I rode years without it and never had a problem. This included long rides indoors without much ventilation or movement and long hot days in the dusty saddle. But…then I started getting saddle sores and with more frequency. I started using Butt’r. It made a difference. NOW, I can go without it, but I dont want to. A little dap makes me feel good and also helps protect my skin from my sweat. It creates a “good” barrier for me.