When choosing a Benjamin Moore paint line first consider where it falls in the quality range, the VOC level, and additional features.
Chemicals to be aware of include VOCs, APEs, PFAS, Prop 65 Chemicals, and for some people, preservatives.
Colors and VOCs
All paint lines on this list except Eco Spec and Ultra Spec can be tinted to all colors. Eco Spec and Ultra Spec cannot be tinted to the CSP full spectrum colors (of which there are at least a couple of hundred).
The Gennex colorant system which covers all of their paints except Superhide and oil-based paints is a 0-VOC colorant, it does not add additional VOCs to the base level.
The Aura line also uses Gennex colors, and it also has “Colorlock” which means the colors are more stable in the paint, more tightly bound and so they do not come off easily when the walls are wiped down.
Quality
In terms of quality, Aura is top of line, then Regal Select, then ben, then Eco Spec and Ultra Spec.
VOCs
Benjamin Moore makes a number of zero-VOC acrylic paints including Eco Spec, Ultra Spec, and ben. Aura is so low VOC that it is practically zero. One of the original non-toxic paint lines was their Natura, pictured (which was phased out in March 2021). This was replaced by Eco Spec which is the most “non-toxic” line though it’s a little lower in quality than Natura was.
Eco Spec is the only one that is Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly. Though the company does not reveal what makes this paint better than other zero-VOC lines other than saying it is lower in odor.
When is it 0-VOC
“After seven days, off-gassing is reduced to a minimal or acceptable level according to the California Department of Public Health, which both Eco Spec and Ben (0-VOC lines) are “tested against,” says rep David Underwood, Associate Technical Project Manager at Benjamin Moore.
As for Ben Moore Advance (a water-based alkyd), a rep for Benjamin Moore said on the phone that Advance takes 2-3 weeks for a full cure and to finish offgassing. It also says on the website that depending on the temperature and humidity, it could take up to 30 days to reach optimum hardness and final sheen.
Disclosure of Ingredients
They provide a Declare label for their Ultra Spec line, which lists all ingredients down to 0.01% (they are one of only two brands that do this).
Prop 65 labels warn for Titanium Dioxide on all paints since all paints use this mineral as the white pigment and filler. This is only a hazard in dust form if you inhale it or ingest it.
They also warn for the VOCs Toluene and Ethylene Glycol on some paint lines, which are VOCs created in the air when it is wet and curing. If the paint is 0-VOC these will dissipate fairly quickly.
Additives/Toxicants
Ben Moore paints do contain a mildewcide (isothiazolinone). They say they don’t add this intentionally to Eco Spec line but it could still contain some amount of this chemical class.
Any of Benjamin Moore paints featuring the “Green Promise” designation are APEs free. This includes Benjamin Moore Aura, Regal Select, ben, Eco Spec, and Ultra Spec.
Ultra Spec and Eco Spec are the only ones confirmed to be PFAS-free based on the Declare Label and GreenSeal certification, respectively.
If you want a super tough bathroom paint with added mildewcide, Aura Bath and Spa is one of the only zero-VOC formulas that meets these performance specs.
Where to Buy
Benjamin Moore stores can be found all over the US and Canada. You can buy samples online – samples only ship to the US.
Individual Lines
1. ben
Ben has a smooth application, extended open time, exceptional touch-up, and scuff resistance. Excellent hide, and a spatter-resistant formula that’s easy to clean up.
Sheens: Comes in matte, eggshell, semi-gloss, and satin/pearl.
Quality: Middle of the line.
Colors: Available in all 3,500+ Gennex Colors including CSP full spectrum colors.
VOCs: Zero VOC and low odor.
Prop 65: Warning for Toluene and Titanium dioxide.
2. Aura
Unparalleled color depth and richness with smooth, uniform color. Ultimate performance in hide for fewer coats. Resists scuffing and burnishing. Mildew-resistant finish. Seamless touch-ups. Washable.
Sheens: Matte, eggshell, satin, semi gloss.
Quality: Top-of-the-line.
Colors: Comes in all 3,500 Gennex colors including CSP full spectrum colors and also has proprietary Color Lock technology ensuring long-lasting color and no color rub-off.
VOCs: 1.5 g/l VOC.
3. Aura Bath and Spa
This product contains antimicrobial additives that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the surface of the paint film. In other words, it contains more mildewcides than the regular wall paints. Ideal for high-humidity environments such as bathrooms and spas.
Extreme hide and coverage for fewer coats. Stands up to repeated washing with no color rub-off. One of the few matte paints that is also washable.
Sheens: Only comes in matte.
Quality: Top-of-the-line.
Colors: Comes in all 3,500 Gennex colors including CSP full spectrum colors and also has proprietary Color Lock technology ensuring long-lasting color and no color rub-off.
VOCs: Zero VOC and low odor.
4. regal select
Delivers a durable and washable finish. Ideal for surfaces subject to abuse and soil, it uses a proprietary stain release technology that allows common household stains to be easily removed with soap and water.
The company reps have no information on whether this stain release technology is PFAS-based or contains PFAS.
It offers exceptional flow and leveling for a smooth application. Good durability. Withstands scuffs, marks, and burnishing from everyday wear and tear. Excellent hide and fast drying for completing projects faster, even in light colors.
Sheens: Flat, matte, eggshell, satin/pearl, semi-gloss.
Quality: Next best after Aura.
Colors: Available in all 3,500+ Gennex Colors including CSP full spectrum colors.
VOCs: 47.4 g/l. This is still technically low VOC since it’s under 50 but it’s certainly at the high end of “low VOC”.
Prop 65: For Ethylene Glycol.
5. Eco Spec
High hiding with excellent touch-up and a uniform finish. Eco Spec is ideally suited for commercial environments including healthcare and hospitality in addition to residential applications due to the fact that it is their safest/healthiest paint. Eco Spec is lower odor than other, even 0-VOC paints, they say. This product contains antimicrobial additives that inhibit the growth of mildew. Though a rep on the phone said they do not intentionally add isothiazolinones.
Excellent touch-up, quick-drying for same-day return to service, spatter-resistant. Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Allergy Standards Ltd. Green Seal Certified (this means there are no PFAS amongst other things).
Sheens: Flat, eggshell, semi-gloss.
Quality: Lower-end quality.
Colors: Eco Spec uses Gennex colors but cannot be tinted to the CSP full spectrum colors (of which there are at least a couple of hundred).
VOCs: Zero VOCs and zero emissions, lowest odor option.
Prop 65: Titanium dioxide, Ethylene Glycol.
6. Ultra Spec
Excellent hiding. Spatter resistant. Great touch-up properties. Decorative and uniform gloss finish. Soap-and-water cleanup. Washable. Quick drying.
They provide a Declare label for this line, which lists all ingredients down to 0.01% (they are one of only two brands that do this). There are no PFAS on this list.
Sheens: Flat, low sheen, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss
Quality: Lower end.
Colors: Engineered with Gennex Color Technology, does not come in the CSP full spectrum colors.
VOCs: Zero VOC and low odor.
Prop 65: For Titanium dioxide and Toluene.
Specs Overview
Spatter resistant (this is more about ceiling applications)- Ultra Spec, Eco Spec, ben
Washable – Ultra Spec, Regal Select, Aura Bath and Spa, Aura
Withstands skuffs – Regal Select, Aura, ben
Hide:
- High hide – Eco Spec
- Excellent hide – Ultra Spec, Regal Select, ben
- Extreme hide/ultimate hide – Aura
Touch Up:
- Great touch-up – Ultra Spec
- Excellent touch-up – Eco Spec
- Exceptional touch-ups – ben
- Seamless touch-ups – Aura
Stacy
Hi Corinne –
I’ve been reading your posts on low/no VOC paints – this one, and the one on Benjamin Moore paint as Ben is the one we’ve used in a few rooms in our home recently. I’m experiencing a flare of a health condition – so looking for the best option of a paint that has a the quickest cure/offgassing so that the smell is gone as quickly as possible during and after painting.
I see that ECOS is the brand of choice – and I read through other questions and your comments and the most recent was a very similar question to mine back about a year ago in March 2023.
Wondered if a year later – there is any further input you might have? Should I choose a BM paint (ben or their Allergy/Asthma friendly line) or do I spend the extra $30+ per gallon that ECOS is above what we’ve been paying for the ‘ben’ paint already in our home? I did feel like the scent went away in a few days – but I’ll be living here and feel like it really exacerbates my symptoms.
Thanks in advance! Truly appreciate you and this site so much. <3
Stacy
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
ECOS also has the new paint smell when wet, you will likely experience it as better than the BM lines, but it’s not a given. You have to be very sensitive to notice a difference. You might also consider the now easily available Kiem mineral wall paint in the main “healthiest paint” post if you really want something with almost no VOC offgassing even when wet. that is more expensive though so its really about how much it’s worth to you.
Stacy
Thank you!
Do you have a sense of how quickly ‘Ben’ vs ECOS vs Kiem might loose it’s strongest smell after painting?
Thanks again. I’ll also pop online and look at Kiem. 🙂
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
ive tested them all but at different times, and I didn’t use Ben specifically but Natura back in the day. You would have to get samples to compare them. Most sensitive people are very happy with ECOS but if you really want a lack of that odor even while painting, Kiem is the best bet. I find ECOs and Kiem odorless personally as soon as they are dry which is quite fast (and kiem is almost odorless when wet as well). however these assessments were made when i was less sensitive than most people with MCS.
sandy
Dear corinne,
Thank you for your kind and wonderful response.Just some questions based on your response:
a) Pls when you say there is mold in the house,do you mean that the mold is what’s caused my reaction as I wasn’t reacting before the paint was used ,whats the connection between the mold and how I reacted to the paint.Sorry I just want to understand the correlation to know how best to go about it and If I need a mold assessor in.
b) Also what is blocking and will it affect things
c) by pure shellac do you mean the blonde dewaxed commercial one one or me mixing pure flakes?Do I need to repaint the whole upstairs or just the doors and skirtings?
Thank you so much as I look forward to your response.I really want an end to this one year nightmare.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I have always seen mold in the house when someone suddenly reacts to a product like that. A mold assessment with multiple testing types would be a good idea. Google “paint doesnt cure blocking” for advice on that, if the paint didnt cure properly i would not paint over it. Just seal and paint the doors and skirting. See articles on sealing/blocking offgassing.
sandy
Thank you so much for all you do.I painted 5 bedroom doors and door frames in march 2023 ,a year ago with benjamin aura unknown to me that it had the mildewcide in it.I have reacted very badly to it and how now become sensitive to things I was never sensitive to since december 2023,almost everything,including new appliances.I have been living in my lounge on my sofa for all that time and can’t stay upstairs.Pls how do I go about remedying this problem so that I can live upstairs again?
Also would the walls upstairs have absorbed it in this length if time and would they need remedying as well.pls help me
Thank you
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
first check that the paint is fully cured and you dont have “blocking”. assuming you dont have that check out the posts on sealing in offgassing. i would go with pure shellac then paint over. check the house for mold, there is mold in that house to trigger that response.