Updated in 2025
This article goes over the best non-toxic wood glues, carpenter glues, yellow glues, and white glues.
The options range from synthetics that are zero-VOC to totally natural options.
There will probably be some unique non-toxic options you haven’t considered!
I compared the odor level of many of these glues when I was extremely chemically sensitive (many years ago).
This data has been helpful over the years to others who are chemically sensitive as it has served as a kind of benchmark.
I have also used the general consensus from sensitive folks from my work over the last 10 years on preferred types and brands.
Sensitive folks should usually test products when dry/cured since there can be a dramatic difference between how tolerable something is wet and when cured.
This article contains affiliate links, upon purchase I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Non-Toxic Glue Types
1. PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) Wood Glue
PVAs are the most common type of traditional wood glue.
They are one type of “aliphatic resin”.
They provide a strong bond with wood but not to other materials like metal or plastics.
The wood must be clamped and if there is a lot of pressure on it it can fail over time. It’s generally the weakest of the wood glues.
Elmer’s White Glue a basic PVA glue is effective on paper but not strong enough for wood.
Yellow wood glues are also PVA-based but are stronger and have better water resistance.
PVA glues are not waterproof, though there are modified PVA glues which are more water resistant like Titebond II Premium, and Titebond III that I will go over.
PVA glues also don’t take stain.
What’s in it
PVA glues contain a plasticizer, and orthophthalates are still used in some PVA adhesives (Pharos).
A typical ingredient list for a PVA wood glue looks like this (according to Pharos): Polyvinyl acetate, 2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, talc, aluminum chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, Quaternium-15.
2. Polyurethane Wood Glue
One of the plus sides of polyurethane glue is that it’s waterproof.
It is a one-part adhesive that will adhere to wood, metals, stone, ceramics, and many plastics.
It accepts wood stains.
Often advertised as stronger than PVA-based wood glues, “Dale Zimmerman, a technical specialist with Franklin International, which manufactures Titebond Polyurethane Glue, says that his company’s tests don’t show that polyurethane glue is any stronger than yellow glue” (source).
However, end grain joints will be stronger with polyurethane glue (source).
What’s in it
Polyurethane glue off-gasses more than the other two types and is not considered non-toxic when wet.
Solvents like denatured alcohol are used for cleanup.
Gorilla Glue lists almost all ingredients for their Original formula except one small additive.
The ingredients are: Polyisocyanate Prepolymer based on MDI, Polymeric Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (pMDI), 4,4′-Diphenylmethane diisocyanate, Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI) Mixed Isomers (source).
3. Hide glue
Hide glue offers the same strength and rack resistance as synthetic carpenter yellow, white, and polyurethane glues.
Though it’s not waterproof, if it gets wet or too moist it will cause it to come apart.
This glue has been used for thousands of years and it’s still used to make cabinets, instruments, and furniture.
What’s in it
It’s made from animal protein from the collagen that comes from skins, bones, tendons, and other tissues.
You can mix it yourself for a totally pure and non-toxic option or you can buy the ready mix kind which includes an additive like ammonium thiocyanate.
Top Non-Toxic Wood Glue Brands
1. Elmer’s Wood Glue
Elmer’s Wood Glue is a brand that many chemically sensitive like.
This is a PVA-based glue, with a mild acetic odor until it’s cured.
PVA glues are some of the most benign.
Though at my most sensitive I did not do well with this when it was wet.
It bonds stronger than wood they say and is paintable and sandable.
It’s water-resistant and intended for furniture repair and general household projects.
Carried at hardware stores and on Amazon.
2. ECOS Wood Glue
ECOS makes extremely low-toxic products, and while I didn’t get a chance to test this one, I would expect their 0-VOC Wood Glue to be good.
The ingredients are acrylic polymer, ethylene oxide urethane, vinyl acetate, lye, and hydrogen peroxide.
Wood Glue is a strong-bonding glue ideal for interior woodwork, joinery, wooden floor tiles, laminates, floorboards, cork sheeting, and tiles.
It can also be used for paper, card, carpet, fabric, unsealed chipboard, hardboard, cement-screed, and concrete substrates. Not suitable for teak or other oily woods or asphalt-sealed surfaces.
Buy through ECOS Paints.
3. Roo Glue
Roo Glue makes white glue and wood glue.
I tested their glues when I was at my most sensitive and they seemed totally benign when dry.
It was one of my top picks at that time (about 10 years ago).
The severely sensitive might want to test out this brand even though it’s special order.
Otherwise, stick to ECOS or Titebond wood glue.
Roo Wood is an aliphatic PVA glue that excels in tack and cure time.
It is ideal for interior applications where a longer open time and quick de-clamp period are desired.
Bond strength is superior to name-brand competition, they say.
It has excellent heat resistance and good sandability properties.
Roo Wood is available in both yellow and clear drying formulas.
Roo Wood is intended for interior use only.
Available in the US and it ships to Canada from their website.
4. Titebond
Titebond is a brand that is often recommended for chemically sensitive folks as a safe adhesive.
I had already picked Roo Glue for my chemical-free house before I got a chance to test it.
My sofa was later made with this and it worked out well for me. I received it after it had cured.
Titebond III
Titebond III technically has the lowest VOC level of the three Titebond wood glues.
It comes in at a minuscule 0.0105 g/L VOC.
It did test positive for 50 ppb (parts per billon) formaldehyde, by the Green Design Center’s FRAT test. This is parts per billon so it’s super low.
It does say it has a slight characteristic glue odor.
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is a one-part, water-cleanup wood glue that is waterproof (ANSI/HPVA Type I water-resistance specification).
It provides strong initial tack, sands easily without softening, and is FDA-approved for indirect food contact (like for cutting boards).
This is ideal for both interior and exterior applications.
The type of polymer is listed as proprietary, though Cottage Life lists it as a modified PVA.
Titebond II
Titebond II is water-resistant and is ideal for exterior woodworking projects, including outdoor furniture, birdhouses, mailboxes, planters, and picnic tables.
It is also FDA-approved for indirect food contact.
It’s a PVA glue with VOCs at 3 g/l.
According to the Green Design Center’s FRAT test it came in at 99 ppb (parts per billon) formaldehyde. This is very low.
Cottage Life lists this as a modified PVA.
Titebond Original
Titebond Original Wood Glue develops a bond stronger than the wood itself, says the company.
It offers excellent sandability and is unaffected by finishes.
It is ideal for wood, hardboard, particleboard, leather, cloth, and most other porous materials.
VOCs are 3 g/l and the resin type is listed as “aliphatic resin emulsion”, common aliphatic resins include polyvinyl acetates, acrylics, and vinyl acrylics.
It tested formaldehyde-free by the Green Design Center’s FRAT testing.
Other websites list this as a PVA glue.
It’s inexpensive and easy to order from Amazon and find in stores like Home Depot.
5. Hide Glue
Hide Glue is the most natural glue option for wood.
It’s made from animal protein from the collagen that comes from skins, bones, tendons, and other tissues.
It is a strong, sandable glue with no VOCs, but it is not waterproof.
You can mix it yourself from beads or flakes for the most natural option, or you can buy it ready-made, though those do contain some additives.
The Titebond brand of genuine hide glue is a ready-made option that lists ammonium thiocyanate as an additive.
It tested formaldehyde-free by the Green Design Center’s FRAT testing.
For the most natural non-toxic wood glue possible, this is the top choice.
If you don’t need a waterproof adhesive and are not vegan, this is the best option.
You can buy it on Amazon.
6. Pine Pitch Glue
Another all-natural (but not commonly used) option is Pine Pitch Glue which is made of pine sap, plant fibers, and charcoal.
While it’s mostly used for traditional crafts I did recently see it as a glue used in children’s toys which led me to add it to this list.
Its applications can include attaching and hafting stone projectiles and blades to shafts/handles, illumination, and fire starting, waterproofing basketry, holding together wood crafts, and sealing seams on birch bark canoes.
7. Gorilla Glue
When I was extremely chemically sensitive I found Original Gorilla Glue to be difficult to tolerate when wet, but not terrible.
I was fine with it once it cured.
This is a polyurethane glue that does off-gas VOCs.
The SDS sheet does say “Harmful if inhaled. May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. May cause respiratory irritation.”
For this reason, they don’t claim that this is non-toxic when wet, but the company does say it finishes offgassing at 24 hours (sensitive people may need longer).
They also said “we cannot confirm that Gorilla Glue is non-toxic once cured as we do not FDA test it. For that reason, we do not recommend using it in applications that have direct or indirect food contact.”
I’m leaving it on the list for your comparison.
This glue is 100% waterproof and forms a very strong bond with wood, stone, metal, ceramic, foam, glass, concrete and much more.
They do not recommend it for use on polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) plastics or any type of rubber with high oil or plasticizer content.
It’s easy to find at hardware stores and on Amazon.
Non-Toxic White Glues
1. Elmers White Glue
The classic Elmer’s School Glue is a basic PVA glue that is considered non-toxic.
It’s generally used for school projects, crafts, and slime. It bonds to wood, paper, ceramic, and fabric.
There isn’t much information on the specific ingredients, beyond PVA and glycerol.
VOCs are not listed for School Glue, but their Glue-All (another white glue) has 11 g/l VOC.
You can buy it on Amazon.
2. Titebond White Glue
Titebond White Glue is another non-toxic PVA-based glue.
They say it sets faster than most other comparable glues.
It can be used on wood and with many other porous and semi-porous materials.
The VOCs are listed as 10.7 g/l.
You can buy the jugs on Amazon.
If you want a 0-VOC glue that acts like a white glue, consider the versatile ECOS Wood Glue and Hide Glue in the wood glue section.
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
Sources:
https://cottagelife.com/design-diy/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-wood-glue/
https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infadh/infadhe.html
https://www.woodmagazine.com/wood-supplies/glues-adhesives/the-hot-dish-on-hide-glue
https://pharosproject.net/common-products/2202604
Paul
See also
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7465168/
Paul
Lactic casein glue is a very old and traditional glue without VOC based on milk. It’s just casein solved in water then mixed with Limescale.
From Wikipedia Germany “ Limescale is a slurry (suspension) of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, hydrated lime, slaked lime) in water. The name lime comes from the very old technique of soaking the lime in a pit after the quicklime has been extinguished with excess water.
If the pit limestone is pricked out of the pit again after months or years, it is fine and supple, but relatively firm, and the so-called lime sinter water has settled above the slaked limestone.
Lime porridge, swamp or fatty lime is the name given to the viscous doughy to yoghurt-like suspension that has been mixed with only a little water. If this is further diluted, the aqueous lime milk is obtained, which can be used as lime whitewash[1] (lime paint). Mixtures with rock flour and aggregate are used as lime slurries or lime mortar.”
Paul
From
„ Limestone slurry uses formula is hazardous, toxic, how to make. Limestone slurry, a mix of pulverized limestone and water, is widely used across industries due to its high alkalinity, calcium content, and chemical reactivity. It mitigates pollution, improves soil quality, enhances construction materials, and plays a critical role in water treatment.“
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
working with lime is not likely a DIY project due to safety reasons but this is good to know
marcea klein
Which glue is the safest to use with wood for building a sofa base for a person with multiple sensitivities to environmental toxins?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
that is what this article covers
April
Hi! Do you recommend a food-safe high heat non-flammable silicone sealant for a glasstop stove? (Sealing it at the edges onto the countertop.) I may have
missed any reference you made to this if you did already. Thank you!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
this article is just glues, there is another on caulking
April
Thank you! If you think this looks ok, I would buy it via your website to get you the commission: Silicone RTV 4500 Food Contact Safe High Strength Silicone Sealant, Clear (2.8 FL. Ounce): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Grade-Strength-Sealant-Clear/dp/B00NU6VN6G/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LKsPyyMW2CFHjxIzSMhuFgKkFT4IHZ8rvxYpqDR9QCqFrsWF8ioQ3WsppRbkgBZCvA45_E9YfZqyoFswGfc0sL38iMT1hYyykScyfF21XKSVltDWK_JeuR-0_qtYEVIEBwc08evfnIW_XG4L39-Uqs7j5MgWOKb-YHALG_Mz_PqRlzPg5HzGJr8r51uHgPC3BdFTDsGyBdCvvKOqgv-iRg.T8QEoRYH8PNLXE1F16U-hYtdRJBGV7nMwNDu1j_P3Ik&dib_tag=se&keywords=food+grade+rtv+sealant+high+temp&qid=1748052947&sr=8-3
Britton
Hello, I have seen some flies that have Vinyl Acetates and wondering if that would be considered non toxic or something we should avoid?
Kim Blanda
Hello. So glad to have found this wonderful site. Shared it with my large family! I am a frustrated senior citizen. I live alone. The front and side rails of my long dresser recently unexpectedly fell off Anne I wanted to find a safe string glue BUT my big concern is that I have no way of clamping it on while gluing and curing it based on the width of the dresser. If they make giant clamps, I couldn’t afford something like that. Any suggestions?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
hi, thanks. I can only speak to material safety. As for how to make some makeshift clamps I would do a search on home made make shifts clamps and see what you find.
marcea klein
Which glue is the safest to use with wood for building a sofa base for a person with multiple sensitivities to environmental toxins?
nicole
Check out bearly arts glue.
Katharine Egan
Thank you for so generously sharing your hard-earned knowledge. I appreciate your site & your insights VERY much! :0)
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
thank you! and you’re welcome
Melinda Joy
Hi Corinne, Love your site. I’m replacing the carpet with engineered wood floors in my young son’s room, who is allergic to mold and has constant sinus congestion. I have a question for you about GLUE. I can’t seem to find a good glue to glue the underlayment and the engineered wood floors. We will nails to reduce glue, but the installer also recommends glue because planks are 7″. The Bostik Greenforce has anti-mold ingredients — should I avoid this for my son with mold allergies? I read on your site that people allergic to mold can be sensitive to fungicides. If not Greenforce, what other options do you like?
For the Underlayment. I wanted to get the Quietwalk Plus, which is conveniently sold at Home Depot. Is the anti-microbial not a good idea for a person with mold allergies?
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSIGHTS. Very grateful to you.
Corinne Segura
I would use glue assist which is covered here if you are on a wood subfloor https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2021/07/chemical-free-glues-and-silicone-caulk.html
Im not against antimicrobials especially under the main material but some people could be sensitive to them.