There are lots of things we look forward to in summer. Days at the beach, the fireworks on the Fourth of July and having a great excuse to completely revamp our wardrobes. But there’s one thing we dread during this sizzling season: chafing. Since most of us don’t have thigh gap, the rubbing of our inner thighs together as we’re out enjoying the weather can be a real pain in the, well, thighs. And we can also experience the nasty sensation from our bras (sports and otherwise) as they come in contact with our hot, humid skin.
But you don’t have to resort to the old tricks of applying deodorant down there or slipping on bike shorts (even though Kim Kardashian is still trying to make them a thing). Nowadays, anti-chafing products are a booming business with everything from sprays to sticks to powders and even specially designed undergarments available to tackle this oh-too-common problem. A lot of them are marketed toward athletes like runners, cyclists and swimmers since chafing is a serious issue for those really working up a sweat. Of course, chafing can also occur while we run errands, hike with friends or head to brunch.
Stop the irritation before it starts with these 11 anti-chafing saviors.
Anti-Chafing Products
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Megababe
Thigh Rescue, $14 at Megababe
One swipe of this anti-chafing stick is all it takes. Its aloe and vitamin E formula creates a friction-free barrier to keep things cool and smooth. The stick also boasts lime oil to help heal skin from your past chafing nightmares and pomegranate seed extract to protect skin’s outer layer.
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Bandelettes
Onyx Anti-Chafing Thigh Bands, $16.99 at Bandelettes
These thigh bands feature anti-slip silicone, ensuring they stay put no matter how active your day is and create a buffer to prevent pesky chafing on your inner thighs. They come in several sexy colors so you can match them to your undies or just add a camouflaged colorful kick to even the most neutral outfit.
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Lush
Silky Underwear, $10.95 at Lush
Rub some of this powder on your inner thighs to keep the area free from irritation. The cornstarch and kaolin base absorbs excess moisture, while tiny shavings of cocoa butter nourish skin. And this treatment smells heavenly due to its inclusion of jasmine and vetiver.
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Überlube
Lubricant, $27.99 at Walgreens
OK yes, this is technically a lube meant for sex, but it has other benefits. Salons actually use it as a smoothing, finishing and anti-frizz product. And it can also be called on to eliminate chafing. There’s no scent and it won’t stain so your clothes won’t give away what you just rubbed on. Despite your lube preconceptions, this one is never sticky, tacky or oily, meaning your thighs won’t slip and slide after application.
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SweatWELLth
Friction Free Workout Anti-Chafing Spray, $18 at SweatWELLth
Although this is marketed for workouts, it works just as well to prevent chafing on a day-to-day basis. The easy-to-apply spray provides a protective barrier while simultaneously repairing and cooling. It's all thanks to the brand’s encapsulated technology that promises to keep thighs soft and smooth. Hyaluronic acid is also included to up the moisture content, soothe irritation and provide an antioxidant barrier against environmental aggressors.
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Body Glide
For Her Anti Chafe & Moisturizing Balm, $9.99 at Body Glide
If cyclists swear by this balm, you know it’s good. The vitamin-enriched stick should be applied on your inner thighs before you put on clothing to keep chafing at bay all day. Never wet or greasy, it’s sweat-resistant and keeps pores clear. Bonus: You can also swipe it around your bra to avoid annoying rubbing up top.
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Monistat
Chafing Relief Powder Gel, $5.99 at Target
While most of us associate Monistat with relieving that unbearable itching that goes hand in hand with yeast infections, the brand also has a product to relieve the painful effects of chafing. This powder gel forms a breathable moisture control barrier to combat friction, leading to less wear and tear. Plus, it dries to a silky finish so it will feel good all day long.
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Thigh Society
Regular Rise Long-Leg Undies, $34 at Thigh Society
With moisture wicking fabric and a no-squeeze design, Thigh Society’s undies stop chafing before it starts. You can feel confident sporting dresses, skirts, shorts and pants since the opaque fabric has zero front, back or side seams so no one will know you’re wearing them. Lightweight and breathable, you can rock a pair no matter the season and still feel comfortable.
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Gold Bond
Friction Defense Stick Unscented, $6.49 at Walgreens
Nongreasy, nonirritating and free of any cloying fragrance, Gold Bond’s chafing solution gets the job done without any side effects. While it's cutting down on friction, it soothes and moisturizes skin, making it ideal for even those sensitive types. And one swipe will go the distance with this long-lasting formula.
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Skin Strong
SLIK: Anti Chafing Spray, $14.99 at Skin Strong
We love a multipurpose product and in the anti-chafing world, this Skin Strong spray is one of the most prolific. It’ll stop chafing in its tracks on your inner thighs, underarms, by bras and clothing seams. Plus, you can apply it under wetsuits for easy removal at the end of a busy beach day. Or spray on your feet for quick transitions in short-distance triathlons. It’s nongreasy and won’t stain your clothes and the fresh scent will perk up your senses.
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TriSlide
Anti-Chafe Continuous Spray Lubricant, $12.95 at Walmart
An athlete’s BFF, this lubricant is favored by swimmers, cyclists and runners to prevent blistering and chafing. But you don’t have to be doing laps to reap the benefits. The sweatproof and waterproof formula is easy to use and won’t leave a mess behind so just spray and go about your day.
