The best anti-chafing products to use this summer, tested by our editors
During the warmer months, few things are more annoying than the sticky, itchy, burning feeling of chafing. Whether you're a runner who likes to take advantage of the nice weather or someone who wants their inner thighs to coexist in peace, anti-chafe products can help prevent any uncomfortable friction that causes sore skin.
To help you stay friction-free in high temperatures, we spoke to dermatologists about the best anti-chafing products on the market, plus got their tips and tricks on how to avoid chafing and what to do when it occurs.
How we picked the best anti-chafing products
When shopping for quality anti-chafe products, dermatologists emphasize finding the right, friction-reducing ingredients more than anything. We also valued price and our own personal experience with these products, where applicable.
Ingredients: Shoppers should look for chafing sticks that contain a combination of humectants, emollients and occlusives (the same types of ingredients found in quality face moisturizers), according to Dr. Hadley King, a New York City-based dermatologist. Ideally, these products should glide smoothly while creating a strong barrier between any hotspots that rub (like inner thighs or the back of your heels), and any exterior irritation like the heel of your shoe or a wet swimsuit strap on your skin. Notable emollients include glycerin and coconut oil, which appear in nearly every anti-chafe product we recommend. We explore these ingredients and others in more depth, below.
Price: Based on our own experience shopping for and using these products, we've found great options in the $7 to $20 range for roughly 2 ounces (or one deodorant-like stick) of product, except our pick for anti-chafing underwear.
Personal experience: As people who struggle with thigh chafing during the warmer months, we've tried a handful of these products and included our recommendations.
The best anti-chafing products in 2025
Most anti-chafing products are salves packed in glide-on sticks, jellies, powders or creams. Below, we've compiled a list of expert-recommended options from dermatologists and favorite picks that have helped NBC Select staff keep their skin friction-free.
Best overall anti-chafing product
Several of the dermatologists we spoke to recommend Megababe as an anti-chafe solution. '[It's] an affordable, easy-to-use stick formulated to prevent friction by providing both hydration with grapeseed oil and improved glide to reduce the friction that leads to chafing with ingredients like vitamin E and aloe,' says Dr. Annie Chiu, dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute.
Colizza has used Megababe for years and says she cannot imagine her life without it. It's packaged in a deodorant-like applicator and is a breeze to use: 'I typically swipe the balm across each of my inner thighs two to three times and typically reapply throughout the day as needed,' she says. The formula, which has a subtle, clean scent, leaves behind a residue that she says makes her inner thighs 'happily glide across each other as [she walks]'. Megbabe is formulated with caprylic/capric triglyceride (a compound derived from glycerin) and coconut oil, both of which are emollient ingredients that moisturize the skin.
Another favorite product of Colizza's for chafing, Squirrel's Nut butter is made with Cocos nucifera (coconut oil) to help moisturize your skin and avoid friction. According to King, Cocos nucifera has both emollient and occlusive properties, meaning it hydrates and also helps create a protective barrier on top of your skin.
Squirrel's Nut Butter is sold as an everywhere solution for athletes with chafing. The brand recommends applying it not just before a race or athletic event, but also before showering to avoid further bothering your already-tender skin.
Colizza used Body Glide's anti-chafe stick, which comes recommended by King, on her inner thighs during a recent warm-weather vacation. While other options, like Megababe, offer a more slippery feel, Body Glide for Her feels thicker and more waxy, and perhaps is a better option to use along a bathing suit line or anywhere else where you need a heavy-duty barrier between you and any fabric, like the back of your shoe.
Best budget anti-chafing product
Jessica Wu, MD, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist and author of ' Feed Your Face,' recommends Gold Bond's Friction Defense Stick as a more affordable option that contains several popular friction-reducing and inflammation-fighting ingredients including zinc oxide and aloe.
Colizza finds this unscented option similar to Body Glide; it creates a strong, waxy barrier across your skin that doesn't glide on as smoothly, but still helps eliminate friction.
Chamois cream is most known for helping cyclists avoid friction while riding, but it's also an effective fix for everyday chafing. Chamois Butt'r is a non-greasy lubricant formulated for all skin types to treat chafing and reduce friction, according to the brand. It has aloe vera and vitamins A and E to moisturize and soothe skin, and can be easily washed off with soap and water. It's also available in four versions, including a pH- balanced formula made specifically for women, and has a 4.7-star average rating from 10,645 reviews on Amazon.
This dusting powder from Lush has a cornstarch and kaolin clay base, which works to absorb sweat and moisture and reduce friction, according to Wu. It's also formulated with cocoa butter to nourish the skin, according to the brand.
Compared to other deodorant-like applicators so far in this list, Lush's option is a powder, which Marchbein recommends using only after first applying a regular cream or moisturizer: the cream can work as a barrier and the powder, in turn, can work to absorb excess moisture. She recommends this strategy for people whose skin has already started to chafe to avoid further irritation.
'Boob chafing is real, especially for runners,' says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. After experiencing severe chafing on her chest and under boob area from sports bras ('the rash can get so bad that it starts bleeding mid-run,' she says), she started using this Aquaphor Balm Stick religiously before running. 'I don't have to actually touch the product or my skin thanks to the applicator, and the balm creates a barrier between my skin and the bra's fabric, which prevents chafing,' she says. She usually applies it underneath the perimeter of her bra and up to her underboob area. The balm uses avocado oil and shea butter to moisturize skin, and is all-purpose, meaning it can be used all over your face and body, according to the brand.
Best anti-chafing underwear
Thanks to Knix's Thigh Saver, Malin says she no longer worries about chafing when wearing dresses or skirts. 'The little shorts are thin enough that they're lightweight, but thick enough to prevent my thighs from rubbing together,' she says. She likes how soft and airy the fabric is, which makes the shorts comfortable to wear for hours at a time. 'I literally threw out all my other undershorts after trying these because nothing compares to them.' The shorts are also available in a leakproof version for periods, which has a built-in liner that the brand says absorbs about three regular tampons' worth of blood.
This anti-chafing stick from Fur is designed to glide on smoothly while forming a lightweight, protective layer across your skin, according to the brand. It uses chamomile and cica to help calm irritated skin, and is infused with licorice root and niacinamide to reduce discoloration and redness. This stick is also formulated to help soften hair and prevent ingrowns, according to the brand.
How to shop for anti-chafing products
According to the dermatologists we spoke to, there are certain healing and moisture-wicking ingredients you should look out for when shopping for anti-chafing products:
Cocos nucifera: Many anti-chafe products include coconut oil, a natural emollient that helps hydrate skin and glides smoothly.
Glycerin or caprylic/capric triglyceride: Also known as glycerol, this ingredient 'moisturizes skin without clogging pores,' according to Wu.
Aloe vera: Many of the dermatologists we spoke to noted that aloe can both protect the skin from chafing and reduce inflammation after chafing has occurred.
Zinc oxide: Commonly found in products that treat diaper rash and sunscreens, this compound usually comes in the form of a thick, white paste and is designed to form a protective barrier on your skin, according to Dr. Shari Marchbein,
Cornstarch: Cornstarch-based products help absorb moisture, making them ideal for anti-chafing products, according to Chiu. Wu added that they can also reduce friction in chafing-prone areas.
Vitamin E: According to cosmetic dermatology expert Kenneth Mark, MD, products with vitamin E are 'particularly soothing' and hydrating.
Kaolin clay: This mineral helps absorb sweat and skin oils, making it ideal in anti-chafing products, according to Wu.
When shopping for a quality option, pay particular attention to what order the ingredients appear on the label: 'Skincare products list their ingredients in order of concentration from highest to lowest,' says Dr. Michele Green, a NYC-based dermatologist. So, 'the closer [an ingredient] is to the top of the ingredient list, the greater the concentration of the ingredient in the given product,' she says.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Why trust NBC Select?
Christina Colizza is a former editor at NBC Select and has been a product reviewer since 2018. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering wellness topics like the best whole body deodorants and acne spot treatments. For this piece, Colizza spoke to dermatologists about the best anti-chafing products to stop unwanted friction.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I have invisible chronic condition that stole my balance and way of life'
Steve's life changed after he was diagnosed with a rare balance disorder - Bilateral Vestibular Failure. He was forced to give up his long-standing job and move out of London. However, he has since found hope and confidence again through Jorvik Tricycles. Balance disorders affect more than 1.8 million people - yet many have never heard of them. The 'invisible' condition remains largely unrecognised, both in society and by healthcare providers. For 54-year-old Steve Watkins, a rare disorder changed everything. Once a professional tennis coach and lifelong fitness enthusiast, Steve suddenly found his independence ripped away when his body began to fail him. 'Having been a keen cyclist and my job dependent on my active lifestyle, this change was a complete shock to me and my family both physically and mentally,' he said. It began with short dizzy spells. But within a few years, even walking in a straight line became impossible. 'From what started as short dizzy spells, within a few years I was unable to even walk in a straight line as I went from being an active 50-year-old to being unable to travel anywhere without assistance,' he added. Desperate for answers, Steve underwent tests in January 2020 and was told to begin daily exercises. But nothing seemed to help. Doctors eventually discovered that his vestibular system, which helps the body maintain balance, had dropped to zero out of 100 in both ears. It was then that Steve was diagnosed with Bilateral Vestibular Failure, a chronic and incurable condition that damages the inner ear and disrupts spatial orientation, movement, and balance. The vestibular system is a sensory system crucial for keeping us steady. It helps the brain detect head movements and maintain posture, and when it fails, the impact can be life-altering. Sport wasn't just a part of Steve's career; it was part of who he was, and the idea of losing that part of his identity hit him hard. After nearly four years of battling worsening symptoms and with no known cure, Steve was told he'd have to learn to manage the condition for life. 'When my doctors first told me that staying active was crucial, I had no idea how I'd manage. Struggling to walk in a straight line,' Steve said. Told that physical activity was key to managing the condition, but barely able to stay upright, Steve had to find another way. He was forced to quit his job, and he and his wife relocated from London to Worksop, Yorkshire, to be closer to family and adjust to their new normal. Then came a turning point. In a bid to regain some independence, Steve visited York-based Jorvik Tricycles to test ride an electric tricycle - and something clicked. His wife recalls it was the 'first time he's smiled like that in years.' Discovering Jorvik electric tricycles has been life-changing. Fitness and exercise were my life; losing the ability to be independent and work was devastating,' Steve said. 'This tricycle has given me my freedom back and has been incredible to me mentally to get back outside and boost my wellbeing.' What once seemed impossible has now become part of his routine. Steve regularly cycles along Chesterfield Canal, Clumber Park and the Monsal Trail near Worksop, and is now an active member of a local support group for people living with balance disorders. James Walker, Founder of Jorvik Tricycles, said: 'When we first met Steve, we were touched by his story and determined to help him. We're thrilled to hear that since discovering his Jorvik Tricycle, Steve has regained his freedom and independence and is now regularly exploring and enjoying the outdoors once again.' From feeling like his loss of balance stole his life, Steve has pedalled his way back to independence. 'For those struggling with balance and coordination on a traditional bike, Jorvik Tricycles can offer the chance to maintain freedom and movement without the worry. To date, the business has created tricycles for thousands of customers with mobility worries and additional needs,' James added.
NBC News
14 hours ago
- NBC News
Salmonella outbreak in cucumbers expands to 18 states, 45 sickened
A salmonella outbreak traced to a Florida-based cucumber producer has expanded to include 45 people reporting illness in 18 states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday. Target stores joined a growing list of retailers that sold recalled cucumbers or ready-to-eat products featuring the fruit, and it's warning that purchasers should throw them away. The retailer issued a list of recalled products, including a Greek-style chicken salad from Boar's Head and several types of sushi restaurant staples, such as maki rolls with tempura and California rolls, all sold under the Mai brand. Last week, grocery store chain Walmart was added to the list of retailers urging customers to put the possibly tainted products in the trash, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; its Marketside cucumber slices are a part of the recall. Patients connected to the outbreak have turned up in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, the FDA said on Friday. Of 45 people who have reported illness connected to the outbreak, 16 have been hospitalized, the agency said. No deaths have been reported. While investigators' focus has been on the strain salmonella montevideo, multiple other strains were detected in samples taken from a Pennsylvania distribution center belonging to Florida-based Bedner Growers, believed to be a source, the FDA said in its Friday statement. The FDA said that those different strains so far appear to be unrelated to the spring outbreak, but that it is investigating further alongside scientists from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "CDC is working to determine if additional human illnesses match these additional strains," the FDA said. "Further analysis of the sample is pending." All the illnesses so far have been connected to cucumbers produced by Bedner and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, the agency said. The cucumbers and products that contained them were sold from April 29 to May 19, the FDA said. The first retailers noted for selling the potentially tainted cucumbers were three Bedner's Farm Fresh Market locations in Florida, but the list of public-facing sellers has continued to increase. Other distributors as well as eateries were told they may have also purchased the possibly tainted cucumbers, labeled for wholesale as 'supers,' 'selects,' or 'plains," the FDA said. FDA inspectors unearthed tainted cucumbers during an inspection last month of Bedner Growers' facilities, it said. The review was a follow-up to a Salmonella Africana outbreak linked to the producer last year, according to the agency. Bedner's did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Friday. A spokesperson for Fresh Start Produce Sales said last week that the company "is committed to protecting public health and helping Bedner Growers with its recall." Salmonella is a bacterium that can thrive amid animals and their fecal matter and contaminate nearby produce, which can reach the dinner table if unwashed, according to the FDA and CDC. Older people, children under 5, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to the salmonella's worst symptoms and even death. Patients sickened by it can develop stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and the urge to vomit anywhere from six hours to six days after infection, the CDC says. Salmonella is 'a leading cause of foodborne illness, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States and worldwide," the CDC states.
South Wales Argus
19 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
NSPCC Cymru Childline highlights night shift volunteers
In these quiet, dark hours, support is available thanks to the dedication of Childline volunteers like Naomi Lea and Isha Daboh, who give their time to help children and teenagers in need of someone to talk to. Childline, a free and confidential service for young people up to the age of 19, is staffed around the clock by trained counsellors, including volunteers who work through the night. Naomi Lea, who has volunteered at Childline since 2018, said: "Being able to be there for children and young people that need Childline at any time of day always feels like an immense privilege. "But it feels even more important at night, knowing this is when young people are feeling completely alone with nobody else to turn to or that this may be the first opportunity they have to reach out without anybody else knowing." Ms Lea has volunteered at the Cardiff and Prestatyn Childline bases and is part of the 'Twilight shift,' which runs from 11pm to 2.30am following a team briefing at 10.45pm. Isha Daboh, another Cardiff-based volunteer, said: "Since starting the Twilight shifts, it has been such a different yet rewarding experience of Childline. "I've had a lot more flexibility shift-wise given the late time, meaning it doesn't particularly interfere with my normal day and it continues to open up more time for me to dedicate to volunteering." Joanne Shipp, a Twilight Childline practitioner for NSPCC Cymru, said: "Twilight shifts can be varied with a lot of contacts, yet it is a rewarding time of day to support young people late at night when they need us the most and this is when we also need volunteers the most as well. "Our thanks go to Isha and Naomi for being champions and joining us on Twilight shifts, as well as all our volunteers who give up their time to help us to support children when they may have nowhere else to turn." NSPCC Cymru is currently recruiting Childline volunteers in Cardiff, Prestatyn, and across Wales through Childline's virtual base. To find out more about volunteering, visit the NSPCC website.
