Why You Should Only Use Zero VOC Paint

A Zero VOC paint is the healthiest choice for your home. Learn the dangers of VOCs, how to avoid them and why you should only buy VOC free paint.

While paint color might be the fun part of a project, what’s actually in your paint has a far bigger impact on your home’s air quality. Traditional paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that linger long after the walls dry, contributing to poor indoor air and potential health issues. That’s why more homeowners are switching to zero VOC paint and other low-VOC or VOC-free options to create spaces that look great and support cleaner, healthier living.

Wait, what are VOCs?

The acronym stands for volatile organic compounds, which are carbon-containing compounds emitted as gasses into the air. These gasses contribute to ozone pollution, which is bad for the environment, and also pollute the air inside your home, which can be bad for your health. VOCs are commonly present in a wide array of household products like cleansers, disinfectants, aerosol sprays, furniture and even paints. The EPA reports that VOCs can lead to adverse health effects like eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, allergies and may even damage your liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Yikes, right?

Why you should keep VOCs out of your home

According to the EPA, air inside our homes can be up to ten times more polluted than the air outside, which is why it’s more important than ever to minimize the use of products made with high polluting chemicals and focus on ones that support healthier indoor air environments. That includes paint. If you’re searching for a better paint for your home, choosing a VOC-free paint is a great first step. At Clare, all of our interior paint is zero VOC.

What’s the difference between low VOC paint and zero VOC paint?

VOCs are released during paint application and while it dries, but can continue to off-gas at low levels for years. This means that even paint marketed as “Low VOC” can off-gas and contribute to indoor air pollution. VOC contents are measured in grams per liter (g/l). Low VOC paints are required to have less than 50g/l per liter and may include VOC containing chemicals that are intentionally added whereas zero VOC paints are required to have less than 5g/l with no intentionally added VOCs (although trace amounts of VOC may be present as residual components of other ingredients).

You’re probably wondering: Are trace amounts of VOCs still harmful? According to the FTC’s guidance on zero-VOC claims, a "trace level" means:

VOCs have not been intentionally added to the product.
The presence of VOCs at that level does not cause material harm that consumers typically associate with VOCs, including but not limited to, harm to the environment or human health.
The level of VOCs is no more than that which would be found as an acknowledged trace contaminant or background level in the ambient air.

How to Know If Paint Is Low or No VOC

Shopping for paint can feel like navigating a chemistry lab, so here’s how to cut through the confusion. Brands love to throw around terms like “low VOC” or “zero VOC,” but those claims only really mean something if you know what to look for on the label; and what’s hiding behind it.

1. Start with the VOC number

VOC content is measured in grams per liter (g/L).

Low VOC paint must contain under 50 g/L.
Zero VOC paint must contain under 5 g/L and have no intentionally added VOCs

If a company doesn’t clearly list VOC content, that’s a red flag. With truly zero-VOC paints, transparency isn’t optional.

2. Check the colorants, not just the base paint

Here’s where many brands quietly reintroduce VOCs. A paint base might be marketed as zero VOC, but the moment it’s tinted with conventional colorants, VOC levels can jump significantly. That’s why Clare formulates zero VOC paints and zero VOC colorants, so your color choice doesn’t undo the safety you thought you were buying.

3. Look for third-party certifications

Don’t rely on marketing language alone. Independent certifications like GREENGUARD Gold confirm that a paint doesn’t just meet VOC limits on paper, it actually performs safely once it’s on your walls. These certifications test for hundreds of chemicals and validate real-world emissions, not just the ingredients list.

To know if a paint is truly low or zero VOC, look for a clearly stated VOC number, zero-VOC colorants, and a certification that proves it lives up to the claim. When in doubt, skip the guesswork

Benefits of Zero VOC Paints

Choosing zero VOC paint isn’t just a feel-good decision; it directly impacts the air you breathe and the overall health of your home. Here’s what makes it worth prioritizing:

Cleaner indoor air from day one

No VOC paints drastically reduce the chemical pollutants released into your home, both during painting and long after the walls dry. Since indoor air can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air, eliminating a major source of emissions makes an immediate difference.

Little to no paint smell

That harsh “paint smell” people dread? That’s VOCs off-gassing. Zero VOC paints are formulated without VOC-containing solvents, so you get a more pleasant painting experience with minimal odor, and far less lingering chemical haze.

A safer choice for sensitive spaces

Whether you’re painting a nursery, bedroom, or any room where you spend a lot of time, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals matters. Zero VOC paints help minimize risks associated with VOCs, including headaches, respiratory irritation, and other health concerns.

Better for the environment

VOCs don’t just affect your home, they contribute to ozone pollution outdoors. Using zero VOC paint cuts down on those emissions, making your project healthier for both you and the planet.

High performance without compromise

Earlier generations of “eco-friendly” paints often required trade-offs in durability or coverage, but modern zero VOC formulations (like Clare’s) deliver exceptional coverage, color quality, and long-term performance, without the chemical baggage.

Confidence backed by certifications

When paired with third-party certifications like GREENGUARD Gold, zero VOC paints give you peace of mind that what’s in the can—and what ends up on your walls—meets strict standards for low emissions and healthier indoor air.

Bottom line: Zero VOC paint isn’t just a better paint; it’s a healthier, cleaner, more responsible way to create the home you love.

Why Aren’t All Paints Zero VOC?

If zero VOC paint is better for your home and the planet, it seems like an obvious choice, so why hasn’t the entire paint industry made the switch? The short answer: tradition, cost, and chemistry.

For decades, paint formulas relied heavily on VOC-containing solvents because they made paint easier to manufacture, store, and apply. These ingredients helped paint level smoothly, dry evenly, and resist wear. Even though safer alternatives exist today, many brands still lean on older formulations because changing them requires major investment, reformulation, and rigorous retesting. And let’s be honest, not every company is eager to overhaul products that already sell.

There’s also the issue of added chemicals. Many conventional paints still use VOCs in binders, coalescents, preservatives, and especially in colorants, which is how some “zero VOC” paints end up not-so-zero once tinted. Reformulating every component, including the color system, to be free of intentionally added VOCs takes careful R&D and a commitment to healthier indoor air. Not all brands prioritize that.

Finally, consumer awareness plays a role. While more people are paying attention to indoor air quality, plenty still shop paint purely by color or price. As long as VOC-heavy formulas remain cheaper to produce and continue to sell, many companies don’t feel the pressure to change.

The good news? Zero VOC technology has come a long way, proving you can have high performance and cleaner air. At Clare, zero VOC isn’t a trend—it’s the baseline we build from.

Avoid harsh chemical fumes with zero VOC paint

You know that dizzying chemical odor that's often associated with wet paint? That’s the result of VOCs off-gassing into the air. Even low VOC paints still off-gas and emit noticeable fumes. If you have no other option than to use a low-VOC paint, be sure to paint in a well-ventilated area using a respirator, and let the paint dry completely before moving back into the room. If you want to avoid this altogether, only buy zero VOC paints which generally have little noticeable odor because they’re formulated without the VOC containing solvents commonly used in other paint formulas.

"We love our Clare paint for so many reasons: it doesn't stink up the house with chemicals (so much better for us and our baby), it covers extremely well, and the colors are fantastic!" – Susan D., Minneapolis, MN

What about zero VOC colorants?

In addition to our zero VOC paint, the colorants we use to create our paint colors are also zero VOC, so they won’t add VOCs when the paint is tinted. Traditional paint brands have a history of misleading consumers by marketing zero VOC paint, only to sneak VOCs back into the can with the use of colorants that are not zero VOC. At Clare, we know transparency is important because it helps you feel confident about the quality and safety of the products you bring into your home.

There’s no such thing as non-toxic paint

Be wary of any brand that touts it’s paint as being “non-toxic” or “child-safe”. No-toxic by definition means it's safe to ingest. No matter how a company tries to spin it, paint is a chemical product and we’re pretty sure you’d never want to slather it on your baby’s skin or let your child put it in her mouth!

Paint ingredients matter

Most household paints these days are water-based but it’s really important to think of what else is or isn’t in your paint. Beyond VOCs we’re proud that our paint is free of toxic air contaminants, hazardous air pollutants, and anything on the EPA chemicals of concern list.

Look for trustworthy green certifications

Always look for paint backed by a top tier green certification that validates certain green claims using standardized, scientific test methods conducted by an independent third party. At Clare, all of our paints are GREENGUARD Gold certified which offers assurance that our paint meets the world’s most stringent standards for low chemical emissions. The highest tier of GREENGUARD certification available, GREENGUARD Gold requires extensive testing for over 360 VOCs and other hazardous chemicals to validate that products contain fewer pollutants and contribute to healthier indoor air quality. In addition to verifying that products designed for indoor use meet strict chemical emissions limits, the GREENGUARD Gold standard considers additional health-based criteria for chemicals to ensure that products are acceptable for use in more sensitive environments like schools and healthcare facilities. The testing is performed by UL - a global independent safety science company with more than a century of expertise. To remain certified, our paint will undergo comprehensive certification testing on an annual basis, so you can have peace of mind that our products support healthier indoor air.

Times have changed

Since the majority of us spend more time indoors than out, why settle for low-VOC? You should reduce VOC exposure, skip paints that are low-VOC and only choose zero VOC paint with a top tier green certification that supports healthier air quality for your home. Now that you’ve brushed up on these basics, you know it’s important to consider more than just color before starting your next paint project!

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FAQs: Zero VOC & Eco-Friendly Paint

Is zero VOC paint non-toxic?

No. “Non-toxic” implies a product is safe to ingest, which paint is absolutely not. Zero VOC paint simply means it’s formulated without intentionally added VOCs and contains very low trace levels. It’s a healthier choice for your home’s air quality, but it’s still a chemical product and not meant for direct skin contact or consumption.

Is zero VOC paint safe for babies and pets?

Zero VOC paint is a much safer option for spaces where babies and pets spend time because it minimizes exposure to VOCs and other harmful emissions. Once the paint is fully dry and the room has been ventilated, the environment is significantly healthier compared to rooms painted with traditional or even low-VOC paint.

Does zero VOC paint smell?

Zero VOC paints have little to no noticeable odor because they’re made without the VOC-containing solvents responsible for that strong “paint smell.” You may detect a very light scent from the ingredients themselves, but it’s nothing like the harsh fumes of conventional paints.

Is eco-friendly paint safe for nurseries?

Yes—if the paint is truly low in emissions and backed by rigorous third-party testing. Zero VOC paints that carry certifications like GREENGUARD Gold are ideal for nurseries because they meet strict chemical emissions standards designed for sensitive environments like schools and healthcare facilities.

Do eco-friendly paints cover as well as regular paint?

Modern zero VOC paints perform just as well as traditional paints—often better. High-quality formulas deliver excellent coverage, rich color, and durability without relying on VOC-heavy solvents. With Clare, you get premium performance and cleaner ingredients.

Is low VOC paint safe during pregnancy?

Low VOC paint is safer than traditional paint, but it still off-gasses VOCs and produces noticeable fumes. If painting while pregnant can’t be avoided, prioritize ventilation and avoid spending prolonged time in freshly painted rooms. The safer approach is choosing zero VOC paint to minimize exposure altogether.

How long does zero VOC paint take to dry?

Zero VOC paints typically dry at the same rate as conventional water-based paints. Most surfaces are dry to the touch within 1–2 hours and ready for a second coat in about 2–4 hours, depending on humidity and temperature. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

Related article: 6 Ways to Create a Healthier Home

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