13 Best Chafing Creams That Help Heal Your Skin & Reduce Friction
Reduce inflammations, redness, and irritation with these effective emollients.
Blade Tiessen is a certified esthetician and the owner of a renowned anti-aging clinic in Orillia, Canada. He has over 34 years of experience in the esthetics industry and has worked in several premier spas across Toronto, including the prestigious Yorkville area.
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Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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A busy day in the sun or a heavy workout in the gym often makes your skin irritating and red. We call it skin chafing, and you can easily prevent it by using anti-chafing creams. So, here we have listed out the best chafing creams available to heal the chafed skin. These creams can eliminate redness, soothe inflamed skin, and reduce and prevent friction. Scroll down to check out the best 13 chafing creams that help heal your skin heal and reduce skin discomfort.
Scroll down to check out the best 13 chafing creams that help heal your skin heal and reduce skin discomfort.
In This Article
What Is Chafing?
Chafing occurs due to repetitive friction between the skin and garments. Sweat and moisture make the condition even worse – your skin might sting, burn, and form rashes. This kind of skin irritation usually happens in vulnerable areas like the inner thighs, groins, and glutes. Although uncommon, armpits and nipples can also develop chafing.
Let’s now look at the 13 best chafing creams available online.
13 Best Chafing Creams
1. Best Non-Greasy:Chamois Butt’r Anti-Chafe Cream
The Chamois Butt’r Anti-chafe Cream is non-greasy and long-lasting. It can also be rinsed from your skin and clothes quite easily. It protects your skin day long while performing daily activities. This product is ideal for recreational cyclists, runners, swimmers, and triathletes. This cream is gentle on the skin, and acts as a skin lubricant, offering all-day protection.
- Non-greasy
- No synthetic fragrances
- No artificial colors
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- No animal testing
- Might cause a burning sensation.
"This product has been my ally for years, saving me from troublesome rashes on long bike rides. Initially, I was taken aback by how effectively it reduced friction. It is odor-free and non-greasy. It even washes out easily."
Caution
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 8,115 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best Anti-Inflammatory:dznutsbliss Pro Chamois Cream
The dznutsbliss Pro Chamois Cream has antibacterial properties and pre/probiotics complex. It reduces the risk of infection and keeps your skin healthy. This anti-inflammatory cream minimizes itching, prickling, and skin discomfort caused due to intense physical activities such as cycling, racing, riding, etc. It is formulated with masterwort, evodia, and tea tree oil. This cream strengthens the natural biological skin defenses and heals damaged skin. The moisture-absorbing polymers control excess moisture, protecting your skin against chamois.
- Heals the skin
- Preservative-free
- Paraben-free
- Long-lasting
- Expensive
"It's now my go-to for training, races, and long biking travels. I love the cooling sensation it offers. Plus, it even doubled as a soothing solution for thigh chafing. I'd recommend it to all fitness enthusiasts."
Remember3. Best For Water Sports:Blue Steel Sports Anti-Chafe Cream
The Blue Steel Sports Anti-Chafe Cream protects your skin against blisters, skin rashes, and saddle sores. It helps hydrate your skin without being sticky or greasy, and provides skin protection by creating a moisture barrier with its hydrating formula. This cream is enriched with Australian tea tree oil that helps soothe chafed skin. It prevents skin infections without any burning or tingling sensation.
- Long-lasting
- Non-greasy
- Non-sticky
- Suitable for water sports
- No stinging or burning sensation
None
Chamois Butt'r Anti-Chafe Cream Best Non-Greasy | dznutsbliss Pro Chamois Cream Best Anti-Inflammatory | Blue Steel Sports Anti-Chafe Cream Best For Water Sports | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Material | Aluminum | - | |
| Number of Items | 1 | 1 | |
| Material | Plastic | - | |
| Color | One Color | bliss | |
| Weight | 0.1 Kilograms | 0.3 Pounds | |
| Dimensions LxWxH | 8 x 3 x 2 inches | 7 x 2 x 2 inches | |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,115 | 340 | 340 |
| Price | $17.74 | $19.99 | $19.99 |
4. Best Unscented:Pure Romance Chafe Escape
The Pure Romance Chafe Escape quickly absorbs into the skin and changes into a velvety powder which helps in friction prevention by lowering skin-to-skin contact for a long time. It also helps to reduce redness and soothe and rejuvenate the skin. It is formulated using vitamin E, cassava root, and tapioca starch, that make your skin soft without any greasy residue. This cream can be used on thighs, nipples, chests, and arms.
- Unscented
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Talc-free
- May leave a white cast
"I started using this product for the folding creases of my body. It applies wet but soon delivers a powdery finish, keeping me fresh throughout. It’s a life-saver product that helps prevent thigh chafing, and the scent, oh, how I wish it came in a perfume! It makes my summer walks comfortable in dresses or shorts. I’ve found it to be effective, and the lingering fresh feel can't be missed."
5. Best Non-Staining:Glamza Chub Rub Anti Chafing Cream
This cream offers long-lasting relief for chafed skin. It protects your skin during sports activity. The non-greasy formula does not stain your clothes and is perfect for daily use. You can apply it to the feet, inner thighs, and underarms. With its non-messy application, you can enjoy the benefits of this cream without any hassle.
- Long-lasting
- Non-greasy
- Non-staining
- Subtle fragrance
None
"This cream doesn't stain which is a plus. It has a pleasant scent but it fades away quickly. Overall, it's been a real boon for my thigh chafing issues when wearing skirts or shorts."
6. Best Sweat-Proof:Movement Balm
The Movement Balm prevents chafing, rubbing, friction, sores, and windburn. This cream is quick-drying and has nourishing ingredients that soothe discomfort. It contains six therapeutic botanicals – beeswax, calendula, olive oil, sunflower oil, propolis, and lemon essential oil. The all-natural formula relieves itchy, sore, rough, and bumpy skin and helps treat blisters, dermatitis, rash, eczema, and psoriasis. You can also apply this cream to chapped lips, dry feet, or elbows.
- All-natural
- Sweat-proof
- Safe for babies
- Cruelty-free
- Chemical-free
None
"I always struggled with chafing but this balm keeps my skin intact all day, even during intensive activities like samba dancing and intense workouts. The smell may be off-putting to some, but its efficiency wins me over every time."
7. Best Anti-Redness:Sports Akileïne Anti Chafing Cream
The Sports Akileïne Anti-Chafing Cream protects your skin against skin irritation, blisters, and friction. It is enriched with shea butter extract that prevents damage and discomfort caused by friction during physical activity. This cream helps soften the skin and prevents redness. It also soothes the feet, groin, inner thighs, underarms, and nipples.
- Long-lasting
- Unisex
- All-natural
None
"It is a potent formula with long-lasting effect. It helps reduce the chances of blisters and soreness and keeps my skin soft and nourished. I'm definitely packing it for my summer C2C walk."
8. Best Allergen-Free:Gooch Guard Chamois Cream
The Gooch Guard Chamois Cream lubricates the skin and protects it from chafing. It is long-lasting and prevents itching caused during long bike rides. This product is free of allergens, parabens, silicone, fragrance, and petroleum.
- Long-lasting
- Paraben-free
- Petroleum-free
- Silicone-free
- Fragrance-free
- No allergens
- Not tested on animals
- Gentle formula
- Greasy
"I've tried multiple products but only this one works for me. It lubricates my thighs well and prevents the chances of rubbing. I also like its pleasant scent."
9. Best pH-Balanced:UNDRBUDR Anti-Chafe Sports Cream
This cream prevents chafing, reduces friction, and conditions the skin. It is enriched with aloe, beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, safflower seed oil, shea butter, and vitamin E. This anti-chafing cream maintains the pH level of your skin, is non-greasy formula and lightweight, and can be applied during summer days or damp cold seasons.
- pH-balanced
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all seasons
- Not long-lasting
"This product is easy to apply and it doesn’t have any unsettling odors. Just a small dab gave me a comfy, greasy-free ride. My biking experience is immensely better, all thanks to this product. This product will also keep you safe from any burning sensation."
10. Best UV Protection:Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel
The Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel is a unique combination of powder and cream. The gentle formula is breathable and provides UV protection. This silicone-protective product offers strong protection against blisters and chafing and prevents chafing in the inner thigh and bikini area.
- Breathable
- Provides UV protection
- Silicone-based
- Non-greasy
- Sweat-proof
- Non-staining
- Long-lasting
- Fragrance-free
- Watery consistency
11. Best Quick-Absorbing:ChafeX MicroLayer Technology Skin Cream
This anti-chafing cream is tested on athletes and recommended by marathon runners and can be worn during any season. It forms MicroLayers to support the cellular structure of the skin. This cream prevents blisters, hot spots, and callouses and reduces skin irritations caused by clothes, shoes, water, sand, and thigh rubbing.
- Absorbed easily
- Recommended by runners
- No synthetic fragrances
- Gluten-free
- Silicone-free
- Petroleum-free
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-staining
- Insufficient quantity
"I had used this product before and was hopeful it would be worth its promise, and it truly was! It works for solid hours unlike most I've tried and leaves dryness for two or three days. A little goes a long way in managing chafing and blisters. The cream protects especially during exercise and warm weather. It's a staple in my bag now."
12. Best For Fast Relief:PINXAV Healing Cream
The PINXAV Healing Cream helps to soothe and heal chafed skin. It is laden with the goodness of aloe, vitamin E, and eucalyptus that promote tissue healing. It also contains zinc oxide, which helps to reduce inflammation and protects the skin against wetness. This formula lubricates the skin and can be used by everyone in the family, including babies and the elderly. This cream is sweat-resistant and odor-free, providing easy application and fast absorption for a hassle-free experience.
- Reduces pain
- Creamy consistency
- Anti-inflammatory
- Might stain your clothes
"This product is great even for stubborn diaper rashes. Not only does it have a nice consistency and smell, but it also cleans up the rash effectively. Sure, the pink color can be startling, and it does stain diapers, but it gets the job done, fast! I'd surely recommend this product!"
13. Best Kid-Friendly:Beach Gladiator
The Beach Gladiator protects the inner thighs and other rubbing body parts from irritation and friction. It creates a protective barrier that prevents chafing and rashes. This anti-chafing cream is suitable for kids, sports lovers, surfers, strollers, and high rollers. It can be easily removed with regular soap and water.
- Waterproof
- Non-greasy
- Long-lasting
- Non-toxic
- Non-staining
- Unpleasant smell
"This product is a real asset for my family's beach days, preventing rashes and chafing even during all-day activities. Despite seeming oily at first, it absorbs nicely into the skin. The product lasts for a long time. This is now a staple in our beach bag."
Before purchasing the best chafing cream, there are certain factors to consider. Scroll down to the next section to find out what they are.
Features To Look For In Anti-Chafing Creams
- Ingredients
Chafing creams are applied topically and used almost regularly. Therefore, it is important to check the ingredients before purchasing any. A good chafing cream contains organic and natural ingredients. Avoid products that contain artificial or chemical compounds.
- Comfort
Chafing creams that contain petroleum jelly might make your skin greasy and cause discomfort during activities. Choose a cream that is lightweight and absorbed easily into your skin. You can also opt for waterproof and sweat-proof formulas that do not require frequent reapplication.
- Side Effects
A chafing cream should not have any side effects. Thus, avoid products that cause a tingling or burning sensation. Buy hypoallergenic creams that do not affect your skin adversely.
The Bottom Line
Chafing is a common skin issue when you sweat more, especially during summers and heavy workout routines. It is an everyday nuisance for runners, swimmers, and athletes. Thighs, glutes, and groins are more vulnerable to chafing. In addition, the friction caused between clothes and skin makes the condition even more tiresome. So your skin needs chafing creams to prevent irritation, burns, and rashes. The Chamois Butt’r Anti-Chafe Cream is the best non-greasy and long-lasting cream out there. If you are looking for something that suits various areas of the body, try the Pure Romance Chafe Escape. Also, the Blue Steel Sports Anti-Chafe Cream is the perfect choice to prevent chafing during water sports. Consider investing in chafing creams that provide visible results by protecting your skin all day long and come with anti-inflammatory properties to avoid discomfort and itching. And avoid creams that cause a burning sensation to your skin, as cautioned by many reviewers.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach. She knows the ins and outs of skin care and breaks down the ingredients listed on the labels to get an unbiased picture of the products. She has narrowed down a list of the best chafing creams after reading thousands of unbiased reviews on different online forums. These products can reduce redness, heal inflamed skin, and reduce friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I treat chafing?
Wash the affected area with warm water and antibacterial soap. Gently pat it dry, apply anti-chafing ointments, and allow it to heal.
Where does it occur?
Any part of the body exposed to friction between the skin and fabric can lead to skin chafing. It usually occurs in the thighs, armpits, and nipples.
Which ingredients should I look for in a chafing cream?
Look for dimethicone, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or coconut oil in a chafing cream. They moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier. Also, choose creams that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera to calm irritations caused by chafing.
Should I have multiple chafing creams for different areas?
No. You can use the same chafing cream to prevent chafing in different parts of your body.
How often and for how long should I apply chafing creams?
Apply chafing creams twice a day to moisturize and smoothen your skin. You may have to keep applying the cream for a week to protect your chafed skin from further moisture loss.
What type of clothing should I wear after applying chafing cream?
Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid excessive abrasion after applying the chafing cream. Fitted clothes may rub off the cream, so opt for oversized clothing. Try to avoid dresses with irritating seams or tags, as they can tug against the skin.
Read full bio of Blade Tiessen
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Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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