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My Lume Review – What Surprised Me About This Deodorant

My Lume Review - What Surprised Me About This Deodorant

My Lume Deodorant Review

Does this natural deodorant really protect for 72 hours?

2.5/5 stars

Pros:

  • Natural, gentle, vegan, and cruelty-free.
  • You can use it wherever (externally) on your body that you need odor protection.

Cons:

  • You have to let it dry after applying.
  • Odor protection wasn't as promised.

Verdict:

I was enticed by Lume's gentle ingredients, clinically tested efficacy for odor control, and the suggestion that it can be used on more than just your underarms. On paper all that sounded great, but the actual experience of using this water-based cream deodorant was a miss for me.

As I continue on my quest to find the best natural deodorant for me, I couldn't skip over Lume. In terms of what Lume doesn't include—leaving out potentially harmful ingredients like aluminum and sulfates, as well as common sensitive skin irritants like baking soda and essential oils—it's in good company with the other natural deodorants I've tried.* But two things that set it apart from the others is that its formula has a creamy consistency and that it's marketed as a product you can use for odor protection on any external part of your body.

Lume deodorant is sold both in stick form and in tube form. Both contain the same creamy formula; the only difference is that the tube deodorant must be applied using your hands, whereas the stick acts as an applicator. I decided to purchase the stick so I'd have the option of using the applicator, but I am comfortable applying deodorant with my hands—I learned this from my first-ever natural deodorant experience, with Schmidt's jar deodorant. (I found Lume's consistency to be more lotion-like than Schmidt's.) Read on to see how using Lume went for me!

*I've tried by Humankind, Myro, Kopari, and while our reviews weren't written by me, I've also tried Native and Schmidt's.

My Subscription Addiction paid for this product. (Check out the review process post to learn more.)

Lume Deodorant Quick Facts

Cost

  • $13.99 for a single bar
  • $12.59 when you subscribe
  • Subscribers can choose to have as many tubes as they want delivered every 1, 2, or 3 months.
  • Changes and cancellations to subscriptions must be made 3 days prior to the upcoming billing date shown on your My Account page.

Shipping

  • Ships to the US and Canada at varying rates.
  • Free shipping available on any order over $20.

Product

  • Deodorant sticks are 2.2 oz bar-style twist-ups that contain a water-based cream deodorant. You can apply with the stick or your fingers.
  • Lume also offers 3 oz deodorant tubes that contain the same water-based cream deodorant, meant to be applied with your fingers.

Perks

  • Cruelty-free
  • Aluminum-free
  • Baking-soda-free
  • Naturally scented (no artificial fragrances)
  • Vegan
  • Silicone-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Talc-free
  • Unscented
  • Lavender Sage
  • Juniper Berry
  • Silver Spruce
  • Jasmine Rose
  • 3-pack (includes Juniper Berry, Silver Spruce, and Jasmine Rose scents)

Ingredients: Water, Mandelic Acid, Arrowroot Powder, Tapioca Starch, Isoamyl Laurate, Sodium Acrylate/ Acryloyldimethyltaurate/ Dimethylacrylamide Crosspolymer, Caffeine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Isohexadecane, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Lactate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 60, Lecithin, Pullulan, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ethylhexyglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Silica, Fragrance*

*Lavender Sage is scented with only pure essential oils, while their other scents also contain naturally derived, skin safe botanicals. All of their ingredients are phthalate-free and they entrust Berje with all of their scent sourcing. Lume's unscented products do not contain any essential oils or added fragrance.

While Lume does not contain any peanuts, tree nuts, or sesame, their mandelic acid is derived from almonds.

Lume deodorant ingredients.

My Lume Deodorant Review

The Feel

2/5 stars

 

The Promise: "Water-based cream that rubs in like a lotion."

The Reality: A very wet experience with the applicator; better when you use your hands.

Despite all the talk of the creamy, lotion-like consistency of Lume deodorant, I wasn't expecting it to be as thin as it is. I wouldn't call it "runny," per se, but it's much less creamy than the body lotion I use after shaving my legs. Lume does advise very clearly that a little goes a long way and to start small. They also suggest it might take up to a week to get the hang of finding the appropriate amount to use. I gave it a week of use with the applicator, and I was kind of miserable every day that week. I released the smallest amount I could—one twist of the dial—then gave it a swipe under my arms and rubbed it in for 4-5 seconds like the directions suggest...and then stood there with my arms out waiting for it to dry and praying for it to not get on my shirt (my prayers were not answered) for a few minutes. I had to wipe some off, then try reapplying a few times, and honestly it just made a mess and didn't feel good.

I then took to using my hands to apply this deodorant, and things were much improved. I feel firmly that applying by hand is the only way to go with this stuff; it's the only way to stop it from being wet wet wet and getting all over my clothes.

Speaking of getting all over my clothes, when I used the applicator, the lotion-like moisture transferred from my pits to my shirt every time I applied it, and darkened the armpit area of my shirt. It did come out in the wash, so no long-term stains, but it also had me changing my shirt every morning after already getting dressed—I'm just not interested in starting my day with soggy underarms. Two mornings I did remember to apply Lume before putting a shirt on, and that solved the wet shirt issue, but it didn't solve my having to stand and wait for my pits to dry. However, this wasn't an issue at all when I used my hands to apply.

The Scent

4/5 stars

The Promise: "The detoxifying power of the juniper berry (which isn't fruity) combines with bergamot’s crisp citrus."

The Reality: Fresh, pleasant, and unisex.

I tried the Juniper Berry scent because I love gender-neutral, nature-inspired aromas in the products I use, and it did not disappoint. I agree with Lume, it's not fruity at all—it's a fresh take on a vague fir scent, it's subtle yet energetic, and it's perfectly unisex. I did catch faint whiffs of it early in the day, but it faded quickly and by afternoon my nose couldn't detect the scent, even when I stuck my nose in my armpit and took a big whiff.

The Odor Protection

2/5 stars

The Promise: "Clinically proven 72-hour odor control."

The Reality: Required multiple re-applications throughout the day.

72 hours of odor control is a serious promise to make! I was equal parts skeptical and ready to witness a miracle going into my odor protection assessment. Unfortunately I had no such luck—not even close. I wasn't able to go a single day without reapplying. It has gotten hot here where I live, but I'm also in my air-conditioned house for much of the day, and I found myself needing a reapplication even on low-exertion days. While my experience did improve once I started using my hands to apply this cream deodorant, bottom line is Lume was not as lasting as other natural deodorants I've tried.

As for external use other than my armpits? I did try Lume on the creases where my buttocks and thighs meet, as that's the only other part of my body that sometimes gets a little sweaty throughout a regular day. It was fine! It was like rubbing lotion on the backs of my legs. I don't have a persistent issue with odor on that part of my body, so I can't speak confidently to whether or not it worked, but it wasn't uncomfortable at the least.

Side note on the clinical proof to which Lume refers. They actually post the results of the clinical testing right on their website, but I must say, it really doesn't sit well with me. The absence of specific data, paired with patronizing language ("real women" with "real body odor"), made me feel distrustful of the study Lume cites throughout its product pages. I'd be remiss not to shout from the rooftops that every single woman walking this planet is "real," and so is her body odor, however faint or powerful it is.

Good to Know

Natural Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant

Most deodorants you’ll find on the shelf are antiperspirants, which are meant to inhibit sweating (and therefore reduce odor) by using aluminum salts to block the sweat glands. Non-antiperspirant deodorants allow the body to sweat naturally, but contain ingredients that curb odor by addressing the bacteria that causes it. While some early research linked the use of antiperspirants with Alzheimer’s and cancer, according to Teen Vogue there is no compelling scientific case to prove it; still, consumers are increasingly wary of using body products that contain unnecessary chemicals. Some consumers also have concerns about interfering with the “detoxifying” process of sweating, but Teen Vogue clarifies that sweating is really only responsible for a “negligible” amount of detoxification.

Lume is not an antiperspirant and will not stop you from sweating. Lume does contain some ingredients to help reduce wetness, but it is not designed to block sweat. This company stands behind their odor protection, and suggests that many wearers of natural deodorant become less bothered by wetness, as long as there is no odor.

 

What is an “Armpit Detox?” Transitioning to Natural Deodorant

You may have heard tell of the 2-4 week transition period that’s typical when switching from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant. Some sources call this period an “armpit detox,” which sounds kind of intense, but it doesn’t have to be. Everybody’s body reacts differently during the transition, but generally what you can expect is to be a little extra stinky for a time while your armpits adjust to sweating regularly again.

Here are a few tips for getting through the switch:

  • Research your options before choosing a natural deodorant. If wetness is a major concern of yours, Lume might not be a great first place to start. But if you're mainly looking for an odor protection option, perhaps Lume would work better for you than it did for me!
  • Bring your new natural deodorant along with you for a bit—carry it in your purse or work bag so you can apply an extra layer if you feel you need it partway through the day.
  • Rest assured knowing that you’re probably way more aware of this smelly phase than anyone else is. It’s likely not as bad as you think! And, truly, it will come to an end.
  • If you experience any stinging, redness, or rash, it’s time to stop using that deodorant and give your precious pits (and, in Lume's case, your privates) a little break—and maybe even check in with a dermatologist if it’s bad. Sometimes even natural ingredients don’t work great with everyone’s skin, and there are all sorts of other natural deodorants to try out there.

 

Shipping, Returns, & More

Lume deodorant package.

Placing Your Order

For this review, I made a one-time purchase of Lume's Juniper Berry deodorant stick directly from Lume's website. Lume is also now available for purchase on Amazon and at some Walmart locations, in limited scents and for a greater cost than on Lume's own site. Since I bought a single stick, my deodorant cost $13.99, but if you subscribe to receive it on a recurring basis (every 1, 2, or 3 months), each stick costs $12.59.

Standard shipping costs $2.99, but is free for orders over $20. Lume offers a 2-stick deodorant bundle where the second bar only costs $9.99, totaling $23.98 for 2 sticks (that saves you $4). Lume also sells natural soaps (in all the same scents that the deodorant is available in) and deodorant wipes, which contain the same active ingredients as the deodorant tube and stick—so you could try other products to help save on shipping, too.

Shipping & Tracking

I placed my Lume order on a Friday. The only shipping option available to me was Standard Shipping for $2.99. I promptly got an order confirmation email, and a shipping confirmation email with tracking showed up the next business day (Monday). My order arrived just two days later, on that Wednesday, and I was notified via email both when it was out for delivery and once it had been delivered.

Customer Service

Lume has an extensive FAQ if you have questions about how the product can be used, but if you have additional questions or concerns about your order, you can contact them using the form on their site. You can also email [email protected]

Returns

Lume offers a money back guarantee on your first deodorant stick or tube, even if it has been opened, as long as it's your first purchase. They will refund you the cost of the deodorant, but you pay for return shipping. Any subsequent orders are final sale.

My Experience

After a couple of weeks of use I came to the conclusion that Lume deodorant isn't for me. While I did like the scent, the consistency was too wet for my preferences and the odor protection didn't hold up in comparison to other natural deodorants I've tried. For a smooth but dry deodorant application, I recommend Kopari. For reliable odor protection I like by Humankind or Native. But every body is different! What works for one person may differ from others.

Have You Tried Lume?

Did you try Lume and love it? Did you share Christen's experience? We'd love to hear your thoughts on Lume and other natural deodorants in the comments!

And, be sure to check out our other reviews of natural deodorants:



Christen Russo
Christen Russo

Hi there, I'm Christen! I've been writing with MSA since 2017. I am all sorts of things: a writer, a mother, an outdoors-lover, a low-maintenance self-carer, and general hungry person.

You'll find me collecting stationery and squirreling away stickers, riding bikes and swimming with my family, creating outfits in earth tones and flowy silhouettes that make me feel amazing, wearing big earrings, drinking beer and asking my husband to feed me harmonies to sing, taking my vitamins, living for live music, roping everyone into a craft, being human and vulnerable, and celebrating the phenomenon of being alive.


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223 comments

Carol

I just tried Lume last week. It has worked great for me. I didn’t detect a “butt” order from the unscented solid stick deodorant. I put it on one morning after a shower using the acidified body wash. It worked all day. The next morning I got up – no shower-no order and did a 30 minute spin then stretch & strength for an hour. Still no B.O. My daughter also tried the wipes on a sweaty arm pit followed by the unscented stick deodorant. She is also having sucess with the products. She sweats very heavily. The armpits of her clothes are often stained by her sweat. I haven’t tried any other other deodorant brands named in your article, so I have no comparison. But I can say that I have tried many clinical strength Brand Named deodorants without success.

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DEB COLLINS

THIS STUFF IS AWFUL! IMAGINE PUTTING SOMETHING GREASY AND SLIMY ON YOUR PRIVATE PARTS AND LEAVING IT THERE FOR AN ENTIRE DAY? AND IT SMELLS MUSTY AND OLD! YUCK!!! I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT TO ANYONE EVER!!

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Kimmy

I got a rash using Lume. Does anyone know what ingredient may have caused it? I’m hoping to get to the bottom of this problem to avoid it in the future.

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Rachel Young

I got a nasty itchy rash in my private area and all the way up my crack after using Lume for a week or so. It almost feels like a chemical burn. The first few days were ok but by day 8, I was on FIRE!

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Tan

OMG
I have very nasty rash …
My armpits..underneath my mothers apron.. and private parts.. so happy to see this… it looks like chemical burns… itchy and painful

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Mandy

I just wanted to say that it was a very good idea for most people, but the risk of skin irritation keeps me away from using it either on my sensitive underarms or panty area.

I feel I need to point out a large drawback with using this product in the female genital area. Some people become Type 2 Diabetics anywhere from age 30-55, sometimes younger or older.
Many of the newer diabetes treatment meds. have the side effects of either causing a UTI or a very rare side effect of a bacterial infection in the tissues between the urethra and the anus. This infection is Necrotizing Fascitis and it can be fatal from what I have been reading. I actully didn’t believe this could exist after I saw a TV commercial warning about death from an infection of the genital tissues but have read about it and it is very real.

The peeling of skin and the irritation of tissues that so many former users are reporting here should be enough to convince anyone on one of the oral Diabetes meds. that excrete sugar through the kidneys that this is not a product that should be used. It might could be used on underarms but yeast overgrowth is also a huge problem for DM Type 2. Staying dry and odorless is so easy with a stick of Degree unless there is an allergy to the main ingredient, an Aluminum compound.

This is just because I think everyone should read the posts and use caution with immune disorders and diabetes, especially if on oral medication that is a newer type med.

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Mary

I’ve tried quite a few natural deodorants but oddly enough I find Native to be lacking in the odor control department. Schmidt’s is a good option for me but it stays SO white, it stains my underarms white and the white gets on my clothes in the morning even though I apply my deodorant at night. My favorite natural deodorant has actually been Lavilin. It lasts up to 7 days. I know this isn’t a positive review but I’m wondering if based on the key differences between our experiences I may have a better time with Lume. I think I’d like to try it.

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Stacy

I too when I opened it that it smelled quite frankly like “Butt”. I thought isn’t that why we all bought it was to have “No stink” as the product claims?!
But the worst of all is Raw rash that it leaves behind. It’s itchy. Broke out. And it smells. I don’t use the product now; But am having a hard time getting rid of the damage it’s done.

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Holly

Oders for me only happen when I Sweat. No sweat, no oder. Lume does nothing to keep me dry. I will stick with my own deoderant

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Kate

I’d describe my feminine order as very pungent. Maybe I sweat more than other women but I tried a bunch of different powders over the years. Nothing really helped. My genocologist didn’t smell anything “off” but I couldn’t stand myself! It’s gotten worse, the older I get. I was at my wit’s send so I started sleeping with a wash cloth between my legs. As crazy as it sounds, it actually helped a bit by absorbing the prespiration down there.It was a coping strategy but not a solution. I simply could not stand it any longer. I’ve been using Lume for 4 days and I am THRILLED. I’m glad I’m not an allergy sufferer because I would not want to go without this magic stuff.

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Ruben

Do they have this for men

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Cherri

Lume literally dies what it says it does! It’s gentle, and you only need small amounts for protection. I spin a lot and with the amount of sweat down there can really have unpleasant odor. No mystery there. With Lume, you WILL NOT have that bad funk or even a detection of the odor. The product is amazing and I’ll continue to be a customer. Just wish there was cucumber melon in inventory!

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Dawn

Unfortunately, I am allergic to your deodorant and will not be able to use it. I have broken out under my arms, under my breasts etc.

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Lori

U r absolutely a wish come true! I bought my first 3pk of solid stick deodorant, and was thrilled. The body parts I was paranoid about smelling, I no longer had to worry about.As a Registered Nurse, I have gladly mentioned it to certain patients, and co workers. Can’t wait to go thru,and look at all the products u have developed! U definitely have a customer for life, and will continue to spread your name and products to all those that will listen. Thank u for an amazing product.Can’t wait to order more! Sincerely, Lori A

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Sandra

Catherine, I got the sample pack as well and the smell was HORRIBLE for me as well.

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Linda

I think the scent of the Lume deodorant that I recently received is dreadful. I actually hold my breath when I put it on, and I can still smell it for a while after that. I think it works fine, but I can’t get past the smell.

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Mikayla

So I’ve had lume for several months and what I found was it only worked if I was freshly showered when I applied it. If there was any opportunity for bacteria to grow, even if I didn’t sweat, I would still stink when using Lume. But if I had just showered when I applied it, it worked for a couple days. However, after months of using it I am now broken out badly in a rash in both armpits. It seems to be a fungal infection, it’s horribly itchy and bumpy and antihistamine cream doesn’t work. Antifungal cream stops the itching and it seems to be slowly clearing now but it’s taking a super long time. I don’t know for sure if the rash is directly related to Lume, I’m also pregnant and so therefore at higher risk for yeast infections of all kinds including on the skin. But I’ve never had this before and this is my 5th pregnancy, so it’s very strange and I feel like it’s related to using Lume. I will be returning to my regular antiperspirants, Lume is really expensive anyway. I’m bummed but I’m not risking having this horrible rash again.

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Carol

I had a really bad experience. Everywhere I applied Lume is extremely red and irritate. Upon application there was a slight burning which only increased. I had a very long day and night and now day again. One bath, one shower plus and I am still severely irritated. Beware
I have taken Benadryl, used hydrocortisone cream and now I’m trying aloe to calm the burning. It will never be used at my house again. I’m miserable.

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Taylor

Same here! It felt like I’d touched my private areas with hot pepper on my hands! I had to jump in a cold shower and wash it off. I know this isn’t the norm, from reading reviews. I have no idea why I reacted this way. It was the Whole Body Deodorant, Toasted Coconut.

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Mandi

It was probably the mandelic acid, which is an AHA. If you have sensitive skin, an allergy or had shaved before applying I can see why it would irritate you. AHA’s are so tricky, I didn’t even know they were used in natural deodorants.

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Catherine

At first I was skeptical because it smells absolutely like butt crack trying to be disguised by different scents (I got the sample pack). Then, I was surprised because it worked so well and the bad smell kinda fades after application. Now, I’m googling others experiences because my groin is covered in a painful bumpy peeling rash-and I’m not alone. My pits haven’t been affected yet, but they’re tingly and I don’t really want to tempt fate. Long story short-don’t burn yourself by using this. Honestly it smells so incredibly bad I had to apply with toilet paper and wash my hands afterwards.

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Doris Jean

When I first tried lume…I absolutely loved it. It was the only natural deodorant that worked for me. However, when I purchased again it gave me a rash. I can’t figure out what went wrong. I recommended lume to a friend and it gave her a rash as well. I don’t consider myself to have sensitive skin and never broke out before using lume from skin products. It definitely works but unfortunately, I can no longer use it.

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Bobby Nation

Lume is a great product but it has ruined 5 of my colored pull over shirts to the point I can only work outside in them,but I use it daily wit whites only.Anyone else have this problem?Thanks in advance

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Jan

I tried lume for 3 days and have a nasty blustery rash. Awful product. Can’t believe it passed FDA approval

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Lisa

I was so excited to try this product. I purchased a three pack and when it arrived, I tried it…A few days later I was broken out under my arms and other places I used it. I am so sad that this will not work for me. I understand that it must be a mixture with my body and not the products fault. Now I am stuck with the other two bottles….:-(

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Teresa Cravens

I had the same problem, only I ordered 5 of them..

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Cynthia L.

It worked for 72 hours for me. So who knows?

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Zelda Gluck

I was disappointed not only in the soppy product and the price, but THE COMMERCIALS ARE OFFENSIVE. I.e., Dr. with head between a womans’ legs during exam,(embarrassing to patient) and young women lifting their feet up with their hands to expose their “private parts” (reminds me of “dead bug” yoga position). Couldn’t they think of a classier way to present their over-priced, under performing product? Even toilet paper commercials are less demeaning I do not recommend product and turn off commercials when I see them.

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Br

Off the subject of Lume, but I get the whole commercial thing! The worst commercial I think is the razor one for women, where they show 3 different sized potted bushes in different shapes..like we get it, you can use this razor for “other” parts as well, no need to go into such detail! I forget what razor it was

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catherine johnson

Bought these products for my wife & thought they worked great, but to my surprise my wife CAN NOT USE it more than 1 day, if she uses the product 2 days in a row she breaks out like crazy.

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Alison

I bought a Lume’ tube last year and still have about 1/4 of it left. I stopped using it because is just seemed to stop working. It was great for the first 6-8 months but then, it’s just sort of died. Can anybody tell me if it expired or if it the body get immune to it after a while?

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Chelsea

I thought the same thing had happened to me. It turns out a new bar soap I bought was messing me up and the Lume started working again as soon as I stopped using the soap.

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