Liquid chalk is an underrated secret weapon for many climbers, perfect for climbing in hot and humid conditions.
Doing your analysis and finding the right, high-quality chalk could mean all the difference between getting the best grip when climbing or sliding off your hold in despair.
Thus, getting the best liquid chalk for climbing as an addition to your climbing tool kit is a massive plus to your confidence, experience, and general safety.
This post contains information on what liquid chalk for climbing is, how liquid climbing chalk is made, and how it’s used.
We’ll also provide you with a detailed review of the five best liquid chalks for climbing to help you decide which product you’d consider using.
At the end of the article, you’d have to know the best liquid chalk to use for a better climbing experience.
What Is Liquid Chalk?
Liquid chalk combines various ingredients that are meant to produce an absorbent mixture that helps increase friction.
While some ingredients may vary between products, two primary ingredients don’t change – magnesium carbonate and alcohol.
Magnesium carbonate is a white inorganic material.
The solid is insoluble in water and relatively stable, which is why it’s the preferred go-to material for climbers looking to keep their hands dry.
Companies often mix magnesium carbonate with alcohol to create a viscous mixture that makes it easier for application.
The alcohol contained in the mixture dries a few seconds after the mixture is applied to your palms, leaving your hands with a magnesium carbonate coating.
While these are essential ingredients, other manufacturers often add a thickening agent that helps create a thicker coating on their hands or a drying agent for climbers, particularly with sweaty palms.
However, please watch for products that use resin as their thickening agent, especially if you plan on going to public climbing gyms.
While the resin may be sticky and provides you with more grip, it often sticks to the climbing holds, is hard to remove, and you’ll risk damaging the climbing holds completely.
The Best Liquid Chalks for Climbing
Using dry chalk to increase friction on the slippery surface is a thing of the past.
Many climbers and athletes prefer liquid chalk now because of many advantages.
No one wants a slippery surface due to sweaty hands as it can put you in danger while bouldering.
You can look for our list of best liquid chalk for climbing to increase safety during climbing.
- Friction Labs Secret Stuff 80% Alcohol Content Liquid Chalk
- Friction Labs Secret Stuff Alcohol-Free Chalk Cream
- Black Diamond Liquid White Gold
- Black Diamond Liquid Black Gold
- Fire Team Fit Liquid Chalk
- Mammut’s Liquid Chalk
- Evolv Liquid Chalk
- Metolius Liquid Super Chalk
- PETZL Power Liquid Chalk
- Edelweiss Climbing Liquid Chalk
1. Friction Labs Secret Stuff 80% Alcohol Content Liquid Chalk
- QUICK, CONFIDENT GRIP: If you’re unsure of your grip, you hold back, make mistakes and don’t perform at your best. Whether it’s from sweat, moisture, humidity, or oils, Secret Stuff gives power...
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: No matter the climate or skin type, Secret Stuff is here for you. Original is great for humid climates. Alcohol-free is designed for climate-controlled gyms and/or sensitive skin....
- NO MESS = GYM FRIENDLY: While many liquid chalks can reduce dust, Friction Labs is the only company with 2 liquid hand chalk formulas (Alcohol Free and Hygienic) that don’t leave ANY marks on...
- TRUSTED BY THE BEST: Friction Labs is the only chalk endorsed by champions in multiple sports like rock climbing, tennis & powerlifting. Secret Stuff is the only liquid chalk for grip made in USA with...
- COMPLETE THE REGIMEN: Our liquid gym chalk is the perfect foundational layer to quickly activate your grip. If you’re really pushing it and need even more drying power, refresh your grip with...
Last update on 2024-12-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best Chalk For: Athletes who want performance in competitions and high-wall climbing in all weather conditions.
What’s Inside? The most part contains magnesium carbonate. It also has water and isopropyl alcohol to make the magnesium carbonate in liquid form.
Pros
- It increases your grip due to its ultra-fine powder texture.
- Manufacturers claim that no animals are harmed to make this product.
- Fast drying due to alcohol base.
- It will last longer as less chalking will give a good effect.
- Perfect for high-performing athletes.
Cons
- You need to press it hard sometimes as the opening can clog. It can also make a mess due to product spills.
- It is more expensive than many dry chalk products.
Product Overview: Friction Labs Secret Stuff liquid chalk for climbing comes in a 75ml tube and costs $20.
Even though the product is a bit more expensive, per volume, than its competitors, it’s pretty efficient, of excellent quality, and provides a better grip for climbers.
There’s a significant difference between Friction Labs Secret Stuff and products from other competitors.
Regardless, the product’s texture is quite fine and creamy compared to other competitors in the same category.
Friction Labs creates soft and extremely fine dry chalk.
Therefore, it would be safer to assume that their liquid chalk could provide a similar experience.
A single application of Friction Labs’ liquid chalk is guaranteed to leave your hands covered in chalk for an extended period.
The chalk is a mix of isopropyl alcohol and magnesium carbonate.
However, if you are bothered by the smell of alcohol, Friction Labs provides you with alcohol and scent-free variations at the same price.
While Friction Labs doesn’t offer the same features provided by other liquid chalk products in this list, you’ll notice that they go to extreme lengths to ensure that all their products are of excellent quality.
This is why most Friction Labs fans would rather stick with their products regardless.
2. Friction Labs Secret Stuff Alcohol-Free Chalk Cream
- UNIQUE ALCOHOL-FREE FORMULA: Say goodbye to dry and cracked hands with our odor-free, gel-based grip cream. Our liquid climbing chalk provides a superior grip without stripping your skin of moisture,...
- MESS-FREE APPLICATION: While many liquid chalks can reduce dust, Friction Labs is the only company with 3 liquid hand chalk formulas (Original, Alcohol-Free & Hygienic) that don’t leave ANY marks on...
- SKIN-FRIENDLY INGREDIENTS: Our Alcohol-Free liquid gym chalk is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that are gentle on your hands, making it the perfect grip for climbers, weightlifters, or any...
- TRUSTED BY THE BEST: Friction Labs is the only chalk endorsed by champions in multiple sports like rock climbing, tennis & powerlifting. Secret Stuff is the only liquid chalk grip made in the USA with...
- COMPLETE THE REGIMEN: Our liquid lifting chalk is the perfect foundational layer to quickly activate your grip. If you’re pushing it and need even more drying power, refresh your grip with Friction...
Last update on 2024-12-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best Chalk For: Climbers with sensitive skin. You can also use it if you have bruises on your hands.
Product Overview: It is perfect liquid chalk as it is alcohol-free. You can use it in humid and dry weather conditions. You may have to keep it on your hand for more than ninety seconds to see the drying effects. It is a vegan product.
What’s Inside? It has water, magnesium carbonate, and some organic compounds such as hydroxypropyl starch phosphate.
Pros
- It came from vegan-friendly sources.
- Perfect for sensitive skin.
- You can use it in different weather conditions.
- Free from any smell
- Perfect for high performance due to high quality.
Cons
- It takes a long time to dry.
- Expensive than dry powder.
3. Black Diamond Liquid White Gold
- Excellent protection without hindering activity
- Purpose designed and built
- Cutting-edge climbing equipment is designed and built for the send across the full spectrum of climbing pursuits
Last update on 2024-12-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best Chalk For: Athletes with sweaty hands.
What’s Inside? Most part is ethanol. It also has chalk, water, and rosin.
Pros
- Good for the climbers with sweaty hands.
- Fast drying due to alcohol base.
- Does not produce dust.
- Less expensive than others.
Cons
- You have to apply it many times to maintain grip.
- Rosin content can irritate.
Product Overview: BD’s liquid White Gold is scientifically designed to improve your grip by reducing sweat and adding more friction to reduce the chances of losing your grip.
The product’s high-tech recipe combines alcohol, BD’s dry chalk, and Upsalite to create a high-end product that keeps your hands dry for an extended period.
Upsalite is a highly absorbent magnesium carbonate compound that absorbs twice as much moistness as regular chalk would.
One 150ml BD White-Gold liquid climbing chalk costs $25, making this product more costly in the chalk-to-money ratio.
Conducted tests have determined that upsalite does provide a longer-lasting chalk base coat, making the product incredibly useful for climbers.
BD sells upsalite in a dry state, allowing climbers to mix it with other forms of climbing chalk to create the ultimate climbing chalk cocktail.
4. Black Diamond Liquid Black Gold
- Absorbs twice the moisture than regular chalk
- Scientifically engineered to enhance your grip
- Liquid blend is ideal for creating a base-layer ensuring ultimate grip
Last update on 2024-12-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best Chalk For: Athletes with dry skin issues.
Product Overview: You can use this liquid chalk if you have skin dehydration issues. It returns the moisture to your hands after you finish climbing. You can keep your hands moisturized and dry.
What’s Inside? It gives a grip due to Upsalite. It is an inorganic compound with excellent properties. It also has water and alcohol.
Pros
- Better for people with dry skin.
- Moisturize your hands.
- Fast drying due to alcohol.
- Does not irritate the skin and prevents redness.
Cons
- It is one of the most expensive liquid climbing powders.
- Does not suit when the climber has extensive sweating.
5. Fire Team Fit Liquid Chalk
- 🧗🏼LIQUID CHALK - Portable with less mess than block chalk and much less waste. Ideal for gyms who do not allow block chalk or for a home gym where you do not want a mess.
- ✅EASY TO APPLY - Quick dry and sweat resistant formula. Perfect for weightlifting and obstacle courses.
- DEADLIFT LIKE a BEAST - No more slipping off the barbell when you are knocking out heavy deadlifts.
- 🏋🏽GET A GRIP - Significantly improves grip ability for Pull-Ups, Deadlifts, Kettlebells, Rock Climbing, Gymnastics and many other sports activities. Customers claim that they can increase...
- 🕘LONG-LASTING - This chalk can last through an entire weightlifting workout without the need to re-apply, unlike traditional block chalk. When the chalk dries, it sticks better to your hands and...
Last update on 2024-12-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best Chalk For: Professional climbers who climb on the most difficult walls as they need extreme grip.
Product Overview: It is favorite chalk for bodybuilders and climbers due to its fast drying and antibacterial formula. Your hands will stay dry in humid conditions also. They do not test their products on animals.
What’s Inside? Most of the product has Alcohol and Magnesium carbonate. It also has hydroxypropyl cellulose as the binder. It also has rosin to enhance the grip.
Pros
- You will not make a mess while using this product.
- It has extra ingredients to enhance grip.
- Sweating will increase the grip when you apply this liquid chalk.
- The bottle has a clip to hold it with you.
Cons
- The bottle can clog due to the thick liquid.
- It comes off in the form of flakes.
- It can irritate the skin if you are sensitive to one of its ingredients.
6. Mammut’s Liquid Chalk
- Hard material mammut
- Magnesium Mountaineering, mountaineering and trekking Unisex Adult
- Liquid Magnesium 200 ml (2050-00612)
Last update on 2024-12-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best Chalk For: Athletes who like to use the get with a thicker consistency.
What’s Inside? It has IPA and Magnesium carbonate as the most essential ingredients. You will also get Benzyl benzoate, Rosin, and Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose.
Pros
- Has a high consistency and granular texture.
- Perfect for sweaty hands.
- It does not produce dust.
Cons
- Unsafe for damaged skin.
- It takes a long time to dry.
- It can irritate due to rosin.
Product Overview: The Mammut Liquid Climbing Chalk costs $20 per 200ml tube.
The top-quality liquid climbing chalk is made from a simple recipe that contains no other additives.
Squeeze it out of the tube, and you’ll notice that it contains a thick paste that covers your hands uniformly after rubbing it in.
However, you’ll have to note that the product is made from an unscented mixture of alcohol and magnesium.
This may not be the best liquid climbing chalk product for you if you find the smell of alcohol irritating.
If you can withstand the smell for short periods, then you’d be happy to know that the smell does dissipate a couple of minutes later.
The alcohol dissipates in less than 60 seconds, leaving a dry, even coating of chalk.
The product is perfect for use as a base layer since it stays on for an incredibly long time.
It’ll make it easier for you to use dry chalk and provide you with a noticeable lead, especially if you’re taking part in trad routes and long sports.
7. Evolv Liquid Chalk
- 250 ml bottle. 80% alcohol concentration meets the standard amount of alcohol concentration recommended by the CDC, FDA and WHO for alcohol-based hand sanitizer products.. Imported.
Last update on 2024-12-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best Chalk For: Athletes who are allergic to synthetic or inorganic products.
Product Overview: You can use this liquid chalk as an alternative to natural chalk products as it does not have synthetic additives. It is fast drying and can cause skin irritation. You will get a similar gripping force as the other synthetic products.
What’s Inside? It only has ethanol, water, and magnesium carbonate. All these substances are sourced from natural origins.
Pros
- It works as a hand sanitizer also.
- It has all constituents from natural sources.
- Does not have artificial ingredients.
- It is an inexpensive product.
Cons
- Fast drying may irritate some people with sensitive skin.
- Not easy to apply due to its thinner consistency.
8. Metolius Liquid Super Chalk
- Type: liquid
- Volume: 200ml
- Recommended Use: climbing
- Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year
Last update on 2024-12-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best Chalk For. Athletes who want a product at a low price.
What’s Inside? It only has water, ethanol, and Magnesium Carbonate.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- faster drying
- You can wash it easily with soap and water.
- Perfect for indoor use.
Cons
- It does not provide extreme grip.
Product Overview: The Metolius Super Chalk (liquid) has an excellent value of just $10 for a 200ml tube.
The liquid chalk is smooth, creamy, and dries quickly, covering every pore and surface.
You could rely on this product when climbing during the summer to boost your grip, increase friction, and enable you to use less chalk as you do your climb.
This is especially great on days when dry chalk doesn’t seem to do the trick.
There are several liquid chalk products in the market, and Metolius liquid chalk is placed right there among the best.
The product is made from a simplified dry chalk and ethanol recipe that makes it ideal for climbers looking to get good value at cost-effective prices.
Plus, you could get it in packs of twelve.
9) PETZL Power Liquid Chalk
- CLIMBING IS HARD: Chalk makes it easier. For especially hot days, add a bit of POWER LIQUID CHALK to your hands. It dries in seconds and provides a sweat resilient base-layer of chalk. Use in...
- QUICK-DRYING: Dries in just seconds before you begin climbing and provides a sweat resilient base-layer of chalk.
- PAIR WITH: Use in conjunction with our POWER CRUNCH chalk or POWER BALL for maximum grip.
- NON-AIRBORNE CHALK: Keep chalk dust in the air to a minimum — great for gym climbing.
- MATERIALS: Isopropyl alcohol, magnesium hydroxide carbonate, rosin, hydroxypropyl cellulose, styrax benzoin.
Last update on 2024-12-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best Chalk For: Athletes who like to avoid mess during climbing.
Product Overview: You can use this product if you do not want your hands to become sticky after using the liquid chalk. It is a fast-drying product.
What’s Inside? Isopropyl alcohol base and Magnesium hydro oxide carbonate are the major ingredients. It also has Rosin and Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose. It has Styrax benzoin gum to avoid stickiness.
Pros
- Better for people with more sweaty hands.
- Does not leave a residue.
- Fast drying due to alcohol base.
Cons
- Thinner consistency.
- It can irritate due to rosin.
- It has a sharp scent.
10. Edelweiss Climbing Liquid Chalk
Last update on 2024-12-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Product Overview: While other liquid chalk climbing products seem to create a film of chalk that covers your hands’ surface, the Edelweiss climbing product adheres to your skin and boosts your grip throughout your climbing session.
Edelweiss is best known for creating climbing ropes.
However, it has now joined the game by designing its very own liquid chalk for climbers.
Many users that have tried the product feel that it is one of the best products on the market.
Thus, we could safely assume that their product has become a success.
While other liquid chalk climbing products seem to create a film of chalk that covers your hands’ surface, the Edelweiss climbing product adheres to your skin and boosts your grip throughout your climbing session.
Most people would assume that this is due to an incorporated resin additive that makes it stick to your hand effectively.
However, this isn’t the case.
The product is resin-free, and the reason it seems to work so well could be due to its effective combination of ingredients.
You could get a 250ml bottle for only $15, which is a great value for money.
This is especially great considering how little of the product you use to create a long-lasting coating.
The alcohol contained in the mixture takes an average of thirty seconds to evaporate, which is a bit longer than other options in its category.
However, if you are looking for a reliable product, the Edelweiss liquid climbing chalk could be the best way to go.
Our Verdict: The Best Liquid Chalk for Climbing
All liquid chalk products are perfect for most athletes.
You can buy Metolius Super Chalk if you want an inexpensive product.
The Fire Team Fit Liquid Chalk has a grip to carry it on long walls.
Petzel Liquid Chalk is perfect to avoid mess.
Athletes with dry skin should use the Petzl Liquid Chalk.
Liquid Chalk FAQs
Let’s answer the frequently asked questions about liquid chalk.
Which Is Better: Dry Chalk or Liquid Chalk?
Though some climbers may prefer one type of climbing chalk over the other, others state that there’s no noticeable difference between the two.
Often liquid chalk doesn’t stay coated on your hands longer than dry chalk; however, it does provide a more uniform coating.
The best option could be to use liquid chalk as the base coat before starting your climb and complementing it with dry chalk.
That said, liquid chalk does have unique properties that make it more preferred compared to dry chalk.
For instance, liquid chalk is more effective in hot and humid conditions compared to dry chalk.
Plus, it doesn’t pollute the environment with magnesium carbonate particles.
This is why many gyms do not allow climbers to use liquid chalk in the gym.
Liquid chalk is also more effective in deep water solo climbing since climbers won’t risk getting their chalk bag wet.
This could be detrimental and even dangerous to climbers if they lose their dry chalk due to getting it wet.
The final reason you’d opt for liquid chalk is that it is less wasteful when compared to the alternative.
You could use one single tube for up to a hundred applications, which is quite economical.
For further reading, take a look at what climbing chalk is made of (dry chalk).
Does Liquid Chalk Kill Covid?
Some climbers speculate that liquid chalk can kill the Coronavirus, thus reducing the spread of the virus.
Because of this, many gyms have requested that climbers start using liquid chalk to mitigate the spread of the virus.
While we cannot say for sure if this works, liquid chalk is made with 70% isopropyl alcohol and over 70% ethanol, which on its own could kill the covid-19 virus.
However, we are not sure about this conclusion.
On the other hand, loose chalk is harmful to your lungs, which could be problematic for individuals with lung problems.
Switching to liquid chalk could help minimize any unwarranted issues.
Why Do Climbers Use Chalk?
So, why do climbers use chalk?
Climbing chalk is vital because it allows maximum friction by absorbing any moisture from your arms.
It’s significantly more critical in humid conditions where climbers are more likely to sweat and lose grip.
Using climbing chalk boosts the climber’s safety and helps them feel more confident.
How to Mix Your Climbing Chalk?
Making climbing chalk is easy since it only contains two primary ingredients: M
Magnesium carbonate and an alcohol solution.
All you need is enough 70% isopropyl alcohol and some dry chalk.
You’ll need to ground your dry chalk if it isn’t in powder form and mix it with the alcohol solution in a 2:1 ratio.
Ensure that you store your mixture in an airtight container to prevent the alcohol from evaporating.
How Is the Climbing Chalk Used?
To use the climbing chalk, squeeze a decent amount of the mixture onto the palm of your hand (about 1 milliliter), close the lid, and rub the contents over your palm covering surfaces that come into contact with your climbing surface.
Ensure that you cover all areas including between your fingers. Let your palms dry for 10 to 30 seconds, leaving you with a thin chalk coating.
One full liquid chalk coating could last a decent amount of time, depending on the conditions of your climb.
You could use liquid chalk as the base layer before beginning your climb and periodically complement it with dry chalk as you make your way up.
However, using dry chalk still depends on where you are making your climb and the conditions of the climb.
Does Liquid Chalk Make You Have Dry Skin?
Liquid chalk will cause your skin to become drier than it usually is; however, we could all agree that this is probably for the best when you are actively climbing.
Liquid chalk could also be bad for individuals with chronically dry skin and could make the condition worse.
However, if you have naturally sweaty hands, then this could be the best solution for you.
Using this product could help you get a firmer grip that could help reduce the chances of an accident due to slipping.
Note: the best thing you could do after using liquid climbing chalk is to ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly.
You could also apply a moisturizing conditioner and switch products if you feel irritated and uncomfortable after using a liquid climbing chalk product.
