Battling with thigh rub? These are the 14 chafing cream products our Editors swear by

It's nearly summer - which, if you're someone who experiences leg rub, means it's nearly time to stock up on chafing cream.

Thigh chafing will affect almost all women at some point and is a totally normal (not to mention common) side effect of hot weather. It normally happens as temperatures soar and you ditch your jeans in place of a floaty summer dress or skirt. 

While it's totally normal and happens to the best of us, for some, it can feel like there's no getting away from it. It's not pleasant and can be uncomfortable, leaving you feeling itchy and sore with red raw patches between your legs. 

That's where our edit of the best chafing cream comes in. Skip subtly trying to tuck your dress between your legs and shop our edit of the best creams to aid your issue, plus read expert tips on how to avoid thigh chafing altogether. Oh, and don't miss our guide to the many Sudocreme uses, while you're here.

So, what is thigh chafing?

Thigh chafing is the result of the skin between your legs rubbing and causing irritation. Why does this happen? Well, during the hotter months, we sweat more, which can therefore cause friction and rubbing between your thighs.

Some people experience slight discomfort while others find they get rashes. The repeated rub can also cause the skin to break and make it feel painfully raw.

As a runner, I sometimes get thigh and armpit chafing - which is why I started investing in chafing creams. My two go-to's are Vaseline and BodyGlide - the latter is particularly great for long-distance running as it doesn't sweat off - but I've tried and tested all of the below and they get my seal of approval. I also enlisted the help of Valeza, MC UK's Junior Shopping Editor, who is no stranger to trialling health and beauty products in the name of journalism.

She's trialled a fair few chafing creams in her time (which have all gone through our scrupulous testing process, of course), so is pretty well-equipped to offer her reviews on the best ones to shop.

What is chafing cream for?

The clue really is in the name with this one. Chafing cream is essentially a product designed to help prevent thigh chafing come, and, as the name suggests, the form of a cream, balm or garment that acts as a barrier.

If you opt for a cream or balm, remember to apply it between your legs - or on the areas that need protection - before you head out. FYI, any creams, gels, or balms that offer lubrication will reduce friction, soothe your skin, and protect you from the get-go. Thigh chafing? More like bye, chafing.

14 best chafing cream products to shop now:

1. Best chafing cream for travel

"I'm a huge fan of this anti-chafing balm, and specifically: the mini 23g stick. The smaller size and solid stick packaging makes it perfect for travelling or just popping into your handbag for an emergency-chafe situation. But that's not the only reason I'm a fan. It leaves plenty of slip on the skin - probably the most of all the chafing creams I’ve tried - but doesn’t feel at all greasy." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

2. Best affordable chafing cream

"I found the Lancane gel soothing. It did indeed prevent chafing and offer long-lasting relief, as it promised on the packet. Plus, as Sustainability Editor, I liked that the product has one of Amazon's 'Climate Pledge Friendly' badges, indicating it has credible sustainability certifications." - Ally Head, Senior Health and Sustainability Editor

"This feels the most heavy-duty of all the chafing creams I've tried. It has a thick balm consistency, which leaves a super matte finish on the skin but still remains incredibly silky, with plenty of slip so I feel no friction at all. If you're not a fan of a super slippery chafing cream, this is a great option." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor 

3. Best lightweight chafing cream

"This lightweight cream sinks in quickly, leaving a silky sheen akin to a balm, so it's super long-lasting. I'm a fan of the fragrance-free, non-greasy formula, which leaves my skin feeling incredibly hydrated and with enough slip to go about my day. Oh, and it's currently better than half price at Lookfantastic - just thought you'd like to know." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

4. Best OG chafing cream

"As simple as it comes, Vaseline is the OG way of preventing your thighs - or any other part of your body, for that matter - from chafing. I first tried this when I was about 14 years old and have used it most summers since, because I know I can rely on it for instant protection without the price tag." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

5. Best soothing chafing cream

"This product has a cream consistency which takes a while to sink in but once it does, it dries down to almost nothing feel - matte but still silky. It also has a super soothing scent. If you’re not a fan of a slippery-feeling chafing creams, this one is for you." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor 

"I really liked that the ingredients list is all-natural, vegan, and includes the likes of lavender and coconut oil. I found it to be more breathable than other options but also needed to apply it more regularly, too." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

6. Best moisturising chafing cream

"This well-known nappy rash cream and ointment is created for babies and you can tell - it's soothing and makes your skin feel super soft. I liked that it created the perfect moisturising barrier between the rubbing skin, was affordable, plus lasted me for around eight months." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

7. Best post-chafing soothing cream

"Ok, so this product doesn't actually prevent chafing, but instead soothes the skin after you've already experienced it. It also aids discolouration caused by friction and rubbing, brightening the skin with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, fermented clary sage and kakadu plum oil. It has a soothing scent and super nourishing, body butter consistency." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor 

8. Best cooling post-chafing cream

"Designed for pregnancy but for all chafing situs, I liked that this gel is cooling and therefore one of the better options for relieving that hot, itchy feeling thigh rub can sometimes cause. It's also on sale at the moment, so if you're keen to pick it up, act fast." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

9. Best post-chafing soothing oil

"Similar to the two products above, this is more of a post-chafing healing product than to use as preventative measure. This fragrance-free oil is meant for use on your most intimate areas, so it’s great for super sensitive chafed skin - and it goes without saying that it’s great for soothing post shaving burn too." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor 

10. Best chafing cream for runners and cyclists

"Sporty and want to avoid the dreaded thigh rub? Another one I've tried and rate is Premax's chamois cream. A mix between Bodyglide and Lush's dusting cream, it's a bit like suncream but for your chafe. I liked that it promises anti-bacterial protection and lasted over the course of a sweaty two-hour run." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

11. Best chafing cream that doesn’t stain

"With nearly 1,000 reviews and a 1.4-star average rating on Amazon, I was excited to try what Glamza calls their 'unique anti-friction formula' - and it really works. The key standout for me was the fact it didn't stain (and I mean didn't mark my clothes at all)." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

12. Best chafing cream for glide

"If you're looking for a stick that quite literally glides on and protects your thighs all day, give Body Glide a go. I've used it loads for running and it never disappoints. While it is a little pricey, I found that it lasts all day and doesn't need to be reapplied, no matter how sweaty or clammy you get." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

13. Best natural chafing cream

"After a more natural balm? I tried the Sirona natural rash cream with no chemical additives. It was easy to apply, soothing, and non-scented - it wasn't overpowering, which I liked. I also liked that it also helped my already chafed skin to heal, too." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

14. Best anti-chafing powder

"Not a chafing cream, but a damn good powder that I love using and have since bought again. A bit like talcum powder, but better smelling, this dusting product from Lush was soft and silky, and I was pleasantly surprised at how long it lasted, too. I also thought it felt a bit nicer to apply than, say, gel." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

If creams, balms, or powders aren't your thing, then fear not. There are a couple of different items you can wear under your dress or skirt that will keep the skin separated and no one will be any the wiser.

Anti-chafing shorts, we're looking at you.

Shop the best anti-chafing shorts:

Best affordable anti-chafing shorts

"I liked that these anti-chafing shorts act as a thigh barrier and include cool comfort technology which will keep you feeling fresh and free all day. They come in three colours – black and two shades of nude – and I thought were a bargain at only £15 a pair." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

Best period-friendly anti-chafing shorts

"Fun fact: these Modibodi anti-chafing shorts also hold up to 15ml of period blood or sweat, and still felt light-weight, absorbent, and protective. Neat." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor 

Or, if you're looking for a cheaper thigh barrier alternative, you could also get a pair of regular tights and cut them at the knee. You'll end up with breathable and light tights-shorts that you can wear under your clothes. You heard it here first.