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Key Specs

• Size: 2.12 ounces
• Fragranced: Watch the Boston Marathon
• Notable Ingredients: Vitamin E, aloe, pomegranate seed oil, orange oil

Thigh Rescue wasn’t made with running in mind—it was designed as part of Megababe founder Katie Sturino’s line of everyday products that take aim at “taboo body issues” like boob sweat and chub rub. Still, the stick works like an anti-friction charm for runners of all sizes, with an effect true to Megababe’s body-positive mission statement of making users feel more confident and comfortable. I applied some of this magical balm to my arms before a run in the late-summer Texas heat, and it kept them soft, slippery, and happy for more than an hour without any need to reapply.

The stick smears on a bit creamier than other brands, but it doesn’t goop up or feel sticky or greasy. It’s made with aloe, pomegranate seed extract, grapeseed oil, and other natural ingredients that don’t irritate sensitive skin. There’s also an “unscented” version, though I didn’t detect much of a scent from the regular version. Check it out in one of two sizes—a 2.12-ounce deodorant-like stick, and a nice .81-ounce pocket size.

Key Specs

• Sizes: 0.8, 1.5, 2.5 ounces
• Fragranced: no
• Notable Ingredients: Vitamin E

Body Glide is probably the biggest name on the anti-chafe scene, so it’s easy to find at big-box stores and local running stores alike. It’s scent-free and made of plant-based, hypoallergenic ingredients that don’t irritate the skin, though they do seem to dry out and harden if you keep the same stick for too long. Swipe Body Glide onto friction-prone areas before you run for solid chafe prevention—true to its name, it glides on smoothly and stays put where you need it without feeling greasy or messy.

During marathons, I carry the tiny pocket size in my Best Folding Treadmills pouch for mid-race re-ups, but it’s also available in sizes up to a large 2.5-ounce stick. You can also find it in a “For Her” version with added coconut and sweet almond oils to moisturize your skin.

Key Specs

• Size: 1.4 ounces
• Fragranced: No
• Notable Ingredients: Beeswax

The longer you run, the harder it is to keep chafing at bay. At some point in a trail ultra, raw skin starts to feel as inevitable as taking a wrong turn or crouching in a patch of poison ivy to pee (just me?). In my test experience, RunGuard fights thigh chafing with the effectiveness of Body Glide, but it seems to last a bit longer on my skin—which is pretty handy when you’ll be out there for more than four hours.

It’s made of 100 percent plant-based ingredients and beeswax, without any added scents, petroleum products, or other chemicals. My only quibble with RunGuard is that’s available only in a 1.4-ounce size; there isn’t a smaller pocket size for mid-run re-application.

Key Specs

• Size: 2.5 ounces
• Fragranced: No
• Notable Ingredients: Goes on easier than waxy formulas

The team behind Chamois Butt’r has all but perfected the art of preventing saddle sores from cycling, and now they’ve turned their attention to more general friction. The GoStik puts the brand’s signature cream in more solid form, for use by cyclists, runners, and all other chafe-prone athletes. Much like Body Glide, the stick is unscented, paraben-free, and won’t stain your running clothes.

I found it to be similar to Body Glide in texture, effectiveness at preventing chafing, and longevity—but it comes out a little thicker and less smooth upon application. It’s made from a mix of animal-based and chemical products, with shea butter for moisture. Get it in a deodorant-sized 2.5-ounce stick or a teeny .15-ounce pocket size.

Key Specs

• Size: 1.75 ounces
• Fragranced: No
• Notable Ingredients: Calendula extract

From the makers of KT Tape comes this anti-chafing stick, which glides on more like a gel deodorant or lip balm than a harder, stickier wax. It’s easy to rub onto chafe-prone skin, where it feels light and smooth; however, if you over-apply, it can feel a bit gooey. The unscented product is made with capric triglyceride and a mix of natural and chemical ingredients, but it has no parabens or petroleum products in its formula. I found it to be roughly on par with Body Glide in terms of effectiveness, longevity, and sweat-resistance—but an ideal choice for those who prefer the consistency of a gel. KT Performance also makes the product in individually wrapped wipes, which would be convenient for stowing in your hydration pack for trail races.

Key Specs

• Size: 1.7 ounces
• Fragranced: No
• Notable Ingredients: What to Do With Your Old Watch

Made with coconut oil, beeswax, and a handful of other natural ingredients, this handy stick keeps skin feeling soft and moisturized enough to ward off friction from clothing or skin-to-skin contact. The formula is gentle enough not to irritate sensitive regions but still effective—on a 10-mile run in the sticky August heat, I had zero chafing and never had to stop and reapply. It felt so good on my arms that I used it even outside of running just to treat dry spots. Note that some users have complained about the light coconut scent, but I found it to be noticeable and pleasant without being overpowering.

Key Specs

• Size: 1.4 ounces
• Fragranced: No
• Notable Ingredients: Petroleum jelly

When in doubt, go with the classic. The Vaseline Body Balm Stick packs petroleum jelly and a handful of other ingredients into a push-up stick that’s easy to apply without getting your hands all greasy. It’s lighter in texture and easier to spread than regular Vaseline, but still has the same moisturizing, anti-chafe effect. In my test experience, Vaseline’s stick works best for dry areas that rub up against loose clothing, but not necessarily for thigh chafe from running. Still, it’s an inexpensive and familiar product that can both prevent chafing and help raw skin feel better while it’s healing.