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You wear it every day, but how do you know if your anti-perspirant is the One? Here’s everything that doesn’t fit on the little label.

- Jessica Matlin

Anti-perspirant, deodorant—isn’t it all the same?

A/ Nope. “Deodorant doesn’t prevent sweating—it may slightly absorb it, but mostly it reduces the odor by killing bacteria or by masking it with fragrance,” says Alicia Barba, MD, a dermatologist for Dove. Only anti-perspirants stop sweat. APs are classified by the FDA as over the-counter drugs due to their active ingredients, aluminum salts, which form temporary plugs that block sweat glands, so moisture can’t escape.

What’s the deal with clinical strength?

A/ It’s stronger than basic anti-perspirant. Standard formulas are often made up of eight to nineteen percent active ingredients, says scientist Jaime Stahl, while most clinical strength versions have twenty to twenty-five percent.

Wait...you can get a prescription?

A/ Yes. It’s a good option for those diagnosed with hyper hidrosis, aka excessive sweating. If clinical strength AP isn’t cutting it, talk to your doc or derm, who may prescribe Dri-chlor. Heads up: Prescription APs are often heavy on aluminum chloride and mixed with alcohol—both ingredients can irritate the skin in high doses.

I’ve heard of people getting Botox to prevent sweating. how does that work?