The best chamois cream 2024 and how to use it

First and foremost, let's start off with the basics. What actually is a chamois?

A chamois (often pronounced shammy and also called a seat pad) is a synthetic padded insert that is sewn into your bib shorts or bib tights; it is strategically placed to support and protect your delicate undercarriage while riding.

Arguably the biggest benefit to using chamois cream is the anti-chafing support it offers. The cream works by creating a barrier between your skin and any areas that may chafe, therefore reducing friction.

This is important because chafing can lead to very sore and swollen skin. In some cases, this can even escalate into abscesses and saddle sores. Unfortunately, when it gets to this point, you will need time off of the bike and potential medical assistance.

Chamois cream will usually also have anti-bacterial properties which may help prevent saddle sores developing or getting severe.

Although chamois cream is a really great tool to prevent chafing while riding, not everyone uses chamois cream nor is it always needed.

For example, on shorter rides (anything around an hour or so) you most likely will be fine without dipping into a pot. Alternatively, if you are heading out for a day long exploration then it’d be recommended to apply some in any troublesome areas.

Similarly, if you are racing back-to-back days, such as during a stage race, chamois cream may be your best friend in keeping you comfortable in the saddle, or even just getting you to the startline.

Knowing how much product to use can make a huge difference for your comfort levels and overall experience while cycling. Therefore, ensuring that you get this right based around your own personal needs is really important.

However, the amount needed will differ vastly depending on the individual. This being said, you may need to apply a little more product if you are planning a particularly long ride, whereas you may not need any at all on shorter rides.

The same can be said for those who race: if you are competing in a stage race, it’s a good idea to protect yourself early doors against any friction that may occur. This is because, once the skin is damaged it’s hard to recover and heal without taking a day off the bike.

In general however, roughly around one scoop using two fingers (a highly accurate measurement) should be enough to cover most friction prone areas. But this will largely be a trial and error process, as everyone's needs of course differ.

It’s safe to say that there are often misconceptions as well as confusion over where chamois cream should be applied. With the old school leather chamois, the cream was best applied directly to the chamois.

This method of application can still be a great one to try. However, many people opt for applying directly to the problem areas once they have their kit on.

But, please remember the golden rule when it comes to chamois cream application: don’t lock eyes with anyone while you apply it. It’s highly creepy and somewhat unnerving.

Therefore, you should ideally apply it before you leave your house. But if you absolutely must do it in a semi-public place, remember to just awkwardly stare at the ground to avoid any uncomfortable exchanges.

One of the biggest things to consider when selecting the best chamois cream for you is whether or not you want the product to include the ingredient menthol.

Menthol produces a bizarre cold sensation in your nether regions once applied. But nonetheless, it can be a great added ingredient for chamois cream thanks to its numbing properties, therefore helping to relieve any soreness and pain that you may be experiencing in the saddle.

On the other hand, this numbing feeling won’t suit everybody. It also goes without saying, but if you are allergic to menthol, any chamois creams with this added ingredient will be a no go for you. The same can be said for any other ingredients used, so please make sure you read the label beforehand.

Another important thing to consider is the container your chamois cream comes in. This is mainly due to hygiene reasons: pots are a useful shape but bottled/tubed chamois cream that can be squeezed out rather than dipped into are better for preventing double dipping and therefore contamination.

Conveniently, some brands now also sell small sachets of chamois cream. These are a really brilliant size to pop into your bar bag or pocket for big days out when a top-up may be gratefully received. They also cannot be double dipped, which is great from a hygienic perspective.

The aim of chamois cream is to reduce the friction or chaffing between your cycling shorts and your skin. 

If you've come from a running background, you will probably be familiar with applying Vaseline or equivalent to areas prone to rubbing when in contact with fabric.

While this will create a great barrier and lubricant to reduce friction, it doesn't have any antibacterial properties to keep bacteria at bay and doesn't let your skin sweat, so it may cause more problems than it solves. 

Sudocream will have some barrier protection, as many parents will testify when helping babies with diaper/ nappy rash, but it's not as lubricating to ward off chaffing that can occur with an endurance ride. 

All of the best chamois creams will contain the perfect blend of both lubrication and anti-bacterial properties to help prevent chaffing and infections.