From the Research
Prescription-Strength Antiperspirants for Pediatric Patients
- There are no specific studies provided that directly address the use of prescription-strength antiperspirants in pediatric patients.
- However, the studies provided do discuss the efficacy and tolerability of various antiperspirant ingredients, including aluminum chloride and aluminum lactate, which may be relevant to pediatric patients 1, 2.
- One study compared the efficacy and tolerability of a novel antiperspirant with 12.5% aluminum lactate to a 12.5% aluminum chloride-based antiperspirant, and found that aluminum lactate showed significantly greater tolerability, although aluminum chloride tended to show slightly greater efficacy 2.
- Another study demonstrated the efficacy of an over-the-counter "clinical strength" soft-solid antiperspirant in reducing sweat rate, and compared it to a prescription aluminum chloride (6.5%) antiperspirant, finding that the over-the-counter product reduced sweat rate by an average of 34% better than the prescription product while resulting in significantly less skin irritation 1.
- It is worth noting that the use of aluminum-based antiperspirants has been advised against in lactating women due to potential risk of toxicity to both infants and women, although one study found that the use of aluminum-based antiperspirants did not increase aluminum levels in human milk 3.
Antiperspirant Ingredients
- Aluminum salts, such as aluminum hydrochloride, are commonly used in antiperspirants to block excessive sweating 4, 5.
- Other ingredients, such as silver citrate and agaricine, may also be used in antiperspirant products to provide anti-bacterial activity and cosmetic benefits 4.
- The choice of antiperspirant ingredient may depend on the individual's skin type and needs, as well as the desired level of efficacy and tolerability 5, 2.