The 12 Best Anti-Chafing Creams and Sticks to Prevent Skin Irritation

Our Review Process

To find the best anti-chafing products, we started by consulting experts. Board-certified dermatologists helped inform our research process by sharing their professional product recommendations and criteria on what to look for and avoid. With hours of research under our belts, we considered dozens of chafe sticks, creams, and balms but ultimately curated our final list of recommendations based on the following attributes:

• Type: Anti-chafe sticks are most common and for good reason. They’re easy to apply, travel-friendly, and mess free. Though most topical anti-chafing products come in deodorant-like stick tubes, we also included balms, creams, and gels.
• Ingredients: Anti-chafe products work by creating a protective layer around the skin, which reduces repeated rubbing. It’s all in the ingredients. Per the dermatologists we spoke to, we looked for products that contain zinc oxide, petrolatum, dimethicone, vitamin E, and aloe.
• Ease of use: We factored in whether a product is convenient to use. Anti-chafe products packaged in tubes, such as sticks and balms, allow for a hands-free, mess-free application. We also prioritized formulas that don’t leave behind a greasy, sticky residue or stains on your clothes.
• User reviews: We waded through hundreds of reviews so you don’t have to. Our process involved filtering through verified user reviews from real customers to understand how these products perform in real-life settings and what lifestyles they suit best.
• Price: To ensure there is an anti-chafing product for all budgets, we included options at various price points. Our recommendations range from budget-friendly drugstore finds to pricey specialty products.

Our Experts 

We started our research process by speaking with a few experts to select the best anti-chafing products. Namely, we sought the helpful advice of board-certified dermatologists and asked them how anti-chafing products could help prevent and soothe skin irritation. 

The experts we spoke to included:

• Neil Farnsworth, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology
• Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California
• Nadir Qazi, DO, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and surgeon in Newport Beach, California
• Jill Salyards, a board-certified dermatologist in Knoxville, Tennessee

Choosing the Right Chafing Cream for You

The best anti-chafing product for you, well, depends on you. What works for one person may not work for another, Dr. Qazi reminds us. Here’s what dermatologists recommend considering when choosing a chafing cream:

• Key Ingredients to Look For: Zinc oxide has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for skin protection. Petrolatum, the active ingredient in petroleum jelly, can reduce pain and irritation from chafing. Other ingredients, such as dimethicone, vitamin E, and aloe soften and soothe skin.
• What to Avoid: If you have sensitive skin, avoid products containing added scents or fragrances, which could worsen irritation, Dr. Qazi says. In those with acne-prone skin, opt for non-comedogenic formulas. Common ingredients like petrolatum and dimethicone could contribute to clogged pores, Dr. Palm explains. In most people without any allergies to ingredients, anti-chafe products are considered safe, she adds.
• Body Parts: Some areas are more prone to chafing than others. Look for large chafe sticks so you can apply liberally to surface areas like the thighs. If you experience chafing on smaller areas, such as the feet or underarms, try a travel-size stick or tube, so you can have more control over the application.
• Intended Activity: Chafing is commonly associated with physical activity, but it can happen to anyone. Priming skin with chafe protection products is probably a good idea for anyone planning long walks, runs, or bike rides. Some products are specifically formulated for certain activities, such as running or cycling, while others are more versatile or suitable for everyday use.

How to Prevent and Treat Chafing

It’s easier to prevent chafing than to heal it, according to Dr Salyards. Here’s what dermatologists recommend in anticipation of chafing and when it inevitably occurs:

• Prevent chafing by choosing clothing that protects skin from touching, keeping skin dry with powders and antiperspirants, and applying anti-chafe products that reduce friction.
• Wear properly fitting garments, including footwear and athletic gear like wetsuits. During exercise, choose moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Treat chafing immediately to prevent further irritation and infection. On clean, dry skin, apply a topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin, Dr. Qazi says. 
• In severe cases of chafing where there’s pain or bleeding, you may need to see your doctor to determine a stronger treatment.

Who We Are

Lacey Muinos is a health and wellness writer at Health who masters a variety of topics, from acne treatments to gut health. She has personally tested and reported on a variety of products, such as air fryers and moisturizers. Between in-depth research and expert interviews, she’s adept at finding information and getting it in front of the people who need it most. Local to sunny SoCal, the Megababe Thigh Rescue has come in clutch on more than one occasion.