Every year I get people asking me what I use to help with thigh chafing, or chub rub. I’ve written about this a few times before (here and here). Lots of people have suggested Body Glide, so last summer I picked some up and gave it a go. Now that I have thoroughly tested it over the last year, I want to let you know what I thought.
How I use Body Glide anti-chafing stick
Body Glide has a few different products, but I’ve been using the BODY anti chafing stick in the blue tube. It’s super easy to apply – it’s a balm on a wind out stick (like lipstick but bigger). I use it on my inner thighs, but you can use it wherever you’re having issues with chafing. All you do is swipe some on when you’re getting dressed, and you’re good to go.
Under skirts and dresses:
My go-to for under skirts and dresses has always been some kind of moisture wicking anti chafing shorts. I get super sweaty and that makes chafing worse (also slippery thighs, ew). I was very nervous about ditching the shorts, but realised that I’m actually much cooler without them. When it’s super hot and I’m wearing a dress for a long time, I’ve worn my Modibodi underwear as well as using Body Glide, which is a great combination. I do still wear anti chafing shorts sometimes if walking a lot, mostly to help wick away sweat and keep me comfortable, but it’s probably not needed in terms of chafing.
Going to the beach:
Have you ever been swimming, then gotten out and walked around slightly damp? If you have to do a lot of walking, it can turn into chafing central! I put on my swimsuit, apply sunscreen (I have used Skinnies Sungel for years and absolutely swear by it), then swipe the Body Glide on my inner thighs before I head to the beach or pool. It doesn’t wash off when I’m swimming, but just like with sunscreen I’d be careful when toweling yourself off. Try patting your skin dry with the towel instead, and remember that you can always reapply it if needed.
With shorts:
Wearing Body Glide with shorts initially seemed a bit weird to me, and I worried that I’d get marks on my clothes. I’ve got some really short pairs of shorts that definitely aren’t appropriate to wear with anti chafing shorts, and I can report that the Body Glide works well with them. I have experienced no marking on the fabric and no rubbing of the fabric on my skin.
Other things you need to know:
Body Glide doesn’t contain petroleum or parabens and is vegan and cruelty free. There are a few different kinds of Body Glide balm to choose from.
The original BODY balm in the blue tube and FOR HER balm in the pink tube seem to be the most common in New Zealand. BODY is the base of all their anti chafe stick products, and they add in other things for their different products as needed. The Body Glide team have said that the FOR HER balm “starts with the BODY base and mixes in Coconut and Sweet Almond oils to better moisturise and protect skin. Coconut Oil is known to have moisture retaining properties, which promote skin hydration and soothe skin irritation. Sweet Almond Oil is known to help maintain moisture levels in the skin, without blocking pores. It is also rich in A, B and E vitamins to promote skin health.“
It’s really up to you which one you prefer, I find that the original BODY one works fine for me so I’ll stick with that. I bought the 42g (1.5oz) stick at the start of last summer, and it’s still going strong. I know it will last me until at least the end of this summer if not longer, and I use it very regularly.
MY VERDICT: Body Glide anti chafing balm does exactly what it promises – it prevents chafing. I’ve used it in a number of different situations over the last year and it’s never let me down. I will definitely be repurchasing this when it does eventually run out.
SHOP IT: Pricing depends on size, for the the 42g (1.5oz) stick it is $29.99 from Torpedo 7, and they have smaller sizes available as well. In NZ you can also find it at sports stores and swimming stores, as well as some pharmacies. If you’re in the US, you can buy it from the Body Glide website or find US stockists here.
Have you tried Body Glide before?
Let me know in the comments what you use to prevent chafing
I wish i knew about this stuff when i was younger. The amount of sores i would get from chaffing. All we had was talcum powder.
Same here Careen, I wish this had been around when I was younger!
You know, I must be the only fatty on the planet that doesn’t deal with chub rub. It could be because I seem to be defective in sweating (except out of my face) which has the downside of meaning I overheat easily. Or it could be because I’m super hairy, and I don’t remove that hair, so maybe that acts as a barrier to skin rub. But it just doesn’t happen to me! Mind you, I know a LOT of thin people that deal with chafing too, so I doubt it’s really just a fatty thing.
It’s definitely not just a fatty thing – it’s largely to do with friction and skin rubbing, and I definitely remember getting it when I wasn’t fat. I guess our bods all work a bit differently, so some people get it and some don’t.
I was skinny when my chaffing and sores happened along my undewear line. Big red sores.
Yep, it can happen to anyone of any shape and size.
Great article 😊
I bought glide and I don’t really like it! I find when I apply it that it does the opposite of gliding. Like it does this jerky motion when I’m trying to roll it. Does that make sense?? Interested in your beach hack tho- I hate that feeling post beach when it’s all sandy and chafy 🤢
Thanks Lorna! That’s weird, I’m wondering if maybe the balm needs to warm up a bit to help smoother application? Sand definitely adds a new level of hell, I’d make sure that is washed (or wiped) off thoroughly before walking and you might need to re-apply.
I have used 3B cream for years and I haven’t had an issue at all.
Another great option! I reckon this is less chemical smelling than 3B though, which is always a bonus!
Hey Meagan!
I’ve used many products to try combat chafing. It irks me that my thighs love each other so much that they just have to hug all the damn time 😂
I might have to give Body Glide another crack after reading your review. I don’t think I was patient enough to actually give it a go properly. I’ve tried Silky Underwear from lush too, worked for about an hour until I had to reapply again every half hour or so. I carry the trusty bike shorts in my bag if I ever choose to go shortless.
But now. I’m going to apply some Body Glide and give it a crack again! Xx
I apply a pretty big amount, basically from knees to crotch, and I don’t have to reapply (unless I’ve gone swimming and towelled it off). Maybe good to carry a stick with you in case you need to though! Let me know how you get on this time x
I get the jerky movement too, like Lorna! Will give warming it more a try too.
I lasted half of a day yesterday, in the muggy wet heat. Only reason I couldn’t do the whole day was because I got wet at the beach and forgot the stick :/ I thought it’d be Okay, but maybe the salt water mixed with the gritty black sand didn’t work too well.
but. It was a strange feeling when it was in action. Sticky, but smooth…I knew it was there and could feel my thighs trying their best to hang out. But no chafe. That’s important to note! Just a weird sensation.
Will keep trying. I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it…one day 😂 x
Sand is a next level nemesis. I’d definitely advise washing (or brushing) it off and reapplying because it’s more likely to stick and cause irritation.