Efficient sweat reduction of three different antiperspirant application forms during stress-induced sweating

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Human Physiology
• Cosmetic Science

Background:

• Stress sweating, distinct from thermal perspiration, is triggered by emotional challenges, causing underarm wetness and odor.
• Antiperspirants (APs) are commonly used to manage perspiration, but their efficacy against stress-induced sweating requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of three unperfumed antiperspirant (AP) formulas (roll-on, stick, aerosol) against stress-induced sweating and malodor.
• To assess the antiperspirant efficacy against thermally-induced sweating.

Main Methods:

• The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was employed to induce psychosocial stress in 18-40 year old male and female volunteers.
• Physiological stress indicators (heart rate, salivary cortisol) and sweat production were measured.
• A hot room study was conducted to evaluate the antiperspirant roll-on against thermal sweating.

Main Results:

• The TSST successfully induced significant stress responses, evidenced by increased heart rate and cortisol levels, paralleled by pronounced sweat production.
• All tested AP formulas significantly reduced axillary sweat production 48 hours post-application, irrespective of gender.
• Trained assessors confirmed significantly reduced malodor in sweat samples from AP-treated axillae compared to untreated ones.
• The AP roll-on also demonstrated significant reduction in thermally-induced sweating.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first evidence of highly effective, long-term reduction of emotionally-induced axillary sweating and malodor using three different antiperspirant application forms.
• The tested antiperspirant formulations (roll-on, stick, aerosol) offer significant protection against stress-induced sweat, addressing a key concern in daily life.