Deodorant is a daily essential for most people, helping control odor and wetness. With growing concerns around potentially harmful ingredients in conventional deodorants, natural deodorants have surged in popularity.
Two of the most popular natural deodorant brands are Hume and Lume.
But how do they compare? Let’s take a detailed look at the pros, cons, and key differences between Hume and Lume deodorant.
A Brief Comparison Table Of Hume And Lume Deodorant:
| Feature | Hume | Lume |
| Active Ingredient | Kaolin clay, arrowroot powder | Mandelic acid |
| Scents | 8 essential oil blends | Unscented |
| Texture | Cream is lotion-like, stick is firm | Cream is whipped, stick is solid |
| Safety | No aluminum, baking soda, parabens | No aluminum, baking soda, parabens |
| Price | $16-$18 for 2-2.5 oz | $13-$14 for 2.2-2.6 oz |
| Odor fighting | Up to 24 hours | Up to 72 hours |
| Skin type | Best for normal to dry skin | Best for all skin types |
Overview Of Hume And Lume
Hume and Lume are both aluminum-free, natural deodorants aimed at combating odor and wetness without common controversial ingredients like aluminum, baking soda, and parabens.
Hume was founded in 2021 and offers deodorant creams and sticks scented with essential oils. Their deodorants rely on ingredients like arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, coconut oil, and shea butter to absorb sweat and neutralize odor.
Lume launched in 2018 and provides unscented deodorant creams, sticks, and wipes. Their formulas use mandelic acid as the main active ingredient to inhibit bacteria growth and prevent body odor. Lume markets their deodorants as effective for up to 72 hours.
While both brands aim to provide safe, natural options, they take different approaches when it comes to scenting and active ingredients.
Keep reading to see how Hume and Lume deodorants stack up.
Hume And Lume Deodorant: In-Depth Comparison Of Key Features
Active Ingredients for Odor and Wetness Control
The key difference between Hume and Lume lies in their active ingredients for fighting odor and wetness.
Hume uses kaolin clay and arrowroot powder as gentle absorbents to soak up sweat. Coconut oil provides additional moisture-wicking. Hume does not use an antimicrobial active ingredient. Instead, they rely on essential oils for scent and some antimicrobial effects.
Lume uses mandelic acid as the main active ingredient. Mandelic acid is an aromatic alpha hydroxy acid that helps inhibit bacteria growth and prevent body odor. The unscented formula also balances pH to help control odor and wetness.
Clinical studies have shown mandelic acid to be highly effective at fighting odor for up to 72 hours, even after exercise and sweating. The Hume formula without mandelic acid or aluminum may require more frequent reapplication for optimal odor control throughout the day.
Scent Options
Hume offers eight scented deodorants using various essential oil blends. Scents include coconut & vanilla, bergamot & ginger, eucalyptus & mint, and lemon & sage. The scents are designed to be subtle and not overpowering.
Lume provides an unscented formula. They don’t use any fragrances. For people sensitive to scents or essential oils, Lume may be a better choice. The unscented formula also means it won’t interfere with cologne or perfume.
Texture and Application
Both Hume and Lume offer deodorant creams and sticks:
Hume deodorant creams have a smooth, lotion-like texture that glides on easily. The sticks have a firm, waxy consistency that goes on smoothly. The Hume stick does need to be warmed up between the fingers for a few seconds before application.
Lume deodorant cream has a lightweight whipped texture that feels cool when applied. The Lume stick has a firmer feel and can be swiped on easily without warming.
The texture of both brands may take some getting used to compared to more waxy conventional deodorant sticks. But the smooth glide makes application simple. Those with sensitive underarms may find the cream versions less irritating than stiff, dry sticks.
Also Read: Comparison Between Curie And Native Deodorant.
Safety and Ingredients
Both Hume and Lume avoid controversial ingredients found in conventional deodorants:
- No aluminum salts – Unlike most mass market deodorants, Hume and Lume are both aluminum-free. Aluminum is a common ingredient in antiperspirants to block sweat ducts. While generally considered safe, aluminum has faced some concerns over potential long-term risks. Both brands avoid aluminum and don’t plug sweat ducts, allowing for healthy sweat flow.
- No baking soda – Many natural deodorants use baking soda to neutralize odor. But baking soda can cause skin irritation for those with sensitive underarms. Hume and Lume both skip the baking soda.
- No parabens – Parabens are synthetic preservatives used in many personal care products. While parabens remain considered safe, some consumers aim to minimize exposure. Both brands use natural preservative systems free of parabens.
- No phthalates – Phthalates are chemicals used in fragrance formulas that can disrupt hormones. Hume and Lume stick to naturally derived scents and fragrances if used, avoiding synthetic phthalates.
For most consumers, Hume and Lume offer safe, gentle options without concerning ingredients. However, for some people with sensitivities, a few other ingredients may cause irritation:
- Essential oils – While natural, the scented essential oils in Hume products could cause irritation for some people with very sensitive skin. Lume would be a better choice for avoiding any essential oils.
- Coconut oil – The coconut oil in Hume deodorants could potentially clog pores for acne-prone individuals. Lume would be a safer choice if clogged pores are a concern.
- Mandelic acid – The Lume formula relies heavily on mandelic acid which could cause stinging for those with very delicate underarms. Hume would be gentler without mandelic acid.
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Pricing and Value
Hume and Lume are both premium, specialty deodorants priced higher than typical drugstore brands:
- Hume deodorant creams cost $18 for a 2 oz tube while the sticks run $16 for 2.5 oz.
- Lume deodorant creams are priced at $14 for a 2.2 oz tube. Their sticks cost $13 for 2.6 oz.
Lume appears to offer better value for money given similar pricing but with a larger volume per container. However, Hume’s deodorants do include more botanical oils and butters that contribute to the higher pricing.
For intensive odor fighting, the mandelic acid formula of Lume also provides robust sweat and odor control that justifies the price point. Those willing to pay more for natural ingredients may find Hume worth the premium cost.
Both brands offer subscription programs to save up to 15% on repeats orders. This can help offset the higher prices. Lume also offers multi-packs that provide additional per-unit savings if purchasing several at once.
Read More: Comparison Between Devacurl And LUS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Lume is not discontinuing their deodorant line. In fact, Lume remains one of the top-selling natural deodorant brands. They continue releasing new innovative products, like their deodorant wipes for on-the-go odor control. Lume does not appear to be going away anytime soon.
The main downsides of Lume deodorant include:
Unscented formula lacks odor-masking essential oils
Reliance on mandelic acid may cause irritation for some sensitive skin types
Higher cost compared to conventional deodorants
Drier texture may require more rubbing than soft creams
However, those drawbacks are moderate and Lume remains one of the most effective natural deodorants for odor and wetness control.
Some other natural deodorants comparable to Lume include:
Native Deodorant – Uses mandelic acid and comes in scented and unscented versions
Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant – Includes coconut oil and sage extract for odor fighting
Each & Every Aluminum-Free Deodorant – Relies on eucalyptus oil and candelilla wax
Myro Deodorant – Uses hops, probiotics, and arrowroot powder for odor control
While not identical, these deodorants are also aluminum-free and use various natural ingredients for odor and wetness fighting.
Many dermatologists do recommend Lume deodorant as an effective natural option. The formula is free of many common irritants and allergens. The mandelic acid is an antimicrobial active backed by clinical data for odor control. The unscented version avoids any sensitizing essential oils.
With proven bacteria-fighting action but without concerning antiperspirant aluminum salts, Lume aligns well with the preferences of most dermatologists seeking healthy underarm hygiene.
Lume is not recommended for those with very sensitive skin that may react to alpha hydroxy acids like mandelic acid.
Read More: Comparison Between Sistaco and Nailboo
The Bottom Line
For an effective natural deodorant, both Hume and Lume represent quality options free of concerning ingredients. Lume provides more advanced odor fighting thanks to the proven antimicrobial properties of mandelic acid.
Hume offers a gentler formula with moisturizing botanical oils and optional scented varieties.
Ultimately, Lume stands out as the better choice if odor fighting is the priority. For a soothing, skin-nourishing formula with light scents, Hume is an excellent natural deodorant worth considering.
Both brands avoid common irritants and provide quality underarm hygiene without aluminum, baking soda, or parabens.
Give Hume and Lume a try to see which jives best with your preferences and sensitivities. With quality natural ingredients and rave reviews, neither is likely to let even the sweatiest among us down.
Your pits can stay dry, smelling fresh, yet free of harsh chemicals.
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