The Short Answer
Mrs. Meyer's is not as safe as it looks. While the packaging screams "homegrown" and "garden-fresh," the formulas tell a different story. We give it a Caution verdict.
Most of their popular productsāincluding the dish soap and multi-surface cleanerāscore a D rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The primary culprits are synthetic fragrances, ethoxylated surfactants (which can be contaminated with carcinogens), and harsh preservatives like Methylisothiazolinone. If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or are trying to reduce your family's toxic load, you should avoid this brand.
Why This Matters
Mrs. Meyer's is the poster child for greenwashing. The brand was acquired by SC Johnson (the chemical giant behind Windex, Glade, and Pledge) in 2008. While they market the "Thelma Meyer" grandmother story, the formulations are mass-produced chemical cocktails that rely heavily on the "fragrance loophole" to hide ingredients.
The biggest issue is the "Health Halo" effect. Consumers buy Mrs. Meyer's specifically to avoid toxins, often paying a premium for it. Yet, they are bringing home known allergens and potential neurotoxins. Using a product that claims to be safe but contains hidden hazards is often worse than using a conventional product where the risks are obvious.
What's Actually In Mrs. Meyer's
Mrs. Meyer's formulas are a mix of plant-derived ingredients and synthetic chemicals. Here are the specific offenders found in their dish soaps and sprays:
- Fragrance (Parfum) ā This generic term can hide hundreds of chemicals. While Mrs. Meyer's has improved transparency, their scents still rely on synthetics and allergens like Limonene and Linalool. Are Fragrances In Cleaners Bad
- Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) ā A synthetic preservative used to prevent bacteria growth. It is a potent allergen linked to contact dermatitis and has been cited as a potential neurotoxin. It is banned in leave-on cosmetics in Europe but still used in US cleaning products.
- Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) ā A cousin to MIT, this is another synthetic preservative that frequently causes skin irritation and is toxic to aquatic life.
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) ā A foaming agent that is "ethoxylated," meaning it is processed with ethylene oxide. This process can leave behind traces of 1,4-Dioxane, a probable human carcinogen. Chemicals To Avoid In Cleaners
- PEG-5 Cocoate ā Another ethoxylated ingredient with similar contamination risks to SLES.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Phthalate-Free ā They explicitly state they do not use phthalates in their fragrances.
- Biodegradable ā Many ingredients break down safely (though the preservatives are toxic to aquatic life).
- Leaping Bunny Certified ā The brand is cruelty-free and does not test on animals.
Red Flags:
- "Fragrance" on the label ā If you see this word without a full breakdown, it's a risk.
- Isothiazolinones ā Any ingredient ending in "-isothiazolinone" is a hard pass for sensitive skin.
- Bright Colors ā Natural soap shouldn't be neon yellow or bright pink. Synthetic dyes are unnecessary.
The Best Options
If you want the convenience of Mrs. Meyer's without the toxins, try these alternatives.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch Basics | The Concentrate | ā | Replaces everything. Fragrance-free, human-safe ingredients. |
| Force of Nature | Multi-Purpose | ā | Disinfects as well as bleach but is safe enough to drink (technically). |
| Dr. Bronner's | Sal Suds | ā | powerful plant-based cleaner without the synthetic preservatives. |
| Mrs. Meyer's | Multi-Surface | ā ļø | Contains allergens and synthetic fragrances. |
| Lysol/Clorox | Any Spray | š« | Harsh chemicals, quaternary ammonium compounds, and lung irritants. |
The Bottom Line
1. Stop buying Mrs. Meyer's for the "scent." That fresh garden smell is chemically engineered and likely contributing to indoor air pollution.
2. Switch to concentrates. Brands like Is Branch Basics Safe|Branch Basics allow you to skip the preservatives entirely because you add the water yourself at home.
3. Check the preservatives. If you must buy store-bought liquid cleaners, ensure they don't list Methylisothiazolinone on the back label.
FAQ
Is Mrs. Meyer's safe for pets?
Caution is advised. While they don't use ammonia or bleach, the high concentration of essential oils and synthetic fragrances can be irritating or toxic to pets, especially cats who are sensitive to essential oils like lemon and peppermint. Is Floor Cleaner Safe For Pets
Does Mrs. Meyer's contain carcinogens?
Potentially trace amounts. They use ethoxylated ingredients (like Sodium Laureth Sulfate) which can be contaminated with 1,4-Dioxane, a probable carcinogen. This is a manufacturing byproduct, not an added ingredient, but it is a common issue in "semi-natural" brands.
Is Mrs. Meyer's actually natural?
No. "Natural" has no legal definition. Mrs. Meyer's uses "plant-derived" ingredients, which is marketing speak for "we started with a plant but processed it chemically." A truly natural cleaner would be vinegar or plain castile soap. Do Natural Cleaners Work
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