Excessive sweating — sweating that goes beyond what your body needs for temperature regulation — is more common than most people realise, and there's a real difference between "I sweat more than average" and diagnosed hyperhidrosis. Understanding which one you're dealing with changes what actually helps.
What causes excessive sweating
Sweating is triggered by heat, exercise, stress, and hormonal changes — but for some people, the sweat glands are simply overactive regardless of these triggers. This can be primary (no underlying medical cause, often runs in families) or secondary (linked to a medical condition or medication). Read the full breakdown of causes.
Is it excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the clinical term for sweating well beyond what's needed to cool the body — often localised to the underarms, hands, feet, or face, and disruptive enough to affect daily life, clothing choices, or confidence. If sweating happens frequently, unpredictably, and independent of heat or exertion, that's worth understanding properly. Read the complete guide to hyperhidrosis.
By area
- Sweaty armpits — the most common area people seek treatment for, and where clinical-strength antiperspirants show the clearest results.
- Sweaty hands — palmar sweating has its own patterns and triggers. Why your hands won't stop sweating.
- Sweaty feet — often overlooked, but responds well to the same aluminium chloride approach used for underarms.
What actually helps
For most people, a clinical-strength aluminium chloride antiperspirant — applied correctly, at night, to dry skin — is the most effective non-prescription option, with effects lasting up to 7 days per application. See the full clinical antiperspirant range, or if you're not sure where to start, check our FAQ.