Heidi Norton
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products are marketed as safe, natural, and non-toxic. The brand offers a wide range of household and personal care products, including soaps, detergents, and cleaners, in various fragrances. While Mrs. Meyer's has certain advantages, such as being phthalate-free and accessible, concerns have been raised about the safety of its ingredients, particularly the vague fragrance label. The term fragrance can legally encompass up to 4,000 different ingredients, some of which may be allergens, irritants, or even carcinogens. Mrs. Meyer's has been accused of greenwashing, or misleading consumers about the environmental and health benefits of its products. While the brand has started disclosing some fragrance ingredients, it still lacks transparency and comprehensive safety data.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Mrs. Meyer's products are not completely non-toxic and contain several known allergens and irritants. |
| Fragrance | The brand uses fragrance mixtures, which can include over 3,000 undisclosed ingredients. These mixtures have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, potential harm to the reproductive system, endocrine disruption, and possible carcinogenic effects. |
| Preservatives | Mrs. Meyer's uses methylisothiazolinone, a skin sensitizer that can cause reactions ranging from mild dry skin to severe blistering and peeling. This preservative is also linked to neurotoxicity and acute aquatic toxicity. |
| Surfactants | The products contain surfactants to handle dirt and grime, preventing them from being certified organic. |
| Ingredient Transparency | Mrs. Meyer's provides ingredient lists but does not fully disclose all fragrance components, making it challenging for consumers to identify potential allergens or toxicants. |
| Availability | The products are easily accessible and available at stores like Target, Walmart, and Grove. |
| Alternatives | There are non-toxic alternatives available, such as Pure Haven. |
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What You'll Learn
Mrs Meyer's products are marketed as 'all-natural' but are they?
Mrs. Meyer's products are often found in the natural or organic aisle of grocery stores and are marketed as "all-natural." However, there are concerns about the safety and transparency of their ingredients, particularly their use of fragrance mixtures and preservatives.
Mrs. Meyer's offers a range of cleaning and personal care products, including surface cleaners, laundry detergent, dish soap, body wash, and hand soap. While the company claims to use natural ingredients, there are questions about the potential dangers of their products.
One of the main concerns is the use of fragrance in Mrs. Meyer's products. Fragrance mixtures have been associated with various health issues, including allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, potential harm to the reproductive system, endocrine disruption, and possible carcinogenic effects. There is a lack of transparency around the ingredients used in these fragrances, as the term fragrance can legally hide a combination of up to 3,000 different ingredients. Some toxic ingredients that may be included are phthalates, octoxynols, and nonoxynols, which are known hormone disruptors.
In addition to fragrance concerns, Mrs. Meyer's has also been criticized for using the preservative methylisothiazolinone, which can cause skin reactions ranging from mild dry skin and eczema to blisters, welts, and peeling skin. It is also suspected of being a neurotoxin and is hazardous to aquatic life. This preservative is heavily restricted or banned in several countries, including Europe, Canada, and Japan.
Mrs. Meyer's positioning as a natural and safe brand has led to accusations of greenwashing, where companies make misleading claims about the environmental and health benefits of their products. While some consumers have expressed disappointment and concern about the ingredients, others have praised the products' scents and effectiveness.
Overall, while Mrs. Meyer's products are marketed as all-natural, there are valid questions about the safety and transparency of their ingredients. Consumers seeking non-toxic and organic alternatives may need to further scrutinize the ingredients and consider alternative brands that provide full disclosure and adhere to strict organic certifications.
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What ingredients are in Mrs Meyer's fragrances?
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products are formulated with essential oils and other "thoughtfully chosen ingredients". The brand claims that its products are safe for use in and around the home with family, children, and pets. Mrs. Meyer's also states that its products do not contain ammonia, chlorine, glycol solvents, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, artificial colorants, phosphates, or petroleum distillates.
Mrs. Meyer's products are made with at least 25% post-consumer plastic, and the brand manufactures according to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations. The brand also claims that it does not test its products on animals and does not use animal-derived ingredients.
However, some sources have raised concerns about the safety of Mrs. Meyer's products, particularly regarding their fragrances. Fragrance mixtures have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, potential harm to the reproductive system, endocrine disruption, and possible carcinogenic effects. There are over 3,000 potential ingredients that can be listed under the term "fragrance", and Mrs. Meyer's has been accused of greenwashing—making misleading claims about the environmental and health benefits of its products.
One specific ingredient that has been flagged in Mrs. Meyer's products is methylisothiazolinone, a preservative that can cause skin reactions and has been linked to neurotoxicity and acute aquatic toxicity. This ingredient is heavily restricted or banned in Europe, Canada, and Japan.
Mrs. Meyer's has started disclosing its fragrance ingredients, but it is recommended that consumers check the ingredients of their products regularly to ensure they are aware of any changes.
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Are Mrs Meyer's fragrances safe for babies?
Mrs. Meyer's products are not positioned as baby products, and it is recommended that you avoid using them on babies or baby items such as clothes and dishes. This is due to ingredient concerns, including the presence of essential oils, which may cause allergic reactions in babies.
Mrs. Meyer's products contain "fragrance" on their ingredients lists, and companies are legally allowed to hide almost 4,000 different ingredients under this label. While some of these ingredients are safe, others include known allergens, carcinogens, and more. One such ingredient is methylisothiazolinone, a preservative that can cause skin issues such as dry skin, eczema, blisters, and peeling skin. It is also thought to be a neurotoxin and is very hazardous to aquatic life.
Mrs. Meyer's products also contain isothiazolinone preservatives, ethoxylated ingredients, and ingredients that lack safety data. The ingredient lists are long and difficult for the average consumer to identify or understand. Additionally, Mrs. Meyer's uses greenwashing, a marketing strategy that gives consumers the impression that their products are more natural and environmentally friendly than they actually are.
However, Mrs. Meyer's products do have some pros. They are accessible, semi-transparent with their ingredients, and free from common toxicants like ammonia, chlorine, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, artificial colorants, and petroleum distillates. At least some of their cleaning products are biodegradable.
While Mrs. Meyer's products might be better than more conventional cleaning products, they cannot be recommended as 100% non-toxic. There are other truly non-toxic and effective brands on the market, especially for baby products.
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What are the health risks of Mrs Meyer's fragrances?
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products are marketed as safe to use in and around the home with family, children, and pets. The brand claims to use cruelty-free formulas containing essential oils and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients. However, there are concerns about the safety of Mrs. Meyer's fragrances, and the potential health risks they may pose.
Mrs. Meyer's products do contain some ingredients that are considered safe and non-toxic. They are free from common toxicants like ammonia, chlorine, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, artificial colorants, and petroleum distillates. At least some of their cleaning products are biodegradable, and the brand supports sustainable practices in eco-sensitive areas.
However, one of the main concerns with Mrs. Meyer's products is their use of the term "fragrance" on their ingredient lists. Fragrance is considered a loophole in labeling laws, and companies are not required to disclose the specific ingredients used in their fragrances. This allows them to hide potentially harmful ingredients under the single label of "fragrance." While some of these ingredients may be safe, others may include allergens, irritants, and even carcinogens. There are over 3,000 other potential ingredients that could be included under the term "fragrance," and without full disclosure, it is difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are being exposed to.
The presence of "fragrance" in Mrs. Meyer's products has been associated with potential health risks. Multiple sources, including Think Dirty, I Read Labels for You, the OCA, and the EWG, have identified possible dangers. Fragrance mixtures have been linked to allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, potential harm to the reproductive system, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenic effects.
In addition to the concerns about fragrances, Mrs. Meyer's products also contain other potentially harmful ingredients. One notable example is methylisothiazolinone, a preservative that can cause skin reactions ranging from mild dry skin and eczema to blisters, welts, and peeling skin. Methylisothiazolinone is also thought to be a neurotoxin, potentially toxic to nerve cells, and highly toxic to aquatic life.
While Mrs. Meyer's products may be better than some more conventional cleaning options, they cannot be recommended as completely non-toxic. The lack of transparency and long, complicated ingredient lists make it challenging for consumers to fully understand the potential health risks associated with their use. It is always advisable to research and understand the ingredients in any product before using it, especially if you have specific health concerns or are seeking a truly non-toxic option.
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Are there any alternatives to Mrs Meyer's products?
Mrs. Meyer's products, including surface cleaners, laundry detergent, dish soap, body wash, and hand soap, have been criticized for greenwashing, or making misleading claims about the environmental or health benefits of their products. The brand's use of undisclosed fragrance mixtures and preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone, a known skin sensitizer and potential neurotoxin, has raised concerns about their safety.
If you're looking for alternative cleaning products that are safer and more transparent about their ingredients, here are some options:
- ECOS: This company uses plant-powered cleaning ingredients that are globally sourced, and their products are made in the USA. They offer a wide range of cleaning, laundry, and baby care products, and over 140 of their cleaners are rated "Safer Choice" by the EPA. However, they have a minimal number of scents.
- The Honest Co.: Known for their baby and beauty lines, The Honest Co. also offers low-waste, conscious cleaning kits that include reusable bottles and refill packs.
- Better Life: Founded by two dads concerned about their children's exposure to harsh chemicals, Better Life offers plant-based and biodegradable cleaners with extremely mild scents. They have a range of products for different areas, including the nursery, floor, and all-purpose cleaners.
- Method: This natural cleaning brand, which is about as popular as Mrs. Meyer's, offers plant-based and biodegradable cleaning solutions in many different scents.
- Seventh Generation: This popular "natural" brand offers cleaners, baby products, and household goods. While one person noted that they didn't like the scent of their disinfecting wipes, many people love this brand, and they disclose their ingredients.
- Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap: This soap is mentioned as an alternative to Mrs. Meyer's for general cleaning purposes and comes in a variety of scents, including tea tree, lavender, and peppermint.
- Pure Haven: This brand is mentioned as a safe alternative to Mrs. Meyer's, though no specific products are listed.
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Frequently asked questions
Mrs. Meyer's products are marketed as being safe, natural, and non-toxic, but there are concerns about the safety of their ingredients. While the brand has started disclosing some of its fragrance ingredients, it doesn't reveal all of them, and companies are legally allowed to hide almost 4,000 different ingredients under the label of "fragrance". Some of these hidden ingredients may include allergens, carcinogens, and hormone disruptors. Mrs. Meyer's products also contain methylisothiazolinone, a preservative that can cause skin reactions and is toxic to aquatic life.
The lack of transparency around Mrs. Meyer's fragrance ingredients makes it difficult to fully assess their safety. However, some of the potential dangers associated with fragrance mixtures include allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, potential harm to the reproductive system, endocrine disruption, and possible carcinogenic effects.
Fragrance is considered a loophole in labelling laws, allowing companies to hide thousands of different ingredients under a single label. This means that consumers cannot be certain of what they are exposing themselves and their families to when using these products.
Yes, there are several truly non-toxic and effective brands on the market that offer household cleaning products. One example mentioned is Pure Haven, which you can learn more about by joining the Toxic Free Friends Facebook community. Additionally, apps like Think Dirty and EWG can be useful for checking the safety of ingredients in various products.
