7 Best Anti-Chafing Cream For Runners

Anti-chafing cream is a must for any runner training for a long distance run from a 5k to a 10k, the half marathon, marathon and beyond!

The consistent friction or rubbing of your skin on other skin areas or your clothes while you run can cause your skin to break down and become irritated.

This condition is called chafing.

Chafing can be caused by several factors, such as the frequent friction of your skin, delicate skin, consistent rubbing of skin on your fabric, heart rate monitor, shoes or tight clothes, and running in extreme heat conditions, amongst others. 

The areas on your body where chafing usually affects are sensitive areas where you sweat more, and body parts are more likely to experience friction repeatedly.

These body parts include:

• heels,
• inner thighs,
• buttocks, 
• nipples, 
• groin area, and 
• armpits

When you start feeling stings, pains, or burns on these areas of your skin after going for a short or long run or walk, or when you notice red skin, bleeding, or swelling in these areas, it is a sign that your skin is chafed.  

The good news is that you can get relief from this painful menace with anti-chafing creams.

So, in this article, we will discuss and review 7 of the best anti-chafing creams for runners, which are available in the market, to help you choose the best product for your skin.  

7 Best Anti-Chaffing Creams For Runners Overview

• Chamois Butt'r Original Anti-Chafe Cream, 8 oz tube
• Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
• Squirrel's Nut Butter Anti-Chafe Tin
• All Natural Ruby's Lube Anti-Chafing Balm
• Gooch Guard Unisex Chamois & Anti-Chafing Cream
• Barker Goods 100% All Natural Anti-Chafing Balm
• Zealios Betwixt Chamois Cream & Anti-Chafing Lubricant 

Having listed out these creams, let's now review them individually. 

7 Best Anti-Chafing Cream For Runners

Chamois Butt'r Original Anti-Chafe Cream, 8 oz tube

This cream is an excellent option for those looking for a chafing product to relieve the chafing you experience from running.. 

This non-greasy chamois cream relieves your chafed and irritated skin and softens, soothes, and lubricates it without damaging your running gear. 

It also provides instant improvement of comfort of your skin's problem areas. 

It is made with no artificial fragrances and colors, gluten, or parabens, and it easily comes off your skin and clothing when you bathe and wash. 

The best time to apply this original anti-chafe cream is before going out for a run or race. To ensure your skin maintains its health, re-apply it when necessary. 

Pros:

• It doesn't just relieve your chafed and irritated skin; it also softens, soothes, and lubricates it.
• It has no artificial fragrances or odor.
• It provides swift comfort improvement.
• It doesn't contain silicone. 
  
• It is easy to apply.
• It prevents chub rub.
• It comes in a value-sized 8 oz. tube.
• It is unisex.
• It is easy to clean and wash off. 

Cons:

• It is not waterproof. 
  
• It is not vegan. 

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Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm

This product from the Body Glide brand is one of the non-cream anti-chafing products that make it to this list, and this is because of its efficiency in relieving chafing.

If you prefer an anti-chafing cream that comes in the form of a bar (almost like deodorant!) then this is a great option. 

Built with a fragrance-free formula, this balm is easy to apply and relieves chafing, raw skin, skin rashes, and skin irritation caused by either skin-on-skin or skin-on-fabric rubbing and friction. 

It is made with clear and natural ingredients to be a protective layer to prevent and also reduce skin-on-skin friction and rubbing on body parts such as your inner thighs, groin area, feet, buttocks, and under and on the sides of your breasts. 

And because it is made with clear ingredients, it doesn't get messy while you run, like most creams, and doesn't stain any gear you put on.

This long-lasting balm is great for daily use, and the best time to apply it on your skin is before you start running, as it best applies to dry skin. 

Also, it can be used in dry and wet conditions, and both adults and children can use it without any problems. 

Pros:

• It doesn't contain any fragrance or scent.
• It is clear and doesn't stain your clothes while running.
• It doesn't contain aluminum.
• It is easy to apply.
• It helps heal already-changed skin.
• It is versatile.
• It prevents chub rub.
• It is made with a waterproof formula.
• It can be used on a daily basis.
• Both adults and children can use it.
• It can be used in both wet and dry conditions.
• It is durable.  

Cons:

• Sometimes, it feels sticky.
• It doesn't stop shorts from riding up. 

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Squirrel's Nut Butter Anti-Chafe Tin

Squirrel's Nut Butter Anti-chafe Tin is one of the best products for protecting your skin areas that are more likely to suffer chafing. 

The key ingredients it is made up of includes cocoa butter, vitamin E oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. 

Cocoa butter and Coconut oil create a barrier on your skin's surface to avoid irritation and rubbing. 

Meanwhile, beeswax ensures the effectiveness of this salve in protecting your skin and lasts for a long time while also ensuring your skin is moisturized and relieved of chafing. 

When applied to your feet, this product also prevents them from blistering. 

In addition, it is made with a small and lightweight 0.5 tin, which makes it easy to apply and carry about.

 This salve is versatile and can be used by both adults and children. Aside from being used to relieve chafing, it can also be used for skin restoration and soothing. 

However, its soothing, healing, and restorative effects are felt quicker and better when you apply it to your skin after participating in a race and want to bathe. 

Pros:

• It is made with a natural formula that protects your skin for a long time.
• It is small and easy to carry about.
• It smells good.
  
• It is easy to apply.
• Both adults and children can use it.
• It is versatile.

Cons:

• It can be greasy. 

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All Natural Ruby's Lube Anti-Chafing Balm

The All Natural Ruby's Lube Anti-Chafing Balm contains many plant-based ingredients, such as lemongrass, benzoin, olive oil, beeswax, and calendula perfect for those who prefer to stay away from man-made ingredients.

The inclusion of beeswax among its ingredients means you can be assured that you won't be experiencing a tissue breakdown on any part of your skin on which this balm is applied.

 This balm is also versatile, and aside from relieving chafing, it can be used for skin moisturization, massaging, and lots more. 

Children and adults can also use this sweat and water-resistant balm. 

The best time to apply it to your skin is before you set out on a run. Also, you can apply it to the specific parts of your skin where you are currently suffering from painful chafing to boost its healing process.  

Pros:

• It prevents chafing and skin tissue breakdown.
• All the ingredients used to make this balm are natural.
• It smells nice.
• It prevents thigh chub rub.
• It is easy to apply.
• It is easy to remove from fabric and body.
• It is versatile.
• Both children and adults can use it. 

Cons:

• It doesn't remain on your skin long enough for long races.
  

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Gooch Guard Unisex Chamois & Anti-Chafing Cream

The Gooch Guard Unisex Chamois & Anti-Chafing Cream is built with safe and natural materials to prevent chafing, friction, and rubbing. 

Aside from this, it also eliminates saddle sores and soothes and restores inflamed skin. 

It is made without including petroleum, parabens, silicones, or added scent. Materials such as tree nuts and soy which could cause allergic reactions on your skin are also excluded to prevent them from being harsh on your skin. 

In addition, it is easy to apply and allows you to run for long distances, even in heat conditions, without producing any mess or grease. 

 This unisex cream acts immediately after it is applied and is easy to wash off. 

Pros:

• It is built with safe and natural materials.
• It acts immediately after it is applied.
• It allows you to run for long distances even in heat conditions.
• It is versatile.
• It is long-lasting.
• It is easy to apply.
• It doesn't produce any mess or grease.
• It is easy to wash and clean off.
  

Cons:

• It is not safe for children.
  
• It isn't very effective at eliminating thigh chafing.
  

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Barker Goods 100% All Natural Anti-Chafing Balm

If you are looking for a product that relieves painful chafing and prevents your skin from irritating and blistering while also healing, moisturizing, and protecting it, then this is a great anti-chafing cream. 

This salve is built with 5 organic ingredients to soothe your skin and also eradicate dryness and pain from your skin. 

To effectively eradicate the effects of friction, rubbing, and chafing on your skin, ensure you wash your hands and the affected skin areas before gently rubbing them on those areas. 

Also, ensure you apply it to your skin before you start a run or race. 

This odorless and fragrance-free balm is versatile and can be used for other physical activities such as cycling, walking, and climbing. 

This product is so effective that it is nearly impossible to see a bad review from anyone who has used it. 

Pros:

• It is made with 100% organic materials.
• It has no fragrance, which makes it perfect for all skin types.
  
• It is versatile.
• It is portable.
• It is odorless.
• It is easy to apply.
• It is long-lasting.
• It is unisex.
• It is USDA certified.

Check it Out On Amazon

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Zealios Betwixt Chamois Cream & Anti-Chafing Lubricant 

This cream from the Zealios brand is built for long-lasting efficiency, protection, and comfort.

The best part is, it doesn't just protect your skin from chafing. It also lubricates it and shields it from burning friction, saddle sores, and rubbing. 

It is built with organic materials to give you an amazing and pain-free running experience and also relieves your cracked hands and feet.

This fragrance-free lubricant is made with clear materials meaning it won't stain your running outfit, and you can easily wash it off when you are done running or racing. 

Pros:

• It is built with vegan ingredients obtained from plants.
  
• It is highly effective.
  
• It is paraben-free.
  
• It goes on easily.
  
• It doesn't stain your running outfit.
• It is versatile.
  
• It is unisex.
• Its ease of use is commendable.
  
• It is easy to wash off. 

Cons:

• It doesn't have cooling properties.
  

Check it Out On Amazon

Other Anti Chafing Creams that runner's Swear by: 

Marianne says,

"I have tried several anti chafing creams and gels.  The only thing that really works for me is Desitin.  Give it a try!"

Katie says:

"I wanted to share this one with you: Get Salty Britches anti-chafing cream. This saved me through 2 marathons, where I usually chafe for anything over 14 miles. cannot recommend this enough!"

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Factors You Should Consider Before Getting An Anti-Chafing Product 

Here are the main factors you should put into consideration before choosing an anti-chafing cream. 

The Type Of Anti-Chafe Product

Anti-chafing creams are made in different forms. Some are creams, while others are either balm sticks, salves, glide-on sticks, or cream to powder products. 

All these product types have pros and cons, so it is up to you to decide which type of anti-chafing product is best for you based on your needs and preference. 

Now, let's discuss them.

Anti-Chafing Cream

Anti-Chafing Creams are the perfect relief for bruises sustained due to chafing and dry skin. 

They go on your skin easily and further soften and moisturize it. In addition, they boost blood circulation on any body part they are applied to.

With anti-chafing cream, an invisible barrier is created to ensure that instead of rubbing, your skin glides against fabrics, something a moisturizing lotion can't give your skin.  

The clear nature of this cream also ensures that it does not stain any gear you put on while running. 

The con of anti-chafing cream is that some people find it messy. 

Anti-Chafing Balm Sticks

Anti-Chafing Balm Sticks are usually non-greasy, simple, and easy to apply. They are also built with compact designs, making them easy to apply on the go.  

Most are made with natural ingredients and glycerin to cool your skin. 

The cons of this type of chafing relief are that they tend to melt when you are in hot environments. (Tips on Running in the Heat here!)

Also, anti-chaffing creams are more hygienic than balm sticks, and they are difficult to share with your running partner. 

Anti-Chafing Powders

These types of anti-chafing products are great at absorbing sweat and keeping skin dry; hence are perfect for oily skin. 

They promote less friction between the skin and the cloth you put on and ensure wounds sustained from chafing dry up. 

It's application is also easy.

Unlike other products that require you to rub and massage, you only need to sprinkle this product on an affected area, and you can hit the road. 

However, due to the powder nature of this product, if you are running in warm weather and start sweating, it can easily be washed off or solidified. 

To prevent it, ensure the anti-chafing cream you get has anti-clogging abilities. 

Note: While applying anti-chafing products on your skin, ensure you wear moisture-wicking fabrics to prevent skin and thigh from further chafing.

The Ingredients It Is Made With 

While choosing an anti-chafing cream, you will want to choose one that is made from ingredients you are comfortable with.

Many runners find natural ingredients appealing and they can provide your skin with a protective barrier and reduce friction in your inner thighs and other chafe-prone areas effectively.

Common ingredients that can also repair and soothe your skin whenever it gets chafed and calm inflammation are:

• Vitamin E oil, 
• shea butter, 
• coconut oil,
• zinc oxide, 
• cocoa butter, 
• grapeseed oil, 
• aloe vera, 
• dimethicone, 
• glycerin, and 
• cornstarch
• organic coconut oil

Avoid chafe-relieving creams with ingredients such as petroleum or petroleum jelly, parabens, strong scent, and avocado butter, among others as these ingredients cause skin irritation, damage, and clogging of skin pores. 

Also, if you have sensitive skin, bear in mind that using creams that have fragrances, preservatives, or perfumes will cause you to have irritated skin, as well as other allergic reactions. If this is the case be sure to choose a fragrance-free cream.

Whether It Is Cloth-Safe Or Not 

Before choosing an anti-chafe cream, you should also check whether it will react when it comes in contact with your running fabrics. 

Ensure you choose a cream that effectively moisturizes your skin while preventing it from having skin-to-fabric friction.  

Best Anti-Chafing Creams For Runners Summary

In this article, I have highlighted and reviewed the best anti-chafing products for runners available in the market and the factors you should consider before choosing the right type of cream for your skin. 

Hopefully, after reading this article, you can now make an informed choice as a runner to aid in your anti-chafe treatment.

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