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We put 20 chafing creams to the test, and these protected even the most sensitive skin.
Photo:Shape / Jhett Thompson
More often than not, the increase in sweat during the summertime leads to chafing.
Anna Chacon, an expert with My Psoriasis Team.
This skin-on-skin or skin-on-cloth friction can lead to areas of irritation, she explains.
PHOTO: Amazon
These anti-chafing creams and products protect the skin from chafing by increasing glide and decreasing friction.
When you decrease friction against the skin, you reduce the risk of chafing, she says.
Read on to discover our top picks.
BodyGlide For Her Anti-Chafe and Moisturizing Balm is waterproof and sweat-resistant.Shape / Abigail Moore
In other words, the balm doesnt just say its sweat-resistant and water-proof.
However, swampiness isnt the only exercise-induced woe that this brand has a solution for.
Enter the brand’sFriction Defense Moisturizing Stickmade to combat chafing.
PHOTO: Amazon
This moisturizing stick applies similarly to deodorants and is designed to both prevent and relieve chafing.
you’re free to even apply it along your feet and heels to prevent blisters.
Another roll-on option, this balm is lightweight, easy to apply, and fragrance-free.
The Gold Bond Friction Defense Moisturizing Stick is applied similar to a deodorant.PHOTO: Shape / Elizabeth Theriot
It’s so transparent that we had a hard time seeing where on our skin wed already applied it.
Cyclists arent the only athletes who might benefit from this anti-chafing cream.
This means its less accessible for system during a race or ride.
But this anti-friction body stick doesn’t just look goodit works well, too.
key in:Stick |Intended Use:Minimizes friction and improves glide in skin contact areas (e.g.
While the product smell is apparent, the fact that youre wearing it wont be.
It doesnt leave any sticky residue on your skin or marks on your clothing.
Either way, you shouldnt leave home withoutSBR Skin Slick All Sport Spray.
Spray it on your often-problem areas, then continue sweating, skiing, swimming, and surfing as usual.
While the product is fast-absorbing and fast-acting, it is greasier than some other options on the list.
Any residue the product left on our run-shorts came off in the laundry (phew!
Incredibly moisturizing, this petroleum-based balm effectively infuses the deep layers of your skin with moisture.
PHOTO: Amazon
This balm isnt just good for your hands and fingers but also your feet and toes.
When we applied it to our feet before hiking, the moisturizing jelly helped prevent hot spots and blisters.
For the sake of transparency, we did notice that our toes were less polished after use than before.
The BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm is lightweight, easy to apply, and leaves no residue.Shape / Katie Akin
The good news is that once you apply for it, you wont need to re-apply.
This anti-chafing cream stays and stays and stays.
For the record, chafing doesnt discriminate based on body shape or size.
PHOTO: Amazon
People of all sizes and shapes can experience chafing.
Now that thats out of the way, lets talk about this moisturizing stick.
We noted that it was especially effective against thigh chafing during long summer runs.
Chamois Butt’r Original Anti-Chafe Cream works on the butt, thighs, and armpits.Shape / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
The product goes on and dries totally clear (not white!
), meaning you’re able to wear it no matter the color of your rub shorts.
TheAquaphor Healing Balm Stickis no exception this moisturizing balm went on quick and clean.
PHOTO: Cremo Company
One of the Shape testers reported that the dial knob on the bottom broke off after a few weeks.
Could it be a fluke?
But ultimately, thats why we didnt award this gender-neutral option any prizes.
Cremo Astonishingly Superior Women’s Anti Friction Body Stick is a roll-on option.PHOTO: Shape / Tatiana Kennedy
(Thats because it has a cocoa nut butter and coconut oil base).
It was also a tad stickier than some of the other options.
Still, it might catch the eye and thigh of people looking for a scented, portable product.
How We Tested
Simply, through a whole lot of trial and error.
Our testers tested 20 top-selling chafing products through over 2,356 hours of testing.
Actually, chafing correlates more with the types of activities you do than how your body looks.
FTR: It isnt your imagination that youre more prone to chafing June through August.
Heat and humidity increase your risk of chafing, says Dr. Chacon.
Blame the sweat and skimpier clothes combo, she says.
Poor hygiene is another factor that can increase the risk.
Chafing can result in redness, rawness, and even open wounds.
Thats why Dr. Chacon recommends treating and healing chafed areas by adhering to the following steps.
PHOTO: Target
First, cleanse the area.
Gently clean the chafed area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
Avoid scrubbing, which can further irritate the skin, she says.
Megababe Thigh Rescue protects your thighs without leaving any sticky residue on your skin.PHOTO: Shape / Jhett Thompson
Then, pat the area completely (!)
dry with a clean towel.
Symptoms of infection typically include increased redness, swelling, pus, or a fever.
Chafing is typically because of moving and grooving in warm, humid environments.
Using an anti-chafing product in targeting areas is the best way to prevent this from happening.
Try out various chafing creams to find one that is right for you.
(FTR: Chafing creams count as a throw in of exercise equipment).
PHOTO: Amazon
Skin Slick All Sport Anti-Chafe Spray is waterproof and does not need to be rubbed in.PHOTO: Shape / Cara Milhaven
PHOTO: Amazon
Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick can be applied to skin areas affected by dryness and friction.PHOTO: Shape / Mathieu Jean-Lubin
PHOTO: Amazon
Vermont’s Original Bag Balm Skin Moisturizer helps with dry, chafed, or chapped skin.PHOTO: Shape / Connie Kelehan
PHOTO: Zealios
Zealios Betwixt Sports & Athletic Anti-Chafe Cream can safely go on any areas prone to chafing.PHOTO: Shape / Cait Knoll
PHOTO: Amazon
Zone Naturals Chub Rub All-Natural Anti-Chafing Stick is effective against thigh chafing.Shape / Annie Probst
PHOTO: Oars + Alps
