Lume · Deodorant
Lume Whole Body Deodorant Plus Sweat Control
Lower-concern option; no PFAS red flags in typical formula, but brand offers no transparency.
Lume's deodorant is a rinse-off cosmetic without common PFAS triggers like water-repellent coatings or Teflon-family coating nonstick. The formula relies on standard emulsifiers and mineral actives rather than specialty fluorochemicals.
Shop Lume on Amazon →Material
Water-based emulsion with cyclopentasiloxane, mineral pigments, starch
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Lume Whole Body Deodorant Plus is a water-based emulsion built on cyclopentasiloxane (a volatile silicone fluid that evaporates quickly), mineral pigments, and starch as active ingredients. The water base means minimal organic solvent exposure compared to alcohol-heavy deodorants, and mineral pigments like iron oxides are generally considered stable and non-toxic in topical use. Starch works as an absorbent to control moisture, a mechanical approach with no known systemic absorption risk. The cyclopentasiloxane acts as a spreader and drying agent but volatilizes completely during application.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lume does not publish a full ingredient transparency report or third-party certification (like Leaping Bunny or EWG verification), which limits independent verification of claims. The brand markets itself as aluminum-free and baking soda-free, positioning as a sensitive-skin option, but offers no public stance on PFAS, heavy metals screening, or formaldehyde-releaser testing. No major recalls or safety controversies are on record for this product line. The lack of proactive disclosure is notable but does not indicate a known problem, only absence of reassurance.
How it compares in its category
Lume occupies the middle-to-premium segment of whole-body deodorants, competing with brands like Kopari and Native. It avoids aluminum (which some consumers prefer to avoid) and uses a water-based rather than silicone-only base, making it less occlusive than conventional antiperspirants. Most conventional drugstore deodorants use similar cyclopentasiloxane formulations and mineral pigments, so Lume is broadly comparable in chemical safety to standard brands; the main differentiation is marketing and absence of aluminum rather than a toxicological advantage.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to preserve the emulsion stability and prevent separation. The starch and mineral base should be replaced every 12 months or when clumping occurs, as starch can absorb moisture and degrade over time. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin; if redness or burning occurs after a few applications, discontinue and rinse thoroughly. Because it is not an antiperspirant, expect visible perspiration in high-heat or high-exertion conditions, which is normal for deodorant-only formulas.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Lume products typically include fragrance compounds (essential oils or synthetic fragrance blends are not fully listed on public labels). While no specific allergen recalls exist for this product, fragrance is a known contact sensitizer in topical products; individuals with fragrance sensitivity should test on a small area first.
Heavy metals in mineral pigments
Iron oxides used in mineral-based deodorants are chemically stable and minimally bioavailable in topical use. No published testing or recalls indicate heavy metal contamination in Lume's pigment supply, and mineral oxide pigments are generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use.
Formaldehyde releasers or preservative irritants
Standard water-based emulsions of this type typically use mild preservatives (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone) rather than formaldehyde donors. No public safety data or complaints suggest problematic preservative levels in Lume products.
Cyclopentasiloxane inhalation during application
Cyclopentasiloxane is volatile and some enters the air during application. While acute toxicity is low and it evaporates fully, chronic inhalation in poorly ventilated spaces (e.g., tiny bathrooms) is theoretically possible; use in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure.
Starch degradation and microbial growth if stored wet
If the deodorant container is exposed to moisture or high humidity, starch components can absorb water and promote mold or bacterial growth. Keep the lid sealed tightly and store in a dry environment to prevent this.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Deodorant
Tom's of Maine
Deodorant
mineral-based, baking soda formulation
Lower concern, mineral-based formula with public PFAS-free positioning, though no independent third-party verification.
⚠Risky category by default
Tom's of Maine
Most-Loved Deodorant Bundle
mineral-based and plant-derived actives; stick formulation
Lower-concern deodorant; mineral-based formula with PFAS-free claim aligns with brand ethos, but no third-party verification found.
⚠Risky category by default
Tom's of Maine
Antiperspirant Deodorant
mineral-based active ingredients, plant-derived botanicals, no synthetic water-repellent coatings
Lower PFAS concern, mineral-based formula with MADE SAFE cert; antiperspirant category has minimal waterproof-coating risk.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More deodorant grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.