The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
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
Best For | Cotton yoga mat
Natural Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton, GOTS- & FSC-certified natural Dunlop latex
Price | $143
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.
Our Editor’s Review | “The soft cotton top of the mat was a delightful sensory experience that kept me feeling grounded, and the non-slip latex grip on the bottom helped me feel safe and secure.” – Emily McGowan, Editorial Director [Read the full review.]
2. Oko Living
Best For | Machine washable yoga mats
Natural Materials | Natural tree rubber, GOTS-certified organic cotton, herbal dyes
Price | $174 – $233
Oko Living makes yoga mats featuring natural, ethical, and regenerative designs – a perfect choice for the environmentally conscious. Crafted from certified organic cotton, they are completely toxin-free and dyed using herbs such as neem, turmeric, and holy basil, providing not only vibrant, earth-friendly colors but also natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Hand-loomed in India by skilled women artisans who receive fair wages and work in healthy conditions, each mat supports sustainable livelihoods. The herbal dyes also offer a subtle aromatherapeutic experience, plus their designs are just too adorable to not admire!
Customer Review | “Changed my practice in mind, body, and soul for the better” – Paige (Read all reviews.)
3. Manduka
Best For | Grip & cushion
Natural Materials | Natural non-Amazon tree rubber
Price | $52 – $100
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.
Customer Review | “The strong grip meets my expectations and the 4mm thickness is enough to protect my knees (I’m almost 50, so that matters to me).” – Marie P. (Read all reviews.)
4. Gaiam
Best For | Variety of thickness, width & design
Natural Materials | PVC, latex-free, jute, TPE
Price | $28 – $105
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 10mm thick.
5. YogaKargha
Best For | Handwoven & hand dyed yoga mats
Natural Materials | Organic cotton, wool, AZO-free dyes
Price | $80 – $200
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.
Customer Review | “I am very, very happy with this purchase! I searched for a while and love the quality and workmanship. This will last for a long time. Highly recommended!” – Paul (Read all reviews.)
6. Jade Yoga
Best For | Cork yoga mats
Natural Materials | Sustainably harvested cork, natural rubber
Price | $47 – $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.
Customer Review | “Love my JadeYoga mats! I’m a yoga teacher and I think they have the best grip + I love them being made from natural rubber. Awesome product, would always recommend.” – Stefanie C. (Read all reviews.)
7. Bennd Yoga
Best For | Ayurvedic yoga mats
Natural Materials | Organic cotton, natural latex
Price | $237 – $327
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.
Customer Review | “I never thought about my yoga mat that I have used for the last 25 yrs as TOXIC. I’m so glad you brought it to my attention. I LOVE my BENND mat. It is made so beautifully and perfectly. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.” – Patricia B. (Read all reviews.)
8. 42 Birds
Best For | Hot yoga
Natural Materials | Sustainable cork, slip-resistant foam
Price | $74
Meet 42 Birds‘ cork yoga mat — lightweight, smooth, and designed with nature in mind. Made from sustainable cork, this eco-friendly mat provides a non-slip surface with natural anti-microbial properties, keeping mold, mildew, and bad smells away. It has a 5mm thick, PVC-free foam base for comfort, making it perfect for any yoga style, including hot yoga — no towel needed! Plus, it comes with a complimentary cotton strap for easy carrying. For an even better grip, just spritz a little water where your hands and feet go.
Customer Review | “Lightweight, grippy, natural surface. No plastic off-gassing or PFAS poisoning. Rubber underlining. Antimicrobial for the win, Easy to clean. Rolls like a dream. Cork is naturally antifungal, antibacterial, and water-resistant, maintaining a clean and hygienic surface. *Comes with a great carrier belt. 10/10” – EK (Read all reviews.)
9. Avocado
Best For | Meditation pillow
Natural Materials | Buckwheat fill, GOTS-certified organic cotton
Price | $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!
Our Editor’s Review | “As far as bolsters and meditation pillows go, it’s pretty hard to beat Avocado’s quality. The buckwheat filling means the cushion is firm and sturdy, giving maximum spine support while sitting. Plus, Avocado’s ethos and transparency make this a company you can feel good purchasing from.” – Natalie Gale, Contributing Editor [Read the full review.]
Featured image by Manduka