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Trust us, these are the best anti-chafing creams and products for runners, now that summer is finally here
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Tested by The Runner’s World Editors
It's one of the most common running war wounds going. If you’ve ever experienced painful chafing (not to mention the even more painful post-run shower), you’ll want to go out of your way to avoid it again.
Luckily, RW has tested a bunch of the best anti-chafing creams and products on the market. We’ve applied them before sweaty intervals sessions, half-marathons and ultras to bring you our round-up of the products that don’t stain your favourite kit, don't leave your fingers all greasy, and that actually stay put.
What to look for in an anti-chafing product
Effectiveness
When you first try a new anti-chafe stick or balm, keep tabs on whether or not it’s actually making a difference in preventing irritation and discomfort during long runs. Is your skin sliding smoothly over itself, or is there still friction that leads to abrasion and chafing?
Ingredients
We like balms made with beeswax or plant-based oils for lubrication, and additional components like shea butter or coconut oil. Most anti-chafe sticks have the ingredients listed on the packaging. If you have sensitive skin, look for anti-chafe balms with added soothing elements like aloe, Vitamin E, and calendula extract.
Application
Make sure the anti-chafe stick feels easy to apply, and note how often you’re supposed to reapply it. The balm should go on smoothly, create a noticeable coating over your skin, and not get rubbed off when you start walking or moving. We recommend smoothing out lumps or extra balm and making sure the layer is even in the application area.
Duration
Most anti-chafe sticks should last for about an hour of running, give or take. If you’re using this in humid conditions, you might have to reapply more frequently to maintain effective protection as the moisture in the air will create more friction during skin-to-skin contact.
Side effects
While the purpose of anti-chafe balm is to prevent skin distress, not everyone’s skin reacts the same way to the same ingredients. Monitor the areas for any signs of irritation, redness, or itching after you use the balm. Pay attention to any unusual reactions such as rashes or swelling, which could mean you’re allergic to something in the formula.
How to heal chafed skin
If you’re reading this too late, looking after your skin post-chafing can help it recover quicker. Shower as soon as you can after running, in lukewarm water and use an antibacterial soap, to keep the exposed skin safe from infection. Once you’re out of the shower, pat, don’t rub, the skin dry and apply Sudocrem or nappy-rash cream to the sore skin.
The best anti-chafing creams, tested and reviewed
Mio Move Groove Anti Friction Balm
A good option for soothing irritation from chafing, while preventing further chafing at the same time, this balm works to soften and hydrate the skin. A small amount goes a long way, but if you’re out for a few hours, you’ll want to reapply at some point. Thankfully, the 100ml tube is small enough to carry in a hydration pack. It’s vegan-friendly and cruelty-free too.
This all-natural lubricant is lightweight and scent-free. It’s easy to apply and carry in your race bag, thanks to the roll-on stick dispenser, and can help prevent chafing as well as blisters. Unlike good old Vaseline, it won’t rub off and ruin your clothes.
There’s a number of different-sized tubes available, and a female-specific version. We’ve carried the tiny pocket size in a handheld water bottle pouch for mid-run re-ups.
The only downside we could find is that it can melt in hot weather, but this shouldn’t be an issue for most UK races.
Thigh Rescue wasn’t made with running in mind —it was designed as part of Megababe founder Katie Sturino’s line of everyday products that take aim at 'taboo body issues' like boob sweat and chub rub. Still, the stick works like an anti-friction charm for runners of all sizes, with an effect true to Megababe’s body-positive mission statement of making users feel more confident and comfortable.
We applied some of this magical balm to our arms before a run in the late-summer heat, and it kept them soft, slippery, and happy for more than an hour without any need to reapply.
The stick smears on a bit creamier than other brands, but it doesn’t goop up or feel sticky or greasy. It’s made with aloe, pomegranate seed extract, grapeseed oil, and other natural ingredients that don’t irritate sensitive skin.
Made with coconut oil, beeswax, and a handful of other natural ingredients, this handy stick keeps skin feeling soft and moisturised enough to ward off friction from clothing or skin-to-skin contact.
The formula is gentle enough not to irritate sensitive regions but still effective — on a 10-mile run in the sticky August heat, we had zero chafing and never had to stop and reapply. It felt so good on our arms that we used it even outside of running just to treat dry spots.
Note that some people have complained about the light coconut scent, but we found it to be noticeable and pleasant without being overpowering.
A great option for triathletes and swimmers, we like this for avoiding wetsuit rub on our necks and knees. It's made from 100% natural and organic ingredients, and the roll-up stick formula makes it really easy to apply – no greasy fingers here.
Cheap and cheerful – what more could you want? This formula is fairly similar to Lanacane (below), a sort of balm/gel hybrid. The only downside is you do need to apply a fairly thick layer, so it doesn't last as long as other products in this guide. That being said, it's a fraction of the price – so you can always buy two.
This non-greasy balm is available in a men’s and women’s formula, smells good and lasts for several hours, with no tingly sensation on application.
Our only quips are that we wish it came in a slightly bigger size (almost £25 for 200ml is pretty steep) and towards the end you have to really squeeze to get the last of the product out. Overall, though, it does the job perfectly.
More of a gel than a balm, this non-greasy, non-staining formula soothes and prevents chafing. It feels almost powdery when it dries, and forms a breathable barrier on the skin. According to the product instructions, you can use this formula on an irritated area, which is handy if you’re already starting a race with sore skin.
A pack of ten pairs of nip guards, these are a must for preventing painful nipple chafing. They’re much more comfortable to wear (and remove) than plasters, and are good at staying in place, no matter how much you sweat.
How to stop chafing
With the right steps, running can be just as comfortable in the warmer months as the cooler times of the year.
1. Apply a lubricant to chafe-prone parts
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2. Wear the right clothes
Cotton is a big no-no, as it absorbs sweat and stays wet, which makes chafing worse. Make sure your gear fits right, as if it’s too small or too baggy, the material will rub you more. Also, cut the tags out of your clothes as these can often cause irritation.If you're a woman, cycling-style shorts can provide some additional coverage around the thighs. You can also find The Runners World Editors and women to minimise chafing...well, down there too.
3. Wear nipple-guards
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3: Tried and tested T-shirt by taping your nipples before you race.
4. Stay moisturised
Skin that’s moisturised is less likely to chafe, so make this part of your post-run routine.
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