The 10 best anti

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Don’t let friction ruin your run. Here are the best sweat-resistant, anti-chafing creams we’ve tested

One of the most common running war wounds, if you’ve ever experienced painful chafing (and the even more painful post-run shower), you’ll want to go out of your way to avoid it again.

Luckily, team Runner’s World (made up of men and women) has tested the best anti-chafing creams and products on the market. We’ve applied them before sweaty intervals sessions, half marathons and ultras to bring you the products that actually stay put, don’t stain your favourite kit, and don’t leave your fingers all greasy.

With the right steps, running can be just as comfortable in the warmer months as the cooler times of the year.

1. Apply a lubricant to chafe-prone parts: Your inner thighs and under arms are common hotspots. Apply some of the products mentioned below.

2. Wear the right clothes: Cotton is a big no-no, as it absorbs sweat and stays wet, which makes chafing worse. Make sure your gear fits right, as if it’s too small or too baggy, the material will rub you more. Also, cut the tags out of your clothes as these can often cause irritation.

3. Wear nipple-guards: A critical one for men, avoid a blood-stained T-shirt by taping your nipples before you race.

4. Stay moisturised: Skin that’s moisturised is less likely to chafe, so make this part of your post-run routine.

If you’re reading this too late, looking after your skin post-chafing can help it recover quicker. Shower as soon as you can after running, in lukewarm water and use an antibacterial soap, to keep the exposed skin safe from infection. Once you’re out of the shower, pat, don’t rub, the skin dry and apply Sudocrem or nappy-rash cream to the sore skin.

In a rush? Here’s a list of our favourite anti-chafing creams and products.

This all-natural lubricant is lightweight and scent-free. It’s easy to apply and carry in your race bag, thanks to the roll-on stick dispenser, and can help prevent chafing as well as blisters. Unlike good old Vaseline, it won’t rub off and ruin your clothes. There’s a number of different-sized tubes available, and a female-specific version. The only downside we could find is that it can melt in hot weather, but this shouldn’t be an issue for most UK races.

A good option for soothing irritation from chafing, while preventing further chafing at the same time, this balm works to soften and hydrate the skin. A small amount goes a long way, but if you’re out for a few hours, you’ll want to reapply at some point. Thankfully, the 100ml tube is small enough to carry in a hydration pack. It’s vegan-friendly and cruelty-free too.

This balm-like anti-friction stick is easy to apply and lasts for several hours. Texture-wise, it's like a waxy deodorant, rather than being slippery or sticky. It's also available in two different sizes (23g and 60g) and it's not too heavily perfumed either.

You only need to use a pea-sized amount of this anti-chafing cream for it to last several hours. The formula is hydrating, without being sticky, and it gets a thumbs-up when it comes to being waterproof too.

A silicone-based, liquid roll-on formula that promises to stop irritation before it starts by creating a frictionless barrier between your clothes and skin. It’s a little tacky on first contact, but it then seems to disappear into your skin, where it claims to protect from chafing for 24-hours. Sweat-proof and waterproof, the roll-on applicator is small enough to carry in your race bag.

A great option for triathletes and swimmers, we like this for avoiding wetsuit rub on our necks and knees. It's made from 100% natural and organic ingredients, and the roll-up stick formula makes it really easy to apply – no greasy fingers here.

Cheap and cheerful – what more could you want? This formula is fairly similar to Lanacane (below), a sort of balm/gel hybrid. The only downside is you do need to apply a fairly thick layer, so it doesn't last as long as other products in this guide. That being said, it's a fraction of the price – so you can always buy two.

This non-greasy balm has a unique angled tip that makes it easy to apply it directly to the skin. It’s available in a men’s and women’s formula, smells good and lasts for several hours. Our only quips are that we wish it came in a slightly bigger size and towards the end you have to really squeeze to get the last of the product out. Overall, though, it does the job perfectly.

More of a gel than a balm, this non-greasy, non-staining formula soothes and prevents chafing. It feels almost powdery when it dries, and forms a breathable barrier on the skin. According to the product instructions, you can use this formula on an irritated area, which is handy if you’re already starting a race with sore skin.

A pack of ten pairs of nip guards, these are a must for preventing painful nipple chafing. They’re much more comfortable to wear (and remove) than plasters, and are good at staying in place, no matter how much you sweat.

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