Product test

Is this the thigh saver I’ve been waiting for?

15.8.2023

Translation: Eva Francis

My thighs hate summer. If I wear short outfits, the constant skin-to-skin friction causes chafing. That’s why I’ve decided to test Summersaver’s anti-chafing stick, which promises to put an end to redness and pain.

Oh how nice it would be to wear shorts and skirts without my inner thighs rubbing against each other with every step I take. After not even ten minutes of constant friction, my inner thighs get irritated. The result? A rash that, combined with heat and sweat, stings and burns.

That’s why I prefer to spend summer in cycling shorts, as my colleague Laura Scholz recommends in her article «3 tips to avoid chafing in summer». Snug shorts protect my thighs and allow me to walk longer distances without discomfort. But they’re not suitable for every situation. That’s why I’ve decided to test the anti-chafing stick by Summersaver. The 4.4-star rating from our Community gets my hopes high.

Unfortunately, the packaging looks a bit cheap.
Source: Natalie Hemengül

Summersaver Anti-friction stick (Body cream)

Body lotions

CHF15.90

Summersaver Anti-friction stick

Body cream

Smooth promises

The Summersaver looks like a deodorant stick. This lubricating balm made of coconut and almond oil is applied between the thighs and promises long-lasting and effective protection against chafing. On top of this, Vitamin E and allantoin are said to support skin regeneration.

My self-experiment

The stick seems to have melted a bit and leaked slightly from the uneven gap above the rotating mechanism at the bottom. I managed to set it right, but this did dampen my enthusiasm when I pulled it out of its cardboard packaging. How’s this thing supposed to survive the high temperatures in my handbag? All in all, the packaging looks cheap and careless. There’s a protective cap under the lid. I take both off and apply the lubricant to my thighs. I spread it generously over the area that usually reddens quickly. It feels pleasant and a subtle, artificial peach scent rises to my nose.

The balm had melted before its first use.
Source: Natalie Hemengül

On contact with the skin, the balm transforms into a protective, rich and nourishing film. Despite having applied multiple layers, my inner thighs don’t feel too greased up. So far, I like what I feel – greasy, but not sticky. What’s even more important is the sensation I hopefully won’t feel anymore – burning pain after a moderate walk. It’s important to mention that the result is likely to be different for each person, as it depends on the size of the leg areas that are rubbing against each other and how strong the friction is. For reference, in my case it’s an area of about five by seven centimetres and light to medium friction.

The balm glides easily over the skin.
Source: Natalie Hemengül

My first test run takes place between my own four walls – in shorts and on the treadmill. After 45 minutes on level 4, I’m slowly running out of breath. The balm between my thighs obviously isn’t at all. My thighs glide past each other without causing irritation. I get off the treadmill and am very happy.

The endurance test follows during a one-and-a-half-hour walk through downtown Zurich – in a skirt at 28 degrees Celsius. Realistically, I never walk longer than this at these temperatures. At least not without cycling shorts. The result? Apart from the slightly greasy feeling between my thighs, I experience no pain, irritation or redness at all. To be honest, I’m almost a bit shocked.

My verdict

If my thighs could speak, they’d cheer. I didn’t expect this stick to be such an easy temporary remedy. What really surprised me is that the protection against friction didn’t wear off after 15 minutes. I even forgive the stick for not being able to withstand the heat outside. There’s no need to reapply it even after one and a half hours, so I can leave it at home (or in the fridge). The packaging is, however, disappointing, which is why I think the price is a bit high. All in all, I’ve definitely developed a taste for anti-chafing sticks and am looking forward to testing other brands in the future.

Header image: Natalie Hemengül

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Natalie Hemengül

Senior Editor

Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.

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