Lume Deodorant For Underarms & Private Parts 3oz Tube
Lower PFAS concern for simple cream without water-resistant treatment claims.
This Lume cream deodorant lacks water-resistant or stain-resistant properties that would require PFAS chemistry. No PFAS claims or public testing exist for this basic cosmetic formula.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-based cream emulsion in aluminum tube
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Many cosmetic creams use preservative systems (imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin) that release trace formaldehyde. Lume's full preservative system is not detailed on consumer-facing labels; contact brand for specific agent confirmation if you have formaldehyde sensitivity.
Source: ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
Lume includes fragrance notes (product is scented); fragrance is permitted to be listed as a single ingredient without component breakdown. Potential allergens include linalool, limonene, or other essential oil components not itemized on label.
Zinc ricinoleate skin irritation
The primary active ingredient is zinc ricinoleate, a mineral compound. Rare contact dermatitis or sensitization has been reported in cosmetic literature for zinc compounds in very sensitive individuals, though rate is low and brand markets this as gentle.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Aluminum tube leaching (minimal risk)
The product is housed in aluminum but the cream is not acidic and contact is brief. No data suggests aluminum migration into this neutral-pH emulsion; tube liner and sealed closure minimize direct contact risk.
Microplastic content
No evidence of intentional microplastic beads or microplastic contamination in Lume cream deodorant formulation; water-based cream format does not typically require microplastics.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Lume is a water-based cream emulsion housed in an aluminum tube, formulated without aluminum salts (which block sweat) but instead using zinc ricinoleate and other odor-neutralizing actives. The cream base typically contains emulsifiers, glycerin, and preservatives to maintain stability without relying on aerosol propellants or talc. This material class, simple cosmetic cream, carries lower inherent risk than powders (talc concern) or spray products (inhalation pathways).
The brand's record and disclosure
Lume publishes ingredient lists and has built brand identity around transparency regarding aluminum-free formulation and genital skin safety claims. The company does not prominently advertise PFAS testing or certification (MADE SAFE, EWG Verified), but absence of water-resistant or sweat-lock claims reduces rational PFAS inclusion. No significant recalls, litigation, or substantiated safety controversies on record for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Lume sits in the mid-premium segment: costlier than mass-market stick deodorants (Degree, Old Spice) but comparable in safety profile to other aluminum-free creams (Native, Kopari). Unlike traditional antiperspirants, it does not attempt moisture barrier claims that would justify PFAS. The cream format is gentler on sensitive skin than powder alternatives and avoids spray inhalation risk.
If you buy it
Store in cool, dry conditions to prevent emulsion breakdown or separation; do not expose tube to direct heat or freezing. Replace every 6-12 months or when separation occurs or odor efficacy drops. Test on inner arm first if you have very sensitive skin. Apply thin layer to clean, dry skin; reapply after heavy sweating or as needed for odor control.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Lume has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.