I have ridden regularly for forty years and never had a need for any chamois cream...until just a couple of years ago. I guess I've gotten a bit soft. I'm cheap, so I also use bag balm. Just rub a bit onto the junction of the thigh/buttocks and all will be well.

I found out about my newfound softness when I brought an old pair of shorts with a leather chamois on a bike tour a few years back. There's nothing quite like having an open wound adhering to a piece of leather while you ride. I found myself wishing for more hills along the coast so I would have an excuse to stand up.