Method · Hand Sanitizer
method Hand Wash, Naturally Derived, Mimosa Sun
Lower PFAS concern; liquid hand wash has minimal inherent PFAS use, but no public disclosure.
Method's hand wash is a water-based liquid soap product with no known PFAS-prone materials (no waterproofing, nonstick, or stain resistance needed). Hand wash formulations rarely require PFAS additives.
Shop Method on Amazon →Material
Aqueous liquid soap formulation (surfactants, water, preservatives)
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 is a water-based liquid soap formulation built on plant-derived surfactants, preservatives, and fragrance rather than synthetic detergents or antimicrobials like triclosan. The 'naturally derived' claim targets surfactants from renewable sources such as coconut or corn, which break down more readily in water than petrochemical equivalents. Aqueous liquid formulations inherently avoid issues like BPA leaching from plastic storage or formaldehyde off-gassing from solid bars, making them chemically stable at room temperature. The main preservation system relies on standard food-grade preservatives (typically methylchloroisothiazolinone or similar) at low concentrations to prevent microbial growth.
The brand's record and disclosure
Method is owned by SC Johnson and has built a public reputation for ingredient transparency, publishing full ingredient lists online and avoiding synthetic antimicrobials like triclosan. The brand is certified by Safer Choice (EPA) for many formulations, indicating third-party review against safer chemical alternatives. No major recalls or contamination incidents are on record for Method hand wash products. The company does not prominently disclose PFAS content or avoidance, which is typical for liquid soap brands but represents a gap in transparency compared to their overall disclosure standard.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the safer tier of commercial hand washes: liquid form eliminates ceramic/glaze hazards, plant-derived surfactants reduce ecotoxicity versus petroleum-based alternatives, and the absence of antimicrobial agents (triclosan, triclocarban) distinguishes it from older formulations linked to endocrine concerns. Most competitors in the mass-market 'naturally derived' segment (like Mrs. Meyer's or Seventh Generation) share similar safety profiles and ingredient transparency. Premium or medical-grade hand sanitizers may offer alcohol-based alternatives with different risk profiles (skin irritation, flammability) but comparable overall toxicity.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry location away from direct heat or sunlight to preserve the fragrance and prevent preservative degradation. Use as directed (wet hands, apply, rinse) with no special precautions; the formulation is designed for skin contact and poses no hazard from normal use. The plastic bottle should be kept sealed to prevent contamination and preservative breakdown; if sediment or discoloration appears, discard and replace. No special handling is needed for disposal; rinse container and recycle or dispose according to local plastic waste guidelines.
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.”
Fragrance allergens
Mimosa Sun fragrance blend contains natural essential oils and fragrance compounds; individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies may experience contact dermatitis or sensitization. Method does not publish the full fragrance formula (industry standard practice), limiting ability to identify specific allergenic components like limonene or linalool.
Preservative sensitivity
Plant-derived formulations typically use isothiazolinone-class preservatives to prevent microbial growth; a small subset of individuals develop contact allergic reactions to these compounds. This is rare but documented in dermatology literature and may require patch testing to confirm.
Microplastics in formulation
Method has publicly committed to eliminating microbeads from personal care products; no microplastics are reported in hand wash formulations from this brand. Liquid soap vehicles do not require exfoliating solids.
Heavy metals in colorants or pigments
Liquid hand washes use soluble dyes rather than insoluble pigments, and Method's EPA Safer Choice certification includes review for heavy metal content. No contamination reports exist for this product line.
1,4-dioxane (cosmetic contaminant)
1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of ethoxylation in some surfactant manufacturing; Method's Safer Choice certification and published commitment to contaminant reduction make this a low concern. No independent testing data for this specific product is publicly available, but the brand standard suggests mitigation.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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 Sanitizer
Seventh Generation
Hand Wash Natural Seventh Generation
water-based surfactants, plant-derived ingredients
Lower-concern choice; MADE SAFE certification and plant-based formula reduce PFAS risk significantly.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Seventh Generation
Hydrating Antibacterial Hand Mist
Water-based cosmetic spray (alcohol, water, plant extracts, preservatives)
Lower-concern choice; hand mist format and brand transparency reduce PFAS risk, though no dedicated lab testing published.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Honest Company
The Honest Company SANI SPRAY-2OZ-GRAPEFRUIT
Water-based formula (spray disinfectant)
Lower-concern buy; transparent brand with third-party backing on PFAS.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More hand sanitizer 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.