Method v1.0 · preliminary
How we score
Each product gets a score from 0 to 100, built only from documents the manufacturer or an independent certifier published. We score each barcode separately, because sheens and bases can differ.
75–100 Excellent50–74 Good25–49 Poor0–24 Bad
| Indoor air (40) | VOC under 5 g/L | +15 |
| VOC 5–50 g/L | +8 | |
| Maker states tinting adds no VOC | +10 | |
| Emissions tested (GREENGUARD, CDPH, LEED emissions) | +15 | |
| Ingredient hazards (35) | Start at 35, then for each Safety Data Sheet warning: | |
| Cancer, genetic damage or reproductive warning for the paint itself | −15 | |
| Cancer warning for dust only (titanium dioxide, silica, clays) | −3 | |
| Skin or respiratory allergen | −8 | |
| Organ toxicity or acute toxicity | −8 | |
| Serious eye damage or skin corrosion | −5 | |
| Aquatic toxicity, flammable, aspiration hazard | −3 | |
| Transparency (15) | Full ingredient list published (e.g. Health Product Declaration) | +15 |
| Environmental data sheet or partial disclosure | +8 | |
| Safety Data Sheet only | +3 | |
| Independent verification (10) | Ingredient or health certification in the certifier's registry | +10 |
Rules we never break
- No estimates. If something isn't documented, it earns zero points and says "not disclosed."
- No score without a current US Safety Data Sheet and a documented VOC figure.
- A cancer, genetic damage or reproductive warning for the paint itself caps the score at 59.
- Self-awarded seals don't count. Certifications are checked in the certifier's registry.
- No brand pays for, sponsors or influences a score. Makers can send newer documents to correct a listing.
Scores are preliminary until our method completes independent expert review.