Duradry Vs. Drysol For Excessive Sweating: How Do These Antiperspirants Compare?

Excessive sweating can be frustrating and embarrassing. Prescription-strength antiperspirants like Duradry and Drysol aim to control heavy sweating. But what sets these clinical-grade products apart?

This guide examines the pros, cons, features, and differences between Duradry and Drysol to determine which excessive sweating treatment is best.

A Brief Comparison Table

Category	Duradry	Drysol
Active Ingredient	20% Aluminum Chloride	20% Aluminum Chloride
Formula	Water-based lotion	Anhydrous
Application Method	Apply at night	Anytime but mainly night
Duration	Up to 24 hours	Up to 72 hours
Manufacturer	Person & Covey	Bayer Healthcare
Prescription Required?	Yes	Yes
Insurance Coverage	Usually	Usually
Price without Insurance	~$25 per bottle	~$50 per bottle
Skin Irritation	Low	Ultra low

Overview of Duradry

Duradry is an extra-strength antiperspirant lotion requiring a prescription. It contains aluminum chloride hexahydrate as the active ingredient. Here’s an overview of Duradry:

• Prescription-Only – Requires a prescription from your doctor due to potency
• Aluminum Chloride Formula – Contains 20% aluminum chloride for reduced sweating
• Apply at Night – Goes on clean, dry underarms before bed when sweating is lower
• Lasts 24 hours – Controls excessive underarm sweating for up to 24 hours
• Anti-Odor – Reduces underarm odor by limiting sweat
• Water-Based Lotion – Goes on wet but dries quickly and smoothly
• Typically Covered – Many health insurance plans cover Duradry with a prescription
• Low Irritation – Specially formulated for sensitive skin

Overview of Drysol

Like Duradry, Drysol is an extra-strength aluminum chloride antiperspirant requiring a prescription. Key facts about Drysol include:

• Prescription Antiperspirant – Contains 20% aluminum chloride only available by prescription
• Apply Before Bed – Apply at night to dry underarms for all-day results
• Stops Excess Sweating – Can reduce underarm sweat by up to 80%
• Lasting Results – Keeps working for 2-3 days per use
• Fights Odor – Lessens unpleasant odor by reducing sweat
• Anhydrous Formula – Goes on dry, not sticky
• Typically Covered – Health insurance or FSA/HSA accounts often cover Drysol
• Low Irritation – Specially designed to not further irritate skin

Also Read: Comparison Between Curie And Native

Key Differences Between Duradry and Drysol

1. Active Ingredient:

While both Duradry and Drysol utilize 20% aluminum chloride, which is recognized as a potent active ingredient for sweat reduction, they may have variations in their secondary ingredients.

These can influence the product’s overall effectiveness, feel on the skin, or even scent. It’s essential to check the complete list of ingredients, especially if someone has specific skin sensitivities or allergies.

2. Application Method:

Duradry offers a water-based lotion consistency, which could mean it feels lighter on the skin and may be more comfortable for daily wear.

In contrast, Drysol’s anhydrous formula does not contain water, potentially providing a more concentrated application. Users might prefer one over the other based on their comfort and skin’s reaction to each formula.

3. Application Timing:

Duradry emphasizes nighttime application, a period when the body’s sweat production is at its lowest, ensuring optimal absorption.

Drysol provides more flexibility in this regard, allowing users to apply it as their routine demands. However, for best results with any strong antiperspirant, nighttime application is generally recommended.

4. Duration:

Duration speaks to the longevity of the product’s efficacy. Drysol takes the lead by promising up to 72-hour protection from excessive sweating.

Meanwhile, Duradry ensures effectiveness for up to 24 hours. Depending on an individual’s level of perspiration and activity, one might be more suitable than the other.

5. Irritation:

Given their strong active ingredients, there’s always a concern about skin irritation. Drysol prominently advertises an ultra low-irritation formula.

Duradry, on the other hand, while designed for sensitive skin, doesn’t emphasize this aspect as strongly. Anyone with highly sensitive skin should proceed with caution and perhaps do a patch test with both products.

6. Manufacturer:

Behind every product is the reputation and trustworthiness of its manufacturer. Duradry is a creation of Person & Covey, known for dermatological products.

On the other hand, Drysol comes from the pharmaceutical giant Bayer Healthcare, lending it a significant degree of trust due to Bayer’s longstanding reputation in healthcare.

7. Price:

Budget considerations are always essential. Generally speaking, Duradry is priced slightly lower than Drysol. However, prices can vary based on the retailer, location, and any ongoing promotions.

When making a purchase decision, it might be worthwhile to consider long-term usage and potential bulk purchase savings.

Watch This Review Video:

Pros and Cons of Duradry

Some potential advantages and disadvantages of Duradry:

Pros:

• Requires simple prescription from any doctor
• Reduces sweating for a full 24 hours
• Limits odor-causing sweat and bacteria
• Water-based lotion formula glides on smoothly
• Specifically formulated for sensitive skin
• Lower cost than competing extra-strength antiperspirants

Cons:

• Can be drying if applies too frequently
• Takes time to get prescription and have shipped
• Not meant for daytime application
• May still irritate sensitive skin despite claims
• Results vary significantly between individuals

Also Read: Comparison Between SweatBlock And Certain DRI

Pros and Cons of Drysol

Here are some key benefits and downsides associated with Drysol:

Pros:

• Prescription-only formula with maximum strength
• Stops excessive sweating for 2-3 days per use
• Reduces underarm sweat by up to 80%
• Anhydrous formula goes on dry without sticking
• Lowest irritation rate of prescription antiperspirants
• Coverage through insurance likely with prescription

Cons:

• Very drying, requires only nightly application
• Can be painful if applied on irritated skin
• Expensive without insurance, around $50 per bottle
• Takes time to get and ship with prescription
• Not designed for daytime application

Cost Comparison of Duradry Vs. Drysol

The typical costs of Duradry and Drysol are:

• Duradry: Approximately $25 per 2 oz bottle without insurance. With prescription insurance coverage, cost is usually between $0-$15.
• Drysol: Around $50 per 2.5 oz bottle without insurance. Out-of-pocket cost is $15-$30 with prescription insurance.

For excessive sweating treatments not covered by insurance, Duradry is the more budget-friendly option. But with prescription coverage factored in, they end up costing approximately the same.

Which is Better: Duradry or Drysol?

There is no consensus on whether Duradry or Drysol is the superior excessive sweating treatment. Choosing the best option depends on your specific needs:

• Duradry is the cheaper choice without insurance.
• Drysol lasts longer (72 hours Vs.. 24 hours) between applications.
• Drysol may be better for controlling extreme, debilitating sweating.
• Duradry’s lotion formula causes less dryness than Drysol’s anhydrous formula.
• Both require prescription and trial-and-error to see which works better for you.

Consult your dermatologist for professional guidance on whether Duradry or Drysol is recommended for your sweating issues. Most doctors will prescribe one to try first and adjust the treatment as needed.

Also Read: Comparison Between Primally Pure And Beautycounter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Bottom Line

Duradry and Drysol are both proven prescription-strength treatments for excessive sweating. Duradry offers a more affordable option while Drysol provides longer-lasting results per use. Most doctors recommend starting with Duradry and increasing potency to Drysol if needed. Combine either prescription antiperspirant with lifestyle adjustments for the best control of excessive sweating.