Is Method Wind Down Body Wash Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 12, 2026
Method Wind Down Body Wash
Method
Method Wind Down Body Wash receives a C+ grade for pregnancy safety. While most ingredients are safe, it contains synthetic fragrance which may include phthalates linked to developmental concerns. Consider fragrance free alternatives if you want to minimize exposure during pregnancy.
You can use this, but maybe don't make it your everyday go to. Not the end of the world if you've used it. Consult your OBGYN or midwife if you have concerns.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
What Ingredients Are in Method Wind Down Body Wash?
Method Wind Down Body Wash has 22 ingredients. We flagged 1 ingredient to use with caution.
fragrance
CAUTION
Fragrance is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Synthetic fragrance blends may contain phthalates linked to developmental concerns; consider fragrance free alternatives during pregnancy.
lavandula angustifolia flower extract
LIKELY SAFE
Lavandula angustifolia flower extract is a fragrant plant extract used in aromatherapy, skincare, and personal care products. Lavender extract used for fragrance and soothing properties; topical use in cosmetics is generally safe during pregnancy, though concentrated essential oil should be used cautiously.
propanediol
LIKELY SAFE
Propanediol is a solvent and preservative in foods and cosmetics. A plant derived humectant and solvent; safe for topical use during pregnancy with typical cosmetic exposure levels.
tetrasodium glutamate diacetate
LIKELY SAFE
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate is a naturally occurring amino acid and neurotransmitter found in protein rich foods and used as a flavor enhancer. A chelating agent that improves product stability; safe at typical cosmetic concentrations during pregnancy.
ammonium chloride
SAFE
Ammonium chloride is a white, crystalline salt commonly used as a flavoring agent, electrolyte in medical treatments, and in industrial applications. A pH adjuster and viscosity controller; safe for topical use in rinse off products during pregnancy.
benzyl alcohol
SAFE
Benzyl alcohol is a colorless, aromatic alcohol commonly used as a preservative and solvent in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Generally considered safe in small amounts as an inactive ingredient in medications during pregnancy.
borago officinalis extract
SAFE
Borage seed extract provides skin soothing omega fatty acids; topical use is safe during pregnancy though oral borage oil should be avoided.
chamomilla recutita flower extract
SAFE
Chamomilla recutita flower extract is a soothing botanical ingredient known for its calming and anti inflammatory properties. Chamomile extract offers gentle anti inflammatory benefits; safe for topical use during pregnancy in cosmetic concentrations.
citric acid
SAFE
Citric acid is a natural organic acid commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food and beverages. A natural preservative found in citrus fruits; safe during pregnancy.
cocamidopropyl betaine
SAFE
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a gentle, amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil, commonly used in personal care products for its foaming and cleansing properties. A gentle coconut derived surfactant widely used in baby products; safe for pregnancy use.
coco glucoside
SAFE
Coco glucoside is a gentle, plant derived surfactant commonly used in skincare and cleansing products for its mild foaming and cleansing properties. A mild, plant derived surfactant from coconut and glucose; gentle enough for sensitive skin and safe during pregnancy.
dehydroacetic acid
SAFE
Dehydroacetic acid is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. A preservative that prevents microbial growth; safe at cosmetic concentrations in rinse off products during pregnancy.
ethylene glycol distearate
SAFE
An opacifying agent that gives products a pearly appearance; safe for external use during pregnancy.
glycerin
SAFE
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and sweet tasting humectant commonly used in skincare products to attract and retain moisture in the skin. A gentle humectant that is safe and commonly used during pregnancy.
glycerol monooleate
SAFE
Glycerol monooleate is an emulsifier and surfactant commonly used to stabilize oil in water mixtures in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. An emulsifier derived from glycerin and oleic acid; safe for topical cosmetic use during pregnancy.
glycerol monostearate
SAFE
Glycerol monostearate is an emulsifier and thickening agent derived from glycerol and stearic acid, commonly used in food and cosmetic products. A common emulsifier and thickener; widely used in food and cosmetics and safe during pregnancy.
lauryl glucoside
SAFE
Lauryl glucoside is a gentle, plant derived surfactant commonly used in skincare and haircare products for its cleansing and foaming properties. A gentle, biodegradable surfactant derived from coconut and corn sugar; safe and well tolerated during pregnancy.
lauryl lactate
SAFE
Lauryl lactate is a gentle, biodegradable surfactant and skin conditioning agent derived from lauryl alcohol and lactic acid, commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. A skin conditioning emollient that enhances moisture; safe for topical use during pregnancy.
methyl glucose caprate caprylate oleate
SAFE
A plant derived emollient that softens skin; safe for cosmetic use during pregnancy.
polyglyceryl 3 laurate
SAFE
A mild, plant based emulsifier; safe for topical application during pregnancy.
sodium lauryl sulfate
SAFE
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant commonly used in personal care and cleaning products to create lather and remove dirt and oils. A surfactant that may cause irritation but has no established systemic pregnancy risks.
water
SAFE
Water is a clear, tasteless, and essential liquid that sustains all known forms of life. Essential for amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, and overall pregnancy health.
Answering Your Questions
How much Method Wind Down Body Wash is safe during pregnancy?
Use a small amount (about a quarter sized dollop) per shower. The gentle surfactants create adequate lather without needing excessive product, and rinsing thoroughly ensures no residue remains on skin.
Can you use Method Wind Down Body Wash daily while pregnant?
Daily use is generally acceptable for external body cleansing. If you experience any skin sensitivity during pregnancy, consider alternating with a fragrance free option or reducing frequency to every other day.
Is Method Wind Down Body Wash safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, Method Wind Down Body Wash is safe to use while breastfeeding. The ingredients are applied topically and rinsed off quickly, resulting in minimal systemic absorption. The fragrance and other ingredients pose no known risks to nursing infants through breast Milk.
What are pregnancy safe alternatives to Method Wind Down Body Wash?
For a safer pregnancy option, look for fragrance free body washes that score an A or B grade. Brands like Vanicream, Free & Clear, and certain CeraVe formulas offer gentle cleansing without synthetic fragrances or concerning ingredients.
Why does Method Wind Down Body Wash get a C+ grade?
The C+ grade reflects the presence of synthetic fragrance, which may contain undisclosed phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects. While the other ingredients like glycerin and coconut derived surfactants are safe, the fragrance component lowers the overall score.
Are Method cleaning products safe to use while pregnant?
Method products are generally considered non toxic under normal usage conditions and don't give off harmful vapors. However, their body care products containing fragrance receive moderate grades due to potential phthalate exposure. For maximum caution during pregnancy, opt for their fragrance free options when available.
What ingredients should I avoid in body wash when pregnant?
During pregnancy, avoid body washes containing retinoids, salicylic acid in high concentrations, chemical sunscreens, and synthetic fragrances with undisclosed phthalates. Method Wind Down contains fragrance, which is why it receives a C+ rather than a higher grade.
Which body wash is safest during pregnancy?
The safest body washes during pregnancy are fragrance free formulas with simple, well studied ingredients. Look for products with gentle plant derived surfactants like coco glucoside, natural humectants like glycerin, and no synthetic fragrances or essential oils.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to Method Wind Down Body Wash?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Dermasil Labs /Moisturizing Body Wash | — | body wash |
| A | Aloe Scented Body Wash, Mild & Gentle - Super C | Super C | body wash |
| A | Manuka Honey & Oatmeal Smooth & Exfoliating Body Wash | Sheamoisture | body wash |
| A | Dove Invigorate Body Wash - Aloe & Eucalyptus Oil 24Hr Lotion-Soft Skin - 20 Fl Oz | Dove Beauty | body wash |
Are Other Method Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 10 other Method products. 0 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 10 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| C | Defrag Fruit Punch | cleaning product |
| C | Defrag Peaceful Peach Tea | household cleaner |
| C | Hardwire Lime Colada | cleaning product |
| C- | Body Lotion Simply Nourish 14 Fl Oz | body lotion |
How Does Method Wind Down Body Wash Compare to Other Body Washes?
We graded 557 Body Washes for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Method Wind Down Body Wash earns a C+ grade, placing it among the majority of Body Washes. Only 1% of products in this category get an A grade, so it pays to choose carefully.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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References
- https://sensoriam.com/blogs/blog/can you wear perfume while pregnant
- https://www.thebump.com/a/perfume safe during pregnancy
- https://www.babymed.com/perfume during pregnancy
- https://www.matcanaturals.com/blogs/news/fragrances and pregnancy what you need to know
- https://bastilleparfums.com/en us/blogs/news/parfum et grossesse un danger pour les femmes enceintes
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9163252/
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy pregnancy/is it safe/perfume and pregnancy/
- https://oneseedperfumes.com/blogs/news/perfume and pregnancy why exposure to scent is critial to consider
- https://eshaivf.com/blogs/are your perfumes hurting your fertility/%20%20
- https://www.cleanconsciousbeauty.com/best pregnancy safe perfumes perfume for pregnant mother/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39079634/
- https://echochildren.org/research summaries/study finds link between phthalate exposure during pregnancy and development of multiple health outcomes in children/
- https://midatlanticwomenscare.com/ingredients in beauty products you should avoid during pregnancy/
- https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/phthalates exposure pregnancy loss gestational diabetes/
- https://www.marchofdimes.org/find support/blog/personal care products and cosmetic use during pregnancy
- https://tangieco.com/blog/dangers of synthetic fragrance and-6-studies to back it up/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2794076
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40490767/
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