. That way you can carry something along with you for the day. Get a mini travel size of deodorant (or look for a free sample online) to stuff in a pocket or something. The school should honor a doctor’s note since they have to do things like that for kids with asthma inhalers, diabetes injections, etc.
I hope the start of the school year goes well for you!!
Stay Bionic,
Jami
hi my name is karen. basically im a very heavy sweater. i have always had a really big problem with sweating but just recently i noticed that my sweating has gotten out of control. like i can have on any type of shirt and honestly 5 mins. later i have a sweat stain. i have actually timed it. i just bought secret cs yesterday and followed directions exactly. i experienced the same amount of sweating that i normally do. my question is how long does it take to see results?
Dear Karen, First off… Welcome to Bionic Beauty! I hope to continue to see you around the blog!
Now for your issue. Which Clinical Strength did you purchase? Can you provide the percentage of active ingredients? If it didn’t work for you the first day, I would maybe give it 3-5 days to see how your body adjusts. Be sure to apply it to dry and clean underarms. You can use it twice a day if you’d like. Once at bedtime and once fresh in the morning.
If the over-the-counter clinical strength varieties don’t work for you, I would suggest trying Certain-Dri which is also at your drugstore. However, if that one doesn’t work, definitely take a trip to your doctor. There are injections they can do these days to help slow down sweat production and even turn off some of the glands. Your doctor might also prescribe a stronger anti-perspirant regimen.
I hope this helps! Keep me in the loop on your progress and findings!
All the best,
Jami (aka Bionic Beauty)
hey … my name is emily and i suffer from hyperhidrosis ! i started sweating a lot since i was 13 ! and now i’m 16 and still suffering from that sweating issue ! i sweat all the times , in the morning , school , at night ! but while sleeping i don’t sweat at all ! so … i can’t go to a doctor because i’m embarrassed with my problem ! oh and i sweat only in the armpits ! i’m confused … what shall i buy : certain dri ? drysol ? dove clinical strength ? secret clinical strength or degree ? which one is the best ? i’ll be grateful if you can help me ! it’s a major problem ! i can’t even talk to people because i’m ashamed ! i can’t buy and t.shirt unless its black or white ! HELP ME ! thanks
Hi Emily,
Thank you for writing to me with your problem. I really do suggest you go to your doctor, since you may not have hyperhydrosis. Usually in teens, it is something else- like hormones or growth changes or even environment or food changes. Your doctor can ask you the proper questions, and even little changes in what you eat could have a HUGE impact.
For going to school, be sure you wash & dry your underarms (make sure they are DRY), then apply your antiperspirant. I would suggest trying Secret Clinical Strength first, but know that every one of us is different and you may have to try it for a few days (give it at least 5 days to see if it works for you). If it doesn’t then try Dove Clinical Strength. Then Certain Dri.
If cost is an issue, talk to your family for help. And also check out Dollar General or other local “dollar” stores since I have found Secret and Dove Clinical Strength there for MUCH CHEAPER!
If these steps don’t help, I really hope you’ll see a doctor. it is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. I’ve been seeing doctor’s constantly for things most people would consider embarrassing since I was younger than you. They have seen it all and are there to help you. If you feel more comfortable, look for a female doctor in your area.
I’m also testing a new product especially designed for heavy sweaters like us. I’ll have a review up soon, so please stay tuned!
Write back with your results. We’re here for you, girl!
Hugs,
Jami (aka Bionic Beauty)
Oh my god… thanks a million for your advice jami , i was really confused but now i’ll do what you advised me to do …. so i bought secret clinical strength before 3 days and today is the fourth day i’m trying it , actually i’m noticing that the amount of sweating is decreased but it didn’t stop , but better than before ! i’ll wait for a couple of days and see what happens ! if it didn’t work out i’ll buy certain dri or dove ! and i think i’ll follow your advice and ask a doctor about my problem , because i really want to put it to an end ! and i really can’t wait for your new product for heavy sweating ! but i want to ask you something , do i have to wash and dry my armpits every time i want to put on the antiperspirant ? or just in the mornings ? and if the sweating stops later , will i suffer from sweating from another areas ? like for example my feet or palms ? i really hope it will work for me … and again thanks A LOT !
Emily….
Hi Emily, I’m glad my advice helped you some! I would guess that no antiperspirant will make you stop sweating all-together (at least I haven’t found that to be the case for me), but you should be able to get it to slow down to a reasonable level.
As for the washing & drying- I mentioned that because from my own experience, everything works better on fresh skin. If you are already sweating and apply more product on top, it usually just seems to make the sweating worse. If you are at school, you could stash a container of those face cleansing wipes in your gym locker/bag for after sports, etc. I keep some in my car for when I’m out & about, then just stow another bottle of your fave antiperspirant in there as well!
The question about sweating in other places is probably best to ask your doctor. I haven’t experienced any increase in other areas when I use my clinical strength products (which I use daily). So for me personally, no. I don’t have an increase other places.
Another thing to pay attention to is your clothing. Clothing with that “lycra” stretchy type weave seems to make it worse because your skin doesn’t breathe and evaporation doesn’t happen. So the sweat just kinda “builds up” (gross I know, but I’m trying to be honest and open here!). Cotton shirts are best for me, but it may be different for you. Something to consider and pay attention to. Maybe some shirts are worse for you… then you can eliminate them from your wardrobe.
Most of all- stay calm. You *are completely* normal!
Cheers,
Jami
I’ve been using Secret Clinical Strength for about a month now and I’m not really that impressed. My problem isn’t so much excess underarm sweating, I just have really stinky pits no matter how many times a day I shower. I’ve tried using the Secret at night and applying in the mornings too, but to no avail. If I get really hot I end up smelling of a combination of deoderant and body odour. I’m thinking of giving Dove a try, but if anyone has any ideas what else I can try the advice would be welcomed!
Nicole
Hi Nicole, First I want to welcome you to commenting here and being a Bionic Beauty! thanks for stopping by and leaving your question.
Here is my first thought on your problem. The Dove and the Secret Clinical Strengths are both geared towards the antiperspirant side of underarms. Since your issue is not really the sweating, you want to look for a strong deodorant. This is where many women get confused. They assume one does both. Yes, one will work for most women, but if you are a heavy sweat person- you need an antiperspirant. If you tend to get a little odor during the day- then you need a deodorant.
I hope this helps explain things a bit! Let me know if you have any more questions!
Best,
~Jami
Hi Jami,
Thanks for you help, I’ve started using a deodorant crystal stick which seems to be doing the trick in terms of odor, however whenever I shave my underarms the deodorant really stings when I apply it. I’ve tried looking for a different deodorant, but all I seem to find are ‘anti-perspirant/deodorant’. How comes everything seems to be a combination? Does anyone know a good deodorant that I could try?
Thanks
Nicole
I also have been sweating alot, since I’m close to being a teen and whatnot, but one day, my sweating got so bad that I couldn’t walk around without hiding myself inside a black hoodie so no one could see my huge pit stains. And now thats been a daily thing.
I’ve tried Dove clinical strength, and it works a little better, but it doesn’t stop me from getting noticeable pit stains. Ive been trying it for about a week now and no change except that my pit stains get a little smaller. I’ve asked my friends about really good antiperspirants and deodorants, but none of them sweat as much as me.
Is there a way to get a better or stronger deodorant/antiperspirants that will help me?
Maybe something with more aluminum stuff since that seems to be what will help. Also I don’t believe that I can get certain dri at my local stores. I have had this problem about 2 years now and im sick and tired of being unable to be comfortable during the day.
Hi Matilda, I would suggest you see your doctor. I know there are some prescription strength anti-perspirants they can give you to use. And now there are also injections they put into your sweat glands & pores to help lower the amount of sweat they produce.
Also, the highest aluminum strength you’ll find “over-the-counter” is 21% which is what’s in Dove, Secret, Suave “Clinical Strength” varieties.
There are some tips up above on clothing and such as well that may help you be a bit more comfortable during the day.
I hope this info helps! And welcome to Bionic Beauty. I hope to see you around in the future.
Best regards,
Jami
Hi, i am 15 and i sweat alot diring the day but normal antipersprants dont work for me. Im considering buying a clinical strength but i would like to know which brand, Dove or Secret, would be best for someone in my situation. In other words, which one is stronger? Also, are there any natural remedies i could use to help me or anything in my diet which could cause excessive sweating?
Thanks, Kate
Hi Kate,
The Aluminum anhydrous strength (that’s the active ingredient in deodorants/antiperspirants) is the same between Clinical Strength brands- 19%. It’s basically going to be figuring out which one will work best for you personally. Dove seems to work a little better for me than the Secret does. However the new Secret Clinical Sport Waterproof also works very well for me. I would suggest picking one of each up when they are on sale and giving each one a trial of one week to see which works better for you.
As for diet, I really can’t provide any guidance there as I am not a nutritionist, however I would think that cutting back on salty foods and drinking lots of water to keep your system flushed would be helpful.
I hope this helps a bit! And good luck!
All my best,
Jami
Hi! I am in my 30′s and have suffered for overactive sweat glands since I have been in my teens. I finally found the best solution for sweating: Mitchum for Women. I like the unscented sensitive skin but it is hard to find. I can’t find it at Wal-Mart. I usually have to go to Rite Aid where they only have one or two. I found it on Amazon by the 6-pack. Try it. It REALLY works!!!
Hi Natalie,
Thank you so much for contributing your experience with the Mitchum for Women. I know one of my family members absolutely adores it! I’ll definitely give it a trial run when I run to the drugstore next (sometime later this week).
First… here’s a BIG welcome to Bionic Beauty!
I wonder if they would have it at the Dollar Stores? I can find the Clinical Strength stuff there sometimes- in particular Dollar General. So maybe I’ll try looking there too. In the meantime, let me know if you spot it anywhere else.
I hope to see you around Bionic Beauty in the future. Don’t be shy… step in and comment whenever you’d like. I love hearing from my readers!
Cheers,
Jami
i sweat a lot. ever since the beginning of sixth grade.it’s really awful ’cause my pit stains are so long. i don’t really have a smell problem like even though my sweat will be almost to my elbows sometimes i smell like the deodorant. i’m very worried because my mom has been suffering from sweaty armpits since she was my age. she tells me to just deal with it but i refuse to. it makes my mad because i never really sweat at home just at school and church.i’ve tried dove clinical strength and i’m on my first day with secret original clinical strength.it actually made me sweat more than my normal lady speed stick 24/7, so did my dove and i tried it for two weeks.i’ve tried so many products that don’t work i just want my problem to stop.what products truly work the best?
Hi Chas, First I’d like to welcome you to Bionic Beauty! Now, on to your issue. The only true thing I can say is that each deodorant/antiperspirant will work differently for each person. Our chemical makeups are different, so each ingredient combo will work a little different for you than it does for me. Unfortunately that means some trial and error. Look for ones containing aluminum anhydrous levels of around 19-20%. That should be the Clinical Strength varieties. Personally, I buy a new version whenever one goes on sale that way I can save money while finding which one works best for me.
Outside of that, I would talk to your primary care doctor or a dermatologist. There are prescription strength medications now for high-perspiration, as well as relatively minor procedures that can be done to help reduce your level of sweating.
I hope this helps you somewhat. Feel free to post back with questions. I’m here to help as much as possible!
Best regards,
Jami
I used to sweat a lot when i started middle school. It was embarrassing because I would have sweat stains on my shirts..so I couldn’t raise my hands because people would see it. It went on to high school and i always had to wear a big sweater to hide the sweat stains. Finally on 2010 I started using certain dri and it worked. I still use it but now i want to know what deodorant is best to reduce underarm odor. It’s not a strong smell but usually when i put on deodorant the scent doesn’t last and it stains my shirts. I need a deodorant that will help me smell fresh and not stain my shirts.
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