Taking strides with thick thighs is not as graceful as it looks. Without the proper precautions, you have to unstick from yourself as you try to walk.
Or worse, you end up feeling the burn of chafing inner thighs. A burn so powerful, that once you experience it, you’ll do anything to prevent it from coming back.
While you could wear a pair of spandex shorts under your outfit, that can lead to additional, uncomfortable bulk. Anti-chafe sticks may be a more desirable option.
“Anti-chafe sticks can be a lifesaver for individuals who experience skin irritation due to friction, especially during the warmer months or physical activity,” dermatologist at Skin Vivid Clinic, Julia Zhao, MD, told 21Ninety.
How does an anti-chafe stick work?
Anti-chafe sticks work by forming an anti-friction barrier on the skin.
“They are often formulated with ingredients that reduce friction and provide a soothing effect, like aloe, and others that have anti-inflammatory and healing properties, like pomegranate seed extract and ginger root extract,” Dr. Zhao explained.
Board-certified dermatologist, Anna Chacon, MD, told 21Ninety that “this barrier prevents the irritation and inflammation that leads to chafing.”
What are the benefits of using anti-chafe sticks?
A major benefit of anti-chafe sticks is the freedom from friction. The rough friction on the body can lead to uncomfortable rashes. That relief isn’t exclusive to the inner thighs.
Depending on the product information, you can swipe an anti-chafe stick wherever you tend to feel discomfort. Other common areas include the back of the under arms, between back rolls, and even behind the knees.
Are anti-chafe sticks safe for sensitive skin?
Many anti-chafe sticks are made without major irritants so that as many people can move easily as possible.
“Yes, anti-chafe sticks are typically formulated to be safe for sensitive skin,” Dr. Chacon answered. “However, if a person is allergic to any of the stick’s components, they could experience irritation or an allergic reaction,” Dr. Zhao warns.
There are a lot of anti-chafe sticks on the market that contain aloe, which can be an irritant to some. So, if you have an aloe allergy make sure to read the label carefully.
Both dermatologists recommend conducting a patch test before you swipe the anti-friction sticks all over. That way, you can reduce the chances of having an allergic reaction on a large part of your body.
Megababe Thigh Rescue Lotion Anti-Chafe Stick
Megababe’s Thigh Rescue Lotion Anti-Chafe Stick glides on as a non-greasy friction shield. Made with sensitive skin in mind, this cruelty-free product allows for thick thighs to move past each other without pain.
It contains aloe, pomegranate, and grapeseed oil to take care of your skin beneath the barrier. Plus, you can actually put this stick wherever you feel chafing.
First Aid Beauty Anti-Chafe Stick with Colloidal Oatmeal
First Aid Beauty’s Anti-Chafe Stick with Colloidal Oatmeal is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients. There’s shea butter to moisturize the skin. And, colloidal oatmeal to lock that moisture in. That way your skin doesn’t dry out under the non-greasy product.
Best of all, this vegan anti-chafe stick is completely fragrance-free
Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick
If you’ve been scorn by anti-chafe products in the past, give Gold Bond’s Friction Defense Stick a try. This anti-friction stick was made for those with rough sensitive skin.
The product leans on a moisturizing aloe-rich formula to form a temporary barrier on the skin. That barrier keeps moisture close while also soothing your skin. It doesn’t leave a greasy residue. And, it’s fragrance-free.
Body Glide For Her Anti Chafe Balm
Body Glide’s For Her Anti Chafe Balm takes the original Body Glide formula to a new nourishing level. This non-greasy anti-chafe stick helps to hydrate the skin using vitamins A, B, E, and F.
That being said, this fragrance-free stick is made without petroleum, lanolin, and mineral oils. Additionally, the long-lasting benefits of this anti-friction stick stem from its sweat- and water-resistance.
Zone Naturals Chub Rub Stick – 100% Natural Anti Chafing Stick
The Zone Naturals Chub Rub Stick – 100% Natural Anti Chafing Stick combines coconut oil and shea butter to moisturize your skin. The formula is also miner oil-, fragrance-, and aluminum-free.
This stick forms a smooth barrier on your skin that lasts for hours on end. Plus, you can use it anywhere on your body. That way, you’re not restricted in any way as you take your strides.
Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.