The Best Anti-Chafing Sticks, Tested by Grooming Editors

Out of all the anti-chafe sticks we tried, we kept coming back to this one for a variety of reasons. First, it also deodorizes, which is a really handy feature if you’re using it in places that tend to get a little stinky like under your arms, around your groin, or in other areas where you have folds of skin (you know, like anywhere that chafes). The zinc neodecanoate in the formula not only helps to trap odor molecules, but also prevents more odor from forming, so the deodorizing effects last a really long time. Then there is the actual formula of the stick, which goes on completely clear with no residue at all. Unlike some other anti-chafe products, the finish isn’t powdery but instead forms a little layer on your skin that allows for more slip. It’s not greasy at all, but instead feels more like a silicone (it’s not).

Application is key with this one, as the one downside we’ve found is that the stick can be slightly hard, so it’s best if you warm it up a bit before applying (just hold it against your skin for a few seconds to let your body heat warm it). Once you do, it’s way easier to apply. We appreciate that it can be applied anywhere on the body and this stick version is great for smaller areas and please like your thighs or arm pits. Ultimately, we found ourselves using this chiefly as an anti-chafe stick because it’s just that good and a deodorant second.

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Whether or not you shave or manscape your groin area, it’s one of the most common places men experience chafing (so many folds of skin rubbing all the time). This stick was thoughtfully formulated specifically for that area to not only cut down on post-shave irritation, but also control that terrible chafing. It’s slightly smaller than your typical deodorant stick, but applies the same way. The unscented formula is ideal for sensitive areas like your groin and helps to minimize potential irritation whether it’s from shaving or just sensitive skin in general. The formula itself applies to your skin very easily and leaves a silky smooth finish that’s slightly powdery but not greasy or filmy at all.

While this is designed to be used on your groin, there’s really nothing to stop you from using it other places on your body. We found that it’s great for pretty much anywhere on your body, but keep in mind that it doesn’t have a scent or any deodorizing aspects to it, so you’re not going to get any sort of odor reduction if you use it somewhere like your arm pits. We also found that, depending on where you use it, it doesn’t last as long as some others on this list. If you’re out for a long bike ride or walking around all day, you’ll likely want to take it with you so you can reapply as needed. But that’s okay because the small compact design is easy to take on the go.

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When it comes to heavy-duty skin healing, Gold Bond knows its stuff. Think of this anti-friction stick as the modern update to the classic moisture-absorbing powder that you may have used before. The stick formula is way easier and less messy to use and applies to skin smoothly with nearly no effort – and no greasy or filmy residue left behind. Also, in true Gold Bond form, it not only protects your skin against chafing, but it also helps to moisturize and heal skin that is already irritated (from chafing or other factors). The addition of aloe is a thoughtful and effective way to soothe both existing and potential irritation. On top of that, it’s unscented which further helps prevent potential irritation.

Compared to other sticks on this list, it’s highly effective at both preventing chafing and healing irritated skin (many sticks, like the Gillette and Dove just focus on the previous element), but we found that compared to those same sticks, the effects don’t last as long and this stick needs to be reapplied more frequently–particularly if you’re sweating. That can be a bit of a downer, but in terms of skin health and efficacy, this one is top of the heap.

From a formulation standpoint, this anti-chafe stick checks pretty much all the boxes you want. It’s easy to apply to your skin and goes on smooth, not greasy. It’s also designed to be used anywhere on your body and contains ingredients like skin-soothing aloe and healing pomegranate seed extract to not just protect your skin from chafing but actively make it more healthy as well. It wont’ dry out your skin and instead leaves it feeling smoother as well as protected against chafe. Plus, it’s unscented which is a plus for sensitive skin.

We found that it was one of the longest lasting anti-chafe sticks we tried, which held up against long days on our feet, strenuous workouts and even warm weather. It stayed put even when we were especially sweaty, which we can’t say about some of the other sticks we tried. It’s not water-resistant per se, but something about the formula allowed it to hold up against moisture very well. Our one issue is that the packaging is a little flimsy compared to others like the Gillette and the Gold Bond sticks and didn’t feel as durable, which might give you pause if you want to take it on the go with you. That’s easy for us to overlook, however, when the formula is this good.

The thing about chafing is that it doesn’t just hurt in the moment—it can also hurt way after you’ve stopped walking (or doing whatever it was that caused the chafing in the first place). Many chafing sticks are focused on providing your skin protection against chafing in the short term, but don’t do much to help after the fact. That’s what makes this anti-chafe stick different. With the addition of colloidal oatmeal, an ingredient prized for its skin-soothing benefits, it also helps to moisturize your skin and help it heal even after you’ve stopped walking. The shea butter base also acts as an effective moisturizer that helps keep skin healthy in the long run as well as providing a good slip to the product that allows it go on smooth and leave no greasy residue behind.

The sweat and moisture-resistant formula helps to extend the time between applications, making this one of the longest-lasting sticks on this list. The brand claims it’s good for up to 10,000 steps, which we cannot confirm exactly, but will say that we applied this once in the morning and didn’t feel the need to reapply at all until evening—even after an intense workout. It’s a good, reliable formula that’s ideal for all skin types, but especially sensitive skin (that colloidal oatmeal again), but does come with a higher price tag.

There’s a lot to love about this anti-chafing stick, not just that the compact size makes it easy to take on the go with you (though that’s definitely a plus). The soothing and moisturizing formula contains aloe vera and shea butter to help keep your skin moisturized, as well as Vitamin E to amp up the hydration factor, but we especially appreciate the addition of tapioca starch to help absorb moisture. Moisture like sweat can, after all, make chafing worse, so anything to help soak it up is welcome. The creamy formula goes on smoothly and provides a good barrier.

We did find in our testing that, perhaps because the formula is on the creamier side, it didn’t last as long as some of the others on this list. Perhaps comparing it to the Dove Men+Care or the Gold Bond is a bit unfair as those have heartier formulas that seem to stay on top of your skin longer, and this stick sacrifices that in the name of increased moisturization. And it may be true that over time, increased moisturization and a healthier skin barrier could naturally curb chafing, but let’s get real–you’re using this stick now, so you want it to work for a long time. We had to reapply this on the most, but thankfully the packing is compact we didn’t mind taking it along with us so we could touch up on the go.

What Causes Chafing?

Chafing is an actual medical issue that happens when skin rubs against another part of your skin or against clothing or another material. It’s technically caused by the friction generated when your skin rubs, but moisture can make it worse, which is why you often experience chafing in areas like your groin, thighs and armpits where your skin touches but also tend to get sweaty. It’s also common where we have folds of skin, like your buttocks and under your chest (or breasts, for women). Usually you’ll feel a stinging or burning sensation when experiencing chafing, but you also may notice a red rash, raised bumps, itching, dryness and sometimes the area can be warm or hot to the touch.

Chafing sticks generally work by forming a barrier on the skin that prevents the skin-on-skin or skin-on-clothing rubbing that can lead to chafing. You’ll notice that they provide “slip” to cut down on friction and some of them will also contain skin moisturizing ingredients that help to prevent dryness from increased friction as well. The benefit of an anti-chafe stick, as opposed to to a cream or a powder, is that they’re easy to apply to smaller areas and are usually pretty mess-free.