Why What’s On Your Walls Matters More Than You Think

Paint is one of the most transformative tools in interior design—yet one of the most overlooked sources of indoor air pollution.

With every brushstroke of conventional paint, you're adding a cocktail of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), petrochemicals, and microplastics into your home—all of which can linger in the air for months or even years after application.

This guide will help you understand what truly makes a paint safe, sustainable, and healthy—and how to navigate the real-world considerations like cost and painter buy-in without compromising your values.

What's Really in Your Paint?

Conventional paints—including most mainstream interior paints from brands like Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Valspar—typically contain:

Conventional Paints (Standard Latex or Acrylic)

What they always contain:

Acrylic or vinyl resins (plastic from fossil fuels)
Petroleum-derived solvents (e.g., toluene, xylene, glycol ethers)
Synthetic pigments and metal oxides
Formaldehyde-releasing or ammonia-based preservatives
Additives like plasticizers, silicones, and fungicides
Ongoing off-gassing and microplastic shedding after drying

LOW VOC PAINTS

Labeled safer, but still contain:

Acrylic resin (plastic) as the main binder
VOCs in tint/colorants unless specifically labeled otherwise
Synthetic preservatives like MIT/BIT (common irritants)
Plasticizers and stabilizers from petrochemicals
Less odor, but still off-gasses and pollutes over time

“While acrylic-based is the most common type of interior paint, it is made primarily from petrochemicals… contributing to the massive amounts of microplastics in our environment, which we eventually breathe and ingest.”

— Dijana Savic-Jambert, Cofounder, MAREDI Design

Zero-VOC Paints

A step better, but not fully non-toxic:

Acrylic resin (plastic) base still present
VOC-free base, but colorants can add VOCs
Synthetic, petroleum-based additives and preservatives remain
Significantly reduced off-gassing, but not plastic-free or biodegradable

"Easy alternatives that can be cost-effective and cost-competitive include mineral-based paints…Even if there can be a small learning curve with contractors, these are the best, most breathable options for our spaces.“

— Dijana Savic-Jambert, Cofounder, MAREDI Design

Truly Non-Toxic, Mineral-Based Paints

The cleanest option, and what we recommend:

No acrylics, plastics, or petrochemical solvents
Made from clay, lime, silicate, milk protein, or plant oils
Naturally resistant to mold without preservatives
Zero VOCs—even when tinted
Fully breathable, non-toxic, and biodegradable
Safe for babies, pets, and those with sensitivities

What to Look for in Truly Non-Toxic Paint

Zero VOCs—not just in the base, but also in the tint
Natural ingredients—such as clay, lime, casein, or silicate
Plastic-free—avoiding acrylics and vinyls
Breathability—lets your walls release moisture, improving air quality
THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATIONS—like GreenGuard Gold, Declare Label, or Green Seal

The Clean Paint Comparison Guide

Will My Painter Work With This?

Here's what you need to know:

Most painters are only familiar with latex and acrylic-based paints.
Products like Keim, Alkemis, or Real Milk Paint might require special surface prep or application techniques.
You’ll likely need to:
- Share product technical sheets or application guides
- Test in one room first
- Choose “transitional” products like Benjamin Moore Eco Spec or ECOS Paints if the painter is resistant

Quick Recommendations:

If You Want	Choose...	Why
No pushback from your painter	Benjamin Moore Eco Spec or ECOS Paints	Familiar formula + zero VOC base
Truly natural, breathable walls	Alkemis, Keim, or Real Milk Paint	Mineral or protein-based, no plastics or synthetics
Best cost-to-performance ratio	ECOS Paints	Healthier than most, with solid coverage
Luxury finish + planet-friendly performance	Keim	Architect- and designer-trusted; built to last

Why I personally chose Benjamin Moore Eco Spec Zero-VOC Paint

My husband and I are on a budget, we just bought our first house and we’re about to have our first baby. So we went with the contractor who had the most competitive bid.They were comfortable with Benjamin Moore and unfamiliar and unwilling to work with other nontoxic brands. The paint itself when compared to truly nontoxic brands was cheaper as it was a standard, stocked supplier of the contractor which was important because we painted a total of 9 rooms. We painted the house about two months before our baby is due earth-side and we open windows all the time to air out the house (this is a great nontoxic living practice regardless of whether you just painted or not). For deciding on colors, Benjamin Moore was an easier option because I could run down to Ace Hardware to grab new samples anytime I needed to. For me, this decision was about progress over perfection. If I had more time and more money to spend I would have found a contractor who specializes in truly nontoxic paint. If it was a smaller project, one room, that also would have altered my decision, one room versus nine gives you more flexibility with time and money.

Final Thoughts

Paint isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s the foundation of your indoor environment. With every square foot you coat, you’re either adding toxins or creating a breathable, beautiful space that nourishes your body and the planet.

By making mindful choices—and bridging the gap with painter-friendly options—you can create interiors that are as clean as they are chic.

SISTAIN’s Non-Toxic Paint Guide