Quick verdict
The two-product protocol is simple and effective: Body Glide or Chamois Butt'r before activity for prevention, and CeraVe Healing Ointment at night for recovery from any skin that did get irritated. Adopt this routine consistently through summer or any period of prolonged physical activity and chafing becomes a solved problem rather than an accepted nuisance. For people with sensitive or dry skin, Squirrel's Nut Butt
Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Body Glide is the category-defining anti-chafe product, used by marathon runners, cyclists, hikers, and anyone who needs long-duration friction protection. The balm applies as a dry, invisible barrier - not a wet, slippery cream - which means it does not transfer to clothing, does not feel greasy, and actually stays in place through sweat, humidity, and extended activity. It works on all body locations: armpits, underarms, bra line, waistband edges, neck (from collar friction), and inner arms.
Body chafing at armpits, waistbands, under-breast, and other friction zones is preventable - and already-raw skin heals faster with the right barrier products. Here are the five best.
Skin chafing is one of those problems most people suffer through unnecessarily – assuming it is just an unavoidable consequence of heat, movement, or body shape. It is not. The right product applied before friction begins creates a protective barrier that prevents chafing entirely. And for skin that is already raw and stinging, the right healing ointment restores the skin barrier and dramatically reduces recovery time.
Note: These products may help manage symptoms, not treat or cure conditions. Consult a healthcare provider for persistent or serious symptoms. Chafed skin that becomes infected – showing increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge – should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Open raw skin is susceptible to bacterial infection, and some chafing patterns (particularly in skin folds) may indicate or be complicated by fungal infection requiring antifungal treatment.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm | Athlete-grade all-body friction prevention | 4.8/5 |
| Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick | Everyday body chafe prevention | 4.6/5 |
| Chamois Butt’r Original Anti-Chafe Cream | High-intensity and extended-wear protection | 4.7/5 |
| Squirrel’s Nut Butter Anti-Chafe Salve | Natural formula for sensitive skin | 4.5/5 |
| CeraVe Healing Ointment | Barrier repair for already-chafed skin | 4.8/5 |
How we evaluated these
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
The shortlist
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm | Athlete-grade all-body friction prevention | Check price | |
| Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick | Everyday body chafe prevention | Check price | |
| Chamois Butt'r Original Anti-Chafe Cream | High-intensity and extended-wear protection | Check price | |
| Squirrel's Nut Butter All Natural Anti-Chafe Salve | Check price | ||
| CeraVe Healing Ointment | Barrier repair for already-chafed skin | Check price |
Each pick, examined
Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Body Glide is the category-defining anti-chafe product, used by marathon runners, cyclists, hikers, and anyone who needs long-duration friction protection. The balm applies as a dry, invisible barrier - not a wet, slippery cream - which means it does not transfer to clothing, does not feel greasy, and actually stays in place through sweat, humidity, and extended activity. It works on all body locations: armpits, underarms, bra line, waistband edges, neck (from collar friction), and inner arms.
Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick
Gold Bond's Friction Defense Stick targets everyday chafing rather than specifically athletic chafing - it is designed for use under work clothes, casual wear, and everyday activities where heat and clothing friction cause discomfort. Its formula includes dimethicone (a silicone-based lubricant), aloe, and vitamin E, creating a smoother slip layer between skin and fabric. The stick format is clean and portable; toss it in a bag or keep it in a desk drawer for midday touch-ups.
Chamois Butt'r Original Anti-Chafe Cream
Chamois Butt'r is the professional cyclist and endurance athlete's anti-chafe cream of choice. Its rich cream formula was originally developed to condition chamois leather padding in cycling shorts and now serves as an extended-wear skin lubricant for any prolonged friction scenario - multi-day hikes, ultramarathons, cycling centuries, and any activity where you will be moving continuously for four-plus hours. The cream format provides more lubricating protection than stick or dry balm formats, making it ideal for high-intensity or extended wear situations.
Squirrel's Nut Butter All Natural Anti-Chafe Salve
Squirrel's Nut Butter (yes, that is the name) is the all-natural, plant-based option for people who prefer to avoid silicones, petroleum derivatives, and synthetic ingredients. Its formula includes coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, vitamin E, and tea tree oil - all of which contribute lubrication, skin nourishment, and mild antimicrobial properties. It is available in a stick or tin, with the tin being the better value and the stick being more convenient for application without messy fingers.
CeraVe Healing Ointment
CeraVe Healing Ointment is the dermatologist's recommendation for already-damaged chafed skin. Its formula combines petrolatum (the gold standard occlusive barrier) with three essential ceramides that restore the skin's natural barrier lipid structure, plus hyaluronic acid for moisture retention. Applied to raw, stinging chafed skin, it creates an occlusive layer that prevents further friction damage while the ceramide complex works on barrier repair from the inside out.
Buying considerations
What to consider
The key distinction to get right is prevention versus healing. Prevention products (Body Glide, Gold Bond, Chamois Butt'r, Squirrel's Nut Butter) should be applied before friction occurs - in the morning, before activity. Healing products (CeraVe Healing Ointment) are applied after showering to already-damaged skin. Different body locations also favor different formats: the dry barrier of Body Glide is ideal for armpits and underarms where you do not want moisture; cream formulas suit waistband areas or under-breast zones where the skin is thicker and less movement-sensitive.
Final word
The two-product protocol is simple and effective: Body Glide or Chamois Butt'r before activity for prevention, and CeraVe Healing Ointment at night for recovery from any skin that did get irritated. Adopt this routine consistently through summer or any period of prolonged physical activity and chafing becomes a solved problem rather than an accepted nuisance. For people with sensitive or dry skin, Squirrel's Nut Butt
Questions answered
Chafing occurs when repeated skin-on-skin or skin-on-fabric friction breaks down the protective outer skin layer, causing redness, raw patches, stinging, and sometimes small abrasions or blisters. Common body locations include armpits (from arm swing), bra line and under-breast, waistband edges, inner arms, nipples in runners, and anywhere tight elastic or seams contact skin during extended movement.
Anti-chafe balms (Body Glide, Gold Bond Friction Defense) are prevention products - they create a dry or semi-dry barrier between skin surfaces or between skin and fabric before friction begins. Healing ointments (CeraVe Healing Ointment) are repair products - they create an occlusive barrier over already-damaged skin to lock in moisture, reduce inflammation, and support the skin barrier repair process. You need both in your kit.
Absolutely. Chafing from everyday clothing, summer heat, excess moisture, or skin folds is extremely common regardless of athletic activity. Body Glide and Gold Bond Friction Defense are designed for daily use and work equally well under work clothes, on waistbands, and at bra lines during regular daily activity. Apply as part of your morning routine in warm weather or whenever you will wear friction-prone clothing.
