The Hygiene Standard, Powered by RINSE

Smegma in Men: What It Is, Why It Keeps Coming Back, and How to Prevent It

If you’ve noticed white buildup, irritation, or a lingering smell, you’re not alone. Smegma is common in men and usually preventable with the right hygiene routine.

What is smegma?

Smegma is a natural buildup of dead skin cells, skin oils, and moisture. It most commonly forms under the foreskin, but can develop anywhere skin folds and moisture are present.

On its own, smegma is not harmful. When it builds up, however, it can lead to:

  • Unpleasant odour
  • Irritation or discomfort
  • A sticky or unclean feeling that returns quickly

In most cases, the issue isn’t poor hygiene — it’s an ineffective routine.

Why smegma keeps coming back

Most men try one of two things: rinsing with water alone or using regular body wash. Both approaches can make the problem worse.

  • Water alone: removes surface sweat but doesn’t break down oils where buildup forms.
  • Regular shower gel: is often too alkaline and disrupts natural skin balance.

When skin is stripped or left unbalanced, the body compensates by producing more oils. That creates the conditions for smegma and odour to return more quickly — a pattern also seen with other recurring issues like intimate odour.

Smegma isn’t caused by sweat alone. It’s usually a sign that the skin’s natural balance has been disrupted.

What not to do

  • Scrubbing aggressively: causes irritation and rebound oil production
  • Using fragranced soaps: masks smell without fixing buildup
  • Using wipes or powders alone: doesn’t cleanse properly
  • Over-washing: strips natural protection and increases sensitivity

How to prevent smegma properly

  1. Clean once daily with a gentle, pH-balanced wash
  2. Wash carefully under the foreskin if applicable
  3. Rinse thoroughly to remove residue
  4. Dry fully before getting dressed
  5. Wear breathable underwear to reduce moisture buildup

Using a pH-balanced intimate wash for men helps cleanse effectively without stripping the skin.

Why RINSE works differently

RINSE Daily is designed specifically for men’s intimate skin. It’s unscented, dermatologist-developed, and balanced to support the skin where smegma forms.

  • pH-balanced for daily use
  • Unscented to avoid irritation
  • Helps reduce odour at the source
  • Gentle enough for long-term comfort

If buildup or odour keeps returning, your routine may need adjusting. Shop RINSE Daily

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