Chamois Cream For Cycling | What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

For many Cyclists, saddle sores can be an issue and Chamois Cream can go a long way to prevent it. Today I thought I would talk about that touchy subject and why many cyclists use Chamois Cream or for those in Europe Chamois Creme.

In the beginning, there was the “chammy” or to put it more bluntly a leather pad usually made out of sheepskin that cyclists would wear in their cycling shorts to help cushion the bumps they would encounter while riding.

The problem with the leather pads (aka Chammies), is they would very quickly become hardened after several uses. Leather and sweaty workouts simply don’t mix well when you want a soft material. Just like leather shoes and boots need shoe shine polish to keep the leather looking good, the leather Chammy required a cream to keep it soft.

Today cycling short companies use antibacterial high tech materials with form-fitted padding rather than the leather to eliminate friction and chafing and keep things soft for the rider, even after repeated washings.

So it begs the question if cycling shorts don’t have leather pads anymore, why the need for Chamois cream?

What Is Chamois Cream?

Chamois Cream is designed to provide prolonged comfort in the saddle and increase the life of your chamois and your ride time!

Today’s Chamois cream isn’t just about providing softness to a cycling pad it is also designed to reduce or eliminate friction between the skin and clothes. As an added benefit many Chamois Creams contain anti-bacterial ingredients to prevent the buildup of bacteria in cycling shorts.

Do You Need Chamois Cream?

Some people are more prone to saddle sores than others. I tend to fall in the latter category, so rarely need to use it. That said there certainly have been days when I wished I had applied some.

If you cycle a lot, eventually you will run into the dreaded saddle sore, which if severe, can leave you not wanting to bike for a while due to the pain. In worse case scenarios, you may even need medical attention.

I will sometimes get a saddle rash on the inside of my groin area and usually just applying some form of lube in the area solves the problem.

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Bike Camps and Upping Your Cycling Mileage

If you are planning on attending a week-long cycling adventure/camp or upping your cycling mileage, it may be a good idea to bring along some Chamois Creme.

Anytime you increase your mileage your body needs some time for adaptation. This is especially true when cycling hot humid weather, where you’re sweating constantly. The Chamois Cream could go a long way to making that adaptation easier and more enjoyable.

How to apply chamois cream

There is no exact science when applying Chamois Cream. The best advice is to grab about a finger-full at a time and apply it to areas of concern. Some people like to apply it to the cycling short’s pad before putting them on, others will just grab a handful and reach down their pants and lather up. In all cases, you will want to wash your hands afterward, otherwise, you will be a greasy mess.

Chamois cream on ME or my chamois pad?

Today most cycling shorts come with fully synthetic pads so there isn’t a real need or requirement to condition it like you would a leather pad. This means you have complete liberty to apply the cream to either the pad or your skin or both.

Recommended chamois creams

While there are a lot of Chamois Cremes on the market, I find that the ones made by cycling companies tend to be pretty good. Here are just a few that I can recommend.

Assos Chamois Creme

Assos Chamois Creme is the choice of many pro riders. It comes in an easy access jar and is quick to apply.

Features | Assos Chamois Creme

Assos Chamois Creme

• Specifically formulated for all-natural and synthetic chamois
• The cream reduces friction, increases coolness, and prevents bacterial and fungal infections
• For best results apply a thin layer on your chamois after washing and before riding
• 100% natural ingredients
• Comes in a 140ml jar
• Retail: $19.00
• BUY IT NOW

The Castelli Chamois Dry Lube comes in an easy applicator tube that makes applying the lube really easy.

Features | Castelli Chamois Dry Lube

Castelli Chamois Dry Lube

• Dry formula skin lube, non-greasy, durable, allows the skin to breathe
• Anti-friction
• Contains natural tea tree oil
• Apply directly to the skin or to the seat pad
• Retail: $19.00
• BUY IT NOW

Chamois Butt’r Coconut

The first Butt’r to utilize Certified Organic ingredients: Chamois Butt’r Coconut. We spent 5 years perfecting the formula to ensure that it’s gentle enough for the most sensitive skin, but still works just as hard as the Original Chamois Butt’r introduced over 25 years ago. Certified Organic Coconut Oil and Shea Butter deeply moisturize to reduce friction while restorative ingredients contain natural antiseptic properties to soothe already chafed skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

• Certified Organic Coconut Oil, Shea Butter
• Vitamin A & E
• Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil
• No parabens, phthalates, gluten or artificial fragrances

BENEFITS:

• No greasy residue
• Immediately improves comfort
• Soothes already chafed or irritated skin
• Rinses out of clothing and off of skin easily
• Won’t damage or discolor technical clothing

Chamois Butt’r Eurostyle

Chamois Butt’r Eurostyle was recommended by a long-time friend (Will G) around the same time I actually tried it out. Verdict, it does the job very well.

Chamois Butt’r comes in an assortment of packaging including single serving, tube, and jar.

Chamois Butt’r Eurostyle anti-chafe cream is specifically formulated with menthol and witch hazel to produce a cooling and soothing effect for cyclists who prefer a traditional European chamois creme.

BENEFITS: Chamois Butt’r Eurostyle

• No greasy residue
• Immediately improves comfort
• Soothes already chafed or irritated skin
• Rinses out of clothing and off of skin easily
• Won’t damage or discolor technical clothing
• No parabens, phthalates, gluten or artificial fragrances

SIZES: 8 oz. Tube / 8 oz. Jar / 9mL Single / 10 Pack Box (9mL Singles)