12 Best Anti Chafing Creams & Sticks Tested
By Taren Weidaw
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Chafing is a type of skin irritation caused by skin rubbing against skin or rubbing against clothing and shoes that are either too loose or too tight. The friction is exasperated by sweat. It is prevalent among long-distance athletes such as competitive cyclists or marathon runners.
Wherever painful chafing occurs during a long run it is the result of constant friction, vulnerable areas are where we sweat and our skin comes into contact with another surface which constantly pressures and rubs against the skin. Protection against chafing has advanced a lot through a good choice of skin creams and other applications, protection is important and protection must not fail at a time when a runner needs to be focused.
- Gold Bond Friction Defense
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Our rating - Soothe and Moisturizes
- Price: See Here
- Rocket Pure Balm
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Our rating - All Natural Ingredients
- Price: See Here
- Akileïne Sports NOK
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Our rating - won't wash off with sweat
- Price: See Here
If left untreated, chafing can lead to painful blisters, which will take even longer to heal. Anti-chafing creams, gels, lotions, and other such products help prevent chafing by creating an anti-friction layer on the skin, preventing irritation in the first place. Check out this list to find the product that works for you.
12 Best Anti Chafing Creams
1. Gold Bond Friction Defense
Aloe Vera (skin soother), Ginger (skin rejuvinator), Tribehenin (helps to penetrate skin), bisabilo (chamomile extract, good for skin healing properties)
Key Features
Gold Bond Friction Defense comes in an easy to apply stick, which some users may prefer to a messier cream or gel based product. It is also long lasting. It not only helps to protect the skin, but it can help heal skin once chafing has occurred. It also moisturizers as well.
Value
This is an excellent value from a well-known company.
- Long lasting
- Protects against friction
- Contains aloe & ginger
- Non-irritating
- Non-greasy
- Does not stain clothing
- May cause irritation to more sensitive parts of the body
- Not suitable for the soles of the feet
- May not work for all users
2. Rocket Pure
Various waxes, Shea Butter, Shag Bark & Comfrey Root Extract, Grapeseed, Jojoba Seed, Hempseed, Tea Tree Leaf, Rosemary Leaf, & Peppermint Leaf Oils, Natural Vitamin E.
Key Features
It contains tea tree oil which is naturally anti-fungal & antibacterial, as well as being a well-known natural remedy that helps to treat wounds, burns, cuts, abrasions, sores and scrapes. Users did complain that the product was waxy and oily and sometimes stained clothes.
Value
This is an excellent value for something that is natural.
- Very effective
- Fragrance-free
- Water resistant
- Comes in at tube & stick
- Naturally antifungal & antibacterial
- Product may stain clothes due to oiliness.
- Separates after awhile
- May not be effective for marathons/ needs reapplying
3. Akileïne Sports NOK
Shea Butter, Various sulfates, fragrance, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract
Key Features
For users wanting to avoid artificial fragrances or sulfates, this is not the product for you. However it does contain Rosemary Leave Oil which has natural antibacterial properties, which can helps to prevent infection. It also contains Sunflower Oil, which contains proteins that naturally helps cells repair themselves, making this product good for not only protecting skin, but healing it as well.
- Works well
- Contains shea butter, sunflower seed oil, & rosemary leaf extract
- Smells nice
- Antibacterial
- Promotes cell repair
- Filled with artificial ingredients, half of which most users are unfamiliar with
- Contains fragrance
- Contains sulfates
5. GurneyGoo
Petrolatum (as a skin soothing agent), Tea Tree Oil
Key Features
This product is water resistant, making it good for athletes who need anti-chafing in wet conditions such as kayakers, mudders, and sweaty runners. It contains tea tree oil which is a naturally antifungal & antibacterial, as well as being a well-known natural remedy to help treat wounds, burns, cuts, abrasions, sores and scrapes. Users noted that it is quite messy.
Value
This is an excellent water-resistant product for users who experience wet conditions.
- Not tested on animals
- Effective
- Anti-fungal & antibacterial
- Simple - only 4 ingredients
- Greasy/sticky
6. Assos Chamois Cream
Witch Hazel Extract (soothes the skin), Almond & Oak Bark Oils (anti-inflammatory), Menthol (cooling), Methylparaben, BHA (antioxidant)
Both Oak Bark Extract & almond oil are anti-inflammatories, which can be helpful if an area is already getting irritated. It is mentholated, which gives it a tingly feeling, and might not be suitable for all body parts. Designed for cyclist, it can be used with their chamois, without worries of staining. However, the product does contain artificial chemicals such as parabens, so users looking for a natural product, this may not be for you.
Value
This is an excellent value anti-chafing cream for use with both natural and artificial chamois.
- Effective
- All natural ingredients
- Cooling sensation from the menthol & witch hazel
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Non-staining
- Moisturizing
- Too expensive
- May not work on everyone
- Mentholated
- Contains parabens
8. ChafeZone
Petrolatum White USP (skin protectant), Menthol (for a cooling sensation), Aloe Vera Whole Leaf Gel, Tea Tree, Peppermint & Eucalyptus Oils
Key Features
Petrolatum White USP is a skin protectant used mainly for minor cuts, sunburns, chafing, scraps and dry or cracked skin, as well as treating and prevention of diaper rash. This product uses natural fragrance, which is for users who wish to avoid products that contain artificial fragrancess that may irritate them. However, this product does contain other artificial ingredients, so if you are looking for something completely natural, this one is not for you. It is also water resistant which is good for athletes who need anti-chafing in wet conditions.
Value
This is an effective product, tested by the Marines. One complaint was that the product tends to melt, which is a good thing on the skin, but a bad thing when it’s in the dispenser.
- Water & sweat resistant
- Very effective
- Moisturizing
- Anti-fungal & antibacterial
- Non-greasy
- Melts & can be messy
- Contains Parabens & other chemicals
9. Blue Steel
Moisturizing silicone based anti-friction barrier cream, containing tea tree oil
Key Features
This is a silicone based product and protects the user from harmful external effects, acting as a second skin. This is what makes it so effective. It is also moisturizing. However, the product has been recently reformulated, and some users did not think it was as effective as the previous formula.
Value
This is an excellent value for a silicone based cream if you have the money to spare for the product.
- Effective
- Long-lasting
- Moisturizing
- Non-greasy & non-staining
- Expensive
- Medicinal odor
- May not work for all users
4. Ruby's Lube All Natural
Olive oil, lemongrass, calendula, beeswax & benzoin
Key Features
For users who don't want to expose themselves to chemicals, this is 100% natural. It is simple and has as few ingredients as possible. Some users didn't like the weird smell.
Value
This is an excellent all natural product.
- All natural
- Very simple - only 5 ingredients
- Effective
- Moisturizing
- Made in the USA
- Some users have complained about the smell.
- May not work for all users
7. Monistat Gel
Various silicone based chemicals, Dimethicone 1.2% (serves as a skin Protectant,) Artificial Vitamin E, and a UV blocker
Key Features
Some users can't decide between using a powder or gel, and this product has the qualities of both. It is also breathable, unlike some of the products on this list.
Value
Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel is an amazing silicone protective product. The reason why it’s not higher on the list is because it’s a tad messy and doesn't work well for all users.
- Effective
- Silicone based
- Protective & healing
- Non-greasy
- Inexpensive
- Sweat resistant
- Could be longer lasting according to some users
- Watery, not cream-like
- Takes too long to dry
- Not as smooth as powder
10. Brave Soldier
Cocoa Butter, Organic Jojoba, Tea Tree & Hemp Seed Oil, Neem Leaf & Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Menthol, Propylparaben
Key Features
This cream has tea tree oil is naturally antifungal & antibacterial. It is also mentholated, so the “tingly-ness” may not be all that pleasant in some areas of the body. Some reviewers stated that the cream is sticky.
Value
This is an excellent product. It is long lasting and uses a combination of artificial and natural ingredients.
- Provides a cooling sensation
- Antibacterial & Antifungal
- Effective
- Long lasting
- Remains sticky, doesn’t actually dry
- May not work for all users
- Mentholated
11. Run Butta Anti-Chafe Balm
It is both water and sweat resistant so once it is applied you will get long-term protection during a run.
Read this review and see if this natural product is good for you.
Shea butter is a unique cream made from the fatty-oil of the Karite-Nut which is a tree native to savannah areas in central and western Africa.
Traditional African healers have held knowledge about the positive benefits for many thousands of years, the healing benefits are broad and include skin burns, ulcers, dry skin, skin stretch markings and anti-chafing qualities.
The ingredients are vegetable fats with strong beneficial qualities which promote circulation, the regeneration of cells, skin rejuvenation capabilities and a natural screen protection against damaging sun rays.
Key Features
This balm is sweat and water resistant, works well for anti-chafing and very smooth and protective when applied to the skin.
Value
Moderately priced and nicely effective
Water resistant
Easy to apply
Shea Butter
Swear resistant
Promotes cell regeneration
Protects against the sun
Anti-Chafe capability
Some runners don't like stick applicators.
12. 2Toms SportShield for HER! (Roll-On)
Can be used for anti-chafe protection in multiple areas around the body.
Selected Ingredients
The brand has a formula which is water-proof and sweat-proof, this gives protection against chafing in very challenging conditions and the application will last for 24 hours.
The brand has a formula which is water-proof and sweat-proof, this gives protection against chafing in very challenging conditions and the application will last for 24 hours.
Key Features
This application will not melt when things get hot because it has a heat-proof formula and strong friction proof defense formulated to eliminate potential chafing of the skin.
One application will provide endurable protection for 24 hours, available as a roll on, towelettes and twin-packs.
Apply Under the arms
Between the thighs
Over the groin area
Over the nipples
Backs of the heels
Tops of the toes
Under the bra area
Value
Well within the average budget and a good investment for lady runners.
Specifically for ladies
24-hour protection
Can be applied onto multiple body areas
Water-proof
Sweat-proof
Only for ladies.
Anti-chafing protection can vary depending on a guy or lady and our review has taken this into account with selections for both. Here we look at the best choices of anti-chafing creams currently available for runners, take a close read and choose a product which you feel will work for you.
Here are some other pointers which you can include when you use a protective cream:
- Don’t wear cotton. It will absorb sweat and become wet and heavy this leads to a higher potential for chafing.
- Choose running gear which is seamless and does not have tags, these are hotspots for causing chafing.
- Choose a good FIT for shirts and shorts, overly loose fitting material can start to rub and cause skin irritation.
- Choose running shoes which are minimal on seams.
- Ensure you stay hydrated, this keeps your skin supple and less susceptible to chafing.
- Moisturized skin at key areas will help prevent chafing.
Anti-chafing creams come in a variety of formulas. Some are 100% natural, having very few ingredients, whereas others are made of a dozen plus artificial chemicals to give it a long-lasting quality. Each of these creams on this list has their own strengths and weaknesses.
Criteria Used for picking out the best chaffing creams
Chafing is a type of skin irritation caused by skin rubbing against skin or rubbing against clothing and shoes that are either too loose or too tight. The friction is exasperated by sweat. It is prevalent among long-distance athletes such as competitive cyclists or marathon runners. There are very effective preventive measures that can reduce the chances of you experiencing chaffing in your next run. Here we have sampled the best creams that help in reducing skin chaffing.
When looking at the best creams for chafing the following factors were considered.
Irritation
The creams do not cause any irritation when applied. They have a soothing effect when reacting to the body part that is affected by chaffing. They also have no reaction to the skin, it is highly advisable to consult with your doctor in case you have any form of skin allergies.
Affected Body Surface/ Part
Below are some of the body parts that are normally affected by chaffing.
Thighs: chaffing of the thighs is normally caused by dryness or just the pair of running shorts you normally have. Check the type of shorts you always wear when running. There are many options for running shorts that can help in reducing chaffing incidences. But if it’s not the shorts then the best option would be to make sure you apply lubricant along your thighs to reduce friction.
Nipples: the wrong type of running tops is the major cause of having chaff on one’s nipples. This affects both female and male athletes. There are anti-chaffing products that are specifically made to deal with chaffing around the nipples. Other options are band-aids, though not encouraged for those who have chest hair, removing them will be a painful experience. But once again you can use the universal solution, which is a lubricant. Make sure all your running tops are not made of cotton.
Armpits: also caused by the wrong running tops and the like the nipples the best way to prevent it is to apply a lubricant before the run.
Lady Parts and crotch: we have a detailed section that covers chaffing around the crotch section.
Shoulders: The sports bra is also a common cause of chafing for women, and typically happens on the shoulder straps, or on the band along the bottom of the bra. The best way to prevent this is by spreading some lube, across all potential problem areas to prevent chafing.
Arms and wrists: caused by the running accessories we wear during our run the best way to avoid chaffing on the wrist is to opt for devices that do not have straps on them. Like Tomtom Multi-Sport Cardio.
How to Treat Chafing
Whenever you have skin chaffing its best that you seek medical attention in order to avoid a chance of secondary infections occurring.
Take a warm bath. Take a shower immediately you are from your workout exercise, and make sure the water is lukewarm. I order to prevent bacterial infection make sure you use antibacterial soaps. This will prevent skin infections.
Soothe it. Be careful with the affected area, gently pat it dry and avoid rubbing the skin. Then apply you can antibacterial ointments like Desitin. Make sure the ointment is antibacterial to avoid skin infections.
When you notice that spot that has skin chaff has worsened and is now like a blister it’s best you seek medical attention. Also, make sure you keep the area away from any form of friction so that it can heal faster. Though self-care tips are advised, its good to seek medical help if the problem persists.
Other Important Factors to Consider Before Setting Out To Make Your Purchase
Knowing the tips to prevent chaffing of the skin is very important that’s why we looked at how you can protect the different parts of your body that may be subject to chaffing. Other additional factors that were considered when picking out the best anti-chaffing cream were:
Ways of Preventing Crotch Chaffing
Chafing is typically the result of consistent friction between skin and clothing, though it can also happen skin-to-skin. The result is skin rubbed raw, and in some cases, well beyond that. Due to the different apparel we wear, it seems men and women have different problem areas with a few common trouble spots.
Crotch chafe: it’s one problem that is able to occur to any athlete who is involved in running. No matter how embarrassing it is to have a crotch chaff or how its embarrassing to talk about it, everyone needs to protect themselves from chaffing especially if involves the private parts of the runner. The other challenge of having skin irritation is that as more friction is exerted the affected area worsens and the situation and the chaffing will ultimately become a painful blister. It’s better to deal with a chaffing in your private parts than to deal with serious blisters because the pain will be double and you will be most uncomfortable. So better be safe than sorry and make sure you implement the below anti-chaffing techniques:
Getting the Appropriate Apparel
The first step is to make sure you have the right running materials and that means making sure the running apparels are made from the right material. You should get rid of all running clothes that are made of cotton this is because cotton has an absorbent feature. This simply means that the fabric absorbs fluids, though this many might see as an advantage with the idea of sweat-wicking ability. Well as cotton continues to absorb more sweat from the body it gets more abrasive.
Lube Up
The major cause of any type of chaffing is friction. Lubrication helps in reducing friction and making sure the surfaces are smooth. There are several options a runner can work with when considering lubrication. Bodyglide is one of the lubricants used by runners, its applied in areas where you suspect chaffing may occur, like thighs etc. Bodyglide is user-friendly also functions as a cream used to prevent chaffing. You just need to apply it to your body parts that are frequently affected by chaffing. The quantity is determined by the amount of sweat you have when running. The only challenge with the lubricant is that it won’t function with triathletes and those involved in cycling. This is because with these sporting activities its density makes it light. So you can opt for an anti-chaffing cream. These products are able to prevent fungal infections and microbial too, that makes them the best to use to prevent chaffing. the only challenge is that they are little more costly.
Get Hydrated Through Out
The more you run or workout the more the body sweats, sweat has salts components also known as electrolytes. Sweating causes the body to lose water hence become dehydrated. After some time the body will have little or no more fluid to be able to get the salty sweat out of the body. This means that the salt is removed from the body will be like dry particles of normal salt. A rough layer of salt will be formed on your skin, this, in turn, will encourage friction on your skin. The final results will be chaffing on your skin. That is why its very important to make sure that you keep your body hydrated at all times during your workouts this ensures a balance between the body fluids and the electrolytes.
Trim your pubic hair
Body hair varies in texture, and the hair in our private parts happen to be very tough and coarse. majorly because you don’t use hair products on it as much as you do on the hair on your head. The more pubic hair you have the higher your chances of experiencing chaffing while running, this is because the hair will be able to bunch between the fabric of your running underwear and your skin. The situation gets worse if you are wearing cotton undergarments. Pubic hair just needs to be shaved in order to avoid any form of irritation during your running. You can shave it at home or better seek a professional at your local beauty parlor to get you that bikini wax. And trimming your pubic hair isn’t just for the female runners, because even male runners suffer from crotch chaff. And it’s better to protect yourself that have to be sorry latter after a crotch chaff interrupting your running.
FAQ
Below are some of the questions that are related to chaffing and how to treat and prevent chaffing.
Q. What is chaffing?
A. Chafing is typically the result of consistent friction between skin and clothing, though it can also happen skin-to-skin. The word simply means to cause irritation on the surface of the skin, the irritation can be sued by any form of friction experienced on the body or just rubbing of anything against the surface of the skin. Chaffing causes discoloration of the skin and one feels like scratching the affected area, with time intense chaffing and more friction can cause the affected area to have blisters. The result is skin rubbed raw, and in some cases, well beyond that. Due to the different apparel we wear, it seems men and women have different problem areas with a few common trouble spots. The other challenge of having chaff on your skin is that the more friction that keeps on occurring in the affected area worsens the situations and the chaffing will ultimately become a painful blister. It’s better to deal with a chaffing in your private parts than to deal with serious blisters because the pain will be double and you will be most uncomfortable.
Q. How do I Treat Chafing?
A. Whenever you have skin chaffing its best that you seek medical attention in order to avoid the chance of secondary infections occurring.
Take a warm bath. Take a shower immediately you are from your workout exercise, and make sure the water is lukewarm. I order to prevent bacterial infection make sure you use antibacterial soaps. This will prevent skin infections.
Soothe it. Be careful with the affected area, gently pat it dry and avoid rubbing the skin. Then apply you can antibacterial ointments like Desitin. Make sure the ointment is antibacterial to avoid skin infections.
When you notice that spot that has skin chaff has worsened and is now like a blister it’s best you seek medical attention. Also, make sure you keep the area away from any form of friction so that it can heal faster. Though self-care tips are advised, its good to seek medical help if the problem persists.
Q. What is a BodyGlide?
A. Body Glide is a balm that creates a protective barrier on top of your skin to help reduce friction against other skin and/or apparel. This is the wonder product. It’s not greasy, it comes in mini versions, which is great for traveling, and it’s super reliable. There are loads of versions of Body Glide, but I stick to the basic stuff and it works like a gem.
Q. What helps with chafing?
A. Be careful with the affected area, gently pat it dry and avoid rubbing the skin. Then apply you can antibacterial ointments like Desitin. Make sure the ointment is antibacterial to avoid skin infections.
When you notice that spot that has skin chaff has worsened and is now like a blister it’s best you seek medical attention. Also, make sure you keep the area away from any form of friction so that it can heal faster. Though self-care tips are advised, its good to seek medical help if the problem persists.
Q. What is anti-chafing cream?
A. These are creams that are used to prevent chaffing from occurring on the skin while running. Anti-chafing creams come in a variety of formulas. Some are 100% natural, having very few ingredients, whereas others are made of a dozen plus artificial chemicals to give it a long-lasting quality. Each of these creams on this list has their own strengths and weaknesses.
Q. Where does chaffing occur?
A. Chafing will show up in any part of the body that is exposed to friction, friction caused by skin to skin contact or friction caused by skin to fabric contact.
Here are some sources we used while conducting our research
Sources
- , Best Anti-Chafing Products for Fitness, Consumer Website,
- , Top 10 Anti Chafe Creams, Sporting Website,
- , best anti-chafing cream??, Consumer Website,
- , 9 Chamois Creams That Make Lengthy Bike Rides More Comfortable, Consumer Website,
- , Chafing, Health Website,
- , How to Stop That Annoying Rash Between Your Thighs, Consumer Website,
- , How to Heal Chafed Skin,
- , Home Remedies for Chafing, Consumer Website,
- , How to Heal Chafed Skin, Consumer Website,
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