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Chafing is an all-too-common form of irritation that many of us will experience at some point or another. But luckily, there are products that can help. Whether a cream, a powder, or a smartly designed pair of underwear, the best anti-chafing products work to create a barrier on your skin to help reduce the friction that causes chafing in the first place. The best topical products for chafing often also have soothing and moisturizing properties to help relieve irritation, while things like underwear and nipple guards are great for preventing chafing, or used in conjunction with topical products.
Aside from using the right products — the best of which are outlined ahead — there are a few other steps you can take to help prevent chafing, like: Avoiding cotton clothing, since it easily soaks up moisture, and choosing moisture-wicking synthetic clothing instead (if you tend to experience chafing in the foot area, this applies to socks, too); Wearing tight-fitting clothing, like leggings or bike shorts, when you participate in activities that might cause you to chafe (such as running, though it can also help to wear tight shorts under dresses in hot weather); And staying as cool as possible, since heat encourages sweating and sweating makes skin more vulnerable to chafing.
With that in mind, scroll on to shop 11 of the best products to help prevent chafing, all for under $20 on Amazon.
- Also available on Walmart, $6
Gold Bond's budget-friendly Friction Defense Stick contains smooth, slippery aloe vera extract and zinc oxide (commonly found in diaper rash cream) to create a safe, non-irritating barrier on your skin that lasts, in a handy stick form that makes reapplication easy. Unscented and non-greasy, it can be used all over your body, doesn't feel overly sticky, and won't stain clothing.
According to a reviewer: “OMG this is one of the best products I've ever gotten! I always had a problem with chaffing when wearing a skirt or shorts and it would be so uncomfortable!! I bought this and it works amazing! When I use it, my skin is so smooth that I never have any discomfort. It is so easy to use. Doesn't leave behind any residue on clothes or skin. It doesn't even feel like you have anything on when you use it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has issues with chaffing. Next time, I'm going to try it when I wear new shoes to see if it helps with blisters as well.”
- Also available on REI, $6
Though you could use Gold Bond Friction Defense on your feet, Body Glide Foot Anti Blister Balm was designed for that sole purpose. It comes from BodyGlide, a brand known for their other popular, effective anti-chafing sticks, like Body Glide Body and Body Glide For Her (also worth checking out!). The non-greasy foot balm is meant to prevent blisters and rubbing, and it also helps repair irritated skin and reduce inflammation with ingredients like apricot and comfrey leaf essential oils, vitamin E, and allantoin.
According to a reviewer: “This was a life saver! I have done a 3-day, 60-mile cancer walk the last three years. The first two years I got pretty bad blisters, some of which threatened to end my walk. This year, I tried the foot glide, and it was amazing -not one blister!”
For an easy, mess-free application method, consider this spray-on anti-chafing lubricant. The liquid silicone-based formula is slippery, sweat-resistant, and water-resistant, so it’s especially a favorite among triathletes. In addition to preventing chafing and blisters, this spray can also help lubricate wetsuits, ski boots, and other performance wear that’s tough to slip into.
According to a reviewer: “Though it's marketed more toward cyclists or triathletes, I'm neither of those - I use this strictly for running and it's the best. I sweat like a maniac and needed something that would last for long runs in the hot, humid, southern summer. Also love the can so it doesn't melt in my car like other products, and I can share it with friends to show them how awesome it is without contaminating my product with their sweat!”
- Also available at Bed Bath & Beyond, $5
There are so many anti-chafing powders on the market, but with a 4.7-star overall rating after more than 18,000 reviews, this one is the fan favorite. Rather than talc, the four-ingredient formula relies on cornstarch to absorb moisture and impart a silky-smooth barrier on your skin, while calamine powder soothes inflammation — hence why many shoppers use this to treat rashes. While you can apply this anywhere you experience chafing (like between your thighs), customers particularly love sprinkling this powder around their breasts to reduce bra chafing and sweat.
According to a reviewer: “I just went to Central America and purchased this product to take with me. I used it for about a week before I went to make sure I would like it and can't say enough great things about this product. I applied it where I generally sweat or chafe [...] This powder worked like magic and kept me feeling fresh and dry. I highly recommend it for any sweaty situations you might find yourself in.”
The Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel is a crowd-pleaser on many a pregnancy message board thanks to its abilities to protect skin, fight friction, and soothe irritation; Use it between your thighs, under your breasts or arms, or anywhere else you tend to experience chafing. It can also be applied to your bikini area after shaving or waxing to calm redness. The unique, powder-gel formula is non-greasy and non-staining, so you can wear it under your clothes without worry.
According to a reviewer: “This lightweight gel is clear and the ultra fine powder doesn’t leave any residue on you clothes. Perfect for all those sweaty areas where you can’t wear antiperspirant. I’ve been using it for years and it really does prevent chafing. It also leaves you feeling cool and dry.”
This "wet suit in a bottle," as the brand puts it, is a must for active beachgoers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and surfers. Not only does Beach Gladiator help prevent chafing, but it also fights against "board short rash" and other similar forms of irritation. Because it's not petroleum-based, it won't damage wetsuits and clothes, or more importantly, the environment. The waterproof formula is actually made from just a handful of naturally derived ingredients, like aloe, coconut oil, calendula, and vitamin E, while dimethicone gives it its slip.
According to a reviewer: “This stuff works great! Every summer my son gets a terrible rash whenever we go to the beach. I bought this and for the first time he actually enjoyed being at the beach. No more rash or irritation. My daughter steals it sometimes to use under her sports bra on really hot and sweaty days. Great stuff and goes on easy.”
Small and conveniently packaged for on-the-go activities, these Blue Steel Sports Anti-Chafe Cream Singles are perfect for storing in your car or gym bag. Dimethicone and mineral oil work to prevent blisters, abrasions, and chafing, while tea tree oil, which has natural antifungal and antiseptic properties, helps keep irritated skin clean.
According to a reviewer: “I've used a lot of different types of chamois creams/butters. This is one of the best. Smells pretty good for what it is, I like the natural ingredients, and it lasts for long rides (3+ hours). Good, smooth texture, and the individual packages make it easy to use for travel or commuting from work, or any time you don't want to fumble with a big tube. Happy with this.”
Small, durable bandages can be used to prevent nipple chafing during runs and other types of strenuous activity, which is what makes NipEaze so popular with joggers and athletes. The transparent, latex-free bandages are water- and sweat-resistant, and sold in a pack of 30, which gives you 15 pairs.
According to a reviewer: “These are amazing! I would get chapped nipples really bad when on my longer runs, sweat soaked shorts are very good at that. But these babies work like magic! No more chaffing! They are very easy to apply. Once on, I can’t even feel them at all. They come off easy enough in the shower. All in all, these may be the most important thing for long [runs]. Love them!”
- Also available on REI, $20
Serious cyclists swear by Chamois Butt’r products to prevent chafing, irritation, and “saddle sores” during long, arduous rides. The brand’s Eurostyle Anti-Chafe Cream is spiked with menthol for a cooling effect, while witch hazel and aloe soothe inflammation. Mineral oil and lanolin offer moisturizing effects, and some great slip. Fans confirm that it’s non-greasy but long-lasting, so you’ll stay comfortable throughout your whole ride. You can apply it either to your chamois (it won’t leave behind any stains), or directly onto your skin.
According to a reviewer: “I was pretty skeptical about this stuff but gave it a try at a friend's recommendation. My riding is about 50% intermediate/technical singletrack and 50% long-distance road/gravel. For both purposes, I never ride without this cream. It totally eliminates chafing and soreness. I actually did a controlled test of this cream vs. padded shorts, and if I had to give up one of them it would be the shorts. It's that effective.”
Wear these boyshorts under skirts and dresses to prevent your thighs from rubbing against each other, which, in turn, will help prevent chafing. Made of nylon and spandex, they're completely seamless, designed not to ride up, and sold in several colors, including white, black, navy, beige, and gray.
According to a reviewer: “Where has this product been all my life?! I'm kicking myself for not buying these slip shorts a loooooong time ago. They are absolutely perfect to wear under dresses/skirts to prevent chaffing. It's perfect for the summer because it's light weight! [...] it lays smoothly on my tummy and doesn't roll down. Also, the legs don't roll up as well. Everything stays put! I need to put in an order for another pair ASAP.”
- Available sizes: 5-10
- Also available on Walmart, $15
Not only can Aquaphor help prevent chafing from occurring in the first place, but it can treat chafed skin, too. Petrolatum creates a barrier to stave off bacteria and other irritants that can exacerbate the rash, but it lets in oxygen to facilitate the healing process. Other powerful ingredients, like panthenol and glycerin, work to repair and moisturize cracked skin. There are so many other uses for this drugstore staple, too — like treating cuts, scrapes, chapped skin and lips, and even hydrating fresh tattoos — so you’ll certainly get your money’s worth out of this generous, 14-ounce size jar.
According to a reviewer: “Best ointment ever. Use it on everything - dry skin, minor eczema, minor rashes, diaper rash, chaffing. Always have this on tap.”
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