Updated: January 25, 2026

What Is Drysol? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Author

Peter Daggett

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What Is Drysol?
What Does Drysol Treat?
How Do You Use Drysol?
How Long Does Drysol Take to Work?
What Does Drysol Cost?
Important Safety Information

New to Drysol? This complete guide covers what aluminum chloride hexahydrate is, what it treats, how to use it correctly, and what to expect in 2026.

Drysol is a prescription-strength topical antiperspirant used to treat excessive sweating, medically known as hyperhidrosis. It's been on the market for decades and remains the first-line prescription treatment recommended by dermatologists for this condition. If you've just been prescribed Drysol or are considering asking your doctor about it, here's everything you need to know.

What Is Drysol?

Drysol's active ingredient is aluminum chloride hexahydrate (20%) dissolved in anhydrous ethyl alcohol. It's classified as an astringent/antiperspirant. The brand Drysol is manufactured by Person & Covey. Other brand names containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate include Xerac AC (6.25%), Hypercare (20%), and Certain Dri (OTC, 12%). Drysol is available in both a standard solution and a Dab-O-Matic applicator format.

What Does Drysol Treat?

Drysol is FDA-indicated for primary hyperhidrosis — excessive sweating that occurs without an underlying medical condition. It treats:

Axillary hyperhidrosis: Excessive underarm sweating (the most common form treated)

Palmar hyperhidrosis: Sweaty palms/hands

Plantar hyperhidrosis: Sweaty soles/feet

Craniofacial hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating of the scalp or face (less common use)

Hyperhidrosis affects approximately 4.8% of the U.S. population — about 15.3 million Americans. It can be socially debilitating, affecting work, relationships, and mental health. Drysol is generally recommended after OTC antiperspirants have failed.

How Do You Use Drysol?

Correct application is essential for both effectiveness and tolerability. Many patients who don't see results are applying it incorrectly:

Wash and completely dry the treatment area. Even light moisture dramatically increases irritation.

Use a cool hair dryer if needed to ensure skin is bone dry.

Apply Drysol at bedtime using the applicator or a cotton ball. Apply a thin layer — do not rub in.

Let the alcohol evaporate on your skin before dressing. If applying to underarms, wear a tee-shirt to protect bedding.

Leave on for 6–8 hours. Wash off with soap and water in the morning.

Apply nightly for the first 3–7 days, then reduce to 1–2 times per week for maintenance once sweating is controlled.

How Long Does Drysol Take to Work?

Most patients see a significant reduction in sweating within the first week of nightly application. For axillary hyperhidrosis, reduced sweating can be noticed within 48 hours of the first application when used correctly. Full effect is typically seen after 7–14 days of consistent use.

What Does Drysol Cost?

Drysol is one of the most affordable prescription hyperhidrosis treatments available. Without insurance, retail price for a 60 mL bottle is approximately $27–$37. With a GoodRx coupon, prices drop to as low as $9–$17. Most commercial insurance plans cover it as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 drug.

Important Safety Information

Do not use on broken, irritated, or recently shaved skin

Keep away from eyes, nose, and mouth

Flammable — do not use near open flames

Can stain fabrics and react with metals — protect clothing and jewelry

Not recommended during pregnancy

Use cautiously with known kidney disease

Having trouble finding Drysol at your local pharmacy? Use medfinder to have pharmacies near you checked on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drysol is used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), primarily affecting the underarms, hands, feet, and sometimes the scalp or face. It is the first-line prescription treatment for mild-to-moderate primary focal hyperhidrosis, recommended when OTC antiperspirants are not effective.

Yes. The 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate concentration (Drysol) requires a prescription. Lower-concentration products (Certain Dri, 12%) are available over-the-counter. Any licensed provider — including telehealth providers — can prescribe Drysol.

Most patients notice reduced sweating within the first week of nightly application. For underarm use, some reduction may be noticeable within 48 hours of the first correct application. Full effect is usually achieved after 7-14 days of consistent use.

Drysol is applied daily during the initial treatment phase (first 3-7 nights) and then reduced to 1-2 times per week for maintenance. Long-term daily use is not necessary or recommended — once sweating is controlled, maintenance use at low frequency is sufficient.

Regular antiperspirants contain aluminum zirconium compounds at lower concentrations (typically 10-25%) and work as a surface-level sweat reducer. Drysol contains 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate in a prescription-strength alcohol base that physically plugs sweat ducts. It is significantly more effective for hyperhidrosis than OTC antiperspirants.

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