Resources for safe, non-toxic art supplies so your kids can get messy and creative without worry over exposure to toxic chemicals.
What’s more fun than finger paint? Or getting messy with markers, glue and clay? When you set your kids up at the art table, you want them to dive in, get creative and have fun! The last thing you want to have to worry about is safety.
Unfortunately, because of the lax regulations governing the use of chemicals in our country, untested, dangerous chemicals are allowed in many products that we use every day, including art supplies.
Why It Matters
Children are especially vulnerable to hidden chemicals in art supplies. First of all, because every thing goes in their mouths – the crayons, the paint-covered hands – you know what I mean! When kids use art supplies, chemicals are being absorbed right through the skin and can off-gas into the air they breathe. Because of their small size and immature immune systems, these exposures have a greater impact on kids than adults.
Some of the bad stuff that may be lurking in art supplies include:
- lead, cadmium and other heavy metals
- touline, xylene, ammonia and other VOCs (volitile organic chemicals) that off-gas dangerous fumes
- formaldehyde
- PVC and phthalates
RELATED: 4 Good Reasons to Buy Natural, Non-Toxic Products for Your Home & Life
Non-Toxic Art Supplies
Luckily, there are plenty of non-toxic art supplies available to keep our little artists in business! Keep these tips and safer alternatives in mind next time you purchase art supplies:
(*If you make a purchase using an affiliate link I may receive a small commission, at no extra charge to you. Thank you for supporting Mindful Momma if you do!)
Paints
Beware of oil based paints containing chemical solvents like methyl alcohol and toluene that emit dangerous VOCs. Also avoid paints colored with pigments made from highly toxic metals such as cadmium, arsenic, and lead. These paints may also contain formaldehyde. Children should always use water-based paints instead of oil based paints.
Safer alternatives:
- Glob – Water based paints made with pigments found in vegetables, fruits, roots, herbs and spices.
- Eco-Kids – Finger paint made with fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from annatto seed, beets, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage and spinach, and other natural ingredients.
- Wee Can Too – Finger paint made with real vegetables. Vegan, wheat free and sugar free.
- Natural Earth – Face paint made with certified organic ingredients including beeswax and shea butter.
Colored Pencils
Traditional colored pencils use chemical based pigments and may be coated with toxic varnish. Pencils made from sustainable wood and non-toxic pigments are better for people and the planet.
Safer alternatives:
- Trimax – Natural pencils made from reforested wood with a safe lacquer finish.
- Stubby Pencil Studio – Eco dry highlighter pencils made with sustainable wood and non-toxic pigments.
Crayons
Conventional crayons are made with petroleum based paraffin wax and artificial, chemical-based colors. Look for crayons made with beeswax or soy wax, and non-toxic pigments instead.
Safer alternatives:
- Stockmar – Beeswax crayons made with food-grade pigments that pass tests for detection of pesticide residues, PCB’s and heavy metals.
- Filana – Paraffin free, organic beeswax crayons.
- Eco-Kids – Crayon rocks made with natural wax and mineral pigments (get them for 1/2 off at Thrive Market!)
- Honeysticks – Chubby beeswax crayons made with non-toxic pigments.
- Crayon Rocks – Non-toxic soy wax crayons designed to strengthen grip muscles.
- Earth Grown Crayons – Etsy shop selling fun-shaped crayons made with natural soy wax and non-toxic mineral pigments.
Modeling Clay & Play Dough
Polymer clay, used for modeling, is typically made with PVC material and softened with toxic phthalates. Most play dough, although labeled non-toxic, is colored with artificial colors. Vegetable based clays colored with food ingredients are a better choice.
Safer alternatives:
- Pastilina – Vegetable based modeling clay
- Eco Kids – Handmade eco-dough colored with real ingredients like blueberries, beets and carrots. (1/2 off at Thrive Market!)
- Wee Can Too – Veggie dough – comes in powder form so you can mix it yourself.
- Homemade play dough
Sidewalk chalk
Most sidewalk chalk is make with artificial colors and some off-brands could be contaminated with heavy metals. Vegetable colored chalk is the safest option.
- Wee Can Too – Edible, veggie based sidewalk chalk
- Prang – Chalk made from 95% calcium carbonite
Glue
Avoid rubber cement and model glues that emit toxic VOCs. Stick to water-based glue instead.
Safer alternatives:
- Tessa Bunny – Cornstarch based organic glue
- Homemade glue
Markers
Many markers contain highly toxic chemical solvents like xylene, or are alcohol-based. Stick to water-based markers for kids.
Safer alternatives:
- Jolly Duo felt tip markers – water based and certified non-toxic
- Non-toxic water-based, non-scented markers
- Note: Water-based markers are safer and easier to clean up too!
Art smocks
Skip smocks made with toxic PVC vinyl material.
Safer alternatives:
- 100% cotton art aprons with a water-based acrylic coating in adorable prints.
Drawing pads
Choose eco-friendly art pads to go along with your non-toxic art supplies.
- Eco Kids – Eco art pad – FSC certified paper
- Strathmore – Drawing pad made from 100% post consumer recycled paper.
Your turn: What are your favorite non-toxic art supplies for kids?
Good Girl Gone Green says
Thanks! I am looking into getting little E her first set of crayons! And am in the process of looking of course for non-toxic and safe ones!!!
Mysweetwilliam says
I once called Crayola to find out what is in their “nontoxic” crayons. After five minutes of talking around the subject, all I knew for sure is that their crayons are free of peanuts. We immediately switched to Stockmar.
Thanks for this excellent list!
Elizabeth Monaghan
http://mysweetwilliam.org
DontMessWithMom says
Love this post. I wish it was as easy to buy all this stuff at Target like the traditional art supplies, but having it all listed here makes it one step easier. Thanks!
Jessica Moran says
Great post! It’s so awesome to see that people are searching for better options. You can also check out Artterro eco art kits at http://www.artterro.com, if you’re looking for a convenient collection of materials. I work there, so I’m biased, but it’s a great, mom-owned company with very creative products.
Micaela says
Stephanie – have fun with the crayons! Before you know it your house will be full of art supplies!
Micaela says
Elizabeth – peanut-free crayons – LOL! Hope the Stockmar crayons are working well for you!
Micaela says
I'm kind of surprised Target hasn't gone down the non-toxic art supply path. They have a lot of recycled notebooks and paper but I haven't seen any "better" crayons and markers yet.
Micaela says
Hi Jessica – Thanks for letting me know about Artterro. The kits look really fun – and how great that they are eco-friendly as well!
Maria says
I am so glad to have come across this. My son is a toddler who loves to scribble and paint. I have been looking for non-toxic alternatives to the markers and paints that are out there. Thanks so much for this info.;)
Micaela says
Glad you found this post useful Maria. Hope you little guy has lots of fun doing artwork!
IThoughtIKnewMa says
We love Stockmar and Clementine. I’m pinning this and am looking forward to checking out your other suggestions – thanks!
Micaela says
Thanks for pinning my post IThoughtIKnewMa!!
CelloMom says
Thanks for putting this list together: there were a few I don’t know yet but I’m going to try! For those ready to move beyond crayons, I would like to recommend Lyra pencils: intense colours, super-soft, great for on-paper blending, several sizes for growing hands. (Not that we will ever let go of the Stockmar crayons…)
Micaela says
Hi CelloMom – thanks for the tip about Lyra pencils. I had not heard of them.
Labor Posters says
Hello Micaela! I like your post for this Non-Toxic Art and I know someday I can make it on my own. I enjoy reading your blog thank you for sharing it!
-Shelena-
Donna Fountaine says
Micaela, the link to the Eco Kids glue does not work. I could not find the glue on their site, so I contacted them about it. They are discontinuing it.
Micaela says
Thanks for letting me know Donna!
Jennifer Singer says
Our house is always stocked with art supplies that someone magically makes it into their mouth. I love some of these alternatives. Thanks for sharing!
Micaela says
Why is it that toddlers always put everything into their mouths?!! Good thing safer alternatives exist!
Emma says
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Thank you!
Micaela says
Oh good! Happy to help!
Joanne Huxford says
Where can I buy GLOB water colors
And trimax products?
Micaela says
Hi Joanne – they are both available on Amazon. Here are the links: GLOB paints = https://amzn.to/2HlNQwO and Trimax pencils = http://amzn.to/2oPcP3M Hope that helps!
Nicole Kauffman says
What about paint brushes?? Since the hairs fall out, are there any specific ones you recommend? Great list!
Micaela says
I don’t have any specific recommendations but if I hear of anything, I’ll add it to this post!