The 9 Best Anti-Chafing Sticks for Men in 2025, According to Dermatologists

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 moisturizes your skin and helps it heal even after you’ve stopped jogging, walking, or working out. The shea butter base then acts as an additional moisturizer that helps keep skin healthy in the long run, as well as providing a good slip to the product that allows it to go on smoothly 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, and I can confirm it’s true. I wore this during a recent day visiting DC, where I walked over 12 miles, and it held up all day. I’ve worn it on long runs (10ks and more) and hikes, and I’ve never experienced any chafing. Dr. Hartman says that its formula is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive. It’s unscented, and the colloidal oatmeal helps make it super gentle.

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I reach for this stick ahead of commutes to work or low-impact workouts. It doubles as a deodorant, which is a huge plus for areas prone to odor like underarms, the groin, or anywhere skin rubs. Thanks to zinc neodecanoate, it doesn’t just mask smells, it traps odor and helps prevent it from forming, so the freshness actually lasts. It glides on clear with zero residue, and instead of leaving a powdery finish like some others, it creates a smooth, non-greasy layer that reduces friction. It feels more like silicone, even though it’s not.

The stick is a bit firm, so I recommend holding it against your skin for a few seconds to warm it up before applying—it makes a big difference. Ultimately, I relied on this primarily for chafing, and see the deodorizing as a solid bonus. That being said, it’s not the best for longer or more intense workouts. I’ve used it on shorter runs and it’s held up great, but once I got past the four or five-mile mark, I found myself vulnerable to some chafing. Dr. Beasley recommends a more robust stick, specifically formulated for heavy friction before a long-distance run or intense gym session.

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When it comes to heavy-duty skin healing, Gold Bond knows its stuff. This anti-friction stick feels like a smart upgrade from the brand’s old-school powder. It’s cleaner, easier to apply, and way less messy. It goes on smoothly without any greasy or sticky residue, which makes it ideal for daily use. True to Gold Bond’s roots, it not only prevents chafing but also helps soothe and repair already irritated skin. The aloe in the formula also calms inflamed areas and offers some extra moisture where you need it most. Plus, it’s unscented, which lowers the risk of further irritation.

Dermatologist Dr. David Manion, MD, FAAD likes its main ingredient, caprylic/capric triglyceride—a compound derived from glycerin and coconut oil—because it helps smooth, soften, and hydrate skin. Sure, this stick excels in both protection and healing (unlike some others that only focus on prevention), but its real sell is the staying power.

Gold Bond features polyethylene, a lab-created compound that forms a durable, occlusive film on the skin, helping the anti-chafing barrier stay in place through sweat and friction longer. Most brands avoid polyethylene in favor of natural waxes and oils that offer a gentler glide but don’t provide the same longevity. For example, if you’re really sweating, you’ll likely need to reapply more often with other sticks like Dove or Gillette. But that was never an issue here, as it withstood serious workouts. I regularly wear this stuff during long runs, and it’s never failed to protect my skin.

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 it 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 on other parts of your body. 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 armpits. I also found that, depending on where I used 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 you’re adventuring outdoors—be it hiking, camping, kayaking, etc.—it’s best to steer clear of heavy fragrances or synthetic ingredients, because the unnatural scents can attract hungry animals and annoying bugs, and the chemicals are bad for the environment and local wildlife (they don’t deserve to be poisoned even if they are hunting you and your cologne down). That’s why I always grab Squirell’s Nut Butter before heading out for a trail run or hike.

Made with 100 percent natural ingredients, including vitamin E, tea tree oil, beeswax, and coconut oil, this stick keeps my skin folds protected from chafing and the rest of my body from being eaten. It is not unscented, to be clear. While I enjoy its cocoa butter scent, it may be too sweet for those sensitive to smells. Overall, it’s very mild and I barely notice it most times I’m applying, and I’ve never had any issues with it attracting any unwanted pests out in the wild. Plus, it holds up under all weather conditions. I’ve used it during trail runs in the rain and snowbound hikes, and felt protected for hours on end.

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This anti-chafing stick contains petrolatum, which Dr. Manion says seals skin with a water-protective barrier that also helps heal skin wounds and provide moisture. He adds that, unlike traditional Vaseline, this stick is designed to be portable and mess-free. After bringing it along on a couple of trips, I certainly agree. The petrolatum formula held up on humid beachside runs and cramped hotel gym workouts, never leaving a trace of residue. The slim 1.4 oz container, one of the smallest on this list, easily fits into my carry-on and even Dopp kit. It’s not the longest-lasting option out there, so if you’re training for a marathon, you might want to look elsewhere, but for short to medium workouts on the go, it’s the perfect stick.

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Other Ways to Prevent Chafing

• Keep the Area Dry and Cool: To prevent chafing before it starts, focus on keeping high-friction areas, like the groin and armpits, cool and dry—no easy feat during a workout. With a towel or body wipe, pat sweat-prone areas during activity.

• Trim Body Hair: Trimming body hair in high-friction areas can help reduce chafing and prevent irritation. Use a body groomer to keep hair short around spots like the inner thighs or armpits—this minimizes pulling, improves airflow, and allows anti-chafing products to apply more evenly. But don’t go completely bald, as shaving too close can lead to razor burn, ingrown hairs, and skin-on-skin friction that makes chafing worse. Keep your tools clean, and trim just enough to reduce rubbing without irritating the skin.

• Wear Protective Clothing: Consider your gear and choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics, like polyester or nylon blends, to help sweat evaporate quickly. Well-fitting compression shorts or leggings can also reduce skin-on-skin contact and create a protective barrier. Skip cotton, as it traps moisture and increases friction.

• Keep Areas Prone to Chafing Moisturized: Keep the thighs, groin, pits, and other skinfolds moisturized with a lightweight, non-greasy lotion to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent dryness that increases friction. Apply regularly, especially after showering or sweating, to create a smooth, protective layer that helps reduce irritation.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Knox Beasley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Hims.
• Dr. Corey L. Hartman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.
• Dr. David Manion, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners.
• Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist.