Method Dish Soap, Free + Clear
Liquid soap has lower PFAS concern; no clear risk identified.
Method Free + Clear is a water-based liquid dish soap without known PFAS triggers. Brand offers no PFAS disclosure, but formulation poses low contamination risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
water-based liquid soap
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Method Dish Soap, Free + Clear is made of, ingredients and materials
Method Free + Clear is a water-based liquid dish soap formulated without dyes, perfumes, or parabens. The base is typically surfactants (cleaning agents), water, and preservatives. Water-based formulations carry lower volatility and dermal absorption risk than concentrated powders or solvent-heavy formulas, and the 'Free + Clear' branding indicates removal of common irritants like synthetic fragrance and colorants that can trigger sensitivity in sensitive skin or asthmatics.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
1,4-dioxane (surfactant contamination)
Some liquid detergents contain residual 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of surfactant ethoxylation. Method's transparency on this is limited; no independent testing of this product is on public record. Risk is typically low in rinse-off products but warrants caution for those with dioxane sensitivity or immunocompromise.
Preservative sensitization (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone)
Method's Free + Clear line uses preservatives to prevent bacterial/fungal growth in water-based formulas. Phenoxyethanol and isothiazolinones are known contact allergens in sensitive populations. Frequency of reaction is low but documented; individuals with preservative sensitivity should patch-test or request full ingredient list before use.
Dermal irritation from surfactant concentration
Dish soaps are surfactant-heavy by design for grease removal. Even gentle formulations can irritate or dry skin with repeated, prolonged contact. This is not a manufacturing defect but inherent to the product category; glove use during washing reduces risk substantially.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Fragrance allergens (despite 'Free + Clear' claim)
The product explicitly omits synthetic fragrance and dyes. However, even fragrance-free formulas may contain botanical essential oils or natural fragrance masking agents not fully listed; review full ingredient disclosure if severe fragrance allergy is present.
Microplastics
Method's product line does not include microbeads; no instances of plastic microparticles in this liquid soap are documented. Microbeads remain primarily a concern in older exfoliating or cosmetic products, not modern dish soaps.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Method is owned by SC Johnson and markets itself on transparent, eco-conscious positioning, including third-party certifications like EPA Safer Choice and Cradle to Cradle. The brand does not prominently disclose PFAS content or avoidance on product labels or websites, though liquid soap category research suggests minimal PFAS exposure risk. No major safety recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Liquid dish soaps are lower-risk than powdered detergents or automatic dishwasher tablets due to minimal dust inhalation and more stable aqueous chemistry. Method's Free + Clear variant sits in the premium, hypoallergenic segment, positioned against brands like Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyer's. All three prioritize fragrance-free or plant-derived alternatives; Method's EPA certification is slightly stronger than peer alternatives.
If you buy it
Use as directed on the label; no special storage or handling beyond cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight. Do not ingest or apply directly to skin in concentrated form; dilute significantly if needed for sensitive skin contact. Replace when empty; liquid soaps do not degrade substantially over time if sealed. Wear gloves during prolonged use if skin sensitivity is present, as even mild surfactants can strip skin barrier with repetitive contact.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Method has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Method Dish Soap, Free + Clear?
- plant-derived surfactants, water, botanical extracts
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Fragrance allergens (botanical origin)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- plant-based surfactants, water, plant derivatives
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Aquatic toxicity from surfactants
- Plant-based surfactants, water, essential oil
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Fragrance allergens (essential oil)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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85ECOS Dish Soap – GrapefruitCompare vs Ecos →All dish soap →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.