Cycling shorts, especially those with a built-in chamois, can accumulate bacteria, sweat, and dirt over time. This grime can lead to issues such as skin irritations, chafing, and even fungal infections. That’s where chamois cream comes in to provide a protective barrier between the skin and the shorts, but more on that later. If you’ve ever finished a ride and felt a bit sore afterwards, chances are that some good chamois cream could help alleviate that problem. How Chamois Cream Works

Chamois cream is a specialised cream that reduces friction and prevents skin irritation caused by cycling. It’s applied directly on the chamois (the cushioned insert in your cycling shorts), and sometimes directly onto the skin.Wear protective shorts. Leggings or bicycle shorts can prevent the skin from rubbing against itself. These shorts are usually made of soft elastic materials that can reduce friction. Suitability for your skin: If you have sensitive skin, go for a chamois cream that is hypoallergenic or made for sensitive skin. Different types of Chamois Cream available in the market We tested 20 chafing creams, but only 13 made it onto our final list. Although we liked some features of these other balms, they didn’t quite meet our expectations:

Hygiene: Chamois cream often includes antibacterial or antifungal ingredients that can help prevent infections. It’s a crucial element, especially for long-distance cyclists who spend hours on their bikes. We've recommended the 'standard' formula, which doesn't come with any promises of cooling. The brand does offer a 'Euro Style' formula, which adds in Witch Hazel and Menthol, thus giving that freshening effect which is so 'marmite' among riders.Stephanie Hnatiuk, RD, CPT, a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and owner of Stephanie Hnatiuk Performance Nutrition in Winnipeg, MB, Canada Wrapping up, using chamois cream plays an indispensable role in ensuring a comfortable and pain-free cycling experience. Summary of the Key Points Discussed Applied directly to the skin underneath your cycling shorts and cycling clothing, chamois cream provides a personal protective layer– leaving you feeling fresh after the longest of journeys. Sometimes called cycling chafing cream, chamois cream is the not so hidden secret that has helped generations of riders enjoy extended rides on the road. Simply put, cyclists wear chamois cream to prevent the chafing that can happen between sensitive areas and the bib shorts. Most creams are anti-bacterial too, helping to prevent any nasty bacteria from making the situation worse. The worst-case scenario is that a rider can end up with saddle sores or an abscess. On hotter rides where you sweat plenty, the chances of bad effects are increased. Now do that day after day and you can find yourself in trouble. Pro cyclists aren’t immune either, Ivan Basso had to retire from the 2013 Giro d’Italia because of a saddle sore.

The liner in cycling shorts is these days made from a sandwich of very clever foams and synthetic fabrics, designed to sit against your skin and keep you comfortable. The outer layer in particular is designed not to chafe your skin and to move with you as you pedal.

Assos Chamois Creme

For cyclists who deal with saddle soreness, we recommend Gooch Guard’s Chamois Cream, which we found to be highly effective and long-lasting. We love that it contains no parabens, petroleum, silicone, added fragrance, or common allergens, so it’s gentle on all skin types.