You’ll get a clear picture to decide which deodorant might suit your needs best.
I’ve been on a quest to find a natural deodorant that actually works, and it’s led me to pit Salt & Stone against Lume. Both brands promise clean, effective odor protection without the harsh chemicals of traditional antiperspirants, but which one truly delivers? In this article, I’ll share my experience testing these two, breaking down their pros and cons, comparing their key features, and offering an honest take on what worked for me.
Comparison Table: Salt & Stone vs. Lume
| Feature | Salt & Stone | Lume |
| Active Ingredients | Baking soda, probiotics, hyaluronic acid | Mandelic acid, caffeine |
| Scents | Neroli & Basil, Santal & Vetiver, etc. | Unscented, Jasmine Rose, Tangerine, etc. |
| Formats | Stick, gel | Cream, stick, spray, wipes |
| Odor Protection | Up to 48 hours | Up to 72 hours (claimed) |
| Price (2.6 oz) | ~$20 | ~$15–$18 |
| Cruelty-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Aluminum-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Scent lovers, sensitive skin | Whole-body use, strong odor control |
My Journey to Natural Deodorants
Switching to natural deodorants felt like a leap of faith. For years, I relied on clinical-strength antiperspirants, the kind that leave your pits bone-dry but come with a laundry list of questionable ingredients. Aluminum, parabens, phthalates—I started questioning what I was slathering on my skin daily.
So, I decided to try natural options, hoping to find something effective without the chemical baggage. Salt & Stone and Lume caught my attention due to their buzz on social media and glowing reviews. I tested both for three months, and here’s what I learned.
Why Salt & Stone?
Salt & Stone grabbed me with its sleek packaging and promise of “functional fragrance.”
Founded by former professional snowboarder Nima Jalali, the brand feels like it’s crafted for people who want performance and aesthetics.
Their deodorants are aluminum-free, packed with skin-friendly ingredients like probiotics, hyaluronic acid, and seaweed extracts.
The idea is to balance your skin’s microbiome while keeping you fresh for up to 48 hours.
I chose the Neroli & Basil scent because it sounded crisp and not overly floral, and I was curious about its moisturizing claims.
Pros of Salt & Stone
The first thing I noticed was the scent. Neroli & Basil is fresh, slightly citrusy, with a subtle herbal kick—like a high-end spa in a stick. It’s not just a deodorant; it feels like a fragrance you’d actually want to wear. I applied it after my morning shower, and it glided on smoothly, no tugging or stickiness. Throughout the day, even during a sweaty gym session, I caught whiffs of that sophisticated scent, which gave me a little confidence boost. It’s rare for a natural deodorant to feel so luxurious.
Another win is its skin-friendly formula. My underarms are sensitive, especially after shaving, but Salt & Stone didn’t irritate at all. The inclusion of hyaluronic acid and seaweed extracts left my skin feeling hydrated, not dry or tight like some deodorants. I also appreciated the eco-friendly packaging—recyclable and minimalist, it looks great on my bathroom counter.
The odor protection is impressive too. I tested it during a humid summer day, running errands and hitting a yoga class. It held up for a solid 24 hours, even if the scent faded slightly by evening. For a natural deodorant, that’s a big deal. The brand also offers baking soda-free options for those with sensitive skin, which is a thoughtful touch.
Cons of Salt & Stone
It’s not perfect, though. The price tag—around $20 for a 2.6 oz stick—feels steep compared to drugstore options. I also noticed a slight residue on dark clothing if I applied too much. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but I had to be mindful to rub it in properly. Some scents, like Black Rose & Oud, were too intense for me, giving me a headache after a few hours. If you’re sensitive to strong fragrances, stick to lighter options like Neroli & Basil or Santal & Vetiver.
Another downside is that it’s not an antiperspirant. It doesn’t stop sweat, so if you’re someone who perspires heavily, you might still feel damp, even if you don’t smell. For me, this was manageable, but it’s worth noting if sweat control is a priority.
Why Lume?
Lume, created by Dr. Shannon Klingman, an OB/GYN, markets itself as a whole-body deodorant. It’s designed to tackle odor everywhere—pits, underboobs, feet, you name it. The hero ingredient is mandelic acid, which lowers your skin’s pH to make it inhospitable to odor-causing bacteria. Lume claims up to 72 hours of odor protection, which sounded ambitious. I opted for the unscented stick to avoid any fragrance issues and because I was curious about its multi-use potential.
Pros of Lume
Lume’s biggest strength is its versatility. I used it on my underarms, feet, and even between my thighs on hot days, and it worked like a charm. The unscented version has a slight medicinal smell when you apply it, but it fades quickly, leaving no scent at all—just pure odor control.
After a long day of meetings and a jog, I was amazed that I didn’t smell at all. For someone like me, who’s always been self-conscious about body odor, this was a game-changer.
The formula is gentle, especially for sensitive skin. Free of aluminum, baking soda, parabens, and phthalates, it didn’t irritate my freshly shaved underarms.
I also liked that it comes in multiple formats—stick, cream, spray, and wipes—making it easy to use on the go.
The stick glided on smoothly, and I didn’t need to reapply often. Even after 24 hours, I felt confident, though I didn’t quite hit the 72-hour mark Lume claims.
Lume’s price is another plus. At $15–$18 for a 2.6 oz stick, it’s more budget-friendly than Salt & Stone. The brand’s focus on science-backed ingredients, like mandelic acid, gave me confidence that it was doing more than just masking odor—it was preventing it.
Cons of Lume
Lume isn’t flawless. The 72-hour claim feels exaggerated. For me, it lasted about 24–36 hours, which is still impressive but not what’s advertised. If I applied it without showering first, it struggled to keep up by evening, especially on sweaty days.
The unscented version worked well, but when I tried the Tangerine scent, it clashed with my natural sweat, creating an odd smell by midday. Some users report similar issues with Lume’s scented options, especially after reformulations.
The caffeine in Lume’s formula was a surprise. It’s meant to reduce sweating slightly, but I found it mildly irritating if applied at night—it kept me awake for a bit. Also, while the stick format is convenient, it can feel a bit waxy, and I noticed minor residue on my clothes if I wasn’t careful. Lastly, the packaging isn’t as chic as Salt & Stone’s. It’s functional but doesn’t scream “premium.”
Comparing Key Features
Let’s break down how these two stack up on the features that matter most.
- Ingredients
Salt & Stone leans on baking soda (in some formulas), probiotics, hyaluronic acid, and seaweed extracts. These ingredients focus on odor control and skin hydration, making it feel like a skincare product. Lume uses mandelic acid and caffeine, targeting bacteria directly to prevent odor. Both are aluminum-free, cruelty-free, and vegan, but Lume avoids baking soda entirely, which is a plus for sensitive skin prone to irritation from alkaline ingredients.
- Scent Options
Salt & Stone wins on scent variety and sophistication. Their fragrances, like Neroli & Basil or Eucalyptus & Cedarwood, feel like high-end perfumes—fresh, nuanced, and gender-neutral. Lume offers scents like Jasmine Rose and Tangerine, but some users, including me, find them synthetic or overpowering. The unscented Lume is a safer bet if you’re sensitive to fragrances or want a neutral option.
- Application and Texture
Salt & Stone’s stick glides on like silk, absorbing quickly with minimal residue if applied correctly. Lume’s stick is slightly waxy but still easy to apply. The cream and spray options give Lume more versatility, especially for non-armpit areas. Both brands require clean, dry skin for best results, but Lume’s wipes are handy for quick refreshes.
- Odor Protection
Salt & Stone delivers reliable 24–48 hour odor protection, even during workouts. Lume claims 72 hours but realistically offers 24–36 hours for me. Both are effective, but Lume’s whole-body approach makes it better for targeting multiple areas. If you’re super active or live in a humid climate, you might need to reapply either one sooner.
- Price and Value
Salt & Stone’s $20 price feels premium, but the luxurious experience justifies it for some. Lume’s $15–$18 range is more accessible, and the variety of formats adds value. Both last about 2–3 months with daily use, making them comparable in longevity.
My Experience: A Day in the Life
To give you a real sense of how these performed, here’s how I used them. Mornings start with a shower, followed by applying Salt & Stone’s Neroli & Basil to one armpit and Lume’s unscented stick to the other (yes, I went full science experiment). I’d head to work, sit through meetings, and hit the gym in the evening. Salt & Stone kept me smelling fresh and spa-like all day, though I felt a bit damp during workouts. Lume was odor-free but lacked the pleasant scent, which made me less confident in social settings.
On weekends, I tested Lume’s whole-body claim by applying it to my feet and thighs. It worked surprisingly well, especially for preventing chafing odor during long walks. Salt & Stone, while effective for armpits, doesn’t market itself for all-over use, so I stuck to Lume for those areas. Both held up during stressful, sweaty days, but Salt & Stone’s fragrance gave it a slight edge for me.
The Transition Period
Switching to natural deodorants can be a bumpy ride. My body took about a week to adjust from aluminum-based antiperspirants. During this “detox” phase, I noticed a bit of extra odor, especially with Salt & Stone, but it faded as my body adapted. Lume’s mandelic acid seemed to kick in faster, likely because it targets bacteria directly. If you’re new to natural deodorants, give it at least two weeks and consider using an armpit detox mask to speed things up.
The Clean Beauty Debate
Both brands position themselves as clean beauty leaders, but what does that mean? Neither uses aluminum, parabens, or phthalates, and both are cruelty-free. Salt & Stone emphasizes eco-friendly production, while Lume focuses on skincare-grade ingredients.
However, “clean” isn’t FDA-regulated, so I checked their ingredient lists. Salt & Stone’s inclusion of baking soda in some formulas raised eyebrows for sensitive skin users, but their transparency is commendable. Lume’s AHA approach feels innovative, though the gel’s stickiness detracts from the luxury. Both brands deliver on their clean promises, but individual skin chemistry plays a big role.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your needs. For sensitive skin, Primally Pure’s Unscented Sensitive outperforms. For budget-friendly options, Native’s aluminum-free formula is a strong contender, lasting up to 72 hours for some users.
Primally Pure edges out slightly due to its organic, minimal ingredient list and focus on sensitive skin. Both Salt & Stone and Primally Pure avoid harmful chemicals like aluminum and parabens, making them solid choices.
Yes, if you value long-lasting protection and luxurious scents. It’s pricier, but its 48-hour effectiveness and chic packaging live up to the buzz for most users.
Absolutely. Salt & Stone is aluminum-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free, using natural ingredients like probiotics and seaweed extracts.
Read More: Dime Beauty vs. Beautycounter
Conclusion
You’re probably wondering which deodorant will work best for you, and I get it—it’s a personal choice. Salt & Stone won me over with its spa-like scents and hydrating formula, making every application feel like a treat. Lume’s versatility and strong odor control make it a practical pick, especially for whole-body use. Both are solid, clean options, but your lifestyle and preferences will tip the scales. Test them out, listen to your body, and you’ll find the one that keeps you fresh and confident.