Why do cyclists use chamois cream? Benefits and ingredients

A staple for avid cyclists, chamois cream is a lifesaver, or more literally, a skin-saver product that ensures cyclists have comfortable, chafe-free rides. Whether cycling is a hobby or a way of life, comfort is paramount to embracing the sport and this specialized cream can help with common adversaries that cyclists face.

Chamois, pronounced “shammy,” is meticulously designed to enhance the cycling journey as it does two things—prevent saddle soreness and provide chafing relief. This formulated companion for cyclists acts as a protective barrier between the skin and the saddle. The cream protects the bum and the groin area which can easily get raw from friction when pedaling.

Explore everything about chamois cream, including its benefits and why cyclists swear by it.

Disclaimer: This is purely the writer’s opinion. If there’s something we missed, please let us know more in the comments below.

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What is a chamois cream?

Chamois cream reduces friction between the skin and the cycling shorts, or more specifically, between the bum and the chamois pad—the foam insert or padding sewn into the shorts. They can also be found with labels like anti-chafing cream, saddle cream, or bum cream.

Some of these creams are creamy in nature, while some have a greasy paste consistency, but they all do the same job, which is to lubricate to help prevent chafing and saddle sores.

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Benefits of chamois cream: Why do cyclists use it?

One of the biggest benefits of using a chamois cream is its ability to minimize friction between the skin and the chamois pad of the cycling shorts. With less friction from the rubbing and movement when cycling, means the skin will end the bike ride scot-free—no skin irritation, saddle sores, or chafing.

Without these common discomforts, it makes long rides much more comfortable. And that’s where a chamois cream can be the game-changer for cyclists who take extended riding sessions, long-distance rides, or multi-day tours.

These creams can also protect the skin beyond their anti-chafing benefits, like from bacteria and fungi as cyclists tend to sweat a lot. Creams with antibacterial and antifungal ingredients can help cyclists maintain good hygiene and prevent risks of infection.

They can also provide a cooling sensation that can trigger a light anesthetic effect to help relieve minor aches, especially when using creams that contain menthol or other cooling ingredients.

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Ingredients to look for in chamois creams

The benefits of anti-chafing creams are only as good as the ingredients they have.

• Lanolin: The best creams to help with chafing when cycling are water- and sweat-resistant, and having lanolin in the formula will help with that.
• Coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E, almond oil, beeswax, or any other skin moisturizing/lubricating ingredient
• Skin-cooling extracts like menthol, peppermint oil, aloe vera, and witch hazel also help.
• Lastly, look for antibacterial and antifungal oils: tea tree, melaleuca, or castor seed.

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Some cyclists are more prone to saddle sores than others and that’s when applying a generous amount of anti-chafing cream can make a lot of difference.

Having a good chamois cream can save the backside, especially on longer days in the saddle. With the bum protected from soreness and chafing caused by repetitive rubbing, it ensures a smoother, more enjoyable ride for cyclists, casual riders, and competitive athletes alike.