A good yoga mat, the choice of materical for yoga mat directly determines the experience!Today, we will show you the most common materials on the market.
Core Material Analysis:
1、Natural Rubber Yoga Mat:
Source: Rubber tree latex (renewable resource)
Grip: Wet-surface friction coefficient: 1.94 (industry highest)
Eco-Friendliness: Biodegradable (3–5 years)
Toxins: 0 phthalates/chlorinated paraffins (Sweden KEMI certified)
Ideal for: Hot yoga, eco-conscious users, long-term practitioners

2、TPE :
Source: Polymer blend (plasticizer-free)
Portability: 30% lighter than natural rubber (avg. 1.5kg)
Cushioning: 85% impact absorption (joint protection)
Toxins: Trace VOCs (dissipates after 3-day ventilation)
Ideal for: Travel, beginners, sensitive joints
3、PVC:
Risks: Contains 15–40% phthalates (WHO Group 3 carcinogen)
Grip Failure: Wet friction coefficient: 0.3 (high slip risk)
Eco-Rating: Releases dioxins when incinerated (EU-restricted)
Pit Shelter Material:NBR(Contains the carcinogenic ingredient butadiene)、EVA(formaldehyde exceedance)
Yoga Mat Material Comparison:
Materical | Grip | Cushioning | Toxins |
Natural Rubber | 1.94 (Exceptional) | 7.8% (Low) | None detected |
TPE | 1.51 (Excellent) | 15.2% (Balanced) | Trace VOCs |
Jute/Cork | 1.63 (Excellent) | 10.5% (Moderate) | None detected |
PVC | 0.3 (Hazardous) | 18.1% (High) | Excessive phthalates |
NBR/EVA | 0.88 (Poor) | 22.3% (Extreme) | Butadiene/Formaldehyde |
Safest Choices: Natural rubber yoga mat > TPE > Jute/Cork
High-Risk Materials: PVC, NBR, EVA (Carcinogens + poor grip)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Usage Scenarios | Recommended Materials | Rationale |
Hot Yoga/Vinyasa | Natural rubber yoga mat | Unmatched grip (stable when sweaty) |
Travel/Outdoor | 3–5mm TPE mat | Weight <1kg, rollable |
Joint Protection | 8mm TPE or natural rubber | Impact absorption >15% |
Eco-Conscious | Fair-Trade natural rubber yoga mat | Zero pollution + biodegradable |
Professional Maintenance Guide:
Natural rubber yoga mat care:
- Cleaning: White vinegar + water (1:10) spray, wipe with damp cloth
- Avoid: Never soak! Sunlight accelerates aging
- Odor removal: Baking soda sprinkle (leave 12 hours)
TPE mat care:
- Monthly disinfection: 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Avoid sunscreen/oils (causes permanent stains)
Learn more about it in more detail by jumping to this article.
Summaries:
Pursuing professionalism + health: choose a natural rubber yoga mat. Containing less toxic substances, it is the best material for yoga mats.
A yoga mat is not a 'consumable' but a 'companion' to accompany you in exploring your body.When choosing a material for yoga mat, you may want to spend more time researching the ingredients - after all, a safe "natural rubber yoga mat" can not only guard your every asana, but also make the earth less polluted! To copy your homework straight away, come to MOWIN and pick out your natal yoga mat!