What are eco-friendly interior paints and why should I use them?

Eco-friendly interior paints are formulated to minimize harm to the environment and improve indoor air quality, typically containing low or zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Choosing these paints reduces exposure to harmful chemicals, benefiting your health and the planet by decreasing air pollution and promoting sustainability.

Are eco-friendly paints as durable and stylish as traditional paints?

Yes, advancements in eco-friendly paint technology have led to formulations that rival or surpass traditional paints in durability, color selection, and finish quality. Many eco-friendly paints offer excellent coverage, resistance to fading, and a wide range of colors and finishes to suit any style.

How do I choose the right eco-friendly paint for my project?

Look for paints labeled as 'low-VOC' or 'zero-VOC' and check for certifications from reputable organizations like GreenGuard or Green Seal. Consider factors like the paint's intended use (walls, trim, furniture), desired finish (matte, eggshell, gloss), and color selection to ensure it meets your specific needs.

Are there any special considerations when applying eco-friendly paints?

Proper ventilation is essential during and after painting to ensure good air quality and faster drying times. Using high-quality brushes and rollers designed for eco-friendly paints can also help avoid wastage and achieve a smooth finish, and following the manufacturer's guidelines on application is also advised.

Do eco-friendly paints cost more than traditional paints?

Eco-friendly paints may have a higher upfront cost due to the use of natural ingredients and sustainable production processes, however they can offer long-term savings through greater durability and less need for frequent repainting. Additionally, the health benefits and reduced environmental impact contribute to the overall value.

Top 5 Eco Paints: Style & Quality!

By Home Sidekick Team May 31, 2025 7 min read 1499 words

eco-friendlyinterior designpaintlow VOChome decorsustainable living

Choosing the right paint for your home is about more than just color; it's about creating a healthy and sustainable living environment. Traditional paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Eco-paints, on the other hand, are formulated with natural or synthetic ingredients that have minimal impact on air quality and overall well-being. This guide explores the top eco-friendly paint options, highlighting their unique qualities and benefits, so you can make an informed decision for your next home improvement project.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Paint?

Eco-friendly paints, also known as low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, offer a range of benefits compared to conventional paints:

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Lower VOC emissions mean fewer harmful chemicals are released into your home, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and allergies. Eco-friendly paints emit fewer harmful chemicals, which significantly improves indoor air quality. This makes your living space safer, especially for children, pets, and individuals with sensitivities. [7]
Reduced Environmental Impact: Eco-paints often use sustainable raw materials and biodegradable ingredients, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. The manufacturing processes for eco-friendly paints typically consume less energy and produce less waste. [10]
Health and Safety: Natural ingredients decrease the risk of harmful exposure during application, making it safer for you and your family. [7]
Durability: Many eco-friendly paints offer long-lasting finishes that rival traditional paints, ensuring your walls look great for years to come. Eco-friendly paints are designed to resist wear and tear, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups or repainting. [3]
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Eco-friendly paint manufacturers are committed to sustainable practices, including minimizing waste, lowering carbon emissions, and reducing the use of harmful chemicals. [16]

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Paints

Here are five of the best eco-friendly paints available, each offering unique features and benefits:

1. ECOS Paints

ECOS Paints is a leading brand known for its commitment to transparency and health. Their paints are water-based, zero-VOC, and contain no added formaldehyde, phthalates, or biocides. With a wide range of colors and finishes, ECOS Paints are suitable for both interior and exterior applications. They are particularly ideal for households with children or chemical sensitivities. [13, 4]

Key Features:
Zero VOCs and Odor: Safe for individuals with chemical sensitivities. [4]
Transparency: Full list of ingredients provided. [4, 26]
Wide Range of Products: Suitable for various applications. [4, 26]
Color Matching: Can match colors from other brands. [25]
Certifications:
GREENGUARD Gold: Ensures strict VOC limits for indoor air quality. [17]

Example: ECOS Paints have been used in environmentally conscious projects in locations such as The Louvre, Westminster Abbey, and the Getty Museum. [4, 26]

Tip: Order color cards to help you decide on the perfect shade for your project. [26]

2. Clare Paint

Clare Paint offers a curated range of designer-approved colors with a focus on sustainability. Their paints are zero-VOC, GREENGUARD Gold certified, and free of toxic air contaminants and pollutants. Clare Paint also prioritizes low-waste production methods, recycled packaging, and water conservation systems. [2, 4, 25]

Key Features:
Zero VOCs: Ensures no harmful emissions. [2, 4]
GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Meets strict standards for chemical emissions. [2, 4]
Designer-Curated Colors: Simplifies the selection process. [4, 25]
Eco-Friendly Practices: Low-waste production and recycled packaging. [4, 25]

Example: Clare Paint offers peel-and-stick paint samples, making it easier to test colors in your home before committing to a full gallon. [25]

Tip: Take the Clare Color Genius quiz to narrow down your color options and find the perfect match for your space. [4]

3. Benjamin Moore Eco Spec

Benjamin Moore's Eco Spec line is a 100% acrylic interior paint with zero VOCs and emissions. It is Green Seal certified for its protective limits on toxins and sustainable packaging. The brand uses a patented Gennex® colorant, ensuring the paint remains zero-VOC even after tinting. Additionally, it is certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly. [2, 4]

Key Features:
Zero VOCs and Emissions: Safe for sensitive individuals. [2, 4]
Green Seal Certified: Meets environmental standards for safety and performance. [4, 17]
Gennex® Colorant: Ensures zero-VOC even after tinting. [4]
Asthma and Allergy Friendly: Suitable for homes with allergy sufferers. [4]

Example: Benjamin Moore’s Harmony interior acrylic latex paint includes odor-eliminating technology, which reduces common indoor odors from cooking, pets and smoke while providing a durable, washable finish. [25]

Tip: Use Benjamin Moore’s Eco Spec for quick-drying properties, excellent color retention, and added protection against allergens. [4]

4. The Real Milk Paint Co.

The Real Milk Paint Co. offers paints made from 100% organic materials, including powdered purified casein, lime, and pigments. These paints are a safe and non-toxic option, minimizing environmental impact. Available in powder form, you mix it with water before applying, allowing you to control the consistency and making it easy to store. [2, 4]

Key Features:
100% Organic Materials: Made from milk protein, lime, and pigments. [2, 4, 13]
Zero VOCs: Ensures no harmful emissions. [13, 21]
Biodegradable: Environmentally friendly and sustainable. [4]
Customizable: Available in powder form for controlled consistency. [2, 4]

Example: The Real Milk Paint Co. has been innovating since 1995, offering a time-tested formula that is as biodegradable as ever. [4]

Tip: Milk paint works well on raw wood, drywall, and concrete, providing a unique matte finish ideal for kids' rooms and nurseries. [4, 13]

5. Little Greene

Little Greene is a British company known for its beautiful and environmentally friendly paint finishes. Their water-based paints have practically zero VOCs, and their oil-based paints are vegan, utilizing sustainable vegetable oils. Little Greene's commitment to sustainability extends to their packaging, with paint tins made from 50% recycled materials. [1, 22, 23]

Key Features:
Low VOCs: Water-based paints with practically zero VOCs. [1, 23]
Vegan Oil-Based Paints: Utilizes sustainable vegetable oils. [1, 23]
Sustainable Packaging: Tins made from recycled materials. [22]
Child and Pet-Safe: Water-based Intelligent finishes are certified child and pet-safe under BS EN 71-3: 2019. [14]

Example: Little Greene's Re:mix collection offers upcycled colors made from leftover and unwanted paints, preventing waste and promoting sustainability. [14]

Tip: Little Greene's Intelligent Matt Emulsion is fully washable and long-lasting, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. [14]

Other Notable Eco-Friendly Paint Brands

While the above are standout choices, many other brands offer excellent eco-friendly options:

AFM Safecoat: Offers a wide variety of zero-VOC options, recommended by doctors for chemically sensitive patients. [2, 6, 25]
BioShield Paint: Manufactures natural and non-toxic paints, stains, and finishes using ingredients like clay, earth pigments, and plant-based oils. [2, 6, 15, 23, 24]
Earthborn Paints: Made from natural ingredients such as clay and plant extracts, offering a sustainable and non-toxic choice. [1, 22, 23, 24]
Graphenstone: Utilizes natural minerals and lime in its formula, which absorbs CO2 and improves air quality. [1, 11, 18, 19, 20, 22]
Auro: Bio-based paints made using mineral fillers, cellulose, rapeseed, and castor oil. [6, 15, 20, 24]

What to Look for in Eco-Friendly Paint

When selecting eco-friendly paint, consider the following factors:

VOC Content: Look for paints labeled as "zero-VOC" or "low-VOC." [2, 3]
Ingredients: Opt for paints with natural, renewable ingredients and avoid those with harmful chemicals and heavy metals. [3, 16]
Certifications: Check for certifications such as GREENGUARD Gold, Green Seal, and EU Ecolabel. [3, 17]
Water-Based vs. Oil-Based: Water-based paints are generally more environmentally friendly due to their lower VOC content and ease of cleaning. [1, 16]
Packaging: Consider brands that use recycled and recyclable packaging. [14, 22]
Vegan and Cruelty-Free: If important, ensure the paint is vegan and cruelty-free, meaning it does not contain animal products and has not been tested on animals. [1, 11, 21]

Tips for a Sustainable Painting Project

Here are some additional tips to ensure your painting project is as eco-friendly as possible:

Proper Ventilation: Ensure the painting area is well-ventilated to minimize exposure to any emissions. [21]
Use a Primer: Applying a primer can reduce the number of paint coats needed, saving both paint and resources. [5]
Buy the Right Amount: Calculate the amount of paint needed to avoid excess waste.
Dispose of Leftover Paint Properly: Check with your local municipality for proper disposal methods or consider donating leftover paint to a local organization. [21]
Clean-Up: Use water to clean brushes and equipment when working with water-based paints. [16]
Consider Repurposing: Upcycle old paint containers for storage or other creative projects. [14]

Conclusion

Choosing eco-friendly paint is a significant step towards creating a healthier and more sustainable home. By opting for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, you can improve indoor air quality, reduce your environmental impact, and enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Consider the unique features and benefits of each brand mentioned above, and select the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Next Steps:

Research the brands mentioned in this guide and compare their products.
Order samples or color cards to test colors in your home.
Calculate the amount of paint needed for your project.
Purchase your chosen eco-friendly paint and gather necessary supplies.
Start painting and enjoy your refreshed, sustainable living space!