Sweaty armpits are uncomfortable and embarrassing – but in Singapore’s hot weather, it can happen to anyone! However, not all deodorants can control sweat and body odour. We found the ones that can!  Whether you’re just the type who sweats a lot, or you’re looking for extra-powerful ‘pit protection after a workout or a day outdoors, here are the best deodorants for sweaty armpits in Singapore.

What kind of deodorants can control sweat?

Not all deodorants control sweat. Many of them neutralize body odour by killing bacteria or masking it with a subtle fragrance. You need a deodorant that is also an anti-perspirant.

You still produce sweat even if you use an anti-perspirant. It’s just not able to reach your skin surface skin surface.

Anti-perspirants block the sweat ducts, using ingredients like aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate. Newer formulas may use aluminium zirconium compounds, which are less irritating and ideal for sensitive skin. Sometimes these ingredients are called aluminium salts, or just plain alum.

There are some drugs, like diphemanil methylsulfate, that actually control sweat production. However, these are usually prescribed to people who have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, where they produce excessive sweat.

deodorants for sweaty armpits

What are the different kinds of deodorants that control sweat?

Anti-perspirants (or anti-sweat deodorants) come in roll-ons, sticks, sprays, or powders. If you’re prone to excessive sweat, you can use a combination — a roll-on in the morning, and a spray for a quick touch-up in the middle of the day. Powders are great for intimate areas that are prone to chafing, like the inner thighs. Meanwhile, stick deodorants tend to give the best coverage and more even application.

Why do some anti-perspirants stain clothes?

Your sweat, natural body oils, and the ingredients in anti-perspirants can create a chemical reaction that stains clothes. Stains tend to show up more on natural fibers like cotton and linen, since these are more absorbent.

Some deodorants also prevent yellowing and staining on clothes, which is pretty helpful if you like wearing black or white shirts! However, you can prevent staining by making sure your deodorant is completely dry before you dress up.

What’s the best way to apply anti-perspirant or anti-sweat deodorants?

If you only apply deodorant before you leave the house, you’re already using it wrong. Apply it on dry skin, after a cool shower at bedtime. You produce less sweat at night, so your sweat glands can better absorb the active ingredients. In the morning, you can take another shower and reapply deodorant as needed.

Can natural deodorants control sweat?

Most natural deodorants prevent body odour through sweat-absorbing ingredients like baking powder, and plant extracts that kill bacteria and leave a pleasant smell. While they are good for everyday use in cool conditions, and keep your ‘pits temporarily dry, they may not be able to stop sweating — unless they specifically say they have an anti-perspirant formula! If you prefer natural body care products, just read up on how it controls sweating, and be prepared to reapply more often.

Best Deodorants in Singapore for Sweaty Armpits

1. Twisted Dua Happy Hippie

Beauty Insider winner, Twisted Dua is a handmade collection of premium quality using natural ingredients. Established in 2012, the brand is based in Singapore and founded by Salinah Zailani. They are well known for their line of natural deodorant that is formulated with extra virgin oil, shea butter, plant-based wax, sweet almond oil and more. 

The brand is eco-friendly by using biodegradable and recyclable packaging. Twisted Dua came to be from Salinah Zailani”s creative outlook and interests in DIY which resulted in her creating her own natural deodorant.

Price: $ 16.20

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2. Certain Dri Everyday Strength Clinical Deodorant & Antiperspirant

Buy now: $25.77, Amazon

Even doctors agree that this is one of the best deodorants for sweaty armpits! Its clinical-strength formula includes 20% Aluminum Zirconium Complex, and it’s often recommended as the first line of defense for people with hyperhidrosis. If you sweat a lot, this deodorant is for you!

However, the strong formula can irritate people with sensitive skin. Don’t use immediately after shaving or plucking, and make sure your armpits are completely dry before applying.

3. Zero Sweat Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant

Buy now: $29.99, Amazon

With nearly 3,000 positive Amazon reviews, this is a tried and tested deodorant for very sweaty armpits. It promises to reduce sweat production for up to seven days, and is one of the strongest anti-perspirants you can get without a prescription. It’s FDA-approved and safe to use, and is formulated to prevent yellow stains on your clothes.

It’s a strong deodorant, so apply sparingly — just a few strokes on your arms will do the trick. For minor irritations, try applying a little Vaseline or regular deodorant after it dries to sooth the area.

4. Duradry Prescription Strength Deodorant/Antiperspirant & 3-Step System

Buy now: $84, DesertCart

This is often recommended by dermatologists to people with hyperhidrosis. The complete system includes a roll-on deodorant you use in the morning, an ointment you use in the evening, and a body wash. The products work together to control the most excessive sweating and prevent body odour, too.

5. Arm & Hammer Ultra Max Invisible Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant, Cool Blast

Buy now: $7, Amazon

If you hate or are allergic to fragrances, then reach for this unscented deodorant for sweaty armpits. It uses a patented Advanced Sweat Control Technology that controls sweating for 48 hours, and keeps your ‘pits dry and fresh the whole day. It comes in standard and wide sticks, to get complete protection in just one swipe. Amazon reviews gave it 4.5 stars and praised how it holds up even during very hot summers.

6. Perspirex Comfort Roll On

Buy now: $25, Watsons

This has a special “comfort skincare system” that minimises skin irritation and feels light and fresh. That’s great for people who are using anti-perspirants for the first time, or only need stronger protection occasionally (ex: during exercise, or outdoors). It’s fragrance-free and water-based, and can help limit sweat for 3 days.

7. Lavanila Sport Luxe Vanilla Breeze

Buy now: $17, LookFantastic

If you’re looking for an aluminum-free deodorant for sweaty armpits, then this is one of the few that really does the job. Reviews say that it can keep you dry, thanks to a powerful mix of rosemary, sage, Japanese green tea, and organic baking soda. This formula has been tested under extreme conditions to break down sweat molecules — and the vanilla scent is amazing! It’s made of 100% natural ingredients and has no parabens, sulfates or phthalates. It also won an Allure beauty award!

8. Gillette Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant

Buy now: $16.23, Amazon

Even if this deodorant is supposed to be for men, anyone can use it! It contains 6.25% aluminum chloride (that’s prescription strength!) to prevent sweaty armpits for up to 48 hours. And it doesn’t just cover up BO with its cool wave scent: 10,000 odour-fighting molecules guarantee that you’ll smell as fresh as you did when you stepped out of the shower.

9. Right Guard Xtreme Defense 5 Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel

Buy now: $18.14, Amazon

One of the best deodorants for sweaty armpits, especially if you have sensitive skin! It gives you 72 hours of protection against sweat and body odour, and the mild “fresh blast” scent won’t interfere with your cologne. Amazon reviews gave it 4.5 stars. One woman said, ” “[I’m] a huge sweat-er. This stuff has given me 0 problems also lasts multiple days which is great on 24 to36 hour shifts.”

10. SweatBlock Anti-Perspirant Wipes

Buy now: $46, DesertCart

Freshen up anywhere, anytime! The wipes provide clinical-strength protection, and is often prescribed to people with excessive sweating. Use them at bedtime: dry your armpits with a towel, use the towelettes, and then let your underarms air-dry before putting on any clothes. These work as well as any roll-on or stick deodorant, with the bonus that you can use them on any part of your body that tends to get sweaty: hands, inner thighs, feet, forehead, etc.