Whether you’re a hardcore marathon runner or simply struggle during exercise, chafing can take the enjoyment out of practically anything. It seemingly starts suddenly, halfway through your third run of the week, or cycling home from work. But sadly, the soreness and inflammation are just the starting point because if left untreated, you can expect blisters, chapped skin, and, even bleeding.
These little miracles can prepare and prevent you from suffering any symptoms, ensuring you own the dancefloor for an entire evening without that dreaded thigh burn. The only thing to do is find the ideal anti-chafing cream for you. Read on for our buying advice before checking out the best chafing creams in the UK. Moreover, we have partnered with Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Chafing Creams
Felipe Partarrieu is a dermatologist, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
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Table of Contents
Felipe Partarrieu is a final year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
First and foremost, if you're going to be using chafing cream daily or even a few times throughout the week, it's important to check what the product contains. Chafing creams can be loosely categorised into natural or chemical formulas; however, it's worth bearing in mind that even natural-based ointments and creams usually still contain a few chemical ingredients.
Our research found that natural and chemical products were mostly as effective as one another, but there was one significant difference - the duration of time they lasted. This is where chemical-based formulas tend to have the upper hand. So, before opting for any product, consider how long you need it to last and whether you'll have the opportunity to reapply regularly.
Irritated skin after exercising? Why not try a body wash for sensitive skin?
When it comes to shopping for chafing cream, you need to keep an eye out for ingredients that aim to hydrate, repair, protect, and relieve irritated skin or skin that is at risk of irritation. As you'd expect, some do this better than others.
The main ones to look out for are cocoa butter, shea butter, natural oils such as jojoba, argan and lavender, aloe extract, oat kernel extract, tapioca, calendula, aluminium chlorohydrate, vitamin E, and carnauba wax. Don't worry, you won't need to remember these as we'll mention the active ingredients in the specification table under each product.
Avoid skin irritation while cycling with a pair of cycling shorts for women!
Lastly, you'll want to consider the application form – cream, stick or powder. Creams are the most common, as they allow the wearer to easily see where and how much of the product they've applied - plus, you tend to get a little more for your buck. That said, they're also the most wasteful, as you may need to wash your hands to rinse off excess.
Sticks are the next most popular option. Apply these just like you would deodorant. They share many of the same favourable qualities as creams, such as being compact and small, making them ideal for packing and travelling. However, they can be troublesome to apply, as sticks can be difficult to see and can become sticky.
Finally, you have the option of a powder. The biggest advantage of these is that they tend to come in larger quantities, so you'll often be getting better value for money. However, as with creams, there can often be a surplus leftover, meaning that while you might be getting more product for your money, you'd also be prone to throwing some of that away.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Zone3 Natural Anti-Chafing Protective Balm | ![]() | The Chafing Balm for Any Situation | |
2 | Johnson's Baby Powder|Multipack of 2 | ![]() | The UK's Favourite Hypoallergenic Powder | |
3 | BeYou Chafing Cream | ![]() | Protection and Treatment at the Same Time | |
4 | Neat 3B Action Cream | ![]() | The Aussie Favourite Developed by Doctors | |
5 | Weleda Nipple Balm | ![]() | For Breastfeeding Mothers and Long Distance Runners | |
6 | Weleda Baby Calendula Baby Oil | ![]() | A Delicate Oil to Reduce Friction and Chafing | |
7 | Body Glide Anti Chafe Balm | ![]() | Stick Made From Long-Lasting Natural Ingredients | |
8 | SweatBlock Super Fresh Body Powder Lotion | ![]() | Get the Best of Both Cream and Powder Formulas | |
9 | RunGlide Anti Chafe Balm | ![]() | A Portable Stick To Create a Long-Lasting Barrier | |
10 | VeloSkin Chamois Cream | ![]() | Chafing Cream Made for Cyclists, by Cyclists |
Taking our top spot is this offering from Zone3. It ticks all the right boxes - natural ingredients, the most economical application option and it contains a decent quantity for the price. It's made in Canada with 100% natural and organic ingredients.
This balm is also known for combating chafing regardless of the situation - even if you're soaking in a wetsuit, it'll still perform at the top of its skills. The formula works for a range of sports and regular activities and is something that every person dealing with this irritation will benefit from.
People have been using talcum powder to battle nappy rash, chafing and general skin irritation for as long as we can remember, so there was no way it wasn't going to make our ranking. The only question was - which one? Well, we had to opt for the nation's favourite - Johnson's.
While it's not entirely natural, this variation is free from a few nasties such as parabens, dyes and phthalates, making it slightly less chemically. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, meaning it would be a solid choice if you're prone to allergic reactions from new cosmetics.
There's been a huge shift in the cosmetics industry over the last decade or so, with more companies relying on the powers of natural ingredients. BeYou are a big devotee of this school of thought, and their anti-chafing cream uses some excellent organic oils such as coconut, argan, frankincense, lavender, tea tree and geranium.
Not only does this create a water-resistant barrier, but it also moisturises at the same time. Therefore, you won't only be protected, but your skin will be getting some lovely, and potentially much needed, TLC.
While it might not be huge in the UK, this offering from Neat 3B is the Aussies' number 1 go-to chafing option, and we're inclined to trust them as it's known to get rather hot and sweaty over there! The cream was developed alongside doctors, and although it uses a chemical-based formula, it's safe for the whole family.
Moreover, the lotion works by removing moisture from the affected areas, whether legs, bums or tums. Plus, you'll find you get a decent amount for your money, which isn't always the case with products from Down Under!
Here we have another of Weleda's products, this one targeting protection for sore, chapped and chafed nipples that many mothers suffer from when breastfeeding. However, while that may be the primary marketing strategy, many who run long distances will tell you that it works wonders for them too!
The formula is completely natural, which is stressed for those who are breastfeeding - you don't have to worry about your child picking up any nasties. The product was also created alongside midwives and pharmacists to ensure safety.
The fact of the matter is that anything that a parent trusts on delicate baby bodies will work wonders on adults too. Hence, Baby Calendula Oil made our ranking. The inclusion of oil as an ingredient reduces friction which, in turn, will reduce chafing issues.
The formula is free of chemicals, dyes and fragrances and is known for producing excellent moisturising qualities. That said, it might not technically be an anti-chafe product, so you should expect to reapply more regularly. But as you get a greater quantity, you shouldn't feel too bad about that.
The Body Glide stick is one of the most popular products out there and a certified favourite of runners due to its compact size and portability. Luckily, it's pretty handy at fighting chafing and is 100% natural, too, so you don't have to worry about using it daily.
However, the big issue is the expense, as this is a famously American product and, therefore, you'll be expected to pay extra for having it in the UK. That said, it is known for sticking around (pun intended) for as long as you need it to, so it could be worth the extra cost.
One of the biggest turn-offs about using powder can be the incredible mess it makes when applying. However, SweatBlock has managed to sidestep this by creating a formula that is in flux. The product initially appears as a lotion but over time dries as a smooth powder-like layer, giving you the best of both worlds.
Due to the ingredients, you can feel comfortable using this in even the most troubling places - for both men and women. There have been some complaints about the longevity, though, so you might want to consider longer-lasting ointments if you need them for days out or sporting activities.
This formula by RunGlide creates a barrier between the skin and whatever else is rubbing against it, protecting you from chafing and other irritations. The company uses a chemical-based lotion, which allows for longer-lasting protection, making this an excellent one for long-distance bike rides and marathons.
Another feature of the formula is that it is easy to wash out - just apply water and some mild soap. Sadly, though, there isn't much of it, even for a stick. Plus, the ingredients can't be applied to skin that is already irritated.
If you're looking for the ultimate protection against saddle sores, then this offering from VeloSkin is going to be right up your street as it was made by cyclists for cyclists. The formula uses a combination of calming shea and cocoa butter, and this non-greasy product quickly absorbs, leaving no glutinous excess.
Furthermore, the company tested it on cyclists, not animals. So for those conscious of living an ethical, cruelty-free life, this adheres to those principles. However, some buyers have found the consistency of the cream to be a little unpleasant, with more than one describing it as a little grainy.
Written and researched by Lewis Clark
We partner with specialists across various fields to proof-read our buying guides to deliver accurate and reliable information. Our specialists do not endorse any products that we recommend.
- mybest UK
No. 1: Zone3 |Natural Anti-Chafing Protective Balm
No. 2: Johnson's|Baby Powder|Multipack of 2
No. 3: BeYou|Chafing Cream
No. 4: Neat 3B|Action Cream
No. 5: Weleda|Nipple Balm
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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