Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a real problem that affects millions of people. While sweating is a normal bodily function needed to regulate temperature, excessive sweating can dampen clothing, cause embarrassment, and interfere with daily activities.
If you suffer from excessive sweating, products like Duradry and SweatBlock offer potential solutions to gain more control over perspiration.
But how do you know which one is right for your needs? Here’s an in-depth comparison of Duradry and SweatBlock to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Duradry | SweatBlock |
| Active Ingredient | 20% aluminum chloride | 15% aluminum chloride |
| Formulation | Prescription-strength | Over-the-counter |
| Application | Pads for underarms, hands, feet | Pads for underarms & hands, wipes for all areas |
| Usage | Apply at night before bed | Can apply morning or night |
| Duration | Up to 7 days per use | 3-7 days per use |
| Cost | $50-60 for 1 month supply | $30 for 1 month supply |
| Skin Irritation | Higher irritation potential | Lower irritation potential |
| Convenience | Requires prescription | Available without prescription |
| Sweat Reduction Power | Maximum strength reduction | Moderate reduction |
| Key Benefit | Longest lasting sweat protection | More affordable, flexible application |
Overview of Duradry and SweatBlock
Duradry and SweatBlock are antiperspirants that use aluminum salts to temporarily plug sweat glands and reduce excessive sweating. Both are applied to clean, dry skin and work by forming a plug that blocks sweat from coming out of pores. While the active ingredient is essentially the same, there are some key differences between the two products:
Duradry
- Comes as pre-filled applicator pads for underarms, hands, and feet
- Lasts for up to 7 days per application
- Formulated with 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate
- Applied at night for best results
- Prescription-strength formula
SweatBlock
- Comes as wipes for all areas or clinical strength pads for underarms & hands
- Lasts for up to 7 days per application
- Contains 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate
- Can be applied in morning or evening
- Available over-the-counter
Now let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of each antiperspirant wipe and pad to help you decide which is better for your excessive sweating.
Also Read: Comparison Between Duradry and Drysol
Duradry Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stronger and longer-lasting: With 20% aluminum chloride, Duradry provides prescription-level sweat reduction that lasts up to 7 days per use. This can provide a significant improvement for those with severe hyperhidrosis.
- Specialized pads: Duradry comes in pads designed for underarms, hands, and feet – the most troublesome areas prone to excessive sweating. The underarm pads in particular provide full coverage.
- Works well for nighttime use: Applying before bed allows Duradry to fully plug sweat glands overnight for all-day sweat protection. This can be more convenient than having to apply antiperspirant in the morning.
- Clinical testing: Duradry pads have undergone clinical testing to prove their effectiveness at reducing sweating and improving quality of life. In a trial of over 200 patients, over 75% saw a significant reduction in underarm sweat after 1 week of use.
Cons
- Prescription-only: Since it contains a higher level of aluminum chloride, Duradry requires a prescription from your doctor. This adds time and cost compared to over-the-counter options.
- Can be drying: The 20% aluminum chloride formula makes Duradry very effective but also fairly drying. Some users report skin irritation, itching, or flaking with frequent use. Moisturizing after application can help.
- Difficult removal: Duradry bonds tightly to skin, making it somewhat difficult to wash off. An exfoliating washcloth helps remove excess residue.
- Higher cost: Requiring a prescription, Duradry is one of the more expensive sweat-control options at $50-60 for a 1 month supply. It may not be covered by all insurance plans.
Overall, Duradry provides some of the strongest and longest-lasting sweat reduction you can get in an antiperspirant pad. The prescription-level 20% aluminum chloride blocks excessive sweating for up to a week with just one application. Just be prepared for potential skin drying and the hassle of getting a prescription.
SweatBlock Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Over-the-counter convenience: Since it contains 15% aluminum chloride, SweatBlock can be purchased easily online or in stores without a prescription. The pads are also FDA-registered.
- Lower irritation potential: With a lower aluminum chloride concentration, SweatBlock causes less irritation and skin discomfort for most users. It can be applied after shaving with minimal stinging.
- Works for day or night use: SweatBlock can be applied in the morning or evening as part of your daily routine. No need to remember a before bed application.
- Wipes for all areas: In addition to clinical underarm pads, SweatBlock offers wipes that can be used on hands, feet, back, chest, and other sweat-prone areas. This provides more flexibility.
- Lower cost: Available over-the-counter, SweatBlock costs less than prescription options at $30 for a 1 month supply. The wipes also offer more applications per package than pads.
Cons
- Shorter duration: SweatBlock maintains effectiveness for 3-7 days, but some users report the sweat protection lasting closer to 3-4 days rather than a full week per use.
- Less powerful: The 15% aluminum chloride doesn’t plug sweat glands as strongly or for as long as the 20% prescription antiperspirants. SweatBlock may not be enough for severe hyperhidrosis.
- Can stain clothes: Unlike Duradry, SweatBlock does not fully dry and can rub off on clothing, especially black fabrics. Allowing it to dry fully reduces this issue.
- Not for feet: SweatBlock wipes and pads are only formulated for use on hands and underarms. Those who sweat excessively from their feet need a specialty foot product.
For an over-the-counter solution, SweatBlock performs well at controlling excessive sweating for several days at a time. It offers decent sweat protection with less skin irritation compared to stronger prescription formulas. Just know the duration of effectiveness and power is a bit lower.
Also watch this review video:
Duradry vs. SweatBlock: Which Should You Choose?
When choosing between Duradry and SweatBlock antiperspirant pads and wipes, it mainly comes down to a few key factors:
- Severity of sweating – For severe hyperhidrosis, Duradry’s prescription strength 20% aluminum chloride has the best chance of significantly reducing excessive sweat. Those with milder sweating may find SweatBlock effective enough.
- Skin sensitivity – Duradry’s stronger formula also has more potential for irritation, itching, burning, and flaking. SweatBlock is less likely to cause discomfort.
- Cost and convenience – Requiring a prescription, Duradry is more expensive and hassle to obtain than convenient OTC SweatBlock. But Duradry’s pads can last a week or longer.
- Lifestyle factors – Duradry is best applied at night. SweatBlock offers more flexibility for day or evening use. Duradry also has foot pads that SweatBlock lacks.
Analyze your specific sweating struggles and needs when deciding if paying more for Duradry’s maximum strength makes sense, or if SweatBlock can provide sufficient relief more affordably. Your dermatologist can also provide guidance on the best choice for your hyperhidrosis treatment plan.
Also Read: Comparison Between SweatBlock And Certain DRI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Still have some questions about Duradry and SweatBlock for excessive sweating? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
Yes, when used as directed Duradry can significantly reduce or stop excessive sweating for up to 7 days per use. Its prescription-level 20% aluminum chloride is highly effective at temporarily plugging sweat glands, even for severe hyperhidrosis. However, results vary by individual.
Duradry takes effect in as little as 8 hours after the first application. Maximum sweat reduction takes place overnight once the aluminum chloride has time to deeply penetrate and block sweat glands. For ongoing use, apply Duradry every 7 days at bedtime for continuous sweat control.
The “best” excessive sweating product depends on your individual case and preferences. But the strongest antiperspirants contain prescription-level aluminum chloride, like Duradry’s 20% formula. This provides the most powerful and long-lasting sweat reduction for most severe hyperhidrosis sufferers.
For excessive underarm sweating specifically, Duradry underarm pads with 20% aluminum chloride are one of the best options. The full coverage pads allow the strong antiperspirant to fully block underarm sweat glands for up to 7 days with once weekly application. Other top products for underarms are Driclor and Maxim Prescription Strength.
Also Read: Comparison Between Duradry And Certain DRI
The Takeaway
Excessive sweating can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and downright debilitating for your self-confidence. But products like Duradry and SweatBlock offer proven solutions to get sweat under control. While both antiperspirant pads use aluminum chloride to plug sweat glands, Duradry provides longer-lasting prescription-strength protection while SweatBlock offers more convenience and flexibility as an OTC option.
Analyze your sweating severity, skin sensitivity, costs, and lifestyle to decide if maximum-strength Duradry or more affordable SweatBlock makes the most sense for you. With an effective antiperspirant product, you can feel comfortable, confident, and sweat-free for several days at a time. Don’t let excessive perspiration hold you back – take control today!
