Pictured are 4 varieties of chamois cream from Elite, Assos and Eule in front of 2 bib shorts on a bench in the bc men's locker room.

Chamois Cream for Cycling

No more sore spots! Chamois cream can prevent chafing. We'll show you how to find the right cream for you here!

The former pro cyclist Rudi Altig once said: “A cyclist needs to take better care of his butt than his face.” Goes for women too! If you've ever been on a bike tour and couldn’t sit down properly afterwards because you chafed everything, you'll be nodding in agreement right now. We'll show you the different types of seat creams available and what you should look out for when picking and applying one.

The basis for comfortable biking: a good seat Vaseline: the original chamois cream Modern seat creams: antibacterial, cooling, or just anti-friction. What do you need? Chamois Cream for Women Before the tour: How to apply seat creams correctly Post-Ride Creams as a problem solver After the ride is before the ride: Care for skin and shorts

Eule's chamois cream is applied to a pair of Endura bib shorts.

The correct use of chamois cream can effectively prevent skin irritations while biking. © bc GmbH

Rides: Road, Cross Country
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sprint, Factor Ostro V.A.M

The basis for comfortable biking: a good seat

First things first: If you’re not sitting optimally on your bike, no amount of cream will help. Make sure that your bike is adjusted to you and that you use a saddle that meets your physical requirements and seating position. The same goes for cycling shorts with padding. If you haven't worn them before, you should definitely get some, especially for longer tours. They don't slip and the padding reduces pressure on your sit bones. This way, you can still sit comfortably in the saddle even after many miles. Very important: always wear your Bibshorts or Inner-Pants without any additional underwear! Otherwise, the fabric will chafe your skin, putting an end to any fun on your ride.

Vaseline: the original chamois cream

Back in the day, saddles and seat paddings were made of leather – often shammy leather. The name “Chamois Cream” for seat or butt creams originated from the French word for shammy, “chamois”. These leather saddles and shorts were regularly greased up with Vaseline to keep them soft and pliable. Some bikers still use Vaseline as seat cream today. This salve-like mixture is derived from mineral oil, has a waxy, almost greasy consistency, and is highly water-repellent. This protects the skin from wind, cold, and water from outside. The downside: many find the greasy film unpleasant. And it clogs skin and pores, which can cause pimples. Plus, the paraffins in Vaseline are suspected to be harmful to health. Vaseline can also, if used over a long period, attack your skin's protective function.

Pictured are Eule's chamois cream and the Assos Chamois cream. Both containers are open.

Pictured are Eule's chamois cream and Assos Chamois Cream. Both tins are open.

Traditional Chamois Creams like Assos and Eule's chamois cream offer a modern alternative to classic Vaseline. © bc GmbH

Modern seat creams: antibacterial, cooling, or just anti-friction. What do you need?

That's why most pro cyclists use modern products developed specifically for these needs to reduce chafing. Many creams work similarly to Vaseline but are mostly based on paraffin oil. Others contain plant substances like witch hazel, calendula, shea butter, sunflower oil, or aloe vera. These not only reduce friction but also act anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and moisturize your skin. They are also supposed to absorb faster. However, plant extracts can also trigger allergies or irritate your skin if you are sensitive. Some seat creams also contain menthol for a cooling effect.

If animal ingredients are okay for you, products containing deer tallow could also work well. They protect you like a second skin – whether you're cycling, running, doing gymnastics, rowing, or playing double bass. They also prevent blistering and cracks in the skin.

Chamois Cream for Women

Many of the creams should not come in contact with mucous membranes. For this reason, there are also chamois creams specifically for women now. You can apply them everywhere without worrying about the mucous membranes. Some seat creams for women also have a cooling effect. Here, it's all about experimenting – your personal sensation is the guide.

Before the tour: How to apply seat creams correctly

When you're getting ready for your bike tour, that's the right time to apply a seat cream. You can apply the cream to the cycling shorts - that is, on the seat padding and seams in the buttock area - or directly to your skin. Focus on the pressure and friction points on your bum and inner thighs. You can be liberal with the application. Whether you choose skin or shorts depends on your personal preference and feeling. Both ways do the trick.

By the way: Seat cream is also recommended for indoor bike training because you sweat especially heavily due to the lack of wind.

A close-up of the seat pad on Endura cycling shorts. The seams have been given a layer of Eule's chamois cream. There is a greasy film on the padding of the bib shorts.

When using chamois cream, make sure to apply it thoroughly to chafe-prone areas such as the seams. © bc GmbH

Post-Ride Creams as Problem Solvers

Many brands offer soothing gels that you can apply after a ride: either as a preventive measure following the "after the ride is before the ride" motto or if you notice mild discomfort. They're meant to reduce swelling, cool the area, and accelerate the healing process. If you still experience acute skin problems after a ride, it's time to visit a pharmacy or see a doctor. Generally, it's recommended to take a break until your symptoms have fully subsided. And then, properly "lubricated," you can hop back on the saddle.

After the Ride is Before the Ride: Care for Skin and Shorts

Even if it sounds absolutely obvious: Wash your cycling shorts after every ride! This ensures no residues of sweat or chamois cream linger, which could irritate your skin. Follow the care instructions from the clothing manufacturer and preferably use specialized liquid detergents for sports apparel.

Not just your cycling shorts need a wash and care after a ride, but your bum does too. This is particularly important if you plan on cycling the next day. Meaning: shower, or if there’s no shower available on your tour, wash off sweat and chamois cream residues with water and mild soap and dry thoroughly. When you hop on your bike the next morning, both you and your bib shorts will be clean – this prevents germs from spreading. Speaking of germs: Remember to apply chamois cream with washed hands only.