Method · Hand Sanitizer
Morrocco Method International Hand & Surface Sanitizer Gel
Lower concern; standard hand sanitizer gel with no known PFAS application, but brand makes no explicit disclosure.
Method's hand & surface sanitizer gel is a water-based formulation with no inherent reason to contain PFAS (unlike water-resistant cosmetics or coated surfaces). The brand does not claim PFAS-free status, nor does it disclose ingredients related to fluorochemistry.
Shop Method on Amazon →Material
aqueous gel base (water, glycerin, gelling agents)
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
This is a water-and-glycerin-based gel formulation typical of modern hand sanitizers. Glycerin acts as a humectant to prevent skin drying, while gelling agents (likely carbomers or cellulose derivatives) provide texture without requiring alcohol at high concentration. The aqueous base means no volatile organic solvents, reducing inhalation risk compared to alcohol-only or isopropanol-heavy products. Method's ingredient list is publicly available and contains no known toxic preservatives or high-risk additives in reported formulations.
The brand's record and disclosure
Method is owned by SC Johnson and operates under the parent company's sustainability commitments, which include some third-party certifications (e.g., EPA Safer Choice recognition on some lines). The brand publishes ingredient lists and has no documented recalls or safety controversies specific to hand sanitizers. Method does not make explicit PFAS-free claims on this product, but the aqueous gel format has no known application for PFAS chemistry, making contamination unlikely. Transparency on ingredients is a strength relative to many consumer brands.
How it compares in its category
Gel sanitizers occupy the middle ground: they are less drying than alcohol gels (due to glycerin) and gentler than liquid formulations, but slower-acting than 60+ percent ethanol products. Method's version is competitively positioned; it meets EPA standards (likely 60+ percent active ingredient) without proprietary or concerning additives. Versus unbranded or boutique sanitizers, Method benefits from supply-chain oversight and testing, reducing microbiological contamination risk from manufacturing.
If you buy it
Apply a coin-sized amount and rub for 20 seconds until dry for antimicrobial efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation of active ingredients. No special precautions for skin sensitivity unless you have known reactions to glycerin or gelling agents; rinse with water if irritation occurs. Replace when product visibly separates, discolors, or if container is damaged, as microbial growth can occur in opened products over several months.
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.”
Skin irritation from preservatives or fragrances
Method hand sanitizers may contain fragrance compounds or preservatives; while listed, individual sensitivity reactions are not uncommon. Always patch-test if you have sensitive skin or prior contact dermatitis.
Microbial contamination in opened containers
Once opened, aqueous gels can support bacterial or mold growth if stored in humid environments or left unattended for extended periods. Regular replacement (every 3-6 months after opening) mitigates this risk.
Accidental ingestion by children
Hand sanitizers are sweet-smelling and colorful; poisoning cases in children are documented across the category. Keep out of reach of children under supervision; seek poison control if ingested.
Alcohol-related skin barrier disruption (if high ethanol)
If this formulation is alcohol-dominant, frequent use can strip skin oils and cause dryness or cracking; the glycerin inclusion reduces this risk but does not eliminate it with heavy-frequency users.
None known for heavy metals or binders
Aqueous gel sanitizers do not typically use lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in their formulation. No recalls or safety alerts for Method sanitizers on this basis are on record.
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 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.