An image forming method, including recharging untransferred toner remaining on a latent electrostatic image bearing member by using a recharging member to remove the untransferred toner from the latent electrostatic image bearing member, wherein the recharging member is a conductive member a surface of which has a contact angle of 108.degree. or more with pure water and a Shore D hardness of 50 to 65; the coverage of the surface of the toner by an external additive is 150% or less; and a releasing agent peak ratio obtained by ATR method is 0.02 to 0.1.