Your Guide to the Best Non Toxic Yoga Mat
You can find the most non-toxic yoga mat and have a safer practice. I tried out well-known mats to discover some environmental friendly options that did not hurt your health, but did not diminish performance.
Back then, several years ago, I almost did not make notice of the overwhelming smell of plastic when I rolled out my first new yoga mat. I was simply delighted to begin my practice. I did not research until I started getting headaches during the sessions.
What I got to learn left me shocked: my inexpensive PVC mat was leaching poisonous chemicals in my very face! And if you have ever wondered what that weird smell was on your mat, you are not alone. To practice safely I have done some research and tried the best non-toxic yoga mats. This is the guide that will take you through all the things I have learned about how to escape the use of harmful chemicals and how to find the right eco friendly mat.
The reason why your existing yoga mat may be damaging.
I found out to my surprise that most traditional yoga mats are produced with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is the same substance that is used in the manufacture of plumbing pipes. In a bid to make PVC soft and pliable, manufacturers incorporate toxic chemicals such as endocrine disruptors like phthalates, heavy metals like lead and other harmful chemicals like organotins.
These chemicals have even been attributed to severe health complications such as hormonal abnormalities, fertility and even breast cancer. What is more concerning is the fact that these toxins can off-gas or leech out of your mat and into your body during work as you breathe them in or are in contact with them.
The Center of Environmental Health (CEH) found out that a popular yoga mat contained over 1,600 times the recommended daily exposure to nitrosamines- which are likely carcinogenic substances in human beings. This is not what anyone enrolls into when they unfold their mat and take some mindful movement!
Yoga Mats should not be made out of the following materials.
My research has revealed that there are a few materials that should be avoided:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): The most egregious one, it usually includes phthalates (heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)). The market is dominated by PVC mats which make up 38.7% of the mats in 2024.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): This is commonly promoted as being environmentally friendly but is a loose term that does not disclose the components. Numerous TPE mats still have hormone disrupting chemicals.
PER (Polymer Environmental Resin): This is simply PVC which has gone through additional processing to reduce its toxicity, yet it is still a problem.
Synthetic and Recycled Rubber: Recycled rubber may include contaminants such as heavy metals and poisonous chemicals depending on the past life of the rubber.
Mystery Antimicrobials: Synthetic additives which are vaguely disclosed and may contain triclosan, which has been found to cause impairment of thyroid functions and antibiotic resistance.
The most safe materials in Non-toxic yoga mats.
The bad news is that quite a number of natural materials can be very good and safer alternatives:
Natural Tree Rubber
These mats are made of sap of rubber trees and provide great cushioning and grip when they are dry. They are eco-friendly, biodegradable and clean. The primary disadvantage is that they cannot be used by people who are allergic to latex.
Cork
Among my most interesting finds! Cork is antimicrobial by nature– ideal sweat practice. It offers unbelievable grip which becomes better with moisture. And it is harvested sustainably without felling down trees.
Organic Cotton
absorbent, breathable, and machine-washable. Cotton mats are organic and can be used in tender practices but in this case they can be rubber backed to ensure they have more grip. Find GOTS organic cotton in order to ensure strict standards.
Jute
An antimicrobial, naturally growing, fast-growing plant fiber. Jute mats are usually used with other natural materials in order to cushion them better.
The 5 Myers-Pickley Tested 5 Best Non-Toxic Yoga Mats.
My personal recommendations to non-toxic yoga mats include:
Scoria Cork Yoga Mat – The best in Design and Performance.
It was true to say that I was delighted whenever I rolled my Scoria mat out. The attractive patterns aroused a sense of happiness even before I started my practice. In addition to the aesthetics, cork and natural rubber make the experience a little bit softer than other cork flooring. The natural rubber contributes springiness and strength of the floor. My Scoria mat did not slip during hot yoga.
Key Features:
Raw materials: Natural rubber and natural cork.
Thickness: 4.5-6 mm
Best: Performance and the beautiful design.
Price: $60-$130
Roots cork yoga mat – Gurus – hot yoga.
This mat is a game-changer, in case you are serious about hot yoga. Natural cork top is odor-resistant, natural and moisture-wicking. The most interesting thing was how the grip got better with sweat–the more you sweat, the better. The reversible design has two mats in one, cork when you are sweating and everything is a bit more traditional with the textured rubber.
Key Features:
Materials: Natural rubber and cork which are plants.
Thickness: 5 mm
Best: Hot yoga, power yoga and sweaty workouts.
Price: $99.99
Manduka eKO Series – Best All-Natural Rubber mat.
What makes the Manduka eKO unique is the fact that it is made of 100 percent natural rubber and non-azo dyes. I most liked its superior grip, even in the dry state. The rough texture is very grippy and the cushioning is very huge but supportive. Note that it is very strong-smelling in the initial stages of natural rubber, but fades away after exposure to the air.
Key Features:
Materials: Natural tree rubber.
The eKO series comes in many thicknesses.
Best: People who desire highest cushioning and dry grip.
Price: $58-$208
Brentwood Home Organic Yoga Mat – Most Ease of Practices.
This is among the rare few mats that have GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is the highest level of textile safety standards. Organic cotton and natural latex are combined to make a non-toxic and machine-washable goal. I have tried it well with yoga such as yin yoga, meditation, or prenatal yoga. The cotton is comfortable padding that is not sore on the sensitive joints.
Key Features:
Ingredients: Organic cotton that is GOTS certified and natural latex that is FSC certified.
Thickness: 5 mm
Best used with: Mild yoga, meditation, and jointly sensitive practitioners.
Price: $129-$179
Yogasana Organic Cotton Mat- Travel and Outdoors.
The Yogasana woven cotton mat is a groundbreaker in case you love to practice outdoors or need an easy to transport mat. It can be laid flatly on sand and grass unlike rubber mats. I also loved its portability and foldability–it is much lighter than cumbersome rubber mats. The organic cotton really becomes better with sweat, and can be used to meditate and even a decorative rug.
Key Features:
Resources: Organic cotton certified by GOTS.
Thickness: ~5 mm
Best: Outdoor practice, travelling and meditating.
Price: $99
The best non-toxic yoga mats are compared.
Name of the material Materials Thickness Ideal use of it Price range.
| Mat Name | Materials | Thickness | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scoria Cork | Natural cork, natural rubber | 4.5-6 mm | Design & performance | $60-$130 |
| Gurus Roots | Plant-based cork, natural rubber | 5 mm | Hot yoga | $99.99 |
| Manduka eKO | Natural tree rubber | Varies by model | All-natural rubber | $58-$208 |
| Brentwood Home | GOTS organic cotton, natural latex | 5 mm | Gentle practices | $129-$179 |
| Yogasana | GOTS organic cotton | ~5 mm | Travel & outdoor | $99 |
Think about your practice style: Cork or natural rubber will give you the best grip against hot sweaty yoga practice. To go soft, organic cotton is comfortable and breathable.
Consider portability: In case you go to classes regularly, you can look at lighter alternatives (such as the Yogasana cotton mat or slimmer rubber mats).
Check certificates: Search such certifications as GOTS of organic cotton and FSC of natural rubber that guarantee environmental and safety standards.
Keep allergies in mind: In the case of latex allergy, consider using cork not natural rubber mats but cork or cotton mats instead.
Budget it: Non-toxic mats will typically be more expensive than PVC, though they normally last longer. I also have discovered that an investment in a good mat is also worth the money in longevity and rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the non-toxic yoga mats as durable as the conventional mats?
Yes, and often more durable! Plastic substances such as rubber and cork are extremely tough. My Scoria cork mat has worked very well in more than one year of daily usage. There are numerous manufacturers that provide long term warranties on their non-toxic mats.
What is the way of washing my non-toxic yoga mat?
The majority of cork and rubber mats just require wiping using a wet cloth. A light vegetarian detergent can be used. Cork mats should not be soaked in water since puddles may result in bubbles. Cotton mats can be easily washed at the machine and are therefore very easy to preserve.
Do we have any non-toxic non-pricier yoga mats?
Non-toxic mats are more expensive initially, but have a longer life span compared to low-end PVC mats. The prAna E.C.O mat is a cheaper solution at approximately $110 but it does include some recycled rubber on the bottom layer, but it does not touch your skin.
Is it possible to recycle my old non-toxic yoga mat?
Compared to PVC mats, which spend centuries in landfills, natural rubber, cork and cotton mats are all biodegradable. There are even companies that are recycling their wetsuits to make mats such as SugaMats, which take their mats back to be recycled.
Are there a lot of odor-free yoga mats?
At first, natural rubber mats emit a weak, natural smell, but it quickly fades away, unlike the PVC mats, which need weeks to fade its smell. My cork mats came in virtually without any smell.
The Bottom Line
My practice changed with the transition to a non-toxic yoga mat. I am not only physically healthier since I no longer have the headaches I had before but also more at peace of mind that I am not putting myself at risk of coming into contact with dangerous chemicals when I practice.