Don’t you miss the good old days when there were only a couple of climbing chalk options to choose from? Yeah, me neither! Coming from a communist country, I can tell you that having choices is a true luxury, especially when so many great products are available!
Need more time for research? We’ve got you covered. If you’re eager to discover the best climbing chalk for 2025, just keep reading to the end, and you’ll score a bonus on skincare tips too!
Why is a good climbing chalk important?
For friction reasons. The dictionary defines ‘friction‘ as ‘’the force that resists the sliding or rolling of one solid object over another’’.
In bouldering – whether on rock or in an indoor gym – friction is where the magic happens.
The more challenging the climb or the tougher the conditions, the more friction you need.
And while some climbers accept the status quo, others notice that when it comes to bouldering moves – the devil is in the details.
As a result, they are always on a quest to find ways to enhance their performance. This is where high-quality climbing chalk comes into the picture.
The 4 main types of climbing chalk and uses
Loose chalk (powder)
This is the most common and also the most versatile option on the market because it ranges from fine dust to chunky texture.
This also makes it suitable for sports climbing, bouldering, and traditional (trad) climbing.
Depending on the brand it can last less or longer on your skin.
- Easy to apply but messy when indoor climbing
- Usually not allowed in big climbing gyms
- Overall, it is cheaper and more advantageous
Liquid chalk
Liquid chalk combines magnesium carbonate with alcohol to create a quick-drying, long-lasting formula.
Some brands like Rhino Skin Solutions also include additives like rosin or essential oils for enhanced performance.
Its superior staying power makes it ideal for gyms and humid outdoor conditions, though it’s pricier than loose chalk.
- Easy to apply but it needs time to dry
- Allowed and recommended in climbing gyms
- Usually more expensive
Chalk balls
Chalk balls are made from a lightweight, porous fabric, similar to a summer sock, and they are filled with loose chalk. They’re a great choice for indoor climbing because to chalk up all you need to do is squeeze the ball.
- A good alternative for indoor climbers who don’t like using liquid chalk
- Great to reduce chalk dust and waste
- Depending on the fabric it might require more chalking during climbing which is not great when you’re under the sending pressure
Solid block chalk
Some climbers prefer to choose the texture and consistency of their chalk. That’s why block chalk, which is basically compressed powder chalk, exists.
- Good for those who like using loose chalk but hate the occasional spillage
- Great for those who like customizing chalk texture
- Compact and easy to carry
- Often hard to crush, requiring extra effort to achieve the right consistency.
Which brand of climbing chalk is best?
Climbing chalk is primarily composed of magnesium carbonate and is used for its sweat-absorbing properties, which most climbers need. However, some brands also use calcium carbonate, which is cheaper, moistens your skin, and might be good for those crushers with naturally dry skin.
What makes the difference between one brand and another and how well it performs are unique features like skin-friendly additives, performance enhancers, or environmentally sustainable production methods.
Therefore, the climbing chalk you’ll choose as your friction weapon on rock or plastic can impact your grip, skin health, performance, and last but not least the environment: indoor or outdoor.
The best-performing climbing chalk picks in 2025
Tokyo Powder
The remarkable benefits of amazing chalk truly shine through when you do everything by the book (hence you train) and your performance comes down to changing details.
For this, there is only one chalk we could recommend: Tokyo Powder, the detail-oriented chalk that changes the grade.
Tokyo chalk not only offers you the highest friction magnesium chalk ever discovered but their range RX, PURE, BLACK, and Super B was designed to adapt to varying seasons, humidity levels, temperatures, and skin types.
And for prime results use their Tokyo Boost – a primer for ultimate friction.
At Boulderflash we are fans of Tokyo chalk. In fact, we love it so much that we dedicated an entire guide to the brand and you can read all about it here.
Friction Labs
You’ve probably come across this brand before. But their chalk is SO good it’s just impossible not to place it at the very top of the list.
Whether you go for the Unicorn Dust (Fine), Bam Bam (Super Chunky), or Gorilla Grip (Chunky) you can’t go wrong with Friction Labs.
The downside to it is that it is quite pricey and is produced in the US which means it will have to do some travelling before it gets to Europe.
Their chalk is so pure it doesn’t dry out your skin but keeps it grippy instead and ready to climb.
A great advantage I’ve noticed is that I chalk less when I use it which means that despite its high cost it stays a long-lasting option.
Magdust
Half magic, half dust – Rugne claims the Magdust is meant to make your skin stick even in the hottest and most humid climbing conditions – and honestly, it delivers!
I tried it out while climbing in Spain at the end of Spring.
Personally, I tend to sweat a moderate amount but still, I was truly impressed by how smooth it felt on my skin and how little chalk I needed to use.
Made from 100% Premium Magnesium Carbonate, Magdust appears to be incredibly long-lasting and grippy, standing out as one of the best chalks I’ve used so far.
You are definitely going to need much more than chalk to send your boulder problems but I believe Magdust can certainly help you make progress.
The only downside is that – just like Friction Labs – it is price.
Black Diamond Black Gold
Extra sweaty hands? This is your chalk. Black Gold is a blend of 90% magnesium carbonate with 10% Upsalite, a groundbreaking Black Diamond product (also sold separately as Black Diamond Gold) that absorbs moisture twice as effectively as standard White Gold.
This makes it perfect for climbers with sweaty hands or in humid conditions.
However, there is a downside to this magic powder: if you have sensitive skin you might want to use it more for projects and alternate with other types of chalks on easy days.
Otherwise, you might end up doing more damage than good and have your skin cracking.
A cheaper, not equally good but still performing chalk version from Black Diamond is the White Gold.
Budget-friendly but high-quality climbing chalk in 2025
Moon Dust
Moon Dust is 100% pure magnesium carbonate and is a friend of environmentalists because it comes in 100% recyclable paper packaging.
Moreover, it is free from harmful additives or drying agents.
So this means more climbing with healthier skin. It’s chunky, grippy, durable and eco-conscious. What more could you wish for?
EB E-chalk
This isn’t my top pick for chalk, especially considering my sensitive skin, so I wouldn’t suggest it unless your skin is normal.
I find it dries my skin excessively and it chalks up the rock too much compared to other brands.
However, I know plenty of friends who use it and are pleased with the results. And the price for E-Chalk really can’t get any better than that.
Metolius
Metolius Super chalk is a decent choice that works great for outdoor bouldering and sports climbing. It comes in minimal packaging and is also one of the cheapest chalks in the industry.
I heard people saying it works even better when mixed with high-end chalk like Tokyo or Friction Labs.
I guess this could be a pretty good option to enjoy high-quality effective chalk at half price.
Want to see even more chalk? Here is a video with about 15 different brands of chalk ranked by Climbing Stuff.
3 reasons for why the price difference is so big
- The purity level: Yes, all chalk is 100% magnesium carbonate. However, not all is pure. The higher the purity, the better the absorption, the more it lasts, and the more expensive it gets. Premium brands do invest in purer forms of magnesium carbonate.
- Additives and special formulations: On one hand, some chalk brands use drying agents, essential oils, or rosin to improve performance and adapt to specific conditions like humid environments. On the other hand, brands targeting sensitive-skin climbers may include skin-conditioning additives, making their products more expensive. In both cases, for this special care, you’ll end up paying more for more.
- Ethical reasons: While some brands emphasize producing their chalk locally and treating their workers fairly, low-cost ones may source chalk from regions with fewer regulations, cutting down on expenses but potentially compromising quality or sustainability.
Is buying expensive chalk worth it?
Not if you’re a beginner or a casual climber. In my case and other climbers, I know it was years after we started climbing we noticed a difference between common chalk and niche one.
Budget chalk is usually ok for most indoor gym sessions or casual climbing
However, if you are projecting your life’s project, climbing all year round and doing climbing trips you might experience all sorts of conditions, including humid ones.
Not to mention the greasy holds in famous bouldering or sports-climbing areas. In that case, premium chalk can make a noticeable difference and ease the frustration.
Last but not least, if you are an eco-conscious climber choosing to spend more on ethical or sustainable brands can contribute to fair work conditions, reducing environmental impact, and to a cleaner rock.
How do you know your climbing chalk is good for your skin?
A good quality chalk tends to require less chalking and it maintains a dry layer on your skin without drying it. To me, this is what Friction Labs, Black Diamond, 8C+, and Tokyo do.
An average and less pure type of chalk can be more or less grippy, it requires chalking more often, dries your skin, and even causes cracking.
Here are 4 signs your chalk is bad for your skin:
- Your skin feels excessively dry and unusually tight after use.
- Cracking or peeling skin damage from over-drying or allergic reactions, especially in winter.
- Redness or irritation are rare common signs of sensitivity to additives or impurities but they rarely occur.
- Your hand skin is kind of shoddy and moist and you end up with flappers.
Ready to chalk up and crush your next project?
Check our shop for even more options and gear up. Have you tried any of these chalks? What’s your go-to choice for bouldering, sport climbing, or indoor climbing?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your experiences!
Do you want the perfect skin for hard climbing?
Read the article we wrote on Climber hands and skin: How to look after them. Here you’ll find the best tips on how to maintain a healthy skin routine, avoid skin cracking, treat flappers fast, and emergency finger taping.
For other tips, explore our articles on skills, gear, training, and climbing culture.
At Boulderflash you’ll find all the good stuff for passionate climbers like you.
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