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11 Soothing Chafing Creams and Balms Your Thighs Will Thank You For

Kick chub rub to the curb with these soothing anti-chafing essentials.

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anti chafing treatment
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No matter your body type, if your thighs tend to touch while walking, running, or bicycling in summer clothing, you’ve probably had the painful experience of thigh chafing. Also referred to as “chub rub,” this skin-on-skin friction, combined with heat and sweat, is one of the less sexy parts of summer since it essentially rubs your skin to the point of tearing, causing redness, painful irritation, and even blisters.

Thankfully, chafing creams have become a lifesaver to combat this summer woe and in turn, keep us from resorting to wearing pants in the middle of July. No matter your body shape and size, these thigh chafing creams, powders, and balms will do your legs a solid. With a quick swipe of these recommended products, your skin will be moisturized, friction-free, and ready to rock those Daisy Dukes in no time.

The Best Chafing Creams, Balms, and More

  • 1
    Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick (2-Pack)

    Best Overall

    Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick (2-Pack)

    $40 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    FH8 Body Glide for Her Anti Chafe Balm

    The Runner-Up

    BodyGlide FH8 Body Glide for Her Anti Chafe Balm

    Read more
  • 3
    Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel

    Best Budget

    Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel

    Read more
  • 4
    Trislide Anti-Chafe Spray

    Spray-On Formula

    Trislide Trislide Anti-Chafe Spray

    Read more
  • 5
    Anti Chafing Stick

    Waterproof Formula

    ChafeZone Anti Chafing Stick

    Read more

    How to Shop

    Formulation

    When looking for an anti-chafe product, it's always important to figure out what kind of formula you prefer. "Think of choosing a chafing product formulation as similar to choosing a foundation — it depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and personal preference," says Dr. Jessie Cheung, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. “If you have skin that’s oily, look for a powder, spray, or gel. If you have dry skin, a cream or roll-on will be more hydrating. Sprays are great for large or hard-to-reach areas.”

    Use Skin Calming Ingredients

    Whether you choose a chafing cream or another formulation, most products sit on top of the skin to create a gliding surface, while there are some products that will also calm irritated skin. Look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, niacinamide, and panthenol.

    Opt for Long-Lasting Wear

    Look for chafing creams that aren't flaky or greasy, so they provide comfort and actually last. While most formulas require reapplication every few hours, there are quite a few formulas that can last a full workday or even longer. Many formulas are also waterproof and sweatproof, which is a major bonus for swimsuit days.

    Transparent Finish

    Keep in mind that chafing creams are notorious for getting on your clothes. If you'd rather not deal with constantly washing all of your shorts and tank tops, you should opt for a transparent or clothing-resistant formula. Also, make sure you put on your chafing creams (or whatever you're using) after you put on your clothes to minimize any risk of smearing white residue on your clothing.

    Price

    Lastly, since we always consider prices when we're shopping, you'll be happy to hear that you can relieve painful chafing irritation even if you're on a tight budget — because every chafing cream on this list costs less than just $20.

    Now that you know how to shop for the best chafing cream for your needs, check out our recommendations. Each item on our list was carefully researched and aligned with Cheung's guidance. Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, also investigated their texture, smell, ingredients, and read thousands of online reviews to ensure user feedback lives up to each item's anti-chafing promises.

    1
    Best Overall

    Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick (2-Pack)

    Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick (2-Pack)
    $40 at Amazon
    Pros
    • Award-winner
    • Women-owned
    • Balm-like formula
    • Not tested on animals
    Cons
    • Limited stock on Amazon

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient: Grapeseed oil
    • Rating: 4.7-star average from nearly 545 Amazon reviews

    This beloved Megababe anti-chafe stick will become part of your daily routine with its smooth application and all-day staying power. With ingredients made to soothe, protect, and provide relief and healing from rubbing, this balm is chock-full of aloe vera, grapeseed oil, vitamin E, and pomegranate seed extract.

    Tried and true, the anti-friction stick leaves legs feeling soft and slick with just a few swipes, and it smells amazing, too. Online reviewers agree that they won’t leave home without it, especially during international beachside vacations!

    “I used thigh rescue on my trip to St. Martin, and it was a lifesaver for long walks/hikes! I would apply in the morning, and it would last for hours without having to reapply. This stuff is magic,” says one 5-star review.

    Another reviewer who spent two weeks in Panama says she was able to successfully hike for miles while rocking this chafing gel. To quote her 5-star review, “This stuff saved me, my thighs, and gave me one less thing to worry about on my vacation. MegaBabe — you are a must-have product.”

    This stuff is so popular that the single chafing stick has been sold out for weeks on Amazon, so you'll have to opt for the 2-pack if you want to experience the anti-chafing powers of Megababe. You can either hold onto the extra stick to have enough product to last for several months or gift one to your travel or exercise buddy.

    More: These Anti-Chafing Bands Will Save Your Thighs

    2
    The Runner-Up

    BodyGlide FH8 Body Glide for Her Anti Chafe Balm

    FH8 Body Glide for Her Anti Chafe Balm
    Pros
    • Contains hydrating and clean ingredients
    • Non-greasy feel and finish
    • Sweat- and water-resistant
    Cons
    • Only sold in America

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient: Coconut oil
    • Rating: 4.5-star average from nearly 23,600 Amazon reviews

    When your legs are too close for comfort, this moisturizing balm will be your best friend, creating an invisible barrier that protects your inner thighs from irritation without ruining your clothes. Apply before heading for a run and keep it on hand to reapply as needed.

    Created with their original bestseller at the core, the For Her balm also has coconut and sweet almond oils, plus vitamins A, B, E, and F added in for full-on protection and hydration. This nifty stick is also made from plant-derived ingredients and doesn't include any fragrances, making this one a great pick for sensitive skin types.

    Online reviewers boldly declare this a life-changing product because it keeps chafing, sweating, and friction in check. “I live in hot and humid Florida where sweat happens to all body parts and, yes, irritation sets in (literally and emotionally!). This product has made a major difference in my life this summer,” says one 5-star Amazon review.

    Another review says this mess-free chafing stick prevented chub rub during their active vacation in South Korea. To quote their 5-star Amazon review, “Unlike powders or deodorants, it doesn’t leave a single mark on your clothing.”

    3
    Best Budget

    Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel

    Amazon’s Choice
    Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel
    Now 13% Off
    Pros
    • Great after-wax treatment
    • Fragrance-free
    Cons
    • Multipacks are sold out on Amazon

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient: Dimethicone
    • Rating: 4.7-star average from nearly ‎19,400 Amazon reviews

    If you've struggled with thigh chafing, no amount of deodorant or lotion will stop that burning feeling that may or may not prevent you from walking the next day. Instead, opt for this powder gel that feels like a lotion but absorbs like a powder.

    This 2-in-1 product will also provide much-needed relief to your irritated inner thighs on the off chance you forget to take preventative measures. All of that soothing power for less than $10? We'll sign up for that.

    One 60-something Amazon reviewer and her 30-something daughter even swear by this chafing product as a face primer. To quote her 5-star Amazon review, “This product is the best answer to spending too much money on facial primers. It works way better than the cheaper drugstore brands and almost as good as the professional ones.”

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    4
    Spray-On Formula

    Trislide Trislide Anti-Chafe Spray

    Trislide Anti-Chafe Spray
    Pros
    • Great for athletes
    • Non-sticky feel
    Cons
    • Aerosol can

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient: Silicone
    • Rating: 4.6-star average from ‎nearly 1,465 Amazon reviews

    If you're not the only one in your friend group who suffers from chub rub, we have news for you: Using the same anti-chafe stick on the inner thighs is definitely not sanitary. This Trislide spray will prevent irritation between your legs and any other areas you've experienced chafing, acting as a silicone-based skin lubricant that is effective for walks, rides, and swim meets.

    And because it's easy to use, everyone can get in on the action without posing the risk of contamination as stick balms do.

    This spray is also fantastic for your sportiest of friends. Several online reviewers who partake in everything from triathlons to long-distance running like to mist their body and feet with this spray before they head out. “When I got a wetsuit, I bought the Trislide to get the suit off quickly. It works great for that, but it works great for chafing as well. I put in a 20-mile training run the other day in hot weather — and even though my shirt was soaked, my nipples had not chafed in the least,” says one 5-star review.

    5
    Waterproof Formula

    ChafeZone Anti Chafing Stick

    Anti Chafing Stick
    Now 17% Off
    Pros
    • Made in the USA
    • Created by sports medicine professionals
    Cons
    • You’ll need to apply a moderate layer of product

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient: Aloe vera
    • Rating: 4.6-star average from nearly 1,110 Amazon reviews

    Taking a dip in the pool? Don't worry — you won't need to reapply post-swim when you swipe on this anti-chafing balm.

    Reviewers love that it's a waterproof skin protectant that doesn't break down easily when in contact with sweat, chlorine, or saltwater. This product is also made specifically for athletes in mind, so you know this chafe stick doesn't play any games in terms of protecting your skin.

    More than a thousand Amazon reviewers agree this is one of the best anti-chafing products available today. Some appreciate that it rolls on smooth and doesn't leave behind any residue, while others love that it doesn't irritate their sensitive skin. Regardless of their favorite attributes, they agree it truly delivers.

    One Amazon reviewer uses this chafing stick religiously, and they no longer experience chafing burns and bumps between their legs. “One application usually lasts me all day. If I’m wearing a skirt all day without stockings and doing a lot of walking, I may have to reapply after 8 to 10 hours,” says one 5-star Amazon review. They also highlight the purse-friendly size as a game-changer because it allows them to touch up as needed.

    6
    The O.G.

    Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick

    On Sale
    Friction Defense Stick
    Pros
    • Safe for sensitive skin
    • Unscented
    Cons
    • Need to reapply often

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient: Aloe vera
    • Rating: 4.7-star average from nearly 23,600 Amazon reviews

    We couldn't create this list and not bring up Gold Bond. Sure, you're probably more acquainted with their athlete's foot products, but this chafing stick has been protecting people's thighs, nipples, and more for quite some time.

    Like most of Gold Bond's formulas, this chafing stick stays on and creates a friction-free feel for hours on end. Its fragrance-free formula is gentle enough for the most sensitive skin types, and it also moisturizes your body as it guards your skin. Don't expect a slippery feel either, because this nongreasy stick will comfort your skin without creating an oil slick on it.

    The non-irritating formula is also gentle enough for very sensitive skin. "Smooth but not sticky, it glides on better than similar products I've tried. This makes it have better coverage, therefore, increasing the efficiency of the bar," says one 5-star Amazon review.

    Another reviewer even applied this chafing product onto her thighs on her wedding day! So if it's good enough for a bride on her big day, it's good enough for us.

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    7
    Best for Bust

    MedZone Naturals Bust Balm

    Naturals Bust Balm
    Pros
    • Doesn't stain clothes
    • Fragrance-free
    Cons
    • Not a ton of reviews

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient: Shea butter
    • Rating: 4.3-star average from nearly 120 reviews on Amazon

    Chafing doesn't end at your thighs. Some of us are very aware of boob chafing during the summer (even year-round!), which can be just as agonizing to deal with.

    Enter: this bust balm. This solid anti-chafing stick is made specifically for your bosom and uses all-natural and organic ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E to soothe the skin while moisturizing it. Plus, its nongreasy, long-lasting, and fast-drying formula will protect and soothe skin without transferring it onto your clothes, a big bonus in our book.

    Best of all, it works for anyone, no matter their bra size. “This is one of those things that once you have, you wonder how you ever lived without,” says one 5-star review. “I am a busty gal, and I live in the South, so I’m always sweating. Sometimes the skin along my bra line will get really irritated, red, and itchy. I’m in love. It’s super moisturizing, and I’m so much more comfortable now.”

    Another reviewer who had a mastectomy was experiencing extremely sensitive skin post-surgery until their daughter gifted them this chafing stick. To quote their 5-star review, "This has changed my life. I can be comfortable again. Thank you, Zone!"

    8
    Intensely Soothing

    CeraVe Healing Ointment

    Healing Ointment
    Pros
    • Preservative- and dye-free
    • Accepted by the National Eczema Association
    Cons
    • Take a while to soak into the skin

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
    • Rating: 4.8-star average from more than 9,440 Amazon reviews

    Treat your aching legs with an ointment designed to heal raw and sore thighs. If your legs went through hell and back, this balm provides soothing care for fast relief that'll get you back on your feet.

    With non-comedogenic ingredients like petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, this chafing cream creates a skin lube that has anti-inflammatory properties to restore the skin between your legs.

    One Amazon reviewer purchased this skin-calming chafing treatment for her daughter, who runs track in school and was dealing with chafing and scarring. To quote her 5-star review: "Her doctor told us to get this and gave a sample. The results from using the small sample jar were simply amazing! So now, my daughter swears by this product and won't use anything else."

    They’re not the only fans — online reviewers say it’s a product they use all over their body during the winter and even on their chapped lips. According to their 5-star review, they experience very dry and chapped lips that peel and swell. “I used this on my lips, and it helped so much — it’s also great for cuts and burns. Definitely, something to keep in your medicine cabinet and purse as Chapstick.”

    9
    Fast-Acting

    Chamois Butt'r Her’ Anti-Chafe Cream

    On Sale
    Her’ Anti-Chafe Cream
    Pros
    • Contains skin calming ingredients
    • Tube seemingly lasts forever
    Cons
    • Skip if you don't like the smell of lavender

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient: Lavender extract
    • Rating: 4.7-star average from more than 2,810 Amazon reviews

    This chafe cream was made by cyclists for active cyclists (or those with sensitive skin), making it a must-have. Though this formula is made specifically for a woman's neutral skin pH, anyone can enjoy the fast-acting power of this anti-chafe cream.

    This pick is made from natural ingredients like aloe vera, green tea leaf extract, and shea butter, which work together to instantly soothe and relieve your tired skin. Spread this lotion on your inner thighs for a nongreasy buffer that won't stain your biker shorts.

    One reviewer gave this chafing cream a perfect rating on Amazon because they experienced almost no chafing during four months of intense cycling. “I probably could have gotten even better results if I took the time to reapply halfway through a really long ride, but let’s be honest — there’s just no good way of doing that in the middle of a ride, so I was pretty content with how it turned out.”

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    10
    Roll-On Formula

    2Toms SportShield Anti-Chafe Roll-On

    SportShield Anti-Chafe Roll-On
    Pros
    • Fragrance- and dye-free
    • Sweatproof
    Cons
    • Most expensive option

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient:
    • Rating: 4.6-star average from nearly 1,160 Amazon reviews

    A roll-on anti-chafe option, like this 2Toms SportShield pick, is easy to apply and won't melt even on the hottest day of the year — promise!

    “As a lady with almost mermaid thighs who is also a proud Texan, I am always conflicted when tights season abruptly ends. 2Toms Sport Shield Roll-On to the rescue! I apply it on each inner thigh, give it about a minute or two to dry, and go about my entire day- like 6:30 AM to 10 p.m.,” says one 5-star Amazon review.

    This chafing product goes on smooth without leaving an ugly white residue behind and prevents your skin from feeling inflamed. Reviewers say it also does wonders for treating and preventing painful blisters on the feet.

    Just be sure to apply a little bit of product to your body. According to several reviews, it's not necessary to apply this anti-chafing treatment liberally — just a little dab does the trick!

    11
    Best of Clean Beauty

    HIKI Anti-Chafe Stick

    Editor’s Choice
    Anti-Chafe Stick
    Pros
    • Fragrance-free formula
    • Instantly melts into the skin
    Cons
    • Average star rating is not listed

    Key Specs

    • Standout ingredient: Coconut oil
    • Rating: N/A

    If you would rather turn to all-natural formulas, then we have news for you: Indie beauty brand HIKI has developed an anti-chafing stick that's made purely out of 100% natural and plant-derived ingredients.

    Expect your skin to be soothed and comforted immediately by coconut oil, castor oil, sunflower extract, and more. Plus, it's fragrance-free, so sensitive skin types can also enjoy it.

    "Natural doesn't mean less effective because this chafing stick truly works," says former beauty editor Jennifer Hussein. "As a fellow lady who gets constant chub rub (RIP to so many of my jeans), I can vouch for how silky-smooth it makes any chafed part of your body — thighs, butt, boobs, you name it."

    Headshot of Nicole Saunders
    Nicole Saunders
    Beauty Editor

    Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.

    Headshot of Jennifer Hussein
    Jennifer Hussein
    Beauty Editor

    Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.

    Headshot of Sanah Faroke
    Sanah Faroke
    Associate Editor
    Sanah is the associate editor at Prevention.com focusing on all things commerce within the health and lifestyle space. She scours the internet for the best finds money can buy, and pretends to shop for herself in the process. This Boston University grad loves to sip coffee, read during her commute (without falling over), and binge Gilmore Girls reruns until she’s memorized every line. Follow her on social media as she tackles cooking in the kitchen and see what she’s currently obsessing over.
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