I started using it years ago, but just recently went to a simple vitamin E cream available at any drug store and, more than likely, most grocery pharmacies. It costs about $2 a jar and has worked well for me. Even following all the rules (wash my ass after a ride, wash shorts after one use, buy shorts based on the chamois quality, play with saddle position until perfect, etc.) I still have problems without something on there. The stuff I've been using is a fraction of a fraction of a penny per use and has done every bit as good as the chamois creams I've tried in the past.