Don't Sweat It: Sweat Solutions and Dryness Tips That Work

The Best Sweat Solutions

The best sweat stopper if...

...you don't perspire that much.
You probably could get away with a deodorant, which masks smell and doesn't control wetness, but most experts suggest using an antiperspirant/deodorant combo to also keep you dry.

Try: Soft & Dry Conditioning Silk Invisible Solid, Touch of Aloe, $2.49, drugstores; Suave Naturals Invisible Solid, Tropical Paradise, $1.79, drugstores

...you sweat through all your shirts.

Choose an antiperspirant/deodorant that contains aluminum chloride, the gold-standard dryness ingredient because it forms plugs in your sweat ducts. Apply the product before bed. You don't sweat as much at night, so it can better form plugs then. (Use a regular antiperspirant/deodorant in the morning.) Aluminum chloride can cause red, irritated skin, but there's less chance of the side effects if you use it at night.

Try: Secret Clinical Strength
Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant, $9.99, drugstore.com. Although its active ingredient is a cousin to aluminum chloride (aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex), it contains more of it than other products and is said to cause less irritation. Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant, $5.50, drugstore.com. The strongest OTC antiperspirant, it provides about half the strength of a prescription one.
Drysol. Keeps you sweat-free with the highest amount of aluminum chloride. Prescription only.

...you're sick of white stains on your clothes.

Try: Dove Ultimate Clear, $3.99, drugstores; Dry Idea Clear Gel Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, $3.29, drugstores

...you want something for your stinky ballet flats.

Slip disposable, thin, sweet-smelling foot pads into your shoes to prevent icky foot odor.

Try: Kiwi Fresh'ins, $4.99 for 6 pairs, drugstores