
When it comes to painting your indoor space, choosing the right paint isn't just about color. It's also about ensuring the safety and health of those who will be in the space — especially if you have kids, pets, or people with sensitivities. Many conventional paints contain harmful chemicals that can linger in the air long after the job is done. These chemicals worsen indoor air quality. Fortunately, there's a growing trend towards non-toxic paints that are just as effective but much safer.
In this blog post, we'll break down the different types of indoor paints, highlight what ingredients to avoid, and offer tips for finding the best non-toxic paints on the market. Plus, we’ll highlight some of the best non-toxic paint brands out there. I’ve been using safer paint brands for over 8 years and they work just as well as other paint lines.
Types of Indoor Paint
Paint comes in various formulations, each suited for different needs and preferences. Here are the most common types of indoor paints:
Water-Based Paint (Latex Paint) This is the most common type of paint used for interior walls and ceilings. It uses water as the primary solvent, making it less toxic than oil-based paints. Water-based paints dry faster, have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are easy to clean with just soap and water.
Oil-Based Paint Oil-based paints are known for their durability and rich finish. However, they contain higher levels of solvents, making them more toxic and difficult to clean. Because they release more VOCs, they can cause headaches, nausea, and irritation. Oil-based paints are generally not recommended for interior use, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Milk Paint Not for wall painting but milk paint is an eco-friendly, non-toxic alternative made from milk protein (casein), lime, and natural pigments. It has been used for centuries and is perfect for wood surfaces. It has a matte finish and is typically used for furniture or small interior projects rather than entire walls.
Chalk Paint This type of paint is popular for furniture refinishing, offering a smooth, matte finish. While chalk paint can be low in VOCs, some formulations contain toxic ingredients. Be sure to check the label to find one that’s non-toxic.
Zero-VOC Paint Zero-VOC paints water-based paints formulated to release little to no VOCs into the air. These paints are the best option for people looking to minimize indoor air pollution. They are often water-based but may still contain small amounts of other chemicals, so it’s important to verify that the brand is truly non-toxic.
Low-VOC Paint Low-VOC paints are also water-based paints formulated to release fewer harmful chemicals than regular paints but still contain some VOCs. They offer a better alternative than traditional paints but are not entirely free of toxins. This is the bare minimum of what people should get but I still recommend going beyond, see below.
What in Paint is Toxic?
Many paints, especially older or cheaper formulations, contain a range of chemicals that can be harmful to health. Here are some of the most common toxic ingredients found in conventional indoor paints:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) VOCs are chemicals that evaporate into the air as the paint dries. These can include solvents like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, all of which can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and even long-term damage with prolonged exposure. VOCs are especially harmful in poorly ventilated spaces.
Formaldehyde A known carcinogen, formaldehyde is a common additive in paints, used as a preservative. Even small amounts of exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
Phthalates These chemicals are often used as plasticizers to help paints maintain flexibility. Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption, developmental issues, and reproductive toxicity.
Acrylic Resins Acrylic resins, often used in water-based paints, can release formaldehyde during the curing process. Though it's less toxic than other chemical resins, it's still a concern for sensitive individuals.
Lead Though lead-based paints were banned in the U.S. in 1978, older homes may still contain lead paint. Lead exposure can cause severe health problems, particularly for young children.
How to Find the Best Non-Toxic Paint
Finding the best non-toxic paint for your space doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:
Look for Zero-VOC Paints Zero VOCs is the best option for minimizing toxic exposure. Be sure to check product labels to confirm the VOC content, as some brands may claim low-VOC but still contain trace amounts of harmful chemicals.
Choose Natural Paints Natural paints, such as those made from clay, plant oils, or lime, are typically free from harmful chemicals. Brands offering these types of paints often advertise them as safe for babies, pets, and people with respiratory issues. I can't speak to how effective these specific paints are as I haven't tried any.
Read Ingredient Lists If you want to ensure a paint is free from harmful substances, it's a good idea to check the ingredient list. Look for paints that are free from formaldehyde, phthalates, and other common toxins.
Go for Certified Non-Toxic Brands Some certifications can give you peace of mind that the paint you're choosing is non-toxic. Look for certifications such as Green Seal, Greenguard Gold, or the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Seal of Approval. I especially like Green Seal because it requires the companies to meet specific sustainability practices as well.
Consider the Finish Matte or satin finishes often release fewer VOCs compared to high-gloss finishes. If you're looking for the safest option, go for a matte or eggshell finish.
Best Non-Toxic Paint Brands
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the top non-toxic paint brands available:
ECOS Paints ECOS offers a wide range of non-toxic paints that are free from VOCs, solvents, and other harmful chemicals. Their products are safe for use in homes, schools, and hospitals. ECOS also provides options for both interior and exterior surfaces. They are only sold online.
Benjamin Moore ben & Eco Spec These two lines are Benjamin Moore's lines of zero-VOC paints, which also have zero odor. These paints are durable, easy to apply, and come in a variety of finishes.
Clare Paint Clare Paint is a newer brand that focuses on non-toxic, low-VOC paints. Their paints are formulated without harmful chemicals and are a great choice for families and people with sensitivities. They are only sold online.
Lullaby Paints Lullaby Paints are by the Ecos brand but this specific line specializes in non-toxic paints that are safe for nurseries, children’s rooms, and homes with sensitive individuals. "Lullaby paints are manufactured with a different resin making this paint ideal for children's furniture, toys, rooms, and play spaces. The paint dries to a harder, more durable surface.
All ECOS and Lullaby products are water-based, non-toxic, and zero VOC."
Behr Premium Plus Ultra Behr offers a zero-VOC option that’s also low-odor and mildew-resistant. It’s a good choice if you want a reliable, widely available non-toxic paint. We used this for our son's nursery and it's lasted great!
Sherwin Williams ProMars & Emerald Sherwin Williams is another widely available brand that makes high-quality paint with many safer options. We just used this in our bedroom and loved it!
*Something I have observed is that the bigger brands change their zero-VOC/Greenguard lines every few years so if you can't find the line recommended here, look for the certifications.
Other tips
Open windows Weathering permitting(aka it;s not raining or snowing), I like to leave windows open in freshly painted spaces during the day.
Run an Air Purifier I always like to run an air purifier every day for a week, at least, after. I just painted with Sherwin Williams Emerald last month and there was ZERO odor and I turned on the air purifier after and it didn't pick up anything!
Paint in advance Especially for children's rooms/nurseries, paint as far in advance as possible to allow the paint to off gas.

Have you tried any of these safer paints? Share your experience below!
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