Chanelle is concerned: I have recently heard of a new deodorant by Secret claiming to have clinical strength to battle wetness and odor without a prescription. I have used many deodorants and antiperspirants in the past but none have actually worked that well. I have some concerns as to whether this particular product would be safe to use.
The Right Brain shares a secret:
First of all Chanelle, remember that deodorants are cosmetics that reduce body odor and antiperspirants are drugs that stop you from sweating.
Over the Counter antiperspirants
Most antiperspirants are available as “over the counter” or OTC drugs which means they can be sold without a prescription as long as they comply with the rules of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The FDA determines which active ingredients are allowed and the concentration at which they must be used.
Prescription antiperspirants
There are other antiperspirants that only your doctor can prescribe. These products contain higher levels of aluminum salts that can be irritating to skin. The product you asked about, new Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant, contains 20% aluminum zirconium trichlorhydrex glycine which is still within the over the counter guidelines but provides the same wetness protection as prescription products.
Too good to be true?
It sounds too good to be true, but Secret’s claims have been validated by the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau:
“… NAD reviewed two clinical studies supporting Procter & Gamble’s statements about Secret Clinical Strength’s performance and found that the research was conducted in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines and NAD expectations for “gold standard” product testing.
Similarly, NAD found that Procter & Gamble’s claims regarding Secret Clinical Strength’s effectiveness as compared to other antiperspirants are valid based on two head-to-head studies of Secret Clinical Strength versus the leading prescription antiperspirant, consumer reports of efficacy, and a survey of 200 dermatologists and other physicians who treat patients with severe underarm wetness and prescribe antiperspirants as part of their practice.”
So if you’re looking for an extra wetness protection, Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant appears to be the real deal.