Best smelling Lume deodorant: 7 scents ranked

Today we’re talking all about the best lume scents and ranking each deodorant scent from Lume in order. Wondering which lume deodorant scent to order next? We’ve got you covered.

Have you been using Lume for awhile and trying to figure out which scent to order next? Isn’t it the best?

Of the handful of aluminum-free natural deodorants that I’ve tried, Lume is the most effective (you can read the full 2 week pit test of Lume vs Native deodorant here). It is also generally good for sensitive skin and people with a lot of odor. That said, some of their scents are a little bit off. I’ll go through all the ones (with the exception of the two new ones I haven’t gotten my hands on yet) and help you decide your next scent.

What is Lume?

Before we get into the rankings of each Lume scent, here’s a little more info on Lume as a brand:

Lume is a line of personal care products that are designed to help people deal with unpleasant body odor and unwanted hair growth. The company was founded in 2017 by Shannon Klingman, a doctor and scientist who was frustrated with the lack of effective and safe options for managing body odor and hair growth. Klingman set out to create a line of products that would be free of harsh chemicals and irritants, and that would actually work for the entire body. The result is Lume, a brand that offers a range of products designed to tackle these common issues in a safe and effective way.

Lume is known for being a great natural deodorant and for having deodorant products that can work all over your body. They have a specific formula for private parts (their “for pits and bits”).

How does Lume work?

Lume works by using a combination of natural ingredients to address body odor. The products are formulated to be gentle on the skin, while still being effective. Here are some of the key ways that Lume products work:

  • Odor control: Lume’s deodorant and body wipes use a combination of zinc oxide, and other natural ingredients to neutralize odor-causing bacteria. See all the ingredients here.
  • Hydration: Lume’s products are formulated to be hydrating and nourishing for the skin, helping to keep it healthy and radiant.

What are the different Lume products available?

Lume offers a range of products designed to tackle various body odor and hair growth issues. Here’s a quick overview of the different products that are available:

  • Deodorant: Lume’s deodorant is available in both stick and tube form and comes in a range of scents, including lavender, vanilla, and an unscented option. It’s designed to be gentle on the skin and provide long-lasting odor protection. They have a variety of deodorant products for external use (including a “pits and privates” cream).
  • Body Wipes: Lume’s body wipes are perfect for on-the-go odor control. They’re gentle on the skin and can be used all over the body to freshen up and neutralize odor.
  • Hair Growth Inhibitor: Lume’s hair growth inhibitor is a lotion that’s designed to be applied after hair removal to slow down hair growth and reduce the appearance of hair.
  • Soap: Lume’s soap is formulated with natural ingredients to help cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
  • Lotion: Lume’s lotion is designed to be hydrating and nourishing for the skin, helping to keep it soft and supple.

My experience with Lume:

I first ordered Lume back in the beginning of 2023. I have been using it on and off for the last six months. For the first two months of use I wasn’t super familiar with the effect of aluminum in deodorant and was cycling my Lume deodorant with other traditional deodorant with aluminum in it. After two months of use I stopped using aluminum deodorant completely and did a clay-mask pit cleanse to help shed any traces of aluminum left. Now, I rotate between Lume and other aluminum-free deodorants (mostly for the sake of this site – I’m on the hunt to review everything natural deodorant there is).

What I ordered:

I initially ordered the starter set and picked different scents. Here’s what I selected:

Starter Pack Bundle × 1

  • 15ct Soft Pack | Deodorant Wipes (Cool Cucumber)
  • Unscented | Mini Body Wash
  • Peony Rose | Cream Deodorant Tube
  • Toasted Coconut | Solid Deodorant Stick

After using the products for a few weeks I ordered another set with just deodorant sticks in different scents.

Mix + Match Stick 3-Pack × 1

  • Lavender Sage | Solid Deodorant Stick
  • Fresh Alpine | Cream Deodorant Stick
  • Unscented | Solid Deodorant Stick

Last month Lume reformulated and released two scents in the new formulation. I picked up the Clean Tangerine in the new formula.

LUME VS NATIVE: 2 WEEK PIT TEST

Do Lume Products Work:

Yes! From my personal experience over the last month of using these products, they do work (just not quite as well as they claim to). Here are a few more details.

What I liked about Lume Deodorant:

The actual deodorant is fantastic. It is as good as my Donna Karen $32 stick. I’ve used it before workouts and on my period (when a standard deodorant might fail me) and it works.

The packaging advertises 72 hours of freshness which hasn’t been accurate in my experience but it does last all day which I am very happy with.

What I don’t like about Lume Deodorant:

What are some of these scents???

I know every scent isn’t for everyone but I would really like to know if there is anyone that loves the Pink Peony scent? I can get behind this floral scent in a perfume but in the cream body deodorant it smells like florals and body odor (and this is BEFORE you put it on, just smelling the new tube).

We have ordered 4 different scents now in the regular deodorant stick and a few more when you count the additional products. My biggest takeaway is to stick with usncented but I included a few more thoughts on scents below.

I’ve been using and talking about Lume with friends for half a year and have heard a few other rave reviews. One friend who used it for a longer period of time did complain that eventually it stopped being effective and she needed to switch deodorants. I’ve found this same thing with every deodorant I’ve used (and most skincare products) so this isn’t a problem specific to Lume. Eventually your body gets used to the formula and you’ll have better results with something new. I’m combatting this by keeping my other deodorant sticks next to my Lume sticks in the bathroom. Every couple of days I’ll mix it up and use something else. I’ll keep you posted on how this works in the long run.

Lume’s Reformulation:

As of summer 2023, Lume has reformulated some of the scents! The underlying bad smell is GONE in the new formula. I picked up the Clean Tangerine in the new formula from Target last month and it is the best smelling of all the Lume scents I’ve tried. They also reformulated Lavender Sage but I haven’t tried that one yet.

I have heard that some people don’t experience the same underlying scent in Lume deodorant that I do (but enough did that they reformulated). In the scent list below I’m not speaking to the underlying scent, just the main scent you’ll smell.

Best Lume Scents:

In comparison to other deodorants, the scents on Lume sticks are STRONG. The scent lasts all day. Anyone within half a foot of your armpit will be able to smell it. That person standing right next to you in an elevator? Absolutely. Consider how any scents will mix with your perfume or cologne if you regularly wear that.

I know scents come down to personal preference but here is mine:

#1 pick: Clean Tangerine (in the new formula):

This scent is fantastic. It is bright, citrusy, and fun. I put this one on this morning before an intense workout and I still smell only of citrus.

“If I could only have one stick of deodorant, it would be the Lume Clean Tangerine (new formula)”

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2. Toasted Coconut:

I really like this one! It smells like a coconut dessert baking. My only complaint is it is strong. You do smell like toasted coconut. It doesn’t mix very well with perfume. I’ll keep using this one from time to time but find myself reaching for the Clean Tangerine or Unscented most often.

3. Fresh Alpine:

This one smells fine. It is a clean, fresh smell. It smells a bit like being out on a mountain trail, first thing in the morning. If my husband uses one of my deodorant sticks, this is what he’ll reach for.

4. Unscented:

This is the safest. You get the benefits of a great deodorant and don’t smell strongly of anything else.

5. Lavender:

This one is a solid lavender scent and still quite strong. I like it. It reminds me of a floral french perfume.

6. Pink Peony:

This is a very strong peony scent that is more reminiscent of an old folks home than a flower garden. Skip this one, please (this is coming from someone who likes the peony scent in a candle or body spray). I have only tried this in the cream body deodorant and I have read that it IS BETTER on the stick.

untested: Minted Cucumber and Soft Powder

Since my big Lume review they have release two new scents, Minted Cucumber and Soft Powder.

Discontinued Scents from Lume:

  • Warm Vanilla
  • Coconut Crush

Best Lume Scents by Activity:

Working out:

Totally depends on what you want to smell like during a workout but here’s my picks:

  • Clean Tangerine
  • Fresh Alpine
  • Minted Cucumber
  • Soft Powder
  • Toasted Coconut

Date Night:

  • Unscented (and wear perfume)
  • Lavender (without perfume or pick a floral scent to go with it)
  • Soft Powder
  • Minted Cucumber

Girls Night:

  • Lavender
  • Toasted Coconut
  • Clean Tangerine (with a fruity perfume?)

For Men:

  • Clean Tangerine
  • Fresh Alpine
  • Unscented
  • Minted Cucumber

Conclusion:

If you’re on the fence about Lume, do it. It is a great product and a reasonable price point (for being SO effective). If this is your first time using an aluminum-free deodorant, be sure to give your body a full to weeks to get rid of existing aluminum and let the product really work (you can use a clay detox mask on your armpits to help with this).

If you’re still unsure about scents, get the unscented and the Clean Tangerine.

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