10 Best Non-Toxic Yoga Mats: Recommended by Experts
If you are planning to look for the best non-toxic yoga mats available in the market, you are on the right page. Our researchers have researched the domain for 45 long hours to list down the best 10 across usage needs, user needs and budgets. So, whatever your needs and budget be you will find the best here.
The practice of Yoga is really simple since it does not require any additional equipment except the simple yoga mat for improved physical and mental health.
In the process of trying to achieve better posture is facilitated by the humble Yoga mat hence the choice of the mat is crucial since it acts as a cushion and as protection.
Currently, half our discarded yoga mats end up in the landfill especially the ones that are not made with natural materials hence it is important for the environment sake to invest in a natural fibre non-toxic yoga mats.
Here is our list of the 10 Best PVC and non-toxic yoga mats that are available online. They are also the current 10 most popular trending choices that one can find.
- What are the Best PVC And Non-Toxic Yoga Mats?
- 1. Manduka Pro Yoga Mat Premium
- 2. Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
- 3. Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat
- 4. Liforme Original Yoga Mat
- 5. Ajna Eco Organic Yoga Mat
- 6. Repose Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
- 7. Clever Yoga Liquidbalance Yoga Mat
- 8. Manduka Ekolite Yoga Mat
- 9. Yogasana YOGA MAT
- 10. Large Vitae Organic Cork And Natural Rubber Yoga Mat
- How to Select a Non-Toxic Yoga Mat
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
What are the Best PVC And Non-Toxic Yoga Mats?
1. Manduka Pro Yoga Mat Premium
This is one of the best heavy-duty mats out there. It is super resilient and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Hence absolutely no worries about peeling and flaking. The 6 mm thickness ensures high density cushioning for joint protection especially the knees and unmatched support and stability.
The mat comfortably cushions the spine, hips, knees and elbows on hard surfaces. This mat is made with a 100% eco-certified safe PVC and is the manufacture is completely emission-free hence sustainably made and great for the environment and is chemical-free.
The closed-cell technology prevents sweat from seeping into the mat which in turn reduces bacteria build-up and odours. The dot pattern on the underside ensures that the mat does not slip during a performance.
What we like in it ?
- It is extremely lightweight hence travel friendly for the Yogi on the go. Completely slip-resistant.
- Closed-cell technology.
- High-performance grip.
- Dense cushioning,
Cons
- The mat needs some breaking in. The grip gets better with time.
2. Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
This 4.8 density Jade Harmony yoga mat is timeless and a joy to practice on. The natural rubber offers great traction and enough cushioning while also being extremely lightweight. It has great grip and the mat’s open-cell design ensures that it absorbs moisture, so prevents you from sliding all over the place.
Jade products take eco-friendly to a different level. The mats are sustainably made with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, which is a renewable resource.
They’re made in the United States and are in compliance with all U.S. environmental, labour and consumer protection laws as well. In addition to that, for every mat sold, Jade plants a tree!
What we like in it ?
- This is a high-quality product that is completely non-slip due to the open cell technology. It also offers a great grip and is extremely lightweight.
- Open-cell technology.
- Sustainably made.
Cons
- Not quite as absorbent as mats made for hot yoga.
3. Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat
The Gaiam Sol Dry grip yoga mat with 5mm of premium cushioning is wonderfully reliable and ideal for Hot Yoga since it reduces slipping to the minimum.
The topcoat wicks away the moisture to ensure better grip even as temperatures rise. In spite of the 5mm cushioning that hugely supports the joints, it is surprisingly lightweight.
The mat is completely latex-free and made with a PVC material hence ideal for those with latex sensitivities. This mat seals out germs, odour, and bacteria. It is manufactured free of dangerous chemicals that pollute our planet. This mat comes with a lifetime guarantee.
What we like in it ?
- An amazing top coat that wicks away moisture to ensure a great grip even for hot yoga. Completely latex-free with great cushioning and a lifetime guarantee.
- Amazing top coat.
- Lifetime guarantee.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- The mat can fade and become brittle if exposed to the sun for a long period of time. The mat may become sticky when damp.
4. Liforme Original Yoga Mat
The Liforme original yoga mat is extremely important among teachers and it features a unique alignment system. This made is made from sustainably sourced natural rubber and non-toxic since it is made with only eco-friendly materials and processes hence completely bio-degradable.
This mat has some of the best reviews by users who absolutely love it. The material is sticky enough to be a firm base for practice but not too sticky to impede performance.
The patented unique alignment markers intelligently guide Yogis of all shapes and sizes. The mat is longer and wider than usual hence gives you enough space.
What we like in it ?
- Very popular amongst yoga instructors since it has one of the greatest grips amongst yoga mats. Since it is larger than usual it offers the luxury of space.
- Preferred by yoga instructors.
- Unparalleled grip.
- Comes with a carry bag.
Cons
- Some users have said that it may lose grip over time.
5. Ajna Eco Organic Yoga Mat
This Ajna Eco organic yoga mat comes with great reviews. It is made with natural organic jute fibres that naturally repel odours and stains. The mat is made with chemical-free jute and hence is eco-friendly, recyclable and vegan.
Users really enjoy the earthy feel of the textured side and can reverse it for greater grip to the non-slip side.
The mat materials feature dual layers for increased functioning and comfort with a textured top layer for increased performance grip. The mat is good for the user and good for the environment.
What we like in it ?
- Made premium organic natural fibres that repel all odours and stains. This exercise mat features a unique combination of Organic jute and PER providing comfort, functionality and grip in every position.
- Comes with a carrying strap.
- Eco-friendly.
- Reversible.
Cons
- The textured side needs some breaking in for a good grip.
6. Repose Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
The Repose Eco-friendly yoga mat is non-toxic since it does not contain any harmful chemicals and is made with responsibly obtained cork and natural rubber. Cork mats are sustainable since they do not require the cutting down of trees since cork is obtained from the bark of a tree.
It is easy to clean and organically removes all bacteria. The 4mm thickness offers great support for the joints and is lightweight enough to carry around easily.
The rubber padding on the underside ensures that the mat does not slip. It comes with a free mat strap for convenience of carrying it around.
What we like in it ?
- Lightweight and sustainably made with cork which prevents bacteria build-up and repels mould and mildew.
- Suitable for Yogis and Athletes.
- Chemical-free.
- Sustainably made.
Cons
- Due to the nature of cork, it may require dampening.
7. Clever Yoga Liquidbalance Yoga Mat
This is one yoga mat that has superior slip resistance straight out of the box. It does not require extensive breaking in which mats normally do. It lets you focus on your pose without worrying about slipping. The top layer wicks away sweat and moisture for a strong grip.
The mat is nice and wide and the 4.5 mm cushioning ensures optimal stability and a sturdy grounded feel for every pose. It is made with sustainably harvested biodegradable rubber and completely free of PVC, Latex and other harmful chemicals.
The mat is completely odour-free and the antibacterial material naturally eliminates germs and bacteria to keep odours at bay so your mat stays as fresh as the day you bought it.
What we like in it ?
- The mat has great grip from day one and does not smell of rubber unlike other mats and is nice and wide for comfort.
- Carry bag and shoulder strap included.
- Comfortable without compromising quality.
- Unbeatable non-slip performance.
Cons
- Some users have complained that it takes time to dry out.
8. Manduka Ekolite Yoga Mat
The Manduka eKO mat has a natural rubber grip that catches you if you start to slip. With its sustainable construction, this non-Amazon harvested natural tree rubber mat supports both your practice and our planet. The rippled surface texture provides excellent traction.
The 4mm ultra-dense cushioning protects the joints and provides added stability and comfort during practice. Its closed-cell surface prevents sweat, dirt and bacteria from absorbing into the mat’s surface and core, making cleaning a breeze.
What we like in it ?
- Lightweight yet provides an excellent natural rubber grip that performs and is sustainably made and very durable.
- Made from natural tree rubber.
- No PVC or chemicals.
- Rippled surface texture.
Cons
- Users have complained that it needs some airing out before the rubber odour fades.
9. Yogasana YOGA MAT
The Yogasana yoga mat is made with thick eco-friendly cotton and hence completely non-toxic. The premium cotton mat provides excellent grip, in fact, the more you sweat the more you grip.
The mats are really long and wide for added comfort and hence suitable for both men and women. This mat can be used outdoor for extended periods without worrying about damage.
It is extremely lightweight hence easy to travel with. When you purchase a Yogasana mat you help to educate a child in India.
What we like in it ?
- The cotton mat ensures excellent grip and comfort and allows for use outdoors for prolonged periods.
- Extra-long and wide.
- Eco friendly.
Cons
- Not recommended for a beginner and the colour may run initially.
10. Large Vitae Organic Cork And Natural Rubber Yoga Mat
This rubber cork mat helps you stay grounded (literally and figuratively) in your practice by providing a secure non-slip surface that won’t curl, crack or crease. They source their cork mat responsibly from sustainable bark.
These chemical-free mats are naturally dense and heavy compared to traditional yoga mats.
However, they are one of the lightest on the market, weighing at 5.7 lbs, while maintaining a comfortable supportive cushion of 3 mm. The cork yoga mat is naturally antibacterial, and odour resistant and hence easy to clean meaning you can spend less time cleaning and more time focusing on your practice.
What we like in it ?
- Very light and comfortable for use. Also easy to clean.
- Donates to reforestation projects.
- Portable and comfortable.
- Suitable for all.
Cons
- May need to be sprayed with water to increase grip.
How to Select a Non-Toxic Yoga Mat
This buying guide will help you in choosing the non-toxic mat that is sustainably made and is the right fit for you.
Chemical-Free
Ensure that the mat is free of dangerous chemicals like PVC, PER, TPA, EVA, and synthetic rubbers. A 100% latex is preferable or other non-toxic products like jute or cork.
Sustainably Made
Ensure that it is made from sustainable products like cork or jute or recycled rubber or even cotton.
Good Grip
Do ensure that the mat provides a good grip to enable you to perform better.
Durability
The mat needs to be durable since Yoga or Pilates can also be high intensity. A lifetime guarantee is preferable since that will ensure its durability. That will also ensure that the mat does not peel and flake easily.
Odour Management
A mat that eliminated odour-causing bacteria is ideal.Eco-friendly
Eco-Friendly
Ensure that the mat is made from natural products like sustainably sourced rubber or cork or even jute or recycled rubber. This will ensure that they do not end up in a landfill when discarded.
Closed-Cell Technology
Look for a closed-cell technology since that will ensure that sweat will not seep into the mat since that can lead to bacteria build-up and odours.
High Density Cushioning
High density cushioning is important to protect the joints and provide support to the spine and body while practising difficult yogic positions.
Lightweight
The mat needs to be lightweight so that it can easily be carried around to yoga class or Pilates.
Value For Money
A mat may be expensive but if it is durable and comes with a lifetime guarantee it is far more value for money than a cheap mat that flakes and peels after some use.
Frequently asked questions
What Is The Best Material For A Yoga Mat?
Most standard yoga mats are made of PVC, otherwise known as vinyl. Newer, more earth-friendly options include natural and recycled rubber, jute, and organic cotton or natural.
Are Cork Mats Safe?
Cork mats are completely safe since they use a rubber backing to ensure that they do not slip.
What Is The Ideal Thickness Of A Yoga Mat?
Ideally, 4mm provides an adequate amount of comfort and enables the most stability especially if you do a lot of standing or balance poses. If you want more comfort or you practice yoga on uneven or hard surfaces then you may prefer a thicker mat like a 6 or 8mm.
What Should I Look For When Buying A Non-Toxic Yoga Mat?
Look for natural materials and ensure that no chemicals are used in the manufacture of the mat.
Conclusion
We hope that helped in choosing the best PVC and non-toxic mat that fits your requirements and are sustainably made and gentle on the earth.
We will love it if you like something from our selection and find it useful.