15 Best Anti-Chafing Products For Runners To Get Quick Relief
Say goodbye to the swelling and rash associated with constant chafing and get fast relief.
Dr. Burak ErsoyFACS, FEBOPRAS 
Dr. Burak Ersoy is a European board-certified plastic surgeon with over 12 years of experience in reconstructive and esthetic breast surgery, liposuction, body sculpting and contouring, and esthetic surgery of the face. He is a distinguishe... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach 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,... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
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If you are a sports enthusiast or engage in regular workouts, you must be aware of the annoying skin chafing that plagues most people. If you are looking for a quick solution to this menace, the best anti-chafing products can be your savior.
Chafing occurs due to continuous skin friction that causes abrasion and rashes. The constant rubbing can make your skin burn and cause bleeding and swelling. It is indeed very painful and frustrating. Chafing occurs mostly on your buttocks, groin, thighs, and feet. Hence, using anti-chafing products will offer you quick relief.
These products are available in sprays, creams, and rolling sticks, which are easy to use. Also, they are formulated with natural and plant-based ingredients for a safe experience. We have rounded up the best anti-chafing products for your skin in this article. Keep reading to explore the list!
In This Article
What Is Chafing?
Chafing refers to skin irritation caused by repetitive friction of the skin. It can also be caused by tight clothes or new shoes that frequently rub against your skin. Obesity is also one of the causes of the thigh and underarm chafing. Other contributing factors include sensitive skin, hot weather, and sand from the beach settling in problem areas.
Now, let’s check out the best anti-chafing products for runners!
15 Best Anti-Chafing Products For Runners
1. Best Long-Lasting:Body Glide Body The Original Anti-Chafe Balm
BodyGlide’sThe Original Anti-Chafe Balm is used to reduce the rash, raw skin, and irritation caused by rubbing. The natural ingredients used in this formula help to minimize irritation caused by friction and to relieve stress. It uses plant-derived ingredients that are allergen-free and safe for your skin. This balm can be applied to all the places where your skin rubs, like arms, chest, feet, and thighs. This fragrance-free cream protects your skin from inflammation and has a soothing effect.
Pros
- Unclog pores
- Vegan
- Long-lasting
- Child-safe
- Clothing-safe
- Wet suit-safe
- Footwork-safe
- Petroleum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Difficult to apply
ProTip2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick
Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick is a protective solution to skin rubbing and friction that causes rash, irritation, and blisters. This soothing stick is perfect for daily friction prevention. Its long-lasting formula provides soothing relief with healing properties. It is non-irritating and can be applied even on the most sensitive skin. The packaging of this product is eco-friendly to minimize waste. This non-greasy blend also keeps your skin hydrated.
Pros
- Unscented
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May stain your clothes
ProTip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 25,495 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Non-Greasy:Chamois Butt’r Original Anti-Chafe Cream
The Original Anti-Chafe Cream from Chamois Butt’r can be used as a protective barrier over the skin during cycling, running, swimming, athletics, and for high-intensity workouts.. It can be applied anywhere you experience frequent friction on your body. This chafing cream has a soothing formula that helps lubricate and soften the skin to avoid irritation caused by chafing. It provides immediate comfort and does not leave any greasy residue. The stain-free formula can be rinsed off easily from your clothes with a simple wash. Check out the review to explore the reviewer’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Synthetic color-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 8,115 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
4. Best Dermatologist Tested:Anthony No Sweat Body Defense
Anthony NoSweat Body Defense is a cream-to-powder formula that provides a protective barrier for your delicate areas. This creamy formula offers a powdery finish to shield your skin from the usual discomfort after sweating. The unique chafing cream is enriched with aloe vera and macadamia to provide much-needed hydration. The tapioca starch infused in this formula creates a powder-like barrier to keep your skin sweat-free. Additionally, it also contains olive oil and nut oil to provide moisture and prevent excessive burning, while glycerine acts as a nourishing conditioner.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Lightweight
- Mess-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- GMO-free
- Triclosan-free
- Allergy-free
- Talc-free
- DEA-free
Cons
- Leaves a residue
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,017 reviews claiming its efficacy.
5. Best Fda-Approved:MedZone ChafeZone Skin Protectant
The ChafeZone Skin Protectant stick from Medzone has an all-natural formula made with a potent blend of natural ingredients. It is specially designed for plus-size women and helps to moisturize, energize, and protect the areas that are prone to friction. It is crafted with organic coconut oil to keep your skin hydrated. This unique formula acts as a moisturizing balm to give a soothing effect to your skin. This long-lasting stick glides on smoothly and is a great aid for plus-size swimwear and fashion.
Pros
- FDA-approved
- Stain-free
- Unscented
- Long-lasting
- Non-irritating
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
6. Best Sweat-Proof:Kt Tape Chafe Safe Gel Stick
This Kt Tape anti-chafe gel stick is suitable to apply all over your body to prevent irritation. It is designed to provide 24-hour skin protection for runners. Its natural formula is sweat-proof and humidity-resistant that not only works for hot weather but for other climates as well. It can be applied under your arms and between your thighs to prevent these friction-prone areas from blisters and rashes. This potent formula is tried and tested to deliver all-day protection. The natural ingredients infused in this product soothe your skin. However, conduct a patch test to determine the overall effectiveness of the product.
Pros
- Sweat-proof
- Stain-free
- All-day protection
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- Greasy formula
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 982 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
7. Best Eco-Friendly:Surf Butta Anti Chafe Stick
Surf Butta Anti-Chafe Stick prevents painful chafing, rashes, and irritation caused by rubbing. This allergy-free formula is ideal for daily use. It can be used on the inner joints, thighs, groin, etc., which are susceptible to friction. This non-greasy formula glides effortlessly on your skin to give a soothing effect. It is formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter, glycol, vitamin E, and coconut to protect your skin with their healing properties. It does not include any harmful chemicals for the safety of your skin.
Pros
- Plant-based ingredients
- Waterproof
- Sweat-proof
- Eco-friendly
- Paraben-free
- Allergy-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Requires frequent application
8. Best Hydrating Formula:Squirrel’s Nut Butter All Natural Anti-Chafe Salve
Squirrel’s Nut Butter All Natural Anti-ChafeSalve stick is an athlete-treated formula to prevent rashes and blisters. The plant-based formula is fortified with coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, and vitamin E oil to give your skin a moisturizing effect. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe and soften your skin. This anti-chafe cream can be applied before and during running, climbing, and hiking to prevent itching. Its multipurpose formula is also helpful for diaper rashes, tattoo recovery, razor burns, etc. The healing properties of this stick helps to relieve irritated skin.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Offers skin restoration
- Sweat-proof
Cons
- May stain your clothes
9. Best For Skin Sores:DZNUTS Bliss High Performance Chamois Cream
The Dznuts Bliss High Performance Chamois Cream is an amazing lotion to ensure great comfort for triathletes, female athletes, cyclists, sportspersons, and those with sensitive skin. It is a great cream for the inner thighs, underarms, and armpits as it helps soothe these chafe-prone areas. The cream keeps those sensitive areas moist and soft to avoid rashes and irritation due to skin rubbing.
The lotion contains important ingredients such as shea butter, yacon tree extract, amur cork extract, and olive extracts. This helps heal and repair the damaged skin while making it smooth to avoid friction-related irritation. The cream is an effective lightweight anti-chafing solution as it is gentle, non-greasy, and ideal for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Heals wounds quickly
- Acts as a friction barrier
- Moisturizing formula
- Prevents skin sores
- Paraben-free
- Suits all skin types
- Suitable for athletes
Cons
None
10. Best Non-Toxic:Calmmé Protect The Skin You’re In
Calmm’e Protect The Skin You’re In is a soothing anti-chafe cream to protect the delicate areas of your skin. The long-lasting formula is non-greasy and proves effective on and around your nipples, breasts, underarms, and groin. The ingredients in it include aloe vera, ginger, pomegranate, and calendula to help calm your skin. It can also be applied to broken skin as it does not cause any irritation. The soothing effect of the cream helps to reduce redness and irritation. The creamy formula is sustainable and does not melt away in the heat. This potent formula is best for everyday use. It is tested on athletes.
Pros
- Heat-resistant
- Does not leave a residue
- Suitable for all age
- Non-toxic
- SoothingAllergen-free
Cons
None
11. Best Fragrance-Free:ChafeX Micro Layer Technology Skin Cream
ChafeX Micro Layer Technology Skin Cream is a unique product that forms a flexible microlayer on the skin to prevent rashes and blisters. This water-resistant formula is great for humid conditions and excessive rains. It is a doctor-recommended cream that helps to renew your broken skin. The gentle formula was successfully tested on athletes and can be used during rigorous sports activities. It can be applied on all the sensitive areas of your body without worrying about staining your clothes. However, conduct a patch test as testing the product beforehand on your skin would help you detect allergic reactions.
Pros
- Dermatologist testedFragrance-free Not tested on animals
- Humidity-resistant
- Heat-resistant
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
12. Best Stain-Free:Mueller Lube Stick For Runners
The Mueller Lube StickFor Runners is an ideal formula that can be used between the ball of the feet, heels, or groin area for a soothing effect. It should be used before any sports activity to keep your skin protected from chafing. The gentle formula contains petrolatum, wax, bentone gel, and lenolil to help calm your skin. It provides intense hydration to the distressed areas of your skin and relieves irritation and inflammation.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Odorless
- Non-irritating
- Stain-free
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Does not spread easily
13. Best Water-Resistant:Skin Slick Continuous Spray Skin Lubricant
Skin Slick Continuous Spray Skin Lubricant is a unique formula that protects your skin from friction while walking, running, and playing sports. Just a single sprits on the problem area can calm your skin. This easy-to-use spray is helpful while performing sports activities as it offers quick chafing relief for athletes. It also helps in preventing blisters caused by new shoes. The waterproof formula is great for underarms and bra lines as it can be applied without worrying about staining your clothes. It contains ingredients like aloe vera, vitamins, and keratin that have proven efficacy in soothing the skin.
Pros
- Stain-proof
- Sweat-proof
- Water-resistant
- Sprays evenly
- Fragrance-free
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Insufficient quantity
14. Best Dye-Free:RunGuard Anti-Chafe Rolling Stick
The Anti-Chafe Rolling Stick from Runguard is designed to reduce skin irritation caused by friction and rubbing during running, swimming, and cycling. It is formulated with plant-based ingredients and beeswax to provide a healing effect to your skin. It can be used on the underarms, groin area, bra line, heels, and toes to protect your skin from excessive rubbing. The product is tested on athletes and is safe for your skin as it does not contain any harmful chemicals.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Petroleum-free
- Lanolin-free
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- Does not glide on smoothly
15. Best Easy To Use:Blue Steel Sports Anti-Chafe Cream
The Blue Steel SportsAnti-Chafe Cream is a silicone-based formula to protect your skin from rashes and sores. It creates a protective layer on your skin to keep it from chafing and irritation. The non-sticky formula can be used for long-distance running, cycling, swimming, and other sports activities to prevent and treat excessive friction. It is formulated with Australian tea tree oil that has antioxidant benefits to soothe your skin. The long-lasting formula minimizes the need for re-application.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Does not stain
- Non-sticky
- Non-greasy
- Reduces inflammation
- Easy to use
Cons
None
Running causes friction between the legs, lower back, bra lines, and upper arms. For regular runners, dry, peeling skin, scrapes, and wounds are common. Using these recommended products may aid in preventing chafing during endurance events like marathons and long treks. Loose, anti-sweat clothing is essential, but anti-chafing products come to your skin’s ultimate rescue. Here are some guidelines for choosing the best anti-chafing product.
Things To Consider While Choosing The Best Anti-Chafing Product For Runners
- Formula
- Balm stick: Pickbalm sticks if you are always on the go. They are easy roll-on sticks in gel form. These compact push-up sticks are easy to carry and simple to use. Just open the lid and roll it onto the part which is chafing. Balm sticks have a glycerin base and are infused with soothing natural ingredients which cool the skin.
- Cream: If you have dry skin with severe chafing bruises, anti-chafing creams are your savior. Pick a non-sticky formula that does not stain or soil the clothes. It gets easily absorbed into your skin, leaving it feeling soft. They are good moisturizers, and their application also promotes blood circulation. Creams are best to use before or after a run when relaxing.
- Powder: Anti-chafing powders are suitable for oily skin. They absorb sweat and keep the skin dry. Powders keep the wound dry and minimize friction against clothes. They are also easy to apply as they need no rubbing or massaging. Just sprinkle, and you are ready to go. If you use the powder before your run, ensure it has anti-clogging properties, as sweat may wash off or solidify it.
- Cream-to-powder: Some anti-chafing products are creamy but offer a powdery finish. They offer you the benefits of both forms. They nourish your skin while keeping it dry. It works well for normal or combination skin types.
- Ingredients: While picking an anti-chafing product, look for natural moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, vitamin E, beeswax, and cocoa butter, which heal the wound, reduce inflammations, protect the skin and offer maximum moisturization. Stearyl alcohol, glycol, cetearyl, and ozokerite wax also help in healing wounds. It is suggested to opt for professional-grade formulas with skin-soothing ingredients to achieve the best results.
- Clothing-safe: Choose anti-chafing products that do not react when coming in contact with fabrics. The cream should offer moisturization to the skin while preventing further friction against your clothes.
- Ingredients To Avoid: Pick a product free of paraben, synthetic fragrances, mineral oils, and petroleum. They irritate the skin and damage its texture. Additionally, avoid formulas infused with comedogenic ingredients like avocado butter to prevent clogging your pores.
Chafing generally occurs on the sensitive areas of your skin that are prone to friction like the inner thighs, inner glutes, armpits, nipples, and heels. Some simple tips to prevent chafing are listed below. Check them out!
Where Does Chafing Occur And How Can You Prevent It?
- Take a shower after you exercise.
- Apply a soothing lotion, balm, or oil on sensitive areas like underarms, inner thighs, bra line, and heels.
- Use products that are fragrance-free and repel moisture.
- Expose those areas to fresh air.
- Avoid wearing fabrics that do not suit your skin.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes.
- Wear socks with new shoes if your skin is sensitive to prevent soreness.
- Air-drying pads can be used by nursing mothers.
- Use antiperspirant deodorant to prevent sweating in the underarms.
The Bottom Line
Chafing is a common skin concern for sports enthusiasts, runners, or those who workout regularly. This condition might be due to skin friction. Sometimes the chafing might be annoying as it causes irritation, swelling, and bleeding. So your skin needs the best anti-chafing products to minimize irritation, rashes, and other chafing concerns. The Body Glide Body The Original Anti-Chafe Balm has an allergen-free and plant-derived formula, while the Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick has a non-irritating and soothing formulation. If you need an option with a water- and sweat-resistant formula, the Surf Butta Anti Chafe Stick is a perfect choice. From anti-chafe balm to anti-chafe cream, and anti-chafe defense stick to spray, this article provides a wide range of products to deal with chafing. However, avoid products that have no skin-friendly ingredients. Also, look for a few reviewers’ opinions to understand which product will suit your skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach who loves experimenting with skincare products that can go well with an active lifestyle. She relies on anti-chafing products for runners to prevent skin rashes and believes they are a must-have for every athlete bothered by skin chafing. She has carefully researched the products and consulted online user reviews to pick the best ones for her readers. These products are made from plant-based ingredients and are available in sprays, creams, and rolling sticks for easy application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Vaseline prevent chafing?
Yes, Vaseline prevents chafing, reduces skin irritation, and protects the affected area from blisters.
How does an anti-chafing cream work?
An anti-chafing cream seals moisture in the affected area and strengthens your skin’s natural barrier.
How often and for how long should I apply chafing creams?
Apply chafing cream twice daily and leave it until the formula dries up or gets absorbed by your skin.
What ingredients should I look for in anti-chafing products?
Look for petrolatum, glycerin, and coconut oil that can effectively treat chafing.
How can you prevent chafing naturally?
Wear properly-fitted moisture-wicking clothes to prevent chafing. Keep your skin well-moisturized with anti-chafing creams and effective skin care products.
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