Best wetsuit lubes to buy in 2024

If there’s a product that helps make changing in and out of a wetsuit faster, and perhaps more dignified, it’s worth a go. Wetsuit lube aims to make wetsuit entry and removal a slicker process, and can help prevent nasty skin irritations such as chafing and rubbing.

Wetsuit lube is therefore a multi-functional kit bag addition that could result in a smoother transition and a more comfortable triathlon experience.

In our roundup of the best wetsuit lubes, you’ll find a range of balms, lubricants and roll-ons, with varying focuses.

Some have a more general approach and help prevent other frustrations such as running shoe blisters, while others can be applied to the wetsuit itself to help keep it in good nick.

So check out our list of the best wetsuit lubes and find one to help tackle those tricky triathlon troubles.

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Best wetsuit lubes for 2024

Huub Sport Luub

Give them kudos for branding, the Huub Luub gets a chuckle from me every time.

The chunky 66g package has a twistable base like a deodorant that reveals the end of the stick.

It’s an easy-to-use product that allows you to target exactly the spots needed without letting it get on your hands, either.

Although you could use it as a moisturising balm, the ingredients list reads more like a chemistry lesson than some of the others.

In the water it does the job superbly, though, with no chafing. I prefer natural products (especially for in the water), but given the size and the price, it offers good value for an effective product.

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Zone3 100% Natural Organic Anti-Chafing Balm

Both of the tri brands in this test have gone for a similar approach, as Zone3 presents a plastic twist-stick design, too.

This is a 60g stick so is decent value for money. It’s easy to rub onto areas where needed and you can be quite specific with the application thanks to a design that’s a longer, slimmer stick rather than a round one.

The smell here is much better than the Huub and it stays a little firmer too – likely thanks to the more natural ingredients list that shows shea butter and carnauba wax as the main ingredients.

Plus, it’s made in Canada from 100% natural ingredients, as well as being vegan and cruelty-free.

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Leaping Fish Triathletes Skin and Suit Lube

This balm came into my life last year when another swimmer noticed my terrible wetsuit chafing on Instagram and sent me one as a gift (thank you!).

Made from natural oils and waxes, and in a handy tin, it’s been my faithful saviour ever since.

Similar to the Lifejacket, the hard wax can be warmed by scooching out a little and rubbing between your fingers.

It smells good and I didn’t experience any chafing. I’ve used it as a moisturiser and lip balm in emergencies, too!

It can be used through all three sports and includes tea tree oil, citronella and geranium to soothe skin. It’s a 60g product, made in the UK.

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LifeJacket Anti-Chafe Bar

Buy now from LifeJacket

Newish brand LifeJacket is on a mission to protect skin, with a wide range of SPF products for athletes in its armoury.

This anti-chafe bar (55g) comes in a nifty little tin (eco kudos right there) and that quality runs right through to the formulation list, which starts with coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa seed butter and sunflower seed wax as the main ingredients.

Open the tin and it’s like a little bar of soap, but it smells brilliant. Warm it a little in your hands, rub it on and it instantly gives a nice barrier (and can be used to moisturise dry skin, too).

You will get it all over your hands, though, so be careful with your swimming goggles afterward.

Premax Anti-Friction Balm

Aussie brand Premax offers two balms, one for men and one for women.

The difference? A slightly different formulation to allow for skin pH, especially in sensitive areas.

Also, the men’s version has more mandarin and bergamot oils, whereas here is rosehip and lavender.

This balm is a thickish paste, which you squeeze out and apply with the smooth nozzle. It’s slightly grainy but rubs in well and sits ‘within’ the skin rather than on it.

It didn’t have the efficacy of some others here and didn’t smell as nice as the Lifejacket, but as a do-it-all balm across all three sports it did a decent enough job.

That said, it is a bit pricey for what you get.

Gear Aid Neo Slix

This 250ml package is slightly different to the others on test as it’s a spray, which you can apply to your suit and/or body before swimming to aid getting in and out of your suit faster.

The advice is to either spray it on your suit or (for best results) your skin.

It’s a foamy spray which went a bit everywhere and was hard to control. It’s easier to spray into the hand and then apply.

I didn’t find it did such a good job against chafing as the others on test, but it did make getting a suit on and off easier, so is maybe one if you’re looking for marginal gains in T1. The plastic packaging can be recycled.

Other wetsuit lubes to consider…

Body Glide Anti-Chafing Balm

Body Glide is a big name in the world of anti-chafing products. It’s claimed you can use this anti-chafe balm on your feet, thighs, neck, or anywhere you feel irritation really. If your clothing or undergarments are giving you grief – whether it’s a pesky sports bra, or blistering running shoes – you can give this a go for some soothing relief.

It’s primarily designed for running chafing issues, but it should work for general use too, so you could pop it on before a swim or cycle. It’s described as water resistant, and neoprene safe, so it should be a good wetsuit option!

It’s a neat and convenient size, so you can easily chuck it in your bag and you just roll it over your skin before you get dressed.

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Salclear Trilube

This is another tri-specific product which aims to aid transition and protect your wetsuit from tear damage. It’s designed to protect your wetsuit’s natural and neoprene rubber seals, which often suffer as you try to whip off your wetsuit in record time.

The lubricant should also make the removal process easier for you, so it could save you time and save your beloved suit, too.

It’s a liquid product, rather than a balm, which can be applied directly onto the cuffs and neck of your semi-dry, or wet wetsuit. It should work well for your wetsuit zips, too, to help limit snagging, so it’s likely to come in handy.

It’s worth noting, though, that you shouldn’t use this product on silicone rubbers and silicone thermoplastics.

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