We all look forward to the warmer months, but humid weather means that one dreaded problem is bound to return — chafing. As the ultimate culprit of discomfort during the summer months (but for some, it can be year-round), chafing can turn a good day into a painful one.
You shouldn't have to second-guess your style choices for comfort. An anti-chafing balm can help relieve some of the irritation, whether it’s on your thighs, arms or chest, and even help prevent rashes from returning.
Since chafing affects nearly everyone on some level, there are plenty of anti-chafing products that are designed for different skin types and preferences. To help sort through them all, we reached out to dermatologists to find out which products can keep you feeling fresh, dry and your best year-round long.
What should you look for in anti-chafing products?
“In general, you should look for ingredients that provide protection for the skin surface and help calm and repair the skin,” said Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. “I recommend looking for emollients and occlusive ingredients in an anti-chafe balm, which provide a physical barrier to help protect against excessive irritation and moisture.” She also recommends looking for calming skin care ingredients like aloe and vitamin E.
According to Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, other ingredients that prevent chafing are “petroleum jelly, dimethicone and glycerin. Zinc oxide is also fantastic at creating a barrier at the skin’s surface — it’s the active ingredient in mineral sunscreen and commonly found in diaper rash treatments, so you know it’s gentle!”
Keeping your skin protected is key, but if chafing has already occurred, New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King says you should clean and dry the area thoroughly.
“Wet skin can make chafing worse,” King said. “Apply powders to absorb moisture and don’t stay in wet or sweaty clothing.”
While balms, creams and powders can help reduce chafing, it’s best to consult your dermatologist if irritation is painful or swollen to determine the best treatment option.
Best anti-chafing products, according to dermatologists
Good for reducing friction: Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick
- Fragrance-free
- Reduces friction
- Should last up to eight hours
Size: 1.75 oz. | Type: Stick | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide
Chang recommended this stick since it contains zinc oxide for extra protection. “Zinc oxide is a skin protectant that forms a barrier on the skin surface to protect it from moisture and irritation,” Chang said.
Dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick also notes that it is unscented and non-greasy.
Prevents and relieves chafing: Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel
- Can use for chafing and shaving irritation
- Long-lasting
- Fragrance-free
- Mixed reviews on consistency
Size: 1.5 oz. | Type: Gel | Key ingredients: Not listed
Chang says this bestselling gel “applies like a primer” and works to prevent irritation and chafing in sensitive areas. It combines the protective benefits of powders and lotions in one to help alleviate friction and redness along the inner thighs, bikini area and more.
Resistant to sweat and water: Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm
- Long-lasting
- Allergen-free
- Mix reviews on the smoothness of the glide
Size: 1.5 oz. | Type: Stick | Key ingredients: Not listed
Chang, Garshick and King all recommend this balm to help create a protective barrier on the skin. Garshick notes that it is small enough to carry around, so it is easy to use on-the-go and is both sweat- and water-resistant.
More than just a rash cream: Desitin Daily Defense
- Treats many types of rashes
- Good relief and preventative option
- Fragrance-free
- A little goes a long way
Size: 16 oz. | Type: Cream | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide
“While more often thought of for diaper rash, this zinc-based cream can also help to prevent chafing by serving as a barrier cream,” Garshick told us.
The smooth and creamy formula also includes zinc oxide, which protects against moisture.
Loved by athletes: Chamois Butt’r Original Anti-Chafe Cream
- Nearly perfect rating on Amazon
- Claims to be a professional athlete favorite
- Big bottle
- 8 oz bottle means it isn't travel-friendly
Size: 8 oz. | Type: Cream | Key ingredients: Not listed
Garshick says this cream can provide protection anywhere on the body. The non-greasy formula currently holds a near-perfect 4.7-star rating on Amazon.
Can use on clothing: Skin Slick Continuous Spray Lubricant
- Water- and sweat-resistant
- Safe to spray on lycra (spandex), neoprene and most fabrics
- Fragrance-free
- Some review say it is slippery
Size: 1.5 oz. | Type: Spray | Key ingredients: Not listed
King recommends this easy-to-apply product that provides protection against friction, blisters and general chafing. Even better? The formula is waterproof and sweat-proof, so King says you don’t need to worry about reapplying.
Best anti-chafing products, according to editors
Best for odor control: Dove Beauty Whole Body Deodorant Anti-Chafe Stick
- Controls odor up to 72 hours
- Very nourishing
- Will need to reapply
Size: 2.6 oz. | Type: Stick | Key ingredients: Not listed
I [San Miguel] admit that I sweat too much, especially in my thighs. I suffer from chafing as a result, but with excess sweating means I am more conscious about my scent. I love that this product from Dove combines a deodorant and chafing stick in one so I can tackle both concerns without being worried about the other.
Aluminum free: Ban Thigh & Body Rub Remedy Anti-Friction Balm
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Have to blend well
Size: 1.4 oz | Type: Stick | Key ingredients: Calendula, aloe vera and vitamin E
SEO writer Jannely Espinal says she loves Ban's anti-friction balm for runs and daily application. "I use it for my thighs, especially if I am anticipating to sweat a lot," she adds. "I’ve used it before a half marathon and for days I am not wearing pants and it works. The anti-friction sensation is evident and my skin feels smooth after hours."
Recommended for runners, by a runner: Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick
- Portable design
- Mess-free
- Hard to control amount applied
Size: .65 oz | Type: Stick | Key ingredients: Petrolatum, avocado oil and shea butter
"As a runner, I am all too familiar with chafing unfortunately, and I’ve tried so many products to help keep it at bay during long runs," describes commerce writer Emma Stessman. One of her tried and true favorites is this one from Aquaphor. "It’s super easy to use, does the trick and keeps my hands clean. I just swipe it on any of my problem areas before a run and I’m good to go."
Editor and expert favorite: Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick
- Mess-free
- Skin-friendly ingredients
- Sometimes comes out unevenly
Size: 2.12 oz | Type: Stick | Key ingredients: Aloe, grapeseed oil, vitamin E, pomegranate seed extract, ginger root and orange oil
Megababe's anti-chafe stick is another product Stessman relies on for runs and hot days. "It’s gentle on skin and can be used anywhere on that body," she says. "While it lasts pretty well on a typical day walking around the city, longer runs require a reapplication. For example, when I ran a marathon, I had my sister put this in a bag and I had to ask her for it halfway through the race because I could feel the chafe starting."
King also recommends this “thigh rescue” stick and notes that its ingredients can help relieve the skin. “It contains aloe for cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, and grapeseed oil for hydration," King added.
Best new launch: Fur Chafe Cushion
- Smooth application
- Long-lasting
- Portable; size of a deodorant
- It's scented
Size: 2 oz | Type: Stick | Key ingredients: Sunflower seed wax, licorice root extract and niacinamide
"I love to wear dresses, but whenever I do, I usually have to wear a pair of shorts underneath to help prevent chafing (especially since I live in New York City and walk everywhere)," suggests commerce editor Amanda Fama. "I tried the Fur Chafe Cushion balm recently on my inner thighs, and was shocked at how well it worked (no shorts needed!)." Fama added that she "walked around for hours and experienced no chafing at all."
How to prevent chafing
Chafing occurs when skin continuously rubs against skin or clothing. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to combat the irritation. According to Robinson, the best way to prevent chafing is using a barrier ointment.
“In general, when looking for something to prevent chafing, you are looking for something to create a barrier between the skin, or the skin and tight clothing, to prevent irritation that can be caused by rubbing or friction,” Garshick added.
Anti-chafing balms, powders and creams can help create this barrier prior to exercising or other activities that may cause chafing or irritation.
You can also benefit from wearing certain clothing and accessories. Since the inner thighs and bra line are areas that are vulnerable to chafing, Robinson recommends “clothing materials made of neoprene, microfiber and Lycra which help prevent irritation since they wick moisture away off the skin.” Bike shorts are also a good option to wear since they are super comfortable, lightweight and have moisture-wicking technology.
How to apply anti-chafing products
“Reapply as needed if you’ll be active for a period of time,” shared Dr. Robinson. “Ideally, you can wipe your skin down with facial cleaning wipes in-between applications.”
She also suggests using a spray antiperspirant, powder or cornstarch to keep the area dry throughout the day.
How we chose
We spoke with dermatologists and skin care experts about their favorite products for chafing relief, along with their professional advice for chafing prevention. We also added products recommended by editors at Shop TODAY.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Y. Claire Chang is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Hadley King is New York City-based dermatologist.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a New York City-based dermatologist.
- Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson is the Chief Medical Officer at Ideal Image.
