Lume deodorant has exploded in popularity due to bold marketing claims of 72-hour odor blocking and ads showing women confidently applying it all over their bodies. However, conflicting user reviews and complaints raise questions. Is this a miracle product or just slick advertising? This article dives into Lume Deo’s claims versus real-world experiences to determine if it’s a helpful innovation or a hyped-up scam.
Overview of Lume Deodorant
Lume is an aluminum-free deodorant that uses mandelic acid as the active ingredient to block odor. It was developed by Dr. Shannon Klingman who wanted to create an effective natural deodorant.
It comes in solid stick, cream tube, and wipe forms and a variety of scents like jasmine, lavender, coconut, and unscented. It is sold direct-to-consumer online and at major retailers like Target.
Lume advertises itself as a life-changing deodorant that is “clinically proven” to block odor for 72 hours, allowing users to skip daily application. This disruptive claim and its cheeky marketing have earned it a cult-like following. But does it deliver on its promises?
How Does Lume Deo Work?
Lume claims that mandelic acid blocks odor at the source. It supposedly keeps bacteria from breaking down sweat into smelly compounds. They states this non-irritating ingredient allows it to be used anywhere, not just underarms.
The company also says baking soda free and using plant oils instead of synthetic fragrances makes it safe for sensitive skin. Unlike antiperspirants, Lume does not stop sweat, only odor. It advertises as vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, and made in the USA. But its bold 72-hour protection claim is what sets it apart.
Consumer Reviews and Complaints: Does it Really Work as Advertised?
Lume deodorant has amassed hundreds of customer reviews across retail sites, blogs, forums, and social media. Experiences widely vary from rave reviews to complaints about ineffectiveness or side effects. This suggests that efficacy depends heavily on individual body chemistry.
Positive reviewers say:
Lume has been amazing. I apply it once after showering and remain odor-free for 48 hours, even during kickboxing classes and hot yoga. I’m never going back to conventional antiperspirants.
However, negative experiences include:
I was so excited to try it but it caused a horrible burning rash under my arms. My dermatologist said I had a reaction to one of the ingredients. I do not recommend this if you have sensitive skin.
Many complaints focus on skin irritation:
After a few weeks of use, Lume Deo gave me an itchy, red rash in my armpits. It stung so badly I had to stop using it. Very disappointing for the high cost.
Another common complaint is unpleasant scents:
I tried both the cucumber and coconut scents. But when I put this on, it smells like rancid BO. The smell just does not work with my body chemistry at all. Really gross!
And many report disappointing results:
Lume did absolutely nothing for my sweat and odor. I still had major pit stains and BO. It performs no better than much cheaper natural deodorants I’ve tried. Not worth the price.
While some stand by Lume as a holy grail product, countless 1-star reviews on trustpilot suggest it frequently fails to live up to expectations. Skin reactions, unpleasant scents, and ineffectiveness appear common. While no product can satisfy everyone, their reviews indicate wider issues beyond just personal preferences.
Is Lume Deodorant Legit or a Scam?
The contradictory experiences suggest Lume works well for some but is ineffective for others. The consensus is that it does not reliably work as advertised for the general population. While mandelic acid may block odor when it interacts well with your body chemistry, it fails to live up to the bold 72-hour claim.
Many suspect the rave reviews are biased since they controls what is published on their own website. The bad smells and rashes reported by some users raise safety questions. Dermatologists also dispute the claim that it can be used anywhere on the body safely.
Overall, Lume Deodorant is not an outright scam, but rather an overhyped product that does not necessarily work any better than cheaper natural deodorants.
Recent Lawsuit Over False Advertising
A May, 2023 class action lawsuit accused Lume of false advertising regarding its “clinically proven” claims. It contended the clinical study the deodorant relied on was flawed and inadequate to prove 72-hour odor blocking duration.
The lawsuit also challenged the company marketing itself as aluminum-free when no deodorants contain aluminum. While the suit is still pending, it casts more doubt on their marketing tactics and suggests consumers should be skeptical of its claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lume Deodorant
1. Does it really work for 72 hours?
No, the majority of real-world users find they must reapply Lume within 24 hours for ongoing odor control, not the advertised 72 hours. A minority do report longer duration.
2. Is Lume Deo safe for private parts and sensitive skin?
Dermatologists warn against using it on mucus membranes and delicate areas. Many customers experienced irritation, burning, and rashes from using it in the groin or under breasts. Lume is not universally safe for all skin types.
3. Why does it has bad reviews about smell?
A common complaint is that Lume’s scents have an unpleasant musky or rotten undertone. When mandelic acid interacts poorly with someone’s body chemistry, it can cause extra body odor rather than neutralizing it.
4. Is it worth the high cost?
At $15-$20 for a 2 ounce tube, it is significantly more expensive than most natural deodorants but does not reliably outperform cheaper options. The price is difficult to justify given the mixed reviews on its efficacy.
5. Should I choose Lume cream or solid stick?
The solid stick receives better feedback overall. The cream tends to be messier, cause residue on clothes, and provoke more irritation. Stick application seems preferable.
The Bottom Line: Use Realistic Expectations
Lume has earned a cult following thanks to savvy marketing and bold claims. However, unbiased reviews suggest it does not live up to the hype for most people.
While it may work better than some natural deodorants, it tends to fall short of its 72-hour promise. If you try Lume Deodorants, go in with realistic expectations instead of believing the ads. And discontinue use if you experience skin irritation or unusual scents. Moderately priced natural deodorants likely offer similar results without the marketing gimmicks.