Many of us have a bottle of Method soap sitting on our counter, drawn in by its stylish design, vibrant colors, and promise of a cleaner, greener clean. But for a discerning consumer, the questions linger beneath the surface of that bubbly lather: is Method soap truly good or toxic? Who is the company behind the "People Against Dirty" slogan, and are its famous scents truly clean?
Let's unpack the brand, its ingredients, and its corporate story to give you a clearer picture.
BuyNow in AMAZONIs Method Soap "Toxic"? A Look at the Ingredients
Method has built its brand on a foundation of using plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. They proudly state that their products are free from many of the "dirty" ingredients found in conventional cleaners, such as parabens, phthalates, and Triclosan. For many, this is enough to give them peace of mind.
However, the question of "toxic" is nuanced, and a deeper look reveals some areas of concern for certain consumers:
Fragrance: Method's signature scents are a major part of its appeal, but the term "fragrance" on an ingredient list is a broad one. It can represent a blend of dozens of chemicals, both natural and synthetic, that a company is not required to disclose. While Method says its fragrances are tested for safety and contain at least 50% plant-based ingredients, critics point out that this lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers with allergies or sensitivities to know exactly what they're exposed to.
Preservatives: To prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, preservatives are a necessary part of any liquid soap. Some of the preservatives used in cleaning products have been linked to skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Method, like many brands, uses certain preservatives to ensure product safety and longevity.
Surfactants: The cleansing agents in soap—like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)—have been subject to controversy. While the brand states that SLS is a safe and effective ingredient, they have also reformulated some of their products to use a milder surfactant system in response to consumer concerns.
The bottom line is that while Method avoids many of the harshest chemicals, it's not entirely without ingredients that have been questioned by consumer safety groups. For the vast majority of users, the products are safe and non-toxic, but for those with sensitive skin or allergies, a quick check of the full ingredient list is always a good idea.
Who Owns the Brand? The Journey from San Francisco to a Global Company
Method's story began in a San Francisco apartment with two friends, Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan, who shared a passion for creating stylish, eco-friendly cleaning products. They launched the brand in 2001 with a simple goal: to make cleaning products people didn't have to hide under the sink. The brand quickly gained a loyal following and a reputation for being a "People Against Dirty" company.
In 2017, the Method story took a significant turn when it was acquired by S.C. Johnson & Son, a global consumer goods giant. S.C. Johnson is the family-owned company behind household names like Windex, Ziploc, and Raid. This acquisition brought Method into a much larger corporate family.
While some consumers feared that the sale would compromise Method's core values, the brand has continued to operate as a Certified B Corporation, meeting rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This means that even under a larger parent company, Method maintains a commitment to its founding principles.
The Scents: A Blend of Nature and Science
Method's creative scents—from "Sea Minerals" to "Pink Grapefruit"—are a key differentiator in the market. The brand openly states that their fragrances are a blend of both natural essential oils and safe synthetic components. This allows them to create complex, lasting scents while still adhering to their safety and environmental standards.
The fragrance blends are developed in-house and are rigorously assessed for safety by a "Greenskeeping" and toxicology team. The brand emphasizes that their scents are free from phthalates and other "dirty" fragrance ingredients that have been linked to health concerns.
Ultimately, whether you find a scent to be "clean" is a personal judgment. What one person finds to be a pleasant aroma, another may find overpowering. The important takeaway is that Method is transparent about its use of both natural and synthetic components, and it is committed to a high standard of safety for both people and the planet.
The Final Verdict
Is Method soap good or toxic? The verdict leans heavily toward good. The brand has successfully carved out a space in the market by offering products that are not only effective and beautifully designed but also prioritize safety and environmental responsibility. While no product is completely free from ingredients that some consumers may wish to avoid, Method's commitment to transparency, its B Corp certification, and its continued focus on plant-based ingredients make it a leader in the conscious consumer space. When you choose a Method product, you're not just buying a soap; you're supporting a brand that strives to make a difference, one beautifully scented bottle at a time.