For most water-based products, the use of a preservative is necessary. At method,
we always use safe, environmentally compatible preservatives in the products we
need to preserve. These preservatives keep the product safe and effective over the
life of the product.
Since most of method's ingredients are made from natural materials like plant oils
and starches, preservatives are most often necessary to keep them from spoiling.
Spoiling would reduce the effectiveness of the products and could result in exposure
to potentially harmful bacteria. To prevent this, we use low levels of safe, approved
preservatives. We choose these preservatives by comprehensively reviewing their
human health and environmental characteristics, with the help of our material assessment
partners at EPEA & MBDC.
One of the preservatives we use frequently is a blend of methylchloroisothiazolinone
and methylisothiazolinone. We have rigorously investigated the health and environmental
effects of both and have found them to be safe for people and the environment. We
choose to use this blend because it is biodegradable, non-carcinogenic, is not a
formaldehyde releaser, and because it is highly effective at minute levels (under
0.1%), where it shows no adverse health effects such as oral toxicity, skin irritation
or allergic potential.
In many of our personal care products we use a gentle blend of dehydroacetic acid
and benzyl alcohol. We like this blend because it will not irritate sensitive skin
and biodegrades in the environment.
We are constantly looking for novel naturally derived preservatives, and we test
new ones frequently. So far none have met our safety, reliability and quality standards,
but our product developers are constantly on the look out. If you happen to have
developed one, please let us know!
