10 Best Anti-Chafing Creams & Sticks – 2021 Buyers Guide
Taren Weidaw 
Pablo Hernandez Those of you who are runners, cyclists or participate in any type of sporting activities understand just how frustrating it can be to deal with chafing. If you’re finally sick and tired of dealing with this uncomfortable issue, you’ll love the anti-chafing creams on our list of reviews.
Since chafing is a huge issue for many of us, the market has responded by providing tons of options to choose from—which can make finding the best of the best a difficult feat. Lucky for you, we’ve put in the work to find the best anti-chafing creams for you!
Check them out below!
TL;DR - Our pick for the best anti-chaffing cream or stick.
Easy to use
Vegan
Cruelty free
No harmful ingredients
Different formulas for men and women
10 Best Anti-Chafing Creams
1. Body Glide
Easy to use
Vegan
Cruelty free
No harmful ingredients
Different formulas for men and women
Some users are sensitive to the essential oils in the product
The Body Glide stick is one of the most recommended anti-chafing products currently available. It's easy to use, portable, and highly effective--and will quickly become just as important as your water bottle when you go on your runs. This one is affordable and worth keeping in your gym bag.
Read moreProduct Purity
There are options for men, women, and children and it is made of all-natural ingredients that will prevent chafing and ensure your comfort. The women's stick has additional ingredients to prevent irritation and ensure you stay well-moisturized. It is vegan and only made from plants--and you won't have to worry about leaving it around your kids.
Brand
This brand is actually really popular and trusted by many athletes out there. They use safe and natural ingredients that are high quality and effective--so it definitely gets the jobs done!
Comfort
This product is easy to use--just like the name suggests, you just glide it on wherever you need to (it looks just like your deodorant stick). It won't clog your pores and is designed to be long-lasting and last all day long.
Durability
The good thing about this anti-chafing stick is that it definitely stays on as long as you need it too--so you won't have to worry about having to stop every five minutes to apply more.
2. Petal Power
Vegan
Cruelty-free
All-natural
Great for those with sensitive skin
Not as long-lasting as some would hope
Petal Power chafing cream is made of all plant ingredients and id one of the most effective all-natural products available to use.
Read moreProduct Purity
Petal Power is vegan as well as free of parabens, gluten, and petroleum--and it is completely made of plant-based ingredients.
Brand
It's made in the USA and is perfect for those of you with sensitive skin since it has not peppermint oil or tea tree oil.
Comfort
This one is perfect for cyclists and is a great option for women. A little on the pricey side but a great option for you ladies out there.
Durability
When it comes to durability, the Petal Power anti-chafing cream is designed to ensure it stays on for as long as you need it--so you never have to worry about having to stop mid-workout to apply more.
3. Gold Bond Friction Defense
Long-lasting
Protects against friction
Contains aloe & ginger
Non-irritating
Non-greasy
Does not stain clothing
May cause irritation to sensitive parts of the body
Not suitable for the soles of the feet
May not work for all users
Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick is a deodorant-like stick that glides on for protection against chafing and leaves no residue on clothing. It can be used on people with even the most sensitive skin because of its gentle formula.
Read moreProduct Purity
Aloe Vera (skin soother), Ginger (skin rejuvenator), Tribehenin (helps to penetrate the skin), bisabolol (chamomile extract, good for skin healing properties)
Brand
This is an excellent value from a well-known company. Many people compared Gold Bond Friction Defense to Body Glide, a similar but much more expensive product, and said that it worked just as well for roughly half the price.
Comfort
Gold Bond Friction Defense comes in an easy to apply the 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 moisturizes as well.
Durability
Reviewers had nothing but great things to say about this product. About the only complaint, we could find was that the stick is too large to easily apply the product between your toes, but hey, you can't please everyone. We think it's well worth every penny, and that' why it's on our list!
4. DZ Nuts
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Uses prebiotics and probiotics
Formulated by a pro cyclist
Many users report they don't like the smell.
This product was specially formulated by Dave Zabriskie, a pro cyclist--and someone who has had to deal with his own share of aggressive chafing. It is designed to eliminate and prevent chafing from occurring--so you can enjoy your workouts without risking any pain.
Read moreProduct Purity
There is a formula available for both men and women and it features evodia, masterwort, and tea tree--all of which are natural that heal and prevent chafing.
Brand
Now a well-known brand, many users have come to love this product because it is easy to use, effective, and easy to bring along with you if you want to have it on you.
Comfort
This product is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and uses prebiotics and probiotics to help prevent any infection from occurring. It was created by an athlete who frequently experienced chafing and knows just what it feels like to have to deal with this frustrating problem.
Durability
It comes at an average priced and is worth every penny. While it's a little more expensive than some of the other products on our list, the effectiveness of the Akileïne Sports NOK anti-chafing cream makes it an excellent value.
5. Chamous Butt’r
Durable
Free of parabens, gluten, and artificial colors and fragrances
Easy to wash off
Some users might want more natural ingredients
This product is the real deal--it will prevent any chafing or irritability so you stay comfortable and blister-free after all of your runs and workouts.
Read moreProduct Purity
This product is not all natural--so if you are okay with using a product that has additional chemicals (that are useful and effective) then this is a great product. However, if you want to avoid certain ingredients then this is not the right product for you. This product is free of all artificial fragrances, parabens, gluten, and colors, so don't worry about that!
Brand
This brand is hardcore and perfect for those of you who need some serious chafing relief. If you have found the more natural options have not worked for you, then definitely check this one out.
Comfort
This is perfect for cyclists specifically, but a great product for all runners, athletes, and anyone who needs it. It is easy to wash off and provides optimal lubrication.
Durability
Definitely a lot more expensive when compared to other similar products--but it is a hardcore option that will make sure no chafing occurs.
6. Gooch Guard
Easy to apply
All-natural
Paraben-free
no separate option for men and women
Gooch guard effectively prevents chafing and lubricates the area for you--so you don't have to worry about constantly reapplying.
Read moreProduct Purity
Gooch Guard has no parabens, allergens, or petroleum--and is made in the USA with all-natural products.
Brand
Although the brand is a little lesser-know than some of the other selections on our list, you will find that a lot of athletes stand behind this product and that it really helps!
Comfort
It is made for both men and women and doesn't have separate products for each. It reduces the itching that accompanies chafing and prevents it from occurring, even on those long bike rides.
Durability
Gooch Guard can stay on easily, so you don't have to worry about reapplying all of the time.
7. Assos Chamois Cream
Effective
Cooling sensation from menthol & witch hazel
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Non-staining
Moisturizing
Expensive
May not work for everyone
Mentholated - don't use on sensitive areas!
Contains parabens
Assos Chamois Cream is an interesting product. It's formulated to reduce chafing while also keeping your clothing in good shape. Designed for use with both synthetic and natural fabric, it prevents chafing while maintaining the chamois' elasticity.
Read moreProduct Purity
Witch Hazel Extract (soothes the skin), Almond & Oak Bark Oils (anti-inflammatory), Menthol (cooling), Methylparaben, BHA (antioxidant)
Brand
This is an excellent value anti-chafing cream for use with both natural and artificial chamois.
Comfort
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, so it's not suitable for sensitive body parts.
Durability
Designed for cyclists, it can be used with their chamois without worries of staining. However, the product does contain artificial chemicals such as parabens, so for those of you looking for a natural product, this may not be the right one.
8. Blue Steel
Effective
Long-lasting
Moisturizing
Non-greasy & non-staining
Expensive
Medicinal odor
May not work for all users
Blue Steel Anti-Chafe Cream is a moisturizing silicone-based product designed to help with friction. It will protect you against blisters, chafing, and saddle sores. It's also swimsuit safe so it's great for triathletes and general use at the beach.
Read moreProduct Purity
Moisturizing silicone-based anti-friction barrier cream, containing tea tree oil for natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal protection. It's also great for women and doesn't tingle when used on sensitive body parts.
Brand
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.
Comfort
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.
Durability
A little bit expensive, this is still an excellent value for people looking for a silicone-based cream that's effective at preventing chafing.
9. Ruby's Lube All Natural
All natural
Only 5 ingredients
Effective
Moisturizing
Made in the USA
Some users complained about the smell
May not work for all users
Ruby's Lube All Natural Anti-Chafe Balm's sweat and water-resistant properties make it perfect for athletes. Also, due to its moisturizing properties, it’s perfect for dry skin, rashes, and other minor skin irritations.
Read moreProduct Purity
Just 5 all-natural ingredients: Olive oil, lemongrass, calendula, beeswax, and benzoin.
Brand
Ruby's offers a 100% money-back guarantee, so if you're not happy with it after you use it, you can return it for a full refund.
Comfort
For users who don't want to expose themselves to chemicals, this is 100% natural. It's simple and has as few ingredients as possible. Some users didn't like the smell, however.
Durability
This is an excellent all-natural product, and most reviewers were extremely satisfied. It was formulated and is made by a 7x Ironman triathlon winner and extensively tested in the triathlon community for use during tough training and events.
10. Monistat
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
Specially made for women, Monistat gel is a breathable substance that combines the strengths of both powders and creams into one product that gives you a strong barrier to prevent chafing and blisters.
Read moreProduct Purity
Various silicone-based chemicals, dimethicone 1.2% (serves as a skin Protectant,) artificial vitamin E, and a UV blocker.
Brand
Some users can't decide between using a powder or a gel, so this product has the qualities of both. It is also breathable, unlike some of the products on this list.
Comfort
It is gentle and can be used in sensitive areas where you wouldn't want to use other products.
Durability
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. But women especially will love it, and the fact that you can use it on sensitive body parts is a huge plus.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Product Purity
Before you buy anything, you need to make sure to check out the ingredients it is made of--which is why we prioritized the product purity of each of the anti-chafing creams we chose to feature on our list of reviews.
It is important to think about the purity of the products we use on our bodies, especially ones we use day in and day out. We made sure to check for product purity and the accuracy of the ingredient lists for each cream we featured here on our list. Our goal is to help you find the anti-chafing cream that will work the best for you!
Whether it's a cream, stick or powder, this stuff is going on your body, and your body is super important! When making our list we looked at lots of different products, some that are 100% natural, and some that include some chemicals. Through our research, we found out that while the 100% natural products were typically as effective as the ones with chemicals, they tended weren't as long-lasting.
Because of this, we recommend thinking about how long you typically exercise for, and if possible use one of the 100% natural products. Having said that, we didn't find anything that indicated using the other products led to any sort of long-term adverse health problems. However, if you know you have sensitive skin, make sure you take an extra close look at the ingredients in the product.
Brand
While the brand is not the most important thing to take into consideration, it's still good to know a little bit about the product you are thinking about buying!
While it does not necessarily have to be a make or breakpoint, it is worthwhile to consider the brand of the cream you are looking at buying. A brand with a strong positive reputation will give you peace of mind and will help you know you are getting a good product. Buying from a respected brand will ensure you are making a smart investment.
When compiling our list we not only looked at the products themselves, but also at the quality and reputation of the companies making them. With the exception of our #1 product, Gold Bond Friction Defense, you may not have heard of many of the brands on our list, so we looked at the companies for you and only included ones that have a good reputation.
As it turns out many of them were started by runners and other elite endurance athletes, which gives us confidence in the products they make. At the end of the day, before you buy any of the anti-chafing creams featured on our list, just make sure you know everything thing there is to know and ensure it is the perfect option for you and your needs.
Comfort
The whole point of using an anti-chafing cream is to make sure you are getting something that will help you find the relief you need--so, make sure you are nice and comfortable when you use the cream you decide to get!
Read also about run for longer distances.
The main reason you are looking at anti-chafing creams in the first place is that you are uncomfortable and in pain. Finding a good cream that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave you feeling sticky or slimy afterward will go a long way in helping you stay comfortable and will help you get back to your runs faster as well!
When looking at anti-chafing products, considering comfort is key. I mean, that's what it's all about right? Preventing uncomfortable chafing so you can train as comfortably as possible without losing time to injury is the name of the game. All of the products on our list have proven themselves to be very effective at preventing chafing while being comfortable to apply and use.
In our research, we found a correlation between a products' consistency and how long it lasts on your body during exercise. The thicker the product the longer it lasts. Which makes sense. However, several reviewers mentioned that the thicker products weren't ideal for low to medium pace exercise. These products were designed for higher paced athletes who really work up a sweat.
Take into account the intensity of your workouts and choose the product that's right for you--after all, we don't all have the exact same needs. If you want to make sure you don't need to reapply your anti-chafing creams during your workout, you will need to make sure you get the cream that can truly hold up to your use!
Durability
The last thing you want to do is reapply your anti-chafing cream every five minutes--so make sure to get a cream that will stick with you for the long haul!
The final factor you are going to want to consider carefully is how durable the cream is. That is, how long does it last and how well does it hold up to the wear and tear of your runs and workout sessions? We made sure to look at this aspect of each cream we featured here so you can rest assured you are getting quality products that will last.
In this case, durability refers to how long the product lasts application. All of the products in our top 12 are rated as having good durability, but some last longer than others of course. Generally speaking, longer-lasting products are thicker and designed for intense activities such as marathons and long-distance cycling training.
But be sure that's what you need before purchasing, as they may not be ideal for lower intensity workouts. At the end of the day, you need to make sure you invest in something that works best for you--if there were a single anti-chafing cream for everyone, then we wouldn't have so many selections for you to choose from, to begin with!
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Product Purity Brand Comfort Durability
The more you run, or workout, the more you sweat, period. Sweat has salts components also known as electrolytes. Sweating causes the body to lose water and become dehydrated.
That's why it's very important to make sure that you keep your body hydrated at all times during your workouts to ensure a balance between body fluids and electrolytes.
The major cause of any type of chafing is friction. Lubrication helps in reducing friction and making sure the surfaces in contact don't rub against each other uncomfortably--which leads to unwanted symptoms.
There are several options a runner can work with when considering lubrication, but it's definitely an important aspect of the chafe reduction process.
It is easy to get distracted by the price tag, but if you want to find the best anti-chaffing cream available today you will want to focus on value rather than cost. The price tag is simply what it will cost you to buy the product.
The value of the product is what it has to offer, how well it delivers, and how you personally feel about the product when you use it. Value should always be considered more than the price tag when making any purchase!
Other Factors to Consider
Value
US President Harry Truman is famous for coining the phrase, "the buck stops here." While we don't think he was talking about training for an Ironman, he could have been. We're all price-conscious these days, and every buck counts, even for an essential product such as anti-chafing cream or sticks. The products on our list range from around $6 to $25.
How many uses you'll get out of it, of course, depends on how heavily you apply it and how often you use it, but either way, we see spending money on a product for chafing protection as an investment. You put a lot into your running, so it's important to feel good while doing it so you can get a lot out.
The most important thing to keep in mind when you are establishing the overall value of the anti-chafing creams you are considering is to look at the product as a whole. While we review each of them based on what they each have to offer, you may have noticed that many of them are different from each other--so make sure you prioritize your needs and preferences before you decide.
Side Effects
When it comes to side effects, we tried to make sure to pick anti-chafing creams that do not cause any side effects. For the most part, they should not cause any type of irritation, pain, or side effects when you apply them--after all, the whole point of using them is to diminish unwanted symptoms you are tired of dealing with.
Overall, these anti-chafing creams should help soothe your pain and irritation--not cause any more. It is important to note, however, that if you are sensitive or allergic to any ingredients you will want to make sure you take a close look at all of the ingredients in the cream. And, if you are worried, test out a little bit on your skin to make sure you don't have an unwanted reaction.
At the end of the day, we don't have all of the same needs and--although we didn't find any serious reactions or side effects with the creams we chose for our list--this still may happen to a select few. Anti-chafing creams should ensure you get the soothing relief that you need and never bring side effects to you when you use them.
Use
Anti-chafing protection can vary depending on if the user is a man or a woman; our review has taken this into account with selections for both. We've looked at the best products to protect you against chafing creams currently available for runners, so take a look and choose a product you feel will work for you.
The anti-chafing cream--or anti-chafing stick--you get will need to be easy to use for you. If you get a cream it should easily absorb into your skin, so you don't have to worry about it being slick and slippery while you workout it with it or go about your day. That being said, it should also stay on you no matter how far you are going.
As far as, this factor comes down to what it is you need. If you want something more portable that you can take with you wherever you go then you will want to invest in something that is more portable and that can handle the temperatures you will be leaving it out in--this is important, because you don't want your creams to water down when it is too hot out.
Potency
When it comes to anti-chafing creams, we want to make sure to invest in something that actually works--and some of us might need something more potent than others. As you can see from our list of reviews, we have included tons of different options, from all-natural and organic creams to more potent ingredients with less natural ingredients.
We made sure to include a variety of different types of chafing creams to ensure there were options for all of our readers. So, if you specifically want something that is 100% all-natural we definitely have something left for you. That being said, it is important to note that the more all-natural selections may be less potent than some of the other options.
So, if you have already tried natural options and found they are not potent enough, then you may need to take a look at the other selections on our list. The less-natural options on our list are designed to be more potent and ensure a longer lifespan so you can count on them to give you the relief that you need to prevent any chafing from occurring.
Ease of Use
It is also important to consider how easy a particular product is to use. Will you be able to use it while you are out and about without making a big mess? Can it be applied several times if needed? Is the cream easy to rub in or does it make a mess and get all over everything? Does the cream easily stain clothes?
Questions like these will help determine how you plan to use the cream and will help you figure out what products are best for you and which will be the best fit for your normal routine and habits and lifestyle. So, make sure to take a close look at all of these different things before you make your final decision.
At the end of the day, we made sure to take a look at countless reviews to see what real-world users have to say about each of the chafing creams we reviewed to see how easy they are to use--but only you can decide if the anti-chafing cream will actually work for you in terms of how easy it is for you to use.
Protection
The ultimate goal of anti-chaffing cream and similar products is to help protect you against chaffing and the pain and discomfort and embarrassment that often comes with it! These products made our list because they are some of the best out there that are available to you now.
We made sure to find the best products that will protect you from the painful effects of rubbing and chaffing while you are workout out or enjoying a nice run. We know how important protection is for you and it was one of the key factors we considered in our search--after all, our readers are our main priority here!
Before you buy, make sure to consider the level of protection you need--yes, some of us deal with higher levels of chafing than others, so it is important to get what works for us. This means taking a close look at all of the ingredients listed on the cream and reading through reviews to see what real-world users have to say.
Bottom Line
When you do a lot of running or moving during your workouts, you may experience the unpleasant effects of chafing at some point and time. Anyone who has dealt with it knows how annoying and distracting it can be. To help soothe the pain and discomfort, speed healing, and protect against further damage, you will want to use an anti-chafing cream.
We made sure to include many different products but each one has the protection and durability you are looking for, making this a well-rounded top ten list to be sure! And, as you can see, we did a pretty good job at including enough options for all types of users--so we can guarantee there is something on our list that will work for you.
All in all, you want to make sure you invest in a product that works specifically for you and your needs. Yes, it is important to sift through actual reviews and see what people who have actually used the product have to say--but at the end of the day, only you know what will actually work best for you, your needs and your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What is chafing?
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 increased by any form of friction experienced on the body or just rubbing of anything against the surface of the skin.
Chafing causes discoloration of the skin and feels like scratching on the affected area, and with time-intense chafing and more friction can cause the affected area to develop 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 chafing on your skin is that the more friction that keeps occurring in the affected area worsens the situation and the chafing will ultimately become a painful blister. It’s better to deal with chafing in your private parts than to deal with serious blisters because the pain will double and you will be very uncomfortable.
q: How do I treat chafing?
Whenever you have skin chafing 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 after your workout, and make sure the water is lukewarm. I order to prevent bacterial infection make sure you use antibacterial soap. This will prevent skin infections.
Soothe it. Be careful with the affected area, gently pat it dry and avoid rubbing the area. Then you can apply antibacterial ointments like Desitin. Make sure the ointment is antibacterial to avoid skin infections.
When you notice that spot that has skin chafing 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, it's good to seek medical help if the problem persists.
q: What is anti-chafing cream?
These are creams that are used to prevent chafing from occurring on the skin while running. Anti-chafing creams come in a variety of formulas. Some are 100% natural, and have very few ingredients, whereas others are made of a dozen plus artificial chemicals to give it a long-lasting quality. Each of the creams on this list has their own strengths and weaknesses.
q: Where does chafing occur?
Chafing will show up on any part of the body that is exposed to friction caused by skin to skin contact or friction caused by skin to fabric contact. Typical problem areas are between the thighs, armpits, the butt for cyclists, and nipples when wearing certain fabrics.
q: Can I use these creams with other medications or OTC products
In most cases, the answer to this is yes. There are few reports of major side effects reported from using the best of anti-chaffing creams--and those that are reported are minor and short-lived. However, if you're dealing with chronic illnesses or conditions that affect your skin (psoriasis, eczema, or skin cancer) you need to talk to your health care provider before you begin using any of these products!
This is to help ensure there are no risks for interactions or side effects.
Sources
- , The 9 Best Chafing Creams of 2019, Buying Guide
- , 9 Chamois creams that make length bike rides more comfortable, Buying Guide
- , Chafing, Medical Website
- , How to Treat (and Prevent!) Painful Inner-Thigh Chafing This Summer, Informational Website
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