Antiperspirants work by temporarily plugging the pores and so stopping you sweating.
But with so many on the market, how can you tell which one will be most effective?
With the help of Dr Andrew Wright, consultant dermatologist with Bradford NHS Trust, we put antiperspirants to the test...
WHAT IT IS: A roll-on that works by forming a gel in the sweat glands. Claims to block sweating for a few days.
EXPERT VERDICT: This is a really reliable product for excessive sweating as it contains aluminium chloride, an extremely effective antiperspirant.
However, this can irritate, particularly when it is applied to wet skin.
It contains alcohol - about half of antiperspirants do - which is also a potential irritant as it can be very drying.
This should be used only if you have uncontrollable sweating, perhaps causing patches under the armpits. If so, this will help.
RATING: 9/10
**HEALTH PHARM RECOMMENDED PRODUCT**
PERSPIREX
WHAT IT IS: Unperfumed roll-on for men and women, which works by plugging the sweat glands. Apply before going to bed - the manufacturer says sweat glands are less active at night.
EXPERT VERDICT: This is a heavy-duty product. Although aluminium is found in most antiperspirants - it's activated by the presence of sweat and closes the pores temporarily - this contains its more potent form, aluminium chloride. This is more likely to irritate the skin and sometimes blocks the pores, which can lead to infection, even acne.
As for the claim that sweat glands are less active at night, this isn't accurate. Sweating is caused by physical activity and heat; before bed, you're likely to be less active.
On the plus side it's fragrance-free, so better for sensitive skins.
RATING: 7/10
WHAT IT IS: Contains antibacterial silver particles, thought to help kill the bacteria that cause body odour. It claims to provide 24-hour protection. EXPERT VERDICT: Sweat becomes smelly because of the bacteria it produces - if you sweat a lot, this bacteria builds up, exacerbating the problem. Silver is known to kill bacteria. The problem is this product doesn't contain any active ingredients to stop the sweating in the first place, so it wouldn't be good for someone who sweats a great deal.
Also, it claims to be dermatologically approved, which implies it won't irritate the skin. But it doesn't say which professional body approved it.
RATING: 4/10
