I’ve used both natural and conventional paints in my home. In the bathroom, I went with a conventional paint that has mold inhibitors because I was worried about the same issue. It’s held up well, but I do miss the aesthetic of natural paints. Maybe next time I’ll try a natural paint with an additive like you mentioned.
Totally agree on the ventilation point. I switched to natural paints in my bathroom a couple of years back, and while I love the aesthetic and eco-friendliness, I noticed that without proper ventilation, you’re still going to have issues. I installed a better exhaust fan and made sure to keep the window open when possible. It made a huge difference. Natural paints do breathe better, but they’re not a magic solution.
I’ve had a different experience. I used a natural paint in my bathroom and didn’t change anything about the ventilation. Surprisingly, I haven’t had any mold issues. Maybe it’s the specific brand I used, but it seems to handle moisture really well. I think it’s worth trying out natural paints in damp areas, but maybe keep an eye on it and be ready to improve ventilation if needed.