An image forming method and related process cartridge, the method having the steps of controlling the layer thickness of a toner on a toner bearing member by means of a toner regulating blade, and developing with the toner an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrostatic latent image bearing member, the toner regulating blade has, at its part to be kept in touch with the toner bearing member, a specific ten-point average roughness Rz and a specific ratio (area of contact portion/area of non-contact portion) at a specific face pressure, and the toner has a specific average circularity and has a specific aerated bulk density. This image forming method and process cartridge promise superior developing performance in any environment, can keep sleeve negative ghost from occurring and can keep toner melt adhesion to toner regulating blade and toner melt adhesion to toner bearing member from occurring.