Method
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About Method
Method represents a pioneering force in plant-based personal care, operating under SC Johnson's corporate umbrella while maintaining its distinctive sustainability-focused identity. The brand's bodycare essentials—spanning body wash, lotion, and deodorant categories—emphasize clean formulations free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, positioning Method as a mainstream accessible option in the clean beauty landscape.
The brand's sustainability performance demonstrates particular strength in packaging innovation and ingredient safety protocols, leveraging internal ingredient evaluation systems while pioneering recovered coastal plastic bottle initiatives. However, transparency gaps emerge in labor practices, supply chain verification, and biodiversity impact programs, reflecting the complex challenges of operating within a larger corporate structure while maintaining independent sustainability commitments.
Method's market positioning bridges the gap between conventional and premium clean beauty, offering Target-accessible pricing while maintaining credible third-party certifications including Leaping Bunny cruelty-free verification. This dual identity—innovative sustainability leader yet accessible mainstream brand—defines both Method's market appeal and the transparency challenges inherent in balancing corporate oversight with independent environmental commitments.
The Good Stuff
Where Method appears to be making meaningful progress. We cross-referenced these findings with multiple independent sources.
Coastal Plastic Recovery Innovation
Pioneering packaging transformation using 100% recycled recovered coastal plastic across clear bottle products, complemented by reusable aluminum bottles with glass concentrate refill systems
Third-Party Verified Cruelty-Free Standards
Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free practices extending across both ingredients and finished products, maintaining rigorous longstanding no-testing policies
Comprehensive Ingredient Safety Protocols
Systematic exclusion of parabens, phthalates, triclosan and toxic preservatives, supported by internal ingredient safety evaluation system for chronic health hazards
The Reality Check
Areas where the publicly available data gets murky, incomplete, or concerning. We're transparent about the limitations of our analysis.
Biodiversity Impact Documentation Void
Absence of disclosed habitat restoration partnerships, wildlife conservation funding, or measurable biodiversity protection initiatives specific to Method operations
Supply Chain Transparency Limitations
Limited independent verification of Method-specific supply chain partners and labor practices, relying primarily on parent company general supplier codes
Conservation Partnership Gaps
No documented funding or strategic partnerships for wildlife conservation efforts, despite brand positioning around environmental responsibility
Method's
Impact Aura
A visual representation of Method's positive impact
across People, Planet and Animals
Each colored area represents the brand's performance in that sustainability category. The size and intensity of each blob corresponds to their score—larger, more vibrant areas indicate stronger performance.
Our Research
Key findings from our comprehensive analysis of Method's sustainability performance across People, Planet & Animals impact.
Positive Impact on People
Research Highlights
- Ingredient safety demonstrated through exclusion of parabens, phthalates, triclosan and toxic preservatives
- Internal ingredient safety evaluation system assesses every ingredient for chronic health hazards across formulations
- Labor practices governed by parent company supplier code prohibiting forced labor, though Method-specific audit transparency limited
- Supply chain oversight relies on general parent company protocols without independent verification of Method-specific partners
- Marketing integrity challenged by 2020 class action settlement over misleading 'non-toxic' claims
Evidence Strength
Strong documentation for ingredient evaluation systems, limited transparency on labor standards and supply chain verification
Positive Impact on Planet
Research Highlights
- Packaging innovation leadership with 100% recycled recovered coastal plastic bottles and reusable aluminum refill systems
- Climate action includes biodiesel truck shipments and renewable energy initiatives through parent company programs
- Water stewardship features advanced recycling systems at LEED-Platinum certified South Side Soapbox facility
- Chemical responsibility emphasizes plant-based formulations excluding PFAS and harmful preservatives
- Biodiversity protection shows absence of disclosed habitat restoration or wildlife partnership programs
Evidence Strength
Excellent verification for packaging innovations and facility certifications, gaps in biodiversity and climate target documentation
Positive Impact on Animals
Research Highlights
- Rigorous cruelty-free standards verified through longstanding Leaping Bunny certification
- Animal testing prohibition extends across both ingredients and finished products with third-party verification
- Vegan formulations documented as free from animal by-products though brand-wide verification status unclear
- Sustainable sourcing practices include palm oil usage without RSPO certification transparency
- Wildlife conservation support shows absence of documented funding or habitat protection partnerships
Evidence Strength
Comprehensive third-party verification for cruelty-free standards, limited documentation for sourcing standards and conservation initiatives
See the Receipts
We don't just make claims—here are the official certifications that prove Method's sustainability commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Method sustainable?
Method demonstrates strong performance in packaging innovation and ingredient safety, with verified cruelty-free practices and coastal plastic recovery initiatives. However, our assessment reveals gaps in biodiversity protection, conservation partnerships, and supply chain transparency that limit overall sustainability leadership.
Is Method cruelty-free?
Yes, Method maintains rigorous cruelty-free standards verified through longstanding Leaping Bunny certification. The brand prohibits animal testing across both ingredients and finished products, with comprehensive third-party verification supporting these commitments.
Are Method products clean?
Method formulations exclude parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and toxic preservatives, supported by internal ingredient safety evaluation systems for chronic health hazards. The brand emphasizes plant-based formulations, though some ingredient safety claims faced legal challenges requiring settlement.
What makes Method packaging sustainable?
Method leads packaging innovation through 100% recycled recovered coastal plastic bottles and reusable aluminum containers with glass concentrate refills. This approach addresses ocean plastic waste while creating circular packaging systems, though other environmental impact areas show less comprehensive development.
Is Method vegan?
Method formulations avoid animal by-products, though comprehensive vegan verification status lacks clear brand-wide documentation. The cruelty-free certification provides strong assurance for animal welfare commitments, but formal vegan certification verification remains unclear.
How does Method compare to other clean bodycare brands?
Method's strength lies in mainstream accessibility combined with credible packaging innovations and ingredient safety protocols. While cruelty-free verification and coastal plastic initiatives demonstrate leadership, gaps in biodiversity protection and conservation partnerships distinguish Method from brands with more comprehensive environmental programs.
What certifications does Method have?
Method maintains Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certification and recognition from independent animal welfare organizations. However, the brand lacks broader sustainability certifications such as third-party climate verification, organic standards, or comprehensive environmental impact certifications.
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The Bottom Line
Method demonstrates selective sustainability leadership through packaging innovation and ingredient safety protocols, yet significant gaps in biodiversity protection, conservation partnerships, and supply chain transparency limit comprehensive environmental stewardship. The brand's mainstream accessibility and verified cruelty-free practices offer credible entry-level clean beauty options, though ambitious sustainability claims require more comprehensive verification across environmental impact categories.
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