Method · Hand Soap
Method Hand Wash Hydrating Serum
Lower-concern liquid soap with no known PFAS triggers, but Method makes no public PFAS commitment.
Method Hand Wash Hydrating Serum is a liquid hand soap, a rinse-off cosmetic with no waterproofing, grease-resistance, or nonstick coating claims that would typically require PFAS. The brand does not disclose PFAS-free status or hold third-party verification.
Shop Method on Amazon →Material
aqueous liquid soap formulation
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
Method Hand Wash Hydrating Serum is a water-based liquid soap formulation designed for frequent hand washing. Liquid soaps avoid the ceramic, enamel, and coating degradation risks of cookware or the microplastic shedding potential of solid bar alternatives. The "hydrating serum" component typically includes glycerin or plant-derived emollients rather than microbeads, which reduces physical pollution risk and dermal irritation in vulnerable populations.
The brand's record and disclosure
Method is owned by SC Johnson and has marketed itself as an eco-conscious brand with formulations free of parabens, phosphates, and animal testing. However, Method makes no public statement on PFAS avoidance, despite growing industry scrutiny of PFAS in fragrances and surfactant packages. The brand has good transparency on ingredient lists and certifications (e.g., Leaping Bunny) but does not publish third-party testing for heavy metals, 1,4-dioxane residues, or PFAS levels.
How it compares in its category
Liquid hand soaps are among the lowest-risk personal care products because they rinse completely and involve minimal skin retention. Method positions itself in the premium, eco-marketing segment alongside brands like Seventh Generation and Dr. Bronner's, which do publish PFAS commitments. Standard liquid soaps from major manufacturers (e.g., Dial, Softsoap) offer comparable safety profiles but less transparency; independent testing of competitor brands shows similar absence of reported contaminants.
If you buy it
Liquid hand soaps require no special storage conditions beyond room temperature and sealed closure to prevent evaporation and microbial growth. Rinse thoroughly after washing to remove all residue, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or eczema. Replace when viscosity changes significantly or if the bottle is left uncapped for extended periods. Do not ingest; keep away from eyes; standard precautions apply as with all soaps.
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.”
1,4-dioxane (residual synthetic contaminant)
Dioxane can occur as a trace byproduct in ethoxylated surfactants used in some liquid soaps. No published testing or recall data exists for Method Hand Wash products; brand formulations historically use plant-based and synthetic surfactants with lower dioxane risk than legacy detergents.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Method products are fragranced; while the brand discloses fragrance components on packaging, synthetic fragrance blends may contain undisclosed allergens. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity should perform patch testing or choose unscented alternatives.
Heavy metals in colorants and mineral additives
Method uses synthetic dyes and cosmetic-grade colorants; no contamination has been reported. Liquid soap formulations are lower-risk than pigmented cosmetics, and rinse-off products limit dermal absorption.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservative systems
Method does not use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin or imidazolidinyl urea, according to published ingredient disclosures. Preservative safety is a known strength of the brand's formulations.
Microplastic beads
The "hydrating serum" designation indicates emollient oils or glycerin rather than physical exfoliants; no microbeads are listed or reported in this product line.
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 Hand Soap
Ecos
Orange Hand Soap
Plant-based surfactants, water, essential oils (orange)
Lower concern, solid plant-based formula with credible third-party oversight; no PFAS-prone materials.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Seventh Generation
Hand Wash, Free Clean
aqueous surfactants, botanicals, water-based formula
Lower PFAS concern; buy with confidence if skin-sensitivity is a priority.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Seventh Generation
Liquid Hand Soap Free & Clean
Water-based liquid soap formulation
Lower-concern choice; no PFAS expected in liquid soap format, but verification limited to brand claims.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More hand soap 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.