Summer is upon us and for women whose thighs touch, this often means chub rub. It’s a term used to describe the uncomfortable sensation of thighs rubbing together, which often causes skin chafing. It’s an occurrence that not only athletes such as cyclists and runners experience, as it also happens to us regular folks. While inner thighs are the most common part of the body where chafing occurs, it can also happen on the chest, nipples, and behind the arms. There are a number of creams and topical applications to help with chafing, and we’ve rounded up some of the best anti-chafing products to prevent and treat chub rub this summer. Before that, let’s take a closer look at what exactly causes chafed skin.
What causes chafed skin?
Chafed skin is caused by skin irritation from constant friction. The symptoms of chafed skin include redness, a flat rash, burning sensations, pain, and blister-like lesions or even boils. According to Healthline, brown spots in the inner thighs can also appear if frequent chafing occurs. Chub rub also often occurs or is linked to individuals who are carrying extra weight or are obese. The excess weight in the thighs and arms can cause irritation when rubbed together frequently. Chafed skin is also common among runners because of the repetitive motion of running along with excessive sweating. The same can be said for cycling, in which thighs and buttocks are constantly rubbing against each other and on the bicycle seat. When looking for some of the best anti-chafing products to prevent chub rub this summer, go for creams or balms that have skin nourishing ingredients. Healthline suggests that these ingredients are skin-friendly and may help alleviate skin chafing problems.
- Aloe vera’s long list of benefits for the skin include a solution to skin chafing. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce irritation from chafing.ย
- Petroleum jelly is another skin-friendly ingredient that can help prevent chafing, as it provides a slippery skin barrier that is not quickly absorbed into the skin.
- Coconut oil has a two-pronged approach to helping heal chafing, as it reduces inflammation and is anti-bacterial.
- Shea butter contains high levels of fatty acids which helps nourish skin and has anti-inflammatory properties that encourages skin healing.
These ingredients are often found in body butters and lotions, so itโs not surprising that they can provide benefits to chub rub or chafed skin as well. Here are some of the best anti-chafing products to prevent and treat chub rub this summer.
Best Anti-Chafing Products: Creams, Oils, and Topical Solutions
1. CeraVe Healing Ointment Skin Protectant with Ceramides
CeraVe is a worldwide trusted brand in skincare, which is why this tops our list of the best anti-chafing products to prevent and treat chub rub this summer. It is developed with dermatologists and harnesses the power of essential ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, petrolatum (46.5% of the formula) and hyaluronic acid to help keep in skin moisture. Its unique non-greasy formula provides intense, long-lasting moisturization to help protect and soothe, and relieve extremely dry chapped and chafed skin. This skin-safe product has a gentle, non-irritating formula that is non-comedogenic, lanolin-free, hypoallergenic, preservative-free, and dye-free. This best-selling product has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why customers love it: “Originally recommended by my dermatologist, I have been using this for four or five years to good effect. Yet moisturizes without a greasy feel, and often I will apply it to a problem area and cover to keep it from rubbing away. It is great for all parts of the body.” Richard Davidson
2. BodyGlide For Her Anti Chafe Balm
Especially designed for women, the BodyGlide For Her Anti Chafe Balm contains vitamins A, B, E, and F to help nourish, hydrate, and retain skin;s moisture. This product is made with allergen-free, plant-derived ingredients that are effective and long-lasting for daily use in demanding conditions. Its unique formula does not clog pores and lets sweat escape so your skin can breathe. It’s also safe to use under clothing, footwear, and wetsuits. This product contains no petroleum, lanolin or mineral oils. Body Glide For Her Anti Chafe Balm has an overall customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why customers love it: “This anti-chafe balm is AMAZING! I absolutely love it. I use it every time I wear shorts and it makes walking around so much nicer especially with the warm weather. 100% will be buying again.” Jenn Campbell
3. Gooch Guard Chamois Cream Anti Chafe and Friction Lubricant Balm
Whether riding a bike, running, or keeping active, your “gooch” is a delicate area that will need some pampering before a rigorous activity. Thankfully there’s Gooch Guard Chamois Cream, a lubricant barrier that prevents friction and chafing around the gooch and beyond. It’s formulated with safe and natural ingredients without parabens, petroleum, silicons, or added fragrance. This soothing formula contains water, aloe leaf juice, sunflower oil, shea butter, beeswax, castor seed oil, tea tree oil, and vitamin E among other moisturizing, nourishing ingredients. This product is made in the USA. It has an overall customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why customers love it: “I typically ride 25-40 miles two to three times a week. Gooch Guard works super for me, keeping my bits from chafing or getting sore. I have probably used 8-10 jars of it since I discovered it a couple of years ago. Works great for me!” C. Payne
4. Muc Off Athlete Performance Antibacterial Chamois Cream
Specifically designed for athletes, the Muc Off Athlete Performance Antibacterial Chamois Cream is enriched with provitamins to provide deep moisturising and long-lasting protection. It features a unique antibacterial formula that is made with natural ingredients and is free from parabens, SLS and DEA. It effectively forms a protective barrier to help prevent skin damage even throughout the most rigorous activities this summer. This product has an overall customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why customers love it: “Best I’ve used out of the many brands that I’ve tried and I will not be looking anymore. I would say that the closest contender is Assos. Muc Off is good for long rides and easy to apply and clean off. Starting to see that they have good quality across all their product lines.” World’s Okayest Cyclist โข๏ธ
5. Assos Chamois Cream
Made in Switzerland, the Assos Chamois Cream is an anti-friction dermo cream used by many professional cyclists. It effectively reduces friction while keeping skin cooler. Its formula prevents inflammation and contains antibacterial properties so skin stays healthy. This product has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why customers love it: “I’ve been hitting the roads more frequently and was starting to develop a sore bum. I’ve heard of similar products and their effectiveness and became desperate a few days ago. Order this product and it relieved my discomfort immediately. No more pain after my rides. A little goes a long way so price to comfort is working in my case. I definitely recommend and will buy again.” Andrew Blackwood
More of the Best Anti-Chafing Products to Keep You Comfortable All Summer Long
1. Chamois Butt’r Coconut Anti-Chafe Cream
Ideal for any body parts that experience chafing, the Chamois Butt’r Coconut Anti-Chafe Cream harnesses the nourishing powers of organic coconut oil and shea butter to deeply moisturize and reduce friction on the skin. It features restorative ingredients that contain natural antiseptic properties to soothe chafed skin. This product does not contain paraben, phthalates, and gluten, or artificial fragrances or colors. Chamois Butt’r has an overall customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why customers love it: “Really works well in preventing chaffing – used on a 7 day North Carolina ride covering 508 miles in October.” Ben Maltby
2. Skin Slick Anti-Chafe Continuous Spray Skin Lubricant
Whether for everyday or athletic use, the Skin Slick Anti-Blister, Anti-Chafe, Anti-Friction spray is your best defense against chafing and blistering. The unique spray formula acts as a second skin when applied, making it easy to put on when needed. It can be applied on the legs, hips, buttocks, and anywhere you need protection against friction. This product has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why customers love it: “Love this! Works much better than any kind of friction stick! I highly recommend this item. I have thick thighs and I run so it helps for both so if youโre like me and need any powder, spray or leggings to keep any kind of friction back I would highly recommend trying this first.” Brittany
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Happy 4th everyone! Letโs declare independence against thigh chafe ๐
3. MegaBabe Thigh Rescue Anti Chafe Stick
With a balm-like formula that creates a barrier that sits on top of the skin, MegaBabe Thigh Rescue Anti Chafe Stick is a non-toxic anti-friction stick that allows thighs to rub smoothly to reduce friction. It contains aloe, grapeseed oil, and antioxidant rich vitamin E that provides extra hydration to the skin. This product has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why customers love it: “Love this stuff. It smells good and really works! Thankful I found this stuff before going through another summer with chafing thighs.” Stephanie Gustafson
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@lindevaes wears Bandelettes to stay chafe freeโฆ And she looks pretty AMAZING while doing it. ๐
4. Bandelettes Original Patented Elastic Anti-Chafing Thigh Bands
For those who prefer not to apply creams or topical agents to the skin, try wearing Bandalettes, a grease-free, chemical-free solution to chafing. Bandalettes are comfortable and delicately crafted premium stretchy lace made of 90% nylon and 10% spandex. It is held in place by two rows of non-slip silicone so you can be sure it won’t fall off no matter where your day takes you. It’s a lightweight yet fashionable alternative to prevent chafing and redness in the thigh area. Comes in an array of fashionable colors that will match your every OOTD. This product has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why customers love it: “I love these so much these are my second pair. I just moved to a warmer climate so I needed something for the shorts and dresses. I walked through Hawaii for hours with no problems!” Victoria Bingham
5. Undersummers by CarrieRae Size Inclusive Anti Thigh Chafing Slip Shorts
Here’s a little something to complete your summer wardrobe: the Undersummers by CarrieRay Anti-Thigh Chafing Slip Shorts are a handy and versatile piece of clothing that will let you say goodbye to chafing forever. It features lightweight, soft, stretchy, and silky material that is made of 96% poly and 4% spandex. It provides superior thigh protection without added friction or weakness. These shorts won’t ride up no matter how far you walk. This product has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why customers love it: “For anyone whose thighs are close enough together that they touch, get sweaty and sticky; then you will love this item. Wearing dresses is so much more comfortable, but it’s not just for that. In the winter, I wear them under my pants when it is very cold outside and they make a noticeable difference in comfort. They are also comfy to wear to bed. The fit is perfect, the waist band does not roll down when you bend or sit. I will be getting more of these.” George Fan
If you enjoyed this list of the best anti-chafing products to prevent chub rub, make sure to share it with your friends who may be suffering from chub rub, especially this summer. For more on great skincare products and reviews, make sure to check out the stories in the links from our archive below.
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