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Chafing results from skin irritation caused by repetitive rubbing. Common in runners and other athletes, it manifests as a painful, often bleeding scratch mark. It's typically found in areas of your body that get excessively sweaty when you work out or where your skin rubs against itself repeatedly. Anti-chafe cream can help prevent or reduce this irritation when you exercise by acting as a protective barrier around the affected skin.
Here are the best chafing creams on the market for all of your needs.
Any cyclist who has dealt with saddle soreness knows that a pre-ride application of chafing cream is critical to their comfort during and after riding. Chamois Butt'r Original Anti-Chafe Cream helps prevent chafing on your rear and any other body parts that rub together or against clothing, so it can also be used by runners and other athletes.
Non-greasy and easy to apply, users love that it lasts for hours and doesn’t stain your clothes. It also contains no artificial fragrances or colors and doesn’t have a strong scent, if you’re worried about a sensitive nose. This cream also comes off easily with soap and water when you’re finally ready to clean up after a long bike ride or run.
Created by a seven-time Ironman winner, Ruby’s Lube is made with all-natural ingredients, including olive oil, lemongrass, calendula, beeswax, and benzoin. A little bit of this cream goes a long way, so there’s no need to frequently reapply during long rides or runs. It stays put and holds up to extreme sweating and rainy conditions, but comes off easily in the shower with soap.
Users also love that it doesn’t melt in the heat or make a mess when applying. Ruby’s Lube has a clean, fresh scent and is even safe and gentle enough to be used on diaper rash or any chapped skin. It’s a great, natural option for athletes who’ve experienced breakouts or allergic reactions from other chafing creams. The 3-ounce tube also comes with a bonus mini tube, which is perfect for stashing in a pack or pocket in case you forget to apply before your activity.
Many endurance athletes who suffer from painful blisters and hot spots on their feet during long runs find that creams with wax, silicone, or petroleum as their main ingredients just don’t give them the protection they need. ChafeX is different because rather than lubricating the skin, it forms a semi-permeable membrane on your skin to protect it from chafing and blistering.
To apply, you simply put it on any area that’s susceptible to chafing or blistering and then rub it in for about 30 seconds until it feels stiff or tacky, which is temporary. After two to three minutes of dry time, your skin will feel smooth, and then you can put on your socks or other workout gear.
ChafeX washes off your skin with soap and water, and won’t leave any stain or odor behind on your clothes. Although it’s pricier than other chafing creams, users say a little goes a long way and its effectiveness makes it worth every penny.
Active men need strong protection down there and, if they do experience chafing or saddle soreness, they want a product that will speed up the healing process. DZNuts Pro Chamois Cream does all of that, and more.
Its anti-inflammatory and anti-chafing properties protect delicate skin against irritation and also decrease itching, prickling, and discomfort. Users love the light, minty scent and the slight, cooling sensation after they apply it. This anti-fungal and anti-bacterial cream reduces the chance of infection, while also promoting healing in already existing wounds.
Thigh chafing can be incredibly uncomfortable, and that's where the MegaBabe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick comes in. Formulated with soothing aloe, pomegranate, and hydrating grapeseed oil this non-toxic formula will create an instant barrier between your two thighs while you walk, run, or simply go about your day-to-day. Simply swipe the non-greasy formula directly onto your inner thighs before you head out for the day and enjoy less friction.
Specially formulated for endurance athletes, Blue Steel Sports Anti-chafe Cream is a silicone-based cream that helps protect chafing, blisters, and saddle sores. It contains tea tree oil, a natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ingredient, which helps reduce the risk of infection and prevents stains on clothing.
Users love that it’s not sticky or greasy, doesn’t burn your skin, and stays on. While it’s an effective product for preventing skin pain, Blue Steel excels at calming and soothing irritated skin, for those times when you may have missed a spot or completely forgot to apply. It’s perfect to pack for weekend hiking trips and multi-day races.
One of the most tried-and-true anti-chafing products among runners, Body Glide is an allergen-free, plant-based, no-petroleum stick that goes on like a deodorant stick. Available in a few different formulas, including Foot, Cycle, or Sun, it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. It also comes in smaller sizes, so it’s easy to pack if space is limited. One caveat is that it can melt in extreme heat, so you shouldn’t leave it for long periods in a hot car, for instance.
If you spend a lot of time on your bike, you need an anti-chafing cream that’s effective and long-lasting. A popular choice among endurance riders, Gooch Guard Chamois Cream will keep your rear comfortable, soothed and protected. Made from all-natural, safe ingredients, Gooch Guard contains no parabens, petroleum, silicone, added fragrance, or common allergens, so it’s gentle on all skin types.
Although cyclists use it on their bum, it’s effective on other areas that are prone to chafing and irritation. It also has a pleasant, light smell and isn't greasy or sticky. Fans of Gooch Guard love how long it holds up, even under extremely hot and sweaty conditions.
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Purim KS, Leite N. Sports-related dermatoses among road runners in Southern Brazil. An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(4):587‐592. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142792