As much as we wish it weren’t the case, body odor is a natural part of life. And while sweating happens everywhere, when it comes to B.O., armpits get all the attention. If you’ve ever wished for a full-body deodorant to get you through a workout, outdoor wedding, or aggressive hot flash, allow us to introduce you to Lume.
Founded by OB/GYN Shannon Klingman, M.D., Lume is gentle enough to tackle smells beyond the pits. You can actually apply this deodorant from head to toe, literally, including feet, thighs, breasts, and even the genital area.
What sets Lume deodorant apart is that it doesn’t just mask body odor, it works with your body’s natural chemistry by targeting the bacteria that cause it. Its hero ingredient, mandelic acid — a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) — has antimicrobial properties thanks to its lower pH. In simple terms, it helps reduce odor by lowering the skin’s pH, creating an environment where odor-causing bacteria can’t thrive. Mandelic acid also doubles as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and evening out skin tone, making Lume a true multitasker.
Sounds pretty great, right? If you’re interested in trying Lume for yourself, there’s even more good news: The brand just launched a new scent — Vanilla Bliss. With notes of vanilla bean, tonka, and sandalwood, this warm, cozy fragrance will leave you smelling divine, and it’s available in two formats: a traditional solid stick or a cream tube. The solid stick is the familiar go-to you’ve used since middle school, while the cream deodorant is a water-based formula that can be applied with your fingertips and absorbs quickly. No matter which you choose, neither will leave residue or those pesky pit stains on your favorite tee.
Like the rest of Lume’s lineup, the Vanilla Bliss collection doesn’t contain aluminum, baking soda, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, or talc, all common irritants to those with sensitive skin. Keep in mind that this deodorant also doesn’t contain any antiperspirant ingredients: It won’t stop you from sweating, but it can address the odor that comes with it.
Beyond deodorants (the brand offers spray, wipes, and even aluminum-based options for sweat control) Lume also makes body wash, soap bars, body cream, and even laundry boosters. Given all of these fresh ideas, you can count on Lume for all your odor-fighting needs — so you can say “smell you later” to those not-so-fresh feelings.