The Hygiene Standard, Powered by RINSE

Why Shower Gel Doesn’t Belong Down There

Using regular shower gel on intimate skin is one of the most common hygiene mistakes men make — and one of the easiest to fix.


Intimate skin isn’t the same as the rest of your body

The skin around your intimate area is thinner, more sensitive, and more reactive than skin on your arms, chest, or legs. It requires a different approach to stay comfortable and balanced.

This is why following a proper intimate hygiene routine matters more than simply washing more often.

Why regular shower gel causes irritation and odour

  • Harsh surfactants: strip away natural moisture and protective oils.
  • Fragrance-heavy formulas: can irritate sensitive skin and increase dryness.
  • Unbalanced pH: most body washes are too alkaline for intimate skin, which naturally sits around pH 5.
  • Recurring issues: irritation and odour often return quickly, even after showering.

This imbalance is a key reason odour can keep coming back — something we explain in more detail in our guide on why intimate odour keeps coming back.

If something doesn’t feel right down there, it’s often not about hygiene effort — it’s about using the wrong product.

What to use instead

Intimate skin needs something gentle, pH-balanced, and made specifically for daily use. Products formulated this way support natural balance rather than disrupting it.

This is also why understanding why pH matters for men’s intimate skin is so important when choosing the right wash.

That’s why we created RINSE Daily.

It cleans effectively without stripping your skin, helping maintain balance so irritation and odour don’t keep coming back.

Why men switch to RINSE

  • pH-balanced for daily comfort and freshness
  • Unscented and dermatologist-developed
  • Free from sulfates, parabens, and harsh fragrance
  • Gentle enough for everyday intimate hygiene
  • Designed to tackle the root cause, not mask symptoms

Looking for the best intimate wash for men? Start with one that’s built for intimate skin — not regular body wash.