If you’re new to the world of cycling and have just experienced the unfortunate effect of saddle sores on your bum, I sympathize. Although some believe getting saddle sores is a rite of passage, it really doesn’t have to.
We explain the many ways you can avoid and prevent them in this article. One of the most effective ways is habitually using this magical cream so many cyclists, the world over, swear by.
In this post, we will cover the factors to consider when looking to buy chamois creams and a list of our favorite ones in the market today that we’d like to recommend.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick
For us, the best one in the list that we highly recommend is Chamois Butt’r Original Anti-Chafe Cream.
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:12 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Consider Before Buying a Chamois Cream
You may have heard of chamois-padded cycling shorts that provide extra protection from the dreaded saddle sore, but many cyclists have found that constantly washing these can lead to hardened padding.
As a result, they would still need the cream to soften up the pads and revive protection.
Active Ingredients
All chamois creams will have a thick viscous base that will help to minimize friction between the cyclist’s skin and clothing.
Although different chamois cream brands may vary in their viscosity and formulations, the most common ingredients will include skin foods like:
- Oils from coconut, sunflower, and witch hazel
- Shea butter
- Aloe vera
- Provitamins
While coconut oil hydrates the skin by retaining moisture and protects it through its antibacterial properties, witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties which is very handy for chamois creams to have.
The vitamins A and E found in sunflower oil act as antioxidants, regenerating dull skin cells and even removes acne. As it’s light and non-greasy, sunflower oil easily gets absorbed by the skin without clogging pores.
Similar to witch hazel, shea butter can also reduce inflammation, and softens, heals, and soothes the skin from irritants. Aloe vera is rich in vitamins A and C and has antioxidants and enzymes that are highly useful in minimizing inflammation.
Cost or Budget Friendliness
Chamois creams come both in water-based and oil-based formulations. Water-based chamois creams are typically less expensive to produce, so they would naturally be sold at lower prices compared to its counterpart.
But there is a drawback to water-based creams, they do not get absorbed by the skin as easily as oil-based creams do. You’d have to use stabilizers or petroleum-based oils and other chemicals in order for you to get that silky smooth feeling upon application.
But if you don’t really care if it’s oil or water-based, then consider your budget when purchasing and the frequency with which you ride (and therefore use them). You may also consider buying in bulk to get a fraction off the price of a regular one-piece tub or tube.
Gender Neutral
Generally speaking, it would be fine to use any chamois cream as most are gender neutral.
But some creams will contain ingredients that cause a burning sensation to women instead of a cooling effect.
For instance, menthol levels may vary for either gender or one may have more antioxidants and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties than the other.
Tube or Tub Packaging
This one is really a personal preference as people vary in how they like to apply chamois cream. You can apply it either directly on your skin only or both skin and the chamois padding of your cycling shorts or bibs.
Some cyclists prefer putting them directly on the skin as this will count the most as far as protection goes, while other cyclists prefer application on the shorts’ padding to soften the fabric layer and add protection.
There’s really no right or wrong way.
But in considering the packaging, keep in mind the convenience that’ll come with using chamois cream packed in a tub on your skin and the advantage of a tube-packed cream when you prefer applying it on your shorts.
Scent and Cooling Effect
It’s generally preferred to choose non-scented chamois creams as some fragrances may cause allergies and potentially serious health issues – especially since this product is applied on the most sensitive area of the body.
Chamois creams with ingredients such as menthol provide cooling effects. It would benefit you greatly to choose these creams, as it will relieve the skin from the heat and friction caused by sitting on the saddle for long periods of time.
5 Best Chamois Cream Reviewed
Now let’s try your hand out at spotting the best chamois cream for cycling.
Let’s start the rundown so you can select the right one for you.
1. Gooch Guard US-Made Chamois Cream
Key Features
- Anti-chafing lubricant in 4.26 fl oz tub
- No parabens, petroleum, or common allergens
- Suitable for men and women
- Non-scented formulation
- Smooth and soothing
The manufacturer of Gooch Guard knows how delicate the gooch is so they formulated this chamois cream using safe and natural ingredients like aloe vera, sunflower oil, beeswax, shea butter, castor seed oil, and tea tree oil, among a host of other beneficial ingredients.
This water-based cream is non-scented and does not contain any parabens, petroleum products, or silicons that can cause dangerous allergies to the skin.
It’s suitable for both men and women, and contains no soy or tree nuts so it may be applied to all skin types.
This lubricant barrier comes in a 4.26ml tub that offers soothing and healing effects to your skin. Apply this liberally on the chamois of your cycling shorts and directly on your skin before you go on your ride for guaranteed comfort.
Pros
- Does not get ‘washed’ off by perspiration
- Smells clean
- Can be used for other strenuous sports (kickboxing, running)
- Best for long rides as it stays on for hours
Cons
- May be a bit pricey
- May have thinner consistency than other creams
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:12 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Assos Chamois Cream
Key Features
- Anti-inflammatory cream in 4.73 fl oz tub
- Reduces friction and provides antibacterial protection
- Suitable for men and women
- Non-scented formulation
- Soothing and cooling
Professional cyclists trust and rely on this wonder cream by Assos so much it’s become part of their pre-riding habits . No matter the brand of cycling shorts they use, this cream goes on there for added comfort and protection – each time, all the time.
It contains menthol ingredients, providing a soothing and cooling effect. And it’s suitable for both men and women looking to prevent inflammation and bacterial infections caused by constant friction, heat, and moisture.
This water-based cream is also non-scented and does not contain any parabens or petroleum products that can harm the skin.
Just apply it directly on your skin, while avoiding intimate areas, before going on each ride. Then apply a thin layer of this chamois cream on your shorts’ insert to maintain its suppleness and elasticity.
Pros
- Stays on for hours, especially if applied both on skin and clothing
- Works effectively – no question
- Works for runners, too!
- Rubs in easily and doesn’t leave residue
Cons
- May be a bit pricey
- Thicker consistency may not be preferred by some
- Cooling menthol may be too much for some
3. Chamois Butt’r Original Anti-Chafe Cream
Key Features
- Non-greasy anti-chafing cream in 8 fl oz tube
- Free from parabens, phthalates, gluten or artificial fragrances
- Suitable for men and women
- Non-scented formulation
- Rinses out with soap and water
Probably the most popular chamois cream in this list and in the market today, the original Chamois Butt’r anti-chafe cream is a favorite not just among cyclists, but runners, swimmers, and triathletes, too.
This water-based cream made in the USA soothes and softens skin that’s already chafed or irritated. Just apply any area that experiences constant friction, and it should immediately improve its health and feel less irritated.
It leaves no greasy residue and can be washed off from clothing or skin easily. Just use good ol’ soap and water and it won’t damage or discolor your clothing!
The fragrance-free formulation while factoring in the absence of parabens, phthalates, and gluten ensures your sensitive areas won’t get irritations or allergies.
Pros
- So non-greasy it feels like lotion
- Non-staining
- Works effectively to prevent chafing
- Effective for long rides
Cons
- May be a bit pricey
- Thin consistency may not be preferred by some
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:12 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Muc Off Athlete Performance Antibacterial Chamois Cream
Key Features
- Ultra-hydrating antibacterial cream in 100 and 250 ml tubs
- Contains sunflower oil, shea butter, aloe vera, and witch hazel
- Suitable for men
- Aloe vera scent formulation
- With provitamins for deep moisturizing
We have another one in the list that’s also a crowd favorite – Muc Off’s antibacterial chamois cream.
It’s enriched with provitamins to give you that ultra-hydrating feel for deep moisturizing and long-lasting protection against skin damage and saddle sores.
It’s made up of natural ingredients like sunflower oil, shea butter, witch hazel, and aloe vera and is free from parabens, SLS, and DEA. It also has antibacterial properties that provide a mild cooling effect on your skin for those long hot rides.
It’s available in 100 and 250ml tubs, and 250ml tubes so you have the option to get only what you require.
It’s suitable for men athletes like cyclists, triathletes, runners, and endurance competitors who don’t mind the feel of luxury and the smell of aloe vera on their bums!
Pros
- Enjoyable scent that’s not overpowering
- Handy packaging to bring along rides
- Excellent for long rides
- Non-greasy and washes off easily
Cons
- May be a bit pricey
- Thick consistency may not be preferred by some
- Scent may not be preferred by some
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:40 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. DZNuts Pro Chamois Cream
Key Features
- Antifungal and antibacterial cream in 120ml tube
- Contains evodia, masterwort, and tea tree oil
- Suitable for men
- Non-scented formulation
- With probiotics complex to reduce risk of infection
If you never want to get saddle sores and make your every riding experience a comfortable one – get this antifungal and antibacterial chamois cream by DZNuts.
It’s nuts how effective this cream is, with its high-viscosity formulation that lasts all day. It contains evodia, an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent derived from Chinese herbal medicines.
It also contains Masterwort, an herb used by ancient Greeks for its healing and soothing properties. And lastly, tea tree oil, which has powerful antifungal properties which minimizes the risk of getting infections.
It’s non-scented and does not contain any petroleum-derived waxes and oils, and harmful preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde donors that can potentially harm your skin.
The anti-inflammatory properties of the ingredients in this cream will also help minimize itching, prickling, and general discomfort to the skin.
Pros
- Leaves a fresh minty feeling
- Works effectively in preventing chafing even through excessive perspiration
- Suitable for other strenuous activities (construction work, running, competitions)
- Works immediately and for long rides
Cons
- May be a bit pricey
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:12 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top Pick
If you noticed, the list of products we recommended are on the pricey side. It’s because all these chamois creams really can do magic and provide so much value to your riding experience – not just with regards to comfort but performance as well.
If you’ve never tried any of them or have tried some but are hesitating to try them out of fear of developing saddle sores, investigate their ingredients and formulations. Assess how necessary they are to your current cycling lifestyle and decide from there.
For us, the best one in the list that we highly recommend is Chamois Butt’r Original Anti-Chafe Cream. It feels so great when applied to your nether regions you’ll forget you have them on and will just be able to focus on performing your best during your hard rides.
It also helps you maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of your cycling shorts, so that’s always a plus.
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:12 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
