:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(2999x0:3001x2)/chafing-cream-tout-5631201c2dad45999708621305cef328.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1 "The Best Creams and Balms We Tested to Relieve Chafing and Blisters, Starting at Less Than")
Chafed skin is uncomfortable and unpleasant — but with the right chafing cream, you can soothe hotspots like your inner thighs so they won’t chafe as you walk, run, swim, or bike.
Experts Say
“The key to prevent and treat chafing is to further minimize friction. The goal of anti-chafing products is to coat the skin, which creates a protective barrier. The idea is to keep the skin lubricated to minimize friction.”—Dr. Margarita Lolis, board-certified dermatologist
Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out more than a dozen different chafing creams, from balms and sticks to sprays and lotions. We applied the creams on hot spots — anything from the inner thighs to the underarm area — and went about our favorite activities. We noted how the chafing products felt on our skin and, most importantly, whether it prevented chafing and irritation.
Keep reading to discover the best anti-chafing creams, sticks, and balms, as well as more insight into our testing process.
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Fragrance-free and glides on like deodorant
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Super lightweight formula
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Small tube makes it easy to reapply on the go
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Didn’t leave residue or stains on clothing
Some anti-chafing products go on so thick that it’s almost easier to deal with the chafing that might ensue during a workout. But this lightweight balm from BodyGlide is a game-changer.
The BodyGlide greatly reduces chafing between the inner thighs, and it glides on just like your favorite deodorant. We applied two to five strokes on each inner thigh and were good to go for the entire day — an amazing achievement considering just how humid it gets in New York City. We liked that it was fragrance-free, so no one but us knew we had it on; also, a bonus if you’re concerned about it mixing with other scents you might be wearing.
This product is light but just tacky enough to be effective. It smoothed beautifully over the skin with no streaks, clumps, or residue. We might have reapplied sunscreen several times that day, but the BodyGlide stayed in our bag. It also stayed put — there was no residue or stains on clothing. In short (and in shorts), where has this been all our lives? We’d be willing to pay far more than the price tag for this level of relief.
Type: Balm/stick | Fragrance-free: Yes | Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, B, E, F | Size: 1.5 ounces
The More You Know
Dr. Lolis recommends looking for chafing creams containing ingredients such as zinc oxide, petrolatum, dimethicone, and glycerin.
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Small stick made it super easy to apply and to carry around
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Helps relieves existing irritation
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Great value for the price
We found the fragrance-free stick formula very easy to apply, almost like we were applying lip balm with its convenience and precision. It stayed in place, too. While we did feel the chafing effects start to wear off due to sweating about 30 to 40 minutes in, it was still effective enough for an uninterrupted workout.
We applied this to our inner thighs when we went on runs — wearing shorts with about a 5-inch inseam — and found the Vaseline was very effective at preventing chafing. We didn’t experience any irritation or discomfort when using it. It is greasy (it’s Vaseline, after all), so it did leave some marks on our shorts.
Aside from any anti-chafing properties, the Vaseline soothed our skin. We even noticed that past chafing marks appeared less irritated. The stick formula can be stored in a pocket or bag, so it’s easy to make this an addition to your workout routine. Plus, it’s an incredible value for the price.
Type: Stick | Fragrance-free: Yes | Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, paraffin, ozokerite, cetearyl alcohol, | Size: 1.4 ounces
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Large surface area of the balm made it easy to apply and covered more ground
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Didn’t need to reapply while doing our everyday activities and exercises
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Doesn’t clump or leave any residue
It doesn’t get any easier than applying this deodorant-style stick from Gold Bond. It glides beautifully across the skin, and the large surface area makes for even quicker work of application. We didn’t even feel the need to reapply while doing our normal daily activities. We enjoyed a friction-free day that consisted of regular walking and a light exercise routine, though runners might feel the need to reapply at some point.
It goes on creamy with just a hint of tackiness, though it’s not at all unpleasant. It feels moisturizing on the skin. We didn’t experience any clumping or residue, and it stood up to sweat, humidity, and even a bit of time in the pool.
At just around $6, it’s a great value. It’s budget-friendly enough to keep on hand even if you use it occasionally to stop clothing from chafing, though it’s effective enough to get you through more active workouts, too.
Type: Stick | Fragrance-free: Yes | Key Ingredients: Aloe, zinc oxide | Size: 1.76 ounces
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Feels super light and smooth on skin
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Stick design makes it easy to apply on hard-to-reach spots
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No transfer onto our clothing
If inner-thigh chafing is getting in the way of your summer fun, give BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm a try. We love how easy the balm is to apply even in hard-to-reach spots — just glide it on as you would a stick deodorant. The fragrance-free balm felt super light on our skin, almost like it wasn’t there at all — we even had trouble seeing where we had just applied it! It didn’t transfer to our clothing, either, which is a bonus.
This balm has lasting power, though it did wear off faster on those hot, humid days. But it’s so easy to reapply when needed, so it wasn’t really an issue, although we did notice the top didn’t really stay securely on the balm, which made toting it along for the day a bit of a hassle. Still, for its budget-friendly price, we’ll find a way to keep that cap on if it means having chafe-free thighs.
Type: Stick | Fragrance-free: Yes | Key Ingredients: Caprylic/capric triglyceride, vitamin E | Size: 1.5 ounces
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Non-greasy formula
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Skin even felt more hydrated after using
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Lasted for an entire long, sweaty summer run
The Chamois Butt’r cream came out of the squeeze tube smoothly and was easy to apply to hot spots where we experience chafing: inner thighs, underarms, and on our chest where a sports bra rests. Our tester has used sticks in the past for ease of application, but they found the tube was just as easy.
We liked how smooth and creamy it felt when applied to the skin, like a thicker sunscreen but not greasy. Our skin felt hydrated, and there was just a hint of scent. It didn’t transfer to clothing, which was a bonus. Even on a long, sweaty summer run, we didn’t have to stop halfway through the reapply — the cream stayed put.
This cream is relatively pricey compared to some others on TheShockNews, but given the generous 8-ounce tube and that we only had to apply it once during a run, we think it’s worth it.
Type: Cream | Fragrance-free: Yes | Key Ingredients: Water, paraffin, aloe, lanolin | Size: 8 ounces
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Feels moisturizing and cooling
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Held up on long walks, runs, and even a rowing session
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Light, fresh scent
We tried the Cremo for various activities and found it worked like a charm for all. It does feel a bit greasy when you first apply it, and you do have to rub it in to avoid clumping. It also melts rather easily in its container, so the cap can get a bit messy. Still, it’s a small price to pay for such a great product. A little goes a long way; it spreads quickly and got on the hem of our shorts at first, but it cleaned up easily.
We didn’t have to wear shorts under dresses when we applied Cremo, and it stood up to sweaty walks, runs, and even a rowing session. It has a light, fresh scent that’s not at all overpowering. We liked the cooling effect of the cream and were happy to feel our legs glide, not chafe against each other.
Type: Stick | Fragrance-free: Natural fragrance | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, shea butter, essential oils | Size: 2.25 ounces
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Lasted throughout long, sweaty runs
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Formula has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
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Absorbs quickly without any clumping or residue
This cream is easy to apply; just spread about a finger or two of the stuff and spread near the groin, inner thighs, or wherever else you want to prevent chafing. It feels a little chalky, but we felt this ensured it would stay put, and it did. We used it before runs and even before swimming; we applied it at least 10 minutes before we got in the water to aid absorption. We did have to reapply after 30 minutes in the pool, but it lasted through longer sweaty runs.
We experienced far less chafing with this cream, even on long runs; no more painful chafing and irritation on the inner thighs. We like that it has anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-fungal and antibacterial to reduce the chance of infection from chafing and irritation. This cream has a light, powdery scent, but it’s not overpowering at all.
Type: Cream | Fragrance-free: No | Key Ingredients: Water, glycerin, dimethicone, natural extracts | Size: 4 ounces
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Felt light and moisturizing
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Dried quickly without shine or a cast
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Safe to use on sensitive skin
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Didn’t rub off on clothing or leave unwanted residue
Wearing bike shorts underneath dresses and skirts can only go so far in preventing chafing. We tried out Megababe Thigh Rescue during a humid heat wave and noticed a big difference.
Though it’s a stick formula, it’s very soft and a bit clumpy when you glide it onto your skin. But give it a minute because it rubs in beautifully and dries completely clear with no shine. It doesn’t rub off on clothing, either. We found on cooler days and shorter walks that we didn’t need to reapply. On hotter days, it will start to wear off after a few hours, but reapplication is rather simple.
Our tester has sensitive skin and didn’t have any issues despite its light citrus scent. And since it feels smooth and silky on our skin without a hint of stickiness, they’ll likely continue to use it. At $14, it’s totally worth it for chafe-free thighs.
Type: Stick | Fragrance-free: No | Key Ingredients: Aloe, pomegranate seed extract, grapeseed oil, ginger root extracts, orange oil | Size: 2.12 ounces
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Prevents chafing even while sweating or swimming
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Spray makes it easy to apply and take with you
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Can alleviate shoe discomfort and prevent blisters
You might think applying an anti-chafing product is futile if you’re going swimming, but not so with the SBR Skin Slick. While you will have to reapply every two to three hours, this product does work to prevent chafing.
Our tester tried it out on their inner thighs to prevent chafing on a few hot and humid summer days when they were walking at the beach and doing some yard work. The spray bottle makes it easy to reapply, and you won’t have to worry about it melting in your bag. Another use for this product is for blister prevention: Spray it on areas where blisters typically form, and it can help alleviate uncomfortable rubbing.
This fragrance-free spray might feel greasy for a minute when applying it, but it rubs in quite effortlessly. If you’re looking for something that feels more moisturizing, you might want to choose another product, but for its anti-chafing properties, SBR Skin works.
Type: Spray | Fragrance-free: Yes | Key Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, propane, n-butane | Size: 1.5 ounces
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Prevented blisters, hot spots, and inner-thigh chafing
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Didn’t melt or fade in the heat
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A little goes a long way
Blisters are often par for the course with avid runners and walkers, but the Vermont Bag Balm can help. The balm is a bit messier than a stick to apply, so be careful not to get it near your clothing and wash your hands afterward.
We noticed that the toe seams in our socks left less of a mark on our feet when we used this chafing cream. Even better? No blisters or even a hot spot formed. We also tried it while biking on our inner thighs and found that it kept the padded liner on our bike shorts firmly in place.
The balm felt very moisturizing, if not a bit greasy because it’s got a petroleum jelly-like consistency — a little goes a long way. However, it did blend nicely into the skin and felt less greasy over time. We were pleased to see that it didn’t melt or fade even in heat and humidity.
Type: Balm | Fragrance-free: Yes | Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, lanolin, paraffin wax, water, and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (0.3%) | Size: 4 ounces
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Easy to apply (and you don’t need too much)
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Great for preventing chafing where sports bras rub against the underarms
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No hot spots or irritation
Our tester used this product on their armpits and chest while road biking in hot weather. After about 40 to 50 minutes into their ride, no hot spots or irritations were popping up in these problem areas as they have in the past, which was impressive — and they found it to be especially effective in the underarm area. We did find that it left some grease stains, but no white marks.
Because it’s a cream, it’s easy to apply in specific areas without feeling sticky or crumbly like a stick formula might. While it’s fine for a single application, the cream makes it difficult to reapply while on the go, especially if you’ve got biking gloves on. The good news is that the product worked well enough that we didn’t need to reapply. It’s fairly priced at $15, though it’s not a huge tube.
Type: Cream | Fragrance-free: Yes | Key Ingredients: Water, aloe vera gel, glycerin | Size: 4 ounces
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If you’re looking for some of the best anti-chafing creams, you might be interested in these other PEOPLE-Tested personal care products, too. Our recommended picks go through rigorous testing from both our editors and independent testers.
What to Know About Anti-Chafing Sticks and Creams
Formula
Most of the chafing creams on our list glide on like a dream, but you’ll want to pick the formula — stick, balm, cream, etc. — you prefer and find easiest to apply. While most of these didn’t require reapplication unless we went in the water or sweated up a storm, you’ll want one that’s easy to apply while on the go (such as the BodyGlide Anti Chafe and Moisturizing Balm). If you travel often, you’ll also want to get a stick formula that’s 3 oz. or less so you can stow it in your carry-on.
Ingredients
You’ll see that many of the chafing creams on our list have long lists of ingredients. But what should you look for in creating a protective barrier for your skin?
“Zinc oxide tops my list because it creates a great barrier and also has anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr. Lolis, adding that it’s also a common ingredient in diaper cream. “Petrolatum is effective because it helps reduce friction by allowing skin folds to gently glide when making contact.” Anfi-chafing products on our list that are made with zinc oxide include the Cremo Astonishingly Superior Women’s Anti Friction Body Stick and Gold Bond’s Friction Defense Stick. As for what to avoid, Dr. Lolis says to “try to stay away from anything scented and with formaldehyde or parabens.”
Price
If you use chafing cream daily, then you’ll want a product that gives you more bang for your buck. The selections on our best chafing creams list range in price from less than $5 to $24, so you’ve got options when choosing something that fits within your budget.
A little chafing cream goes a long way in most cases, though if you work out long or frequently, you might find that you’ll go through a bottle or tube fairly quickly. However, you might also consider that a chafe-free experience is indeed priceless and won’t mind spending more money on an effective product.
Behind the Scenes
For this testing process, we relied on the expert advice from Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Our PEOPLE Tested team then researched the best anti-chafing creams and balms on the market before settling on a list of 20 to put to the test.
- Application: Upon receiving each chafing cream, we unboxed and evaluated the formulation and consistency. We then applied the cream in chafe-prone areas at least four days a week, noting how easy it was to apply, how it felt on our skin, and whether there was any greasy residue or staining on our skin or clothing.
- Wear: While doing various athletic activities, from walking and running to biking and swimming, we noted how long the product remained effective and whether we had to reapply. We also took into consideration how portable each container was, how easy it was to apply on the go, and noted any setbacks with the packaging and formula, including if the cap stays on or if the balm melts when taking it outside.
- Results: After the testing period was complete, we rated each product on a 1 to 5 scale (5 being the best) against on the following attributes: ease of use, effectiveness, feel, and value. The balms and creams with the highest average scores earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the fastest way to heal chafing?
The Cleveland Clinic recommends cleaning the irritated area using water and some mild soap, then dry gently. Apply some aloe vera gel to reduce pain and the chance of infection. Then, smooth on some petroleum jelly; this will soothe irritation and prevent further chafing. If the affected skin is in a moisture-prone area, consider sprinkling some cornstarch to absorb any excess. If possible, take a break from the activity that caused the chafing until your skin heals.
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Can I use Vaseline as an anti-chafing cream?
“One of the best occlusive barrier products is Vaseline jelly,” says Dr. Justine Park. (Occlusive means that it helps create a protective barrier to keep skin hydrated and moisturized.) “Therefore, I recommend trying Vaseline jelly before spending money on a specific cream for chafing.” Dr. Park even recommends using diaper paste to prevent chafing because it also works to create an occlusive layer.
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Is Aquaphor or Vaseline better for chafing?
While both products can be used to prevent chafing, Dr. Park says, “Vaseline (pure petroleum jelly) is completely occlusive, so it is likely a better solution for chafing than Aquaphor. However, Aquaphor is more cosmetically elegant, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and does allow for oxygen exchange, so it could be a better option for those with chafing concerns who also suffer from folliculitis, ingrown hairs, acne on their body, and/or jock itch.”
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Barbara Bellesi Zito is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE who specializes in beauty, lifestyle, and home topics with bylines in Apartment Therapy, Forbes, Real Simple, and more. For this story, she analyzed the insights on more than a dozen chafing creams as provided by our team of testers. She relied on Dr. Debra Jaliman, Dr. Justine Park, and Dr. Margarita Lolis for their advice on what to look for when purchasing the best chafing creams for your needs.
Our Expert Panel
- Debra Jaliman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
- Dr. Margarita Lolis is a board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey.
- Dr. Justine Park is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin & Beauty Center in West Hills, California.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.