Doctor-Approved Foot Antiperspirants For Fresh-Feet Confidence (2024)

Our Top Picks

Type: Powder | Cruelty-Free: N/A | Size: 6.25 ounces | Key Ingredients: Corn starch, zinc oxide, sodium bicarbonate

Whether it’s protecting our arches while we're strutting in heels or keeping toes toasty with fuzzy socks, Dr. Scholl’s products protect our feet—so where else would we turn for a permanent solution to this uncomfortable problem?In addition to drying on contact, Dr. Zalka likes this powder because it doesn’t contain aluminum and instead relies on zinc, cornstarch, and sodium bicarbonate — known commonly as baking soda. Along with chloroxylenol, a chemical used in many beauty products that slows bacterial growth, this quartet of ingredients has moisture-absorbing and odor-eliminating properties that make them a powerhouse against sweaty feet.

The powder promises long-lasting effects as the formula is easy to sprinkle in your socks and shoes to ensure you’re stopping bacteria from coming back. It also has a very light fragrance that helps cover bad smells without replacing them with another overpowering one, but maybe skip this pick if you prefer something unscented.

Type: Spray | Cruelty-Free: N/A | Size: 4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Baking soda, tolnaftate

Let’s face it: Foot antiperspirant might be one of the least sexy beauty products you can spend money on. Luckily this Target brand spray rivals pricier options. It uses the same two ingredients found in similar products: Tolnaftate, an antifungal medicine, and baking soda to combat the smell. Baking soda is one of the strongest natural chemicals for absorbing moisture, though it might be too acidic for sensitive skin to tolerate. This kitchen cabinet ingredient has a high pH and antibacterial properties that freshen feet and make it a popular exfoliator for your scalp and skin. It can even help whiten your teeth. We just wish Target would redesign the bottle so the product doesn’t get stuck so often in the nozzle.

Type: Lotion | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.35 ounces | Key Ingredients: Eucalyptus oil, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate

This two-in-one foot antiperspirant is highly effective at controlling sweat and provides moisturizing benefits for your feet. Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties to curb bacteria growth, but it also boasts antioxidant benefits to help soothe dry, cracked heels. We also love that dermatologists tested the formula, and they deem it non-irritating and effective for helping resolve the effects of more serious conditions like hyperhidrosis. If you purchase a three-pack, the product comes with an applicator, which we recommend using as the lotion can leave a residue on your hands.

Type: Spray | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe vera, rosemary

The switch to natural deodorants started out as a slow burn. But now, these deodorants dominate the beauty space as suitable alternatives for those who prefer a more natural product. The Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Spray uses plant-based ingredients to fight odor-causing bacteria such as glycolic acid, eucalyptus, and antimicrobial aloe vera. Different from an antiperspirant or a deodorant, an anti-odorant, “prevents odor by lowering pH and protecting the microbiome of the skin,” explains Dr. Zalka. Instead of simply masking foot smells with an artificial fragrance (although, it does have a naturally sweet aroma), this spray neutralizes and eliminates bacteria that cause stinky feet in the first place. And in a nod to Mother Nature, the spray comes in a recyclable glass spray bottle, so you can feel good about using it too.

Type: Wipe | Cruelty-Free: N/A | Size: 5.6 ounces | Key Ingredients: Aluminum chloride, vitamin E

Using a wipe antiperspirant allows you to target problem areas, like between your toes or the inner arches of your feet. We like these from SweatBlock because the aluminum chloride makes them extremely effective, they work overnight, and, when used consistently, they can stop sweat for up to seven days. It does it all with a satisfyingly short ingredient list you don’t need a degree in biochemistry to understand, including vitamin E which has long been used by the dermatology community for its antioxidant properties. The wipes have one of the highest percentages of aluminum chloride allowed by the FDA in over-the-counter products, which does an excellent job of knocking out odor and sweat, but this also means it could irritate sensitive skin types.

Type: Roll-on | Cruelty-Free: N/A | Size: 3 ounces | Key Ingredients: Isopropyl alcohol, tea tree oil, witch hazel

If you’re not keen on waiting around for your lotion or wipe to dry, Dr. Parthasarathy recommends the quick-drying formula from this easy roll-on stick. In combination with isopropyl alcohol, an antibacterial, the product uses a blend of essential oils with antifungal and hydrating properties like witch hazel, and tea tree oil to stomp out odors and prevent dry skin. Formulated without the antiperspirant aluminum chloride, it’s not the most effective for those who suffer from excessive sweating, but those averse to the chemical will be pleasantly surprised to see its exclusion from the ingredient list.

Type: Wash, spray, and gel kit | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 2.3 ounces (deodorant), 0.4 ounces (gel), 2 ounces (wash) | Key Ingredients: Green tea, glycolic acid, aloe

With its punchy pink color and shelf-friendly packaging, it’s easy to mistake this sweat-prevention set for the alluring skincare ones we see lining Sephora. Recommended by Robert Finney, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, the bundle is your ultimate foot odor-fighting kit. It includes two antiperspirant deodorants in a wipe and spray form, and a deodorizing body wash to set you up for long-term success. This functions as a three-part process that gives you the best results when used together. All products boast plant-based formulas, with the spray containing almost 100% naturally derived ingredients. As a bonus, this should mean it's safe for everyone to use but note the deep cleansing wash does contain a fragrance that could irritate sensitive skin.

Type: Spray | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Zinc, aloe, witch hazel

Need to freshen up after a brisk walk or particularly intensive Pilates class? Visha Skincare, developed by board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, is a skincare brand that uses clean ingredients like thyme, peppermint oil, and zinc to target skin microorganisms that love to hang around after a sweat sesh. Dr. Patel previously told Byrdie, that zinc is great for zapping odor-causing bacteria and we like that it's a safer, FDA-approved alternative to deodorizing our feet. Not to mention, the discreet, minimalist packaging isn’t a dead giveaway that it’s a smelly-feet solution. Keep in mind this isn’t an antiperspirant so while we might not apply it before a half-marathon, it’ll do well to revitalize and cleanse your skin after more mild workouts.

Type: Wipes | Cruelty-Free: N/A | Size: 5.6 ounces | Key Ingredients: Eucalyptus, menthol

We don’t want to replace one sticky situation with another, so finding an antiperspirant that won’t leave behind a greasy residue is key. Well, we found it with these wipes. In fact, using them might feel like a DIY pedicure as they have a slightly rough texture to exfoliate the skin while emollients like eucalyptus hydrate it, and menthol and peppermint oil provide soothing benefits.

In addition to its easy application and alcohol-free formula, Dr. Parthasarathy loves that it carries the American Podiatric Medical Association (AMPA) seal of approval, a nationally recognized program that signifies the product is beneficial to foot health. She also recommends it for anyone with an underlying mild athlete's foot infection since it includes tolnaftate, a fungal-fighting ingredient.

Type: Roll-on | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.2 ounces | Key Ingredients: Aluminum chloride

Like a sunscreen stick or travel-size perfume, this roll-on antiperspirant applies easily and dries fast. It’s specifically formulated for people with hyperhidrosis, making it ideal, “if you are looking for a heavy-duty OTC antiperspirant with a high percentage of aluminum chloride,” says Dr. Parthasarathy. Because of its high concentration of this chemical, she wouldn’t recommend using it more than three times a week, but you probably won’t need to consider how effective it is. What’s more, it’s unscented, can last up to three days, and works overnight.

Type: Powder | Cruelty-Free: N/A | Size: 2.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Miconazole nitrate

The same way we use dry shampoo to sop up extra oil in our hair, an antiperspirant powder can similarly absorb moisture and prevent fungus and yeast from thriving on our feet. As a result, you should see sweat disappear with any smells following suit. Recommended by Dr. Zalka, the Zeasorb Antifungal Powder uses the antifungal medication miconazole nitrate that is very effective at curbing bacterial growth. The powder can be messy, so we recommend shaking the product onto a cotton pad and taking it to your feet rather than applying it directly.

Type: Spray | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 3.8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Alcohol, saccharomyces ferment, lavender

Whether it’s preventing chafing or targeting arm acne, Megababe knows how to tackle life’s less glamorous aspects, and we feel confident saying this foot spray is no exception. It ditches added artificial fragrance in favor of lavender, peppermint, and spearmint oils, which leave behind a light smell. Witch hazel helps shrink pores to prevent sweating, and plant-based alcohol kills germs on site. Saccharomyces ferment is another key ingredient that works as part antioxidant and part skin-soothing agent to leave feet feeling refreshed and bacteria-free. One thing to keep in mind: You may need to hold the bottle at an angle or prop your feet up while applying it because the spray doesn’t always come straight out of the bottle.

Type: Spray | Cruelty-Free: N/A | Size: 4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender essential oils, witch hazel

Did you know your shoes hold onto bacteria, too, and could be the culprit of sweaty, stinky feet? Spritzing down your sneakers and slides can combat these effects—plus sprays act as a buffer between your skin and shoes to prevent blisters. Recommended by Dr. Parthasarathy, this foot spray has a two-fold effect: One spritz of it deodorizes feet and shoes immediately and prevents the odor from coming back. It’s safe for daily use, but over time you may find yourself needing it less thanks to its inclusion of probiotics like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus. The ingredients display antimicrobial activity to inhibit bacteria growth, meaning you're less likely to notice stink over time.

The spray also contains plant-based ingredients like witch hazel, glycerin, and tea tree oil—all three of which have hydrating properties and prevent the skin from becoming too dry. Even if you’re not a fan of the fleeting floral smell from the spray’s added fragrance, we think it’s preferable to the alternative.

Type: Spray | Cruelty-Free: N/A | Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Clinical silver, witch hazel, lichen extract, lavender, tea tree, aloe vera

When feet get a little pungent, it’s almost always bacteria that’s to blame. This powerful foot-freshening spray from Barefoot Scientist contains a potent cocktail of six different antibacterial ingredients, including powerful botanicals, to keep your feet smelling sweet. Think clinical silver, tea tree oil, witch hazel, aloe vera, and lichen extract to name a few.

Spritz it directly onto your feet, socks, and shoes to keep odors at bay. It can even be used to freshen up your gym bag or workout mat. The only downside is that it can leave a residue behind, so be sure to let your feet dry completely before putting on your shoes.

Type: Cream | Cruelty-Free: N/A | Size: 1 ounces | Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, silk, sage, rice starch

Wish the process of treating your feet could be a little less medical and a little more spa-like? Enter Dr. Hauschka. As it turns out, the organic skincare brand known for its natural formulas makes a rich, deodorizing foot cream that smells dreamy—if you could imagine it. Antifungal rosemary, anti-inflammatory silk, and sage nourish the skin, and although it’s not technically an antiperspirant, the formula does a good job of absorbing moisture thanks to the inclusion of rice starch. Apply it right after washing your feet with Dr. Hauschka’s Sage Purifying Bath Essence. The creamy formula coats your soles and toes, creating a barrier that prevents bacterial build-up and stops any rubbing that might form blisters.

Type: Spray | Cruelty-Free: N/A | Size: 7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Baking soda, aluminum

Arm & Hammer has put its signature baking soda to good use in this foot spray. The spray nozzle allows for precision application, and the invisible powder-like formula goes on without any mess. It gets the job done thanks to aluminum, which reduces sweating, and baking soda, which helps absorb moisture and control odors. Plus, the light fragrance keeps your feet smelling fresh all day. Keep in mind that this one does contain alcohol, which might be irritating and drying for sensitive skin types.

FAQ

• Is foot antiperspirant safe?

  Antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds to block the sweat ‘portal’ and, hence, reduce the flow of moisture, says Dr. Zalka. Although aluminum is somewhat controversial and has a possible connection to breast cancer, studies are inconclusive and the ingredient is currently deemed safe for use. Dr. Parthasarathy cautions against using a foot antiperspirant over cracked skin or open sores, and Dr. Zalka adds that “if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis of the feet, check with your dermatologist before using antiperspirants on the affected skin.”

  Many foot antiperspirants can be used daily until the issue ceases, but as with any new skincare product, you should always perform a patch test before applying it to your skin to avoid adverse reactions.

• How does foot antiperspirant work?

  Antiperspirants contain active ingredients like aluminum that can get inside the sweat ducts, precipitate in there, and then block the release of sweat, says Dr. Finney.

• How do you use foot antiperspirant?

  Dr. Finney recommends applying a foot antiperspirant at nighttime, when sweating is usually at a lull. Be sure to follow the instructions listed on the product label. For even more penetration, you can occlude the foot in Saran Wrap, he adds. Dr. Zalka also mentioned that the feet should be as dry as possible before applying foot antiperspirant and suggested using a hair dryer on the cool setting and blowing air between the toes to achieve maximum dryness without irritation.
  

• Does foot antiperspirant stop feet from smelling?

  A foot antiperspirant helps limit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, leaving you with better-smelling feet. However, if you still notice an unpleasant scent, Dr. Zalka suggests making sure your socks and shoes are clean and dry, as they can also hold onto bacteria.

  Luckily, you can apply spray and powder antiperspirants to your clothing and skin to ensure it's fresh all over. Additionally, Dr. Parthasarathy says you can wear wicking socks made with natural or acrylic fiber to draw moisture away from the feet. We’re big fans of socks from Bombas and Nike.