We’ve researched and tested dozens of yoga mats — these are our favorite options for their natural materials, durability, and function across a range of price points.
If you’re one of the millions of yogis out there, you probably got into the practice while looking to destress or become more flexible. There are so many health benefits in taking the time to stretch several times a week, and the right mat, rug, or accessory can help us practice comfortably and reduce the risk of injury. We’re always searching for low-slip mats with plenty of support and just the right amount of cushion. We’re also prioritizing mat materials to ensure they are as good for our health as they are our practice.
Why use a nontoxic yoga mat?
It may come as a surprise, but regular yoga mats are often made with harmful chemicals (like PVC and phthalates). These can release toxic fumes, especially when you’re working up a sweat. These chemicals can also get into your body through your skin or lungs, and this can cause serious problems for long-term health and hormones.
Nontoxic mats, on the other hand, are made from materials like natural rubber, cork, or TPE, which are much safer. Plus, they’re usually better for the planet since they’re biodegradable or recyclable—win, win! We’ve found a few brands that are all about keeping you eco-friendly and engaged in whatever yoga, meditation, or stress relief you’re into—whether it’s a long savasana or that firefly pose you’ve been aiming to master.
Our criteria:
We’ve personally tested each of the following yoga mats, assessing the materials, quality, padding, and durability. We’ve rounded up the best mats that are perfect for restorative yoga, as well as hatha yoga and sculpt classes. We update this list regularly with our emerging favorites that meet the following criteria:
- NATURAL MATERIALS | The brands below create yoga mats that are made with natural and non-toxic materials, aiming to stay away from harmful chemicals that are toxic to our health and hormones.
- SUPPORT | Each yoga mat is made to support your practice by offering optimal padding and grip.
- ETHICS | Each brand is committed to ethical production and various sustainability initiatives.
Looking for eco-friendly yoga wear, too? Head here for our favorite organic cotton leggings and yoga pants.
1. Brentwood Home
Price Range | $159
Brentwood Home has been making mattresses and home essentials with Los Angeles-based artisans for over 30 years, and it does so with organic, nontoxic, and natural materials free of chemical retardants, phthalates, and heavy metals. If you’ve never tried a cotton yoga mat before, you can read our editors’ review to get the scoop on this breathable, stable, comfy option.
2. Jade Yoga
Price Range | $25–$200
Strong grip? Bold colors? Non-slip? Check, check, and check with Jade Yoga’s yoga mats. Crafted in the USA with natural rubber, they’re sustainable too, as Jade Yoga plants a tree with each purchase. (Over a million have been planted already!) Plus, it gives back to a number of causes throughout the year, including the fight against ovarian cancer. We’re big fans of the easy-to-carry travel mat, so we can get our stretch on anywhere.
3. Manduka
Price Range | $45–$130
No matter where you are in your yoga journey, Manduka has just what you need. The company carries mats for beginners all the way to those doing performance-minded hot yoga. (Not sure which mat is best for you? Manduka has a quiz to guide you!) Biodegradable and 99 percent latex-free, these made-for-good mats will keep you cool and comfortable in any session.
4. Gaiam
Price Range | $15-$80
One of Gaiam’s commitments is to sustainable healthy living accessible to all—especially via eco-friendly offerings. From yoga blocks made of 100 percent recycled cork to meditation chairs built from sustainable rattan and kapok, Gaiam goes beyond yoga mats. But even the brand’s mats are made with materials like jute and natural rubber, as well as being up to 8mm thick.
5. YogaKargha
Our Pick | Anti-Skid Mat ($70)
Price Range | $60–$150
YogaKargha is an India-based boutique working with artisans and longtime traditions to create pieces for yoga and meditation. Each mat is individually handwoven using materials like organic cotton, natural wool and rubber, and recycled fibers. We especially love the anti-skid grips for those tougher poses and stretches. Thanks to Etsy, YogaKargha orders will be delivered to you in carbon-neutral shipping.
6. Bennd Yoga
Our Pick | Madder Root, Turmeric, and Harda Ayurvedic Yoga Mat ($170)
Price Range | $170-190
As you breathe through your sun salutations, you can be confident that you won’t be absorbing any harmful chemicals from your Bennd Yoga mat. These mats are hand-loomed and medicinally dyed with ayurvedic herbs to boost circulation, improve mental performance, reduce inflammation, and support immune and digestive health. Bonus? Made with raw, ethically sourced materials, Bennd mats are naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic.
7. Avocado
Price Range | $79
Okay, this isn’t a mat but we are a big fan of props in our practice and this one is a fave! Avocado is the world’s first Climate Neutral mattress and furniture company, and the same standard applies to their Yoga and Meditation pillow. It’s crafted with organic cotton sourced from India, and filled with vegan buckwheat from the United States. Finished in Los Angeles, every part of the supply chain is ethical and sustainable. We use this pillow for aligning our spines and improving our posture, even when we’re not doing yoga!
Featured image by Manduka
