We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Product links on this page are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you; see our Affiliate Disclosure.
A yoga mat gives you a cushioned, non-slip surface for floor poses. This guide covers what “organic” can and cannot mean for a mat, what to look for when you buy one, and compares five mats made of natural rubber, cork, PVC and other materials.Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical or safety advice. Ask your doctor before starting yoga if you are pregnant, older or have a health condition.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Material | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Not stated | 68″ |
| 2 | PVC | 71″ x 24″ |
| 3 | Not stated | 0.24*24*72 Inches |
| 4 | Natural rubber, PU top | 72″ x 24″ |
| 5 | Cork, TPE base | 68″ x 24″ |
– = not stated by the maker · Specs and certifications as stated by the listing, not tested or verified by us; check the listing before you buy
Yoga basics
- Yoga is generally considered safe for healthy people when done properly under a qualified instructor. The most common injuries are sprains and strains.[1]
- Talk to your health care provider before starting yoga if you are pregnant, older or have a health condition. Avoid hot yoga while pregnant, because it can cause overheating.[1]
- Natural rubber comes from the rubber tree and contains the proteins that cause latex allergy. If you have a latex allergy, skip natural rubber mats.[2]
Why Use a Yoga Mat?
- Breathing and Posture – Yoga as practiced in the United States typically combines physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation.[1] A mat marks out your space for all three.
- Balance – Research suggests yoga may improve balance, and a stable, non-slip surface makes floor poses easier to hold.[1]
What “Organic” Means for Yoga Mats
- Plant-based Materials – Natural rubber, cork and jute come from plants, which sets mats made from them apart from foam and PVC mats.
- Mixed Construction – Many mats combine materials, such as natural rubber with a PU top or cork with a TPE base, so a natural material does not make the whole mat biodegradable. An unqualified “biodegradable” claim means the whole product breaks down within one year after normal disposal.[3]
- Grip – Rubber and cork surfaces give traction, and the Gaiam cork mat is made to grip better when it is slightly damp, which suits hot yoga.
What to Look for When Buying Organic Yoga Mats
- Material – Check what the mat is made of, and avoid natural rubber if you have a latex allergy.[2]
- Thickness – The mats here range from 4.7 mm to 6 mm. A thicker mat cushions joints more, and a thinner one is lighter to carry.
- Grip and Surface – Look for a textured top and a bottom that grips the floor, so the mat stays put during poses.
- Weight and Size – The mats here run from about 2 pounds to about 6 pounds, and most are 68 to 72 inches long.
- Certifications – OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 means the material was tested for harmful substances. It is a safety test, not an organic certification.[4]
What the Research Says
NCCIH describes yoga as generally safe for healthy people when practiced properly, and it advises pregnant women, older adults and people with health conditions to talk with a health care provider first.[1] A natural rubber mat can trigger a latex allergy,[2] and a “biodegradable” label on a mat needs the full-product breakdown described in the FTC Green Guides.[3]How We Chose These Products
We do not test products. We compare product details: material, size, thickness, weight and any certification, such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.[4] Brands don’t pay to be included, though we may earn a commission from purchases.Our Picks: Organic Yoga Mats
These five mats cover natural rubber, cork, PVC and other materials. Not every mat here is made of organic materials, so read the material in each box.1
JadeYoga® Harmony Yoga Mat Natural rubber non-slip yoga mat
Currently unavailable
- JadeYoga Harmony Yoga Mat is a natural rubber non-slip yoga mat, and it comes in size 68″.
- It is vegan.
- Made in the USA.
- It measures 68 x 24 x 0.2 inches and weighs 4.9 pounds.
- Read the product label for directions and safety information before use.
2
Manduka® PROlite Yoga Mat Durable 4.7mm travel-weight yoga mat
Currently unavailable
- Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat in Indulge is a 71 x 24 inch mat that is 4.7 mm thick.
- It is the lightweight version of the Manduka PRO mat, sized for a studio or home.
- The mat is made of latex-free PVC that is certified OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.
- It is handmade in an emissions-free German facility.
- The dense 4.7 mm cushion gives stability on any surface, and the closed-cell material keeps out moisture.
- The textured top layer lets you move between poses, and the grip improves as the mat breaks in.
- Clean it with a mat wash and spray; the mat weighs about 4.6 pounds.
3
Gruper® Non Slip Mat Eco-friendly non-slip yoga mat with strap
Currently unavailable
- Gruper Non Slip Yoga Mat is a 72 x 24 inch mat that is 6 mm (0.24 inch) thick, shown here in Matcha Green and Black.
- It is made of an eco-friendly material with a textured non-slip surface on both sides.
- The mat has a double layer and resists tearing.
- A carrying strap and a storage bag come with it.
- Wipe it with a damp cloth and cold water or a mild detergent and let it dry flat; do not machine wash it or leave it in the sun.
- The standard size weighs about 2.6 pounds, and a thicker size is also sold.
4
Ellylife® Natural Rubber Mat Natural rubber yoga mat, alignment lines
Currently unavailable
- Ellylife Natural Rubber Yoga Mat is a 72 x 24 inch mat that is 5 mm thick, shown here in Beige.
- The base is natural rubber, and the top is a matte PU layer that grips when you sweat.
- Alignment lines on the surface help you check your posture.
- The materials are SGS certified, and the mat is tear resistant.
- It lies flat without curling.
- A strap and a carry bag come with the mat, packed in a gift box.
- It weighs about 6.3 pounds.
5
Gaiam® Cork Yoga Mat Natural cork non-slip yoga mat
Currently unavailable
- Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat has a natural cork top and a TPE bottom.
- The cork surface resists sweat and odor, so it stays fresh through hot yoga.
- The TPE backing keeps the mat from slipping on the floor.
- The mat suits yoga, Pilates and other floor workouts.
- It measures 68 x 24 x 0.2 inches and weighs about 2 pounds.
- Fit For Life is the manufacturer.
Index Table: Organic Yoga Mats Compared
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JadeYoga Harmony Yoga Mat - Natural rubber non-slip yoga mat |  |
| JadeYoga |
| 2 | Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat - Durable 4.7mm travel-weight yoga mat |  |
| Manduka |
| 3 | Gruper Non Slip Mat - Eco-friendly non-slip yoga mat with strap |  | Gruper | |
| 4 | Ellylife Natural Rubber Mat - Natural rubber yoga mat, alignment lines |  | Ellylife | |
| 5 | Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat - Natural cork non-slip yoga mat |  | Gaiam |
Sources
- NCCIH, National Institutes of Health. Yoga: Effectiveness and Safety. Accessed October 25, 2026.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Latex Allergy: Overview. Accessed October 25, 2026.
- Federal Trade Commission, 16 CFR 260.8. Degradable claims (Green Guides). Accessed October 25, 2026.
- OEKO-TEX. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. Accessed October 25, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the guide text and product notes, added the latex allergy and biodegradable-claim notes, corrected the Ellylife details, filled in the Key Specs, and replaced the sources (NIH NCCIH, OSHA, FTC Green Guides, OEKO-TEX)
- Mar 2021: First published
