If you suffer from excessive underarm sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, you know how embarrassing it can be with visibly wet shirts and stains. The unpredictability also causes anxiety going into meetings or first dates. To gain control over sweaty armpits, clinical strength antiperspirants offer the best solution.
But with so many antiperspirant products out there claiming to stop sweat, how do you decide which one to try? Two popular heavy-duty antiperspirants for tackling extreme sweating are SweatBlock wipes and Certain DRI roll-on. But they have some key differences in application, duration, ingredients, and effectiveness.
Here we’ll compare SweatBlock and Certain DRI head-to-head so you can decide which heavy-duty antiperspirant is right for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | SweatBlock | Certain DRI |
| Active Ingredient | 15% aluminum chloride | 12% aluminum chlorohydrate |
| Application | Pre-filled pads applied at night 1-2 times per week | Roll-on applied daily |
| Sweat Protection Duration | Up to 7 days per use | Up to 72 hours per use |
| Odor Protection | Antimicrobial zinc oxide | Baking soda and calcium carbonate |
| Skin Sensitivity | Potential irritation from aluminum chloride | Generally well tolerated |
| Pricing | $30 for 20 pads | $25 for 3 roll-on bottles |
| Prescription Strength | Yes, prescription level 15% aluminum chloride | No, OTC strength 12% aluminum chlorohydrate |
| Best For | Severe, heavy sweating | Mild to moderate sweating |
How Antiperspirants Stop Sweat and Odor
Before diving into the details, let’s first understand how antiperspirants work to block sweat and odor in the first place. The aluminum salts in antiperspirants (such as aluminum chloride and aluminum chlorohydrate) help plug sweat ducts and pores.
This prevents sweat from reaching the surface of the skin. Antiperspirants also contain antibacterial ingredients to limit bacteria growth and body odor. Clinical strength antiperspirants have higher concentrations of aluminum salts to stop extreme sweating.
Also Read: Comparison Between Duradry And Certain DRI
Key Differences Between SweatBlock And Certain DRI
Now let’s see how SweatBlock and Certain DRI stack up based on their active ingredients, application, and duration of sweat protection.
- Active Ingredients to Stop Sweat
The type and amount of aluminum salts determine the effectiveness and duration of sweat protection.
SweatBlock uses aluminium chloride as the active ingredient at 15% concentration. This prescription-strength antiperspirant offers the most effective blocking of sweat glands.
Certain DRI relies on 12% aluminum chlorohydrate as the active ingredient. This is a common ingredient in over-the-counter antiperspirants but not as potent as aluminum chloride at the same concentration levels.
For tackling extreme, heavy sweating, SweatBlock has the edge with its extra strong aluminium chloride formula. It is proven to reduce underarm sweat by 99% based on clinical trials.
- Application Method
SweatBlock uses pre-filled pads that you swipe on clean, dry underarms at night before bed. This allows the antiperspirant solution to fully absorb while you sleep.
Certain DRI is a roll-on formula that glides on easily underarms in the morning or night. You do need to wait a few minutes before dressing for full absorption.
The application comes down to personal preference – pads vs roll-on. However, SweatBlock only requires application before bed 1-2 times per week while Certain DRI needs daily application. The pads are more portable if applying away from home.
- Duration of Sweat and Odor Protection
SweatBlock provides up to 7 days of sweat and odor protection with each application. So you only need to use it a couple times a week. It gradually washes off with showers over the week.
Certain DRI advertises 72 hours (3 days) of wetness protection with each daily application. So it requires reapplication more frequently for ongoing sweat blocking.
For convenience and sustained results, SweatBlock lasts notably longer between applications. But Certain DRI allows customizing the protection daily if needed.
- Ingredient Safety
The aluminum salts in clinical strength antiperspirants are generally safe and effective for most people when used as directed. But some users can develop skin irritation or plugged pores. This is why it’s important to follow proper use guidelines.
It’s recommended to use these extra-strength antiperspirants only 1-2 times per week and avoid using a regular antiperspirant on the other days. This gives skin a break. Staying well hydrated also helps flush the ingredients through the system.
SweatBlock contains no parabens, oils, or fragrance. But a few users report mild irritation from the aluminium chloride. Certain DRI has more natural ingredients like coconut oil, corn starch, and baking soda. But the aluminum chlorohydrate can also irritate sensitive skin.
Neither contain concerning ingredients if used properly, but it’s smart to test a small area first. SweatBlock may be too harsh for some skin types.
- Pricing and Value
SweatBlock is priced competitively for a clinical strength solution. A single box of 20 pads is $30, while a 6 month supply (60 pads) is $90.
Certain DRI also offers its roll-on in multi-packs for better value. A 3 pack (3 bottles) costs $25 while 12 bottles will run you $60.
Considering the longer lasting results of SweatBlock, the pad packs provide good value for money versus needing Certain DRI daily. But frequent sales on Certain DRI make the pricing comparable per month for both products.
Watch this review video:
- Odor Protection
If body odor is your primary concern moreso than visible sweat, both products work effectively to neutralize underarm odor using antimicrobial ingredients. These include:
- Zinc oxide in SweatBlock
- Baking soda and calcium carbonate in Certain DRI
The powerful aluminum salts also help shut down sweat production that feeds odor-causing bacteria.
Certain DRI is marketed as a deodorant solution. But SweatBlock’s longer lasting formula may work better if odor control is needed for 5-7 days between applications.
For strongest odor blocking around the clock, Certain DRI would need to be applied both morning and night.
Also Read: Comparison Between Duradry and Drysol
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Certain DRI does make most users stop sweating excessively when applied correctly. The 12% aluminum chlorohydrate blocks sweat glands for around 72 hours. However, Certain DRI is not as powerful as prescription-strength antiperspirants for severe, heavy sweating. It may take 2 daily applications for maximum results.
Clinical strength antiperspirants with high concentrations of aluminum salts offer the best sweat blocking. Some top solutions include SweatBlock wipes (15% aluminum chloride), Drysol (20% aluminum chloride), and Maxim Prescription Strength (20% aluminum chloride). These prescription formulas stop extreme sweating for days at a time with proper use.
The most effective anti sweat products are clinical strength antiperspirant wipes and roll-ons like SweatBlock, Drysol, and Maxim. The medical grade aluminum salts they contain are proven to safely reduce underarm sweat by up to 99% for several days. Natural deodorant brands don’t block sweat as powerfully.
For sweaty and wet armpits, SweatBlock antiperspirant wipes are one of the best solutions. The 15% aluminum chloride stops heavy underarm sweat for up to 7 days with just 1-2 uses per week. The pre-filled pads are convenient for home and on-the-go application. Other top clinical strength products for sweaty armpits include Certain DRI, Driclor, and Odaban.
Also Read: Comparison Between Duradry And Sweatblock
Final Thought
If you suffer from excessive sweating and sweaty pits, clinical strength antiperspirants are the most effective treatment. While Certain DRI performs well for mild cases, SweatBlock wipes are the top choice for tackling severe, heavy sweating thanks to the prescription-strength aluminum chloride formula.
Just remember to consult a dermatologist if irritation occurs and find the product that works comfortably with your skin type.