Hylea
Interior Paint
Wall and ceiling coatings for indoor spaces. Modern latex/acrylic paints have replaced high-VOC oil-based paints, but may contain APE surfactants, PFAS, and antimicrobial additives.
Why It Matters
Paint covers large surface areas and off-gasses VOCs during and after application. APE surfactants break down into endocrine disruptors. Paints are the largest source of ocean microplastic pollution.
Chemicals of Concern in This Product
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
A broad category of chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, releasing gases into...
Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs)
A class of surfactants commonly used in paints, detergents, and industrial cleaners. Includes...
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
A large group of synthetic chemicals known as 'forever chemicals' because they don't...
Ammonia
A pungent gas dissolved in water, used as a cleaning agent and in hair dyes to open hair...
Ingredient Red Flags
Watch for these on ingredient labels:
- Oil-based/solventborne paints
- APE surfactants
- 'Antimicrobial' claims
- Strong paint odor
- Whiteboard/dry-erase paint (epoxy/polyurethane)
What to Look For
- ✓Zero-VOC or very low VOC (<10 g/L)
- ✓APE-free and PFAS-free formulations
- ✓Mineral-based paints (lime, silicate) for lowest impact
Finding Safer Options
Lime paint (zero VOC, naturally antifungal), mineral silicate paint, zero-VOC acrylic paints from Benjamin Moore Natura, Sherwin-Williams Harmony, or ECOS Paints.
Certifications to Look For
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