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BodyGlide promises to solve summer’s biggest problem: thigh chafing—but does it work?

'Chub rub' begone!

BodyGlide is the answer to all your chafing and chub rub woes. Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

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Whether it’s red, raw skin after a long run or the dreaded “chub rub” on a hot summer’s day, chafing is a serious problem. It’s ugly, embarrassing, and not to mention is painful for days on end. Not to be dramatic, but chafing ruins lives and forces us to wear long pants on even the hottest of days.

I didn’t have my first chafing experience until recently. As I transitioned from leggings to shorts during my half marathon training, I started to notice painful red marks after any run that lasted longer than six miles. Not only did it look horrible but this rash was so excruciating it basically inhibited me from running until it healed, even if chose to wear leggings.

It wasn’t until my runner friend recommended BodyGlide that my life seriously changed forever. This simple $10 anti-chafe balm is ubiquitous in the running and triathlon communities and it quickly solved my chafing woes. I put it on and was instantly chafe-free without a trail of powder or grease like some of the other anti-chafing powders and gels I tried.

I was immediately hooked and applied it everywhere (I mean everywhere) before my longest run. I literally had no problems the next day, other than my legs being extremely sore—but that’s another issue. Now, BodyGlide not only saves me from long runs, but it also saves me from chafing in shorts in the summer and I tell people about it every chance I get.

How BodyGlide works

Applying BodyGlide
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

BodyGlide can be applied to your thigh, underarms, or wherever you experience chafing.

BodyGlide is a balm you apply to your body to protect against the rubbing and friction that can cause rashes, chafing, blisters, and raw skin. Made from plant waxes, it creates an invisible, hypoallergenic barrier that will repel water and moisture but the balm still somehow allows skin to breathe and sweat to escape. Translation: it’s magic.

The gel comes in a convenient container that resembles deodorant and should be applied as such—meaning you don’t have to get your hands dirty rubbing goop or powder on your body. Be forewarned: In the wee early hours of the morning before a race, it is very easy to confuse your BodyGlide with your deodorant, and if you do so, the results are extremely unpleasant.

Before BodyGlide, I tried using baby powder, petroleum jelly, and even deodorant to prevent the painful irritation. Not only does this gel work better, but it’s odorless and doesn’t leave behind a ton of residue. In fact, it’s so smooth that I really don’t even notice when I’m wearing it.

BodyGlide can be applied to your inner thighs, underarms, waistband, ankles—basically wherever you tend to chafe. Literally, wherever you put this stuff, there will be no irritation. I personally apply BodyGlide to my inner thighs and under my sports bra straps, which is where my skin rubs the most. Also since it’s water-resistant, BodyGlide is especially helpful for rainy runs when wet clothes tend to cause more friction.

Plus, you don’t have to wait for BodyGlide to dry in order to experience its magical powers. I’ve put it on it immediately before a run and did not experience any rawness in my typical chafe spots. As long as you apply it properly, you should be good to go. It’s that good.

Who is BodyGlide for?

BodyGlide Bag
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

BodyGlide will last all day, but toss it in your gym bag—just in case.

Everyone.

You don’t need to be an athlete or an extreme runner to have a reason to prevent painful skin irritation. Everyday activities like playing with your kids or walking down the street can be culprits of chafing—especially when it’s hot and humid outside. Just think about the pain caused by a long day at Disney.

I’ve found that BodyGlide didn’t stick to or leave marks on my clothes, which makes it even more ideal to use with shorts, dresses, and scratchy tank tops (I’m looking at you, sequins). Although I’ve never seen any residue on my clothing, some reviewers have claimed the “grease” has appeared on material like chiffon so I would be careful using it with delicate fabrics.

The best part about this gel? It literally lasts all day. There’s no need to reapply and it somehow doesn’t wear out, even after moving around for hours on end. That means you can put it on before you get dressed for work or a workout and not worry about chafing. It will wash off easily at the end of the day with some mild soap.

Aside from their original formula, BodyGlide makes specialty products for specific areas:

  • Foot Glide—An anti-blister balm ($8).
  • Skin Glide—An anti-friction cream ($10).
  • BodyGlide for Her—An anti-chafe and moisturizing balm ($10).
  • Cycle Glide—An anti-saddle sore balm ($10).
  • Outdoor Glide—An anti-chafe and anti-blister balm ($10).

The formulas vary slightly for your particular pains, but they all accomplish the same anti-chafe goals. So there’s literally a BodyGlide for every activity and body part.

Even though I might not always experience extreme chafing, especially on a shorter run, I always make sure I apply BodyGlide before I hit the pavement. You never know how it’s going to be out there, and in my experience, it’s better safe than sorry. Same goes for any day you have to go outside when it’s over 90 degrees.

Get the BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm at Amazon for $9.99

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