If you‘re on the hunt for an effective natural deodorant, Lume and Native stand out as two of the most popular options. After struggling with irritating aluminum antiperspirants for years, I decided it was finally time to go the natural route.
In this detailed review based on first-hand experience testing Lume and Native’s top products, I’ll compare:
- Ingredient safety
- Odor protection power
- Value for money
- Scent selections
- Company backgrounds
- Customers reviews/complaints
- Before and after my own results
By the end, you’ll know clearly whether Lume or Native is the best clean deodorant match for combatting B.O and sweat this summer.
Overview of Lume vs Native for Fighting Odor and Wetness
First, let’s quickly compare some vital stats between these two natural deodorant giants:
| Lume | Native | |
| Founded | 2017 | 2015 |
| Funding Raised | $4 million | $35.3 million |
| Employees | 50+ | 100+ |
| Odor Protection | 72 hours | 24 hours |
| Key Ingredients | Magnesium hydroxide, arrowroot powder, sodium bicarbonate | Tapioca starch, coconut oil, shea butter |
| Product Range | Deodorant, body wash, soap, wipes, detergent | Deodorant, body wash, soap, hair care, toothpaste, etc. |
| Most Popular Scent | Citrus and Ginger | Coconut and Vanilla |
As you can see, while Lume offers superior protection times, Native Edge has more brand recognition and product range as a natural consumer packaged goods company.
Now that we’ve covered the vital differences at a high-level, let’s get into the details around what sets them apart.
Analyzing Lume and Native’s Ingredient Safety
When applying products like deodorant daily, questionable ingredients can spell irritation or worse. Here’s how Lume and Native’s formulas compare when it comes to safety:
Lume
Lume’s formulas are all aluminum, paraben, silicone, phthalate, synthetic fragrance and baking soda free. Their deodorants rely on ingredients like magnesium hydroxide, arrowroot powder and sodium bicarbonate to stop odor. What sets Lume apart is their “Prebiotic Body Technology” using probiotics and zinc ricinoleate to help good bacteria on skin thrive and eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
According to Lume, each ingredient serves a purpose whether combatting bacteria or soothing skin. I didn’t experience any irritation after daily application.
Native
Similarly, Native ensures their products are vegan, cruelty-free and free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicone and synthetic fragrances. Their deodorants feature tapioca starch, arrowroot powder and baking soda for odor defense along with shea butter, coconut oil and Vitamin E for moisture.
One concern around Native I discovered is some complaints of baking soda causing irritation for those with sensitive underarms. While they don’t provide an exact formula, their restricted ingredients list is helpful for trying to avoid any irritants.
After reviewing both brands closely, I would say Lume edges out Native when it comes to pure ingredient safety, transparency and tolerance for those prone to skin sensitivity.
Putting Lume and Native’s Odor Protection to the Test
Now onto the most vital part of any deodorant review – how well do they stop body odor and wetness in real life? I rigorously tested Lume and Native over several weeks doing everything from high intensity workouts to stressful days in summer heat.
Here is how sweat and odor protection compared:
Lume
Just as advertised, I stayed completely odor free for a full 72 hours after applying Lume deodorant post-shower in the mornings. Even during 45 minute Peloton cycle classes, no body odor appeared by the end. The same held true wearing it to walk around NYC city blocks in 90+ degree weather.
By day 4, I noticed only the faintest hint of odor by night time. But a quick reapplication kept things in check through day 5. No stains or residue either.
Lume’s sweat prevention is moderate. Perspiration still happened but seemed less intense then when wearing normal antiperspirants.
Native
Native protected well against odor for a standard workday in an air conditioned office. But things took a turn once I went to hot yoga or did yard work in the summer heat. About 8 to 10 hours in, definite body odor began to appear.
As far as sweat goes, Native seems to focus only on odor molecules rather than stopping perspiration. Within 30 minutes of any activity, wetness soak through onto my shirt.
At the 24 hour mark, reapplication is absolutely necessary with Native especially for those with active lifestyles.
Clearly Lume’s proprietary odor prevention technology sets it apart with nearly triple Native’s protection times. But less sweat focus means Native likely wins for naturally staying drier as the trade-off.
Deconstructing Lume and Native’s Pricing + Value
Natural deodorant comes at a price point premium compared to drugstore brands. Here is how Lume and Native break down:
Lume Pricing
- Deodorant stick single: $15
- Deodorant 3-pack: $39 ($13 per stick)
- Body wash: $20
- Soap bar single: $7
Native Pricing
- Deodorant stick single: $12
- Deodorant 3-pack: $30 ($10 per stick)
- Body wash: $9
- Bar soap 2-pack: $8 ($4 per bar)
Given the extended protection time by 2-3x, Lume offers excellent value at only a few dollars more per stick compared to Native. Investing in the 3-pack brings their pricing nearly equal.
Both brands enable subscribe and save options to save 10-15%. But Lume also regularly offers sitewide sales up to 25% off.
Considering top performance and reasonable prices, Lume gets the nod for best pound-for-pound value out of any natural deodorant.
Comparing Lume and Native Customer Reviews
With thousands of positive reviews each on sites like Amazon and Google, both Lume and Native have clearly resonated with consumers seeking clean deodorants that actually work:
Lume deodorant reviews on Amazon
Native deodorant reviews on Google
The majority praise Lume’s incredible sweat and odor blocking abilities while Native fans love the smooth application and mostly neutralized BO for daily office use.
That said, some common complaints around Native include baking soda irritation, inadequate wetness protection lasting 24+ hours for daily application versus Lume’s 72+ hour claims.
Occasionally I came across reports of Lume having an adjustment period switching from traditional antiperspirants for the first 1-2 weeks.
All in all, both satisfy thousands of natural deodorant converts. Lume locks down extended protection for active users while Native offers affordable daily coverage for desk jobs.
My Experience Switching from Antiperspirants to Natural Deodorant
Having used traditional antiperspirants most of my life, transitioning to aluminum-free natural deodorant came with a learning curve:
Before Natural Deodorant
I applied clinical strength antiperspirants religiously each morning and still battled embarrassing sweat stains while commuting in NYC heat. The aluminum and fragrances also caused redness and painful bumps on my underarms regularly.
After Switching to Lume and Native
The first week adjusting to natural deodorant meant working through lingering residue sweating out of my system from years of antiperspirants. I dealt with a little extra moisture as my body regulated.
But by week 2, things balanced out and I got the full effects of Lume’s impressive 72 hour odor block and more tolerable moisture with Native’s application. Now the painful bumps and stains are gone too!
The nasty ingredients in drugstore antiperspirants were likely doing more harm than good. If you deal with irritation or sweat, I’d highly suggest taking a summer to detox and make the switch just like I did.
Final Verdict: Lume vs Native Natural Deodorant
Hopefully this helps weigh out which odor and sweat busting natural deodorant brand fits your lifestyle. I can definitively say if extended protection is critical – go with Lume. Their proprietary probiotic formula prevents a wider range of stains, odors and moisture for 72+ hours even during intense activity.
For affordability and standard daily coverage, Native takes the crown. Smoother application and mostly minimized wetness makes it a great option for desk jobs and casual summer days.
At the end of the day, both Lume and Native outperform mainstream antiperspirants with cleaner ingredients and loyal fanbases. Ditch the drugstore aisles and make the natural switch – your pits will thank you!
Have questions about my experience testing Lume and Native? Ask in the comments!
