Chafing cream: 13 products to help with summer thigh chafing
Inner-thigh friction affects more people than you know. Stop damaging it with these simple tips, tricks and products.
If the current heatwave is anything to go by, summer is well and truly here – which means it’s probably time to stock up on chafing cream.
You’re probably already planning when you can close your laptop and change out of your summer dress into your favorite swimwear to soak up the evening rays. But, excitement about the prospect of that sunshine aside, we’re less than happy about a common side effect of hot weather. We’re looking at you, cracking thighs.
Ah, yes. As the temperature rises and you ditch your jeans in place of an easy summer dress, for some, there’s no need to get away from it. And it is completely Normal (it happens to the best of us), but not particularly comfortable. It can leave you with an itchy, sore, red crusty patch between your legs, and it’s not pleasant.
Waddling can relieve this for a while, as can subtly trying to tuck your dress between your legs and hope no one notices. But if you’re not keen on gently smacking your way home, here’s how to get rid of thigh chafing forever, with the best chafing creams available to buy right now.
so what is Thigh chafing?
Thigh chafing is the result of constant rubbing of the skin between your legs, which can cause irritation. During the warmer months, we sweat more and therefore this makes the friction between your thighs worse.
Some people experience little discomfort, others find they develop a rash, but repeated rubbing can break the skin and leave it feeling painfully raw.
As a runner, I sometimes get blisters on my thighs and armpits – so I started investing in the following. My two go-tos are Vaseline and Bodyglide – the latter is especially great for long-distance running because it’s sweat-proof – but I’ve tried and tested all of the following and give them my seal of approval. is found
Chafing Cream: 13 Best Products to Help Prevent Chafing
The easiest ways to prevent thigh chafing come in the form of a cream, balm or cloth that acts as a barrier.
If you choose a cream or balm, remember to apply it between your legs – or on areas that need protection – before going out. FYI, any creams, gels, or balms that offer lubrication will reduce friction, soothe your skin, and keep you from moving. Thigh chafing? More likes goodbye Chafing
Bepanthen Thigh Chafing Cream, £7 | Amazon
This popular nappy rash cream and ointment is made for babies and you can tell – it’s comfortable and feels right on your skin. Super Soft I loved that it created the perfect moisturizing barrier between chapped skin, was affordable, plus lasted me about eight months.
Mama Meo Lucky Legs, £20.00 | Amazon
Designed for pregnancy but for all chafing sites, I love that this gel is cooling and so one of the better options to relieve that hot, itchy feeling that sometimes rubs against the thigh. may cause A high price point, but a good investment.
BU Anti Chafing Cream, £11.32 | Amazon
Next, I tried the BU anti-chafing cream. I really liked that the ingredient list is all natural, vegan, and includes the likes of lavender and coconut oil. I found it more breathable than other options but it also needs to be applied regularly.
Vaseline Original Pure Petroleum Jelly, £1.43 | Amazon
As simple as that, Vaseline is the OG way to keep your thighs — or any other part of your body, for that matter — from chafing. I first tried it when I was about 14 and have used it most summers, because I know I can count on it for instant protection without the price tag.
Lanken anti-chafing gel, £6.29 | superdrug
Another fairly budget-friendly product, I found Lanken Gel soothing. It actually prevented chafing and offered long-lasting relief, just like it promised on the packet. Also, as the sustainability editor, I liked that the product has one of Amazon’s ‘Climate Pledge Friendly’ badges, indicating that it has credible sustainability certifications. Buy for a
Bodyglide Unisex Anti Chafe Balm Stick, £18.56 | Amazon
If you’re looking for a stick that really shines and protects your thighs all day, give Bodyglide a go. I’ve loaded it up to play and it never disappoints. Although it’s a bit pricey, I find it lasts all day and doesn’t need to be reapplied, no matter how sweaty or sticky you get.
Sirona Natural Anti Chafing Rash Cream, £9.99 | Amazon
After a more natural balm? I tried Sirona Natural Rash Cream without chemical additives. It was easy to apply, soothing, and non-scented – it wasn’t overpowering, which I loved. I also love that it also helped heal my already chapped skin.
Glamza Chub Rub Anti Chafing Cream, £4.35 | Amazon
With nearly 400 reviews on Amazon and an average of four stars, I was excited to try what Glamza calls their “anti-aging formula” — and it really works. The main thing for me was that it didn’t stain (and I mean didn’t stain my clothes at all).
Lush Silky Underwear Dusting Powder, £10 | lush
Not a chafing cream, but a great powder that I love using and have since repurchased. A bit like talcum powder, but with a nice scent, this dusting product from Lush was soft and silky, and I was also pleasantly surprised at how long it lasted. I also thought it felt a little better to apply than the gel.
Azulinal ointment, £12.10 | Amazon
Okay, so it won’t stop a chafing but it is Great for treating sore skin when you’ve already experienced it. I love that it’s specially developed for use near sensitive genital areas, and also helps relieve sores, skin redness, skin irritation, and eczema. Medical grade treatment? in order
Premax Chamois Cream, £14.99 | Premax
Want to be sporty and avoid the dreaded chub rub? Another one I’ve tried and rated is Premax’s chamois cream. A cross between BodyGlide and Lush’s Dusting Cream, it’s a bit like suncream, but for your chaff. I liked that it promised anti-bacterial protection and lasted for two hours during sweaty walks.
If creams, balms or powders aren’t your thing, fear not. There are a few different things you can wear under your dress or skirt that will keep the skin separated and no one will be the wiser.
Anti-chafing shorts, we’re looking at you.
M&S Collection Cool Comfort™ Anti-Chaffing Shorts£10.00
I love that these anti-chafing shorts act as a thigh barrier and include cool comfort technology that will keep you feeling fresh and free all day. They come in three colors – black, white and almond – and I thought that at just £12 a pair was a bargain.
Modibody Anti-chafing Short, £30.00 | Modibodi
Fun fact: these Modibody anti-chafing shorts hold up to 15ml of blood or sweat, and still feel light-weight, absorbent and protective. neat and tidy
Or, if you’re looking for a cheaper thigh barrier option, you can even get a pair of regular tights and cut them off at the knee. You’ll end up with breathable and lightweight tights-shorts that you can wear under your clothes. You heard it here first.
How to cure thigh pain – fast
1. First gently clean the area with water.
2. Make sure your skin is dry before applying any product, to reduce the risk of infection if the skin is broken.
3. Apply one of the healing creams mentioned above, such as benpanthene.
4. If you prefer a home remedy, a chamomile tea bag soaked and refrigerated is said to do the trick.
