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review
Skincare & embrocation
Faction Actionproof Chamois Cream2022 Faction Actionproof Chamois Cream 1.jpg

Faction Actionproof Chamois Cream

8
by Stu Kerton
Sat, Feb 26, 2022 09:45
0
£19.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Barely noticeable in use, but does a great job of stopping any saddle soreness
No greasy feeling
Absorbs into the skin
You'll need to reapply on longer rides
Weight: 
150g
Contact: 
thefaction.cc
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Faction Actionproof Chamois Cream has a lightweight feel to it and, if an all-natural ingredient list is what you're after, it's probably the product for you. Like others of this ilk it costs a bit more though, and you might want something thicker for those really long rides.

There is nothing worse than saddle discomfort if you ride every day for commuting, or you're on a multi-day event. Chamois cream is the obvious way around it, and like everything else there are many different types to choose from. I'd say the Faction is one of the better ones.

> Buy this online here

I normally use chamois cream only for rides over three hours or so – shorter than that on the gravel bike, as I tend to spend a lot more time seated. I'm not a fan of a cooling menthol effect and I don't much enjoy thick creams that feel weird when you first sit on them.

The Faction feels of a much lighter-weight than most, and while there is a slight scent it's far from overpowering.

During application there's no feeling of greasiness, and in fact I barely noticed it at all. Even when riding I didn't feel like I was using a cream, yet after plenty of hours in the saddle I was still feeling fresh and without irritation.

As it's lighter, though, I did find I'd need to reapply it after four or five hours to maintain the protection.

This cream uses an olive extract which Faction says provides a long-lasting silky feel, and it seems to work very well – I could ride for hours without noticing the cream at all and without any soreness whatsoever.

> 38 of the best cycling bib shorts – get comfy on longer rides

Actionproof also uses 'active molecules' from magnolia and white willow bark which are proven (according to Faction) to calm sensitive and irritated skin, reduce redness, and protect against dryness.

This is all part of Faction's 'Friction Sense Technology' which is a botanical concoction designed to do all of those jobs and prevent bacteria growing.

Things you won't find in Actionproof are silicone, petrochemicals, PEGs (presumably polyethylene glycol) or parabens.

Value

Officially the RRP is £19.99 for this 150ml tin. The recently tested Cambridge Chamois Cream is also 100% natural and costs £14.50 for a 100ml tin, so even at full price the Faction works out slightly cheaper at £13.32 per 100ml.

Faction is currently discounting it significantly, however, and at £13.49 it's much more competitive.

BeElite's Chamois Cream comes in a 250ml tin for £20 which is quite a bargain as long as you aren't put off by the inclusion of menthol – and that's virtually always on sale at a tenner, so even better value.

Overall

Faction Actionproof is a barely-noticeable chamois cream that quietly keeps you soreness free. It's at the pricier end of the market, but it works well – and it's worth it if you want only natural ingredients.

Verdict

Barely noticeable in use, but does a great job of stopping any saddle soreness

road.cc test report

Make and model: Faction Actionproof Chamois Cream

Size tested: 150g

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Faction says, "Faction Actionproof Chamois Cream has been designed from the ground up to provide unbeatable protection from saddle soreness. Meaning you can perform at the highest possible level, in even the most demanding conditions.

"Just as importantly, we will never use any questionable ingredients, the 'dirty dozen'. Unlike other brands, we will never use silicone, petrochemicals or 10 other ingredients known to be, or suspected to be harmful to the environment, your skin, or long-term health."

It's a comfortable cream to use and wear.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Faction says:

Sustainably Reduces Friction

Faction Actionproof Chamois Cream uses olive extract which provides a long lasting silky feel, significantly reducing saddle friction. It's non-greasy and unlike silicone based chamois creams, it doesn't have any negative consequences for the environment.

Natural Skin Protection Technology

Faction's Friction Sense Technology is a botanical complex designed to prevent friction, inhibit skin inflammation, calm irritation and prevent bacteria. It's the only chamois cream to use micro encapsulation technology, which protects key ingredients and maximises their efficacy.

Scientifically Proven Ingredients

Faction Actionproof Chamois Cream contains active molecules from Magnolia and White Willow bark that have been proven to calm sensitive and irritated skin, reduce redness and protect against dryness. Other natural ingredients include Shea Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil & Alba Bark Extract.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Pleasant to use and contains no menthol.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Barely noticeable when used.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Pricier than 'regular' creams that aren't 100% natural.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's similarly priced to other creams that use 100% natural ingredients, like the Cambridge tin mentioned in the review. Other brands who might not go down that route can be found cheaper like the BeElite option.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, especially at the sale price

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

A bit pricier than some of the competition, but one of the most unobtrusive I have used.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

Faction Actionproof Chamois Cream 2022
Faction Actionproof Chamois Cream
Faction 2022
Faction
Stu Kerton

Since writing his first bike review for road.cc back in early 2009 senior product reviewer Stu has tested more than a thousand pieces of kit, and hundreds of bikes.

With an HND in mechanical engineering and previous roles as a CNC programmer/machinist, draughtsman and development engineer (working in new product design) Stu understands what it takes to bring a product to market. A mix of that knowledge combined with his love of road and gravel cycling puts him in the ideal position to put the latest kit through its paces.

He first made the switch to road cycling in 1999, primarily for fitness, but it didn’t take long for his competitive side to take over which led to around ten years as a time triallist and some pretty decent results. These days though riding is more about escapism, keeping the weight off and just enjoying the fact that he gets to ride the latest technology as part of his day job.

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