Biodegradable and sustainable, cork yoga mats are one of the best options if you’re looking for eco-friendly yoga mats. With the mindfulness aspect covered, the question that still remains is, what are the best cork yoga mats for your practice?
Well, it depends. Cork yoga mats are well suited for a variety of yoga practices owing to their versatility. These yoga mats offer great grip even when wet making them best suited for sweaty yoga sessions like hot yoga.
Ranging from 6mm thick to 1mm thin, the 4mm yoga mat is ideal for everyday yogi. If you need a better cushion, the 6mm mat is your bet. For the cork-loving nomad yogis, the foldable 1-2mm travel yoga mats would be the ideal choice.
The antimicrobial cork surface also prevents nasty odors, bacteria, and mold buildup. What’s more? You also feel good knowing that you’re helping these yoga brands give back to society, by way of planting trees and helping the needy. Here are 10 of the best cork yoga mats that should help you find the perfect yoga mat for your specific yoga practice.
Best Cork Yoga Mats for 2023
Our Top Picks |
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1. Urbivore Standard Cork Yoga Mat Best Cork Yoga Mat for Everyday Use. |
2. Yoloha Unity Cork Yoga Mat Best Cork Yoga Mat Overall. |
3. Gurus Roots Cork Yoga Mat Sustainable, Great Cushion, and Mid-range Pricing. |
4. Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat Lightweight, Great Cushion, and Cheap. |
5. Urbivore Wander Travel Cork Yoga Mat Thin and Lightweight, one of the Best Cork Yoga Mats for Travel. |
6. Repose Organic Cork Yoga Mat The Affordable Cork Yoga Mat. Carrying Strap Included. |
7. Yoloha Travel Yoga Mat Thin, Lightweight, and Foldable, the Best Travel Cork Yoga Mat. |
8. Yoga Design Lab Cork Yoga Mat Gorgeous Yoga Mats with Alignment. Includes Carrying Strop. |
9. Tranquil Yogi Cork Yoga Mat Highly Rated Cork Yoga Mat. Carrying Strap Included. |
10. New Balance Cork Yoga Mat Lightweight, Great Cushion, and Cheap. |
1. Urbivore Natural Cork Yoga Mat
This natural cork yoga mat sports natural cork on top and natural rubber at the bottom. The result is a non-slip, odor-free, and non-toxic yoga mat.
This yoga mat is 6ft X 2ft and 4mm in thickness offering great grip and cushion for your yoga practice. You also give back when you buy this yoga mat as your purchase results in the planting of a tree. Buy this Now.
Item | Specifications |
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Materials Size Thickness Weight Manufactured in | Natural Cork Surface, Natural Tree Rubber Base 6ft x 2ft 4mm 5.3lbs Unknown |
What to Love | What to Reconsider |
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▲ Sustainable ▲ No Chemicals ▲ Plants a Tree ▲ 2mm Travel Mat Available | ▼ Premium Pricing |
2. Yoloha Unity Yoga Mat
The top surface of this eco-friendly yoga mat features a blend of two recycled materials – cork and rubber. That’s how you get a luxury cork yoga mat with serious grip performance dry or wet, optimum durability, and less weight. This is one of the best cork yoga mats for pretty much any yoga practice.
No PVC or harsh chemicals in this yoga mat ensure that it is also easy on your body. The closed-cell construction allows for easy cleaning and no trapped odors. Weighing 6lbs, this 6mm yoga mat is available in 3 generous sizes accommodating even large tall men. Buy this Now.
Item | Specifications |
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Materials Size(s) Thickness Weight Dimensions Manufactured in | A unique blend of natural cork and natural rubber 72″x26″, 80″x26″, 84″x30″ 6.5mm 6lbs 5.5″ rolled USA |
What To Love | What to Reconsider |
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▲ Sustainable ▲ No Chemicals ▲ Great Grip Dry or Wet ▲ Extra Cushion ▲ Multiple Sizes ▲ Multiple Thickness Options ▲ Plants a Tree | ▼ Premium Pricing |
3. Gurus Roots Cork Yoga Mat
The gurus roots yoga mat is the ideal yoga mat for your daily use, especially if you’re looking for some good cushion. At 6.5mm thickness, it sports a natural cork top and a natural rubber backing and weighs about 6lbs.
If you prefer a lighter version of the cork yoga mat, you may check out their Sprout yoga mat. Made of TPE back and natural cork top surface, this yoga mat at 4mm thickness weighing only 2lbs, is ideal as a travel companion.
As the cork top layer does not absorb heat, this is one of the best cork yoga mats for both indoor and outdoor yoga practice. When you buy a gurus cork mat, you also help give back to society and plant a tree in the developing world. Buy this Now.
Item | Specifications |
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Materials Size(s) Thickness Weight Manufactured in | Natural Cork Surface, Natural Rubber Base 72″x25″ 6.5mm 6lbs China |
What To Love | What to Reconsider |
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▲ Sustainable ▲ No Chemicals ▲ Plants a Tree | ▼ Multiple Size/Thickness Options Unavailable |
4. Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat
One of the most affordable cork mats, this yoga mat features an all-natural sustainable cork on one side and a non-toxic lightweight TPE natural rubber on the other. Gaiam cork yoga mat features a reversible design allowing for use of either side of the mat.
This yoga mat measures 68″ X 24″ and has a thickness of 5mm offering great cushion and grip. Owing to the lightweight TPE back, this yoga mat only weighs 3.7 lbs. Buy this Now.
Item | Specifications |
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Materials Size(s) Thickness Weight Manufactured in | Natural Cork Surface, TPE Rubber Base 68″x24″ 5mm 1.7lbs China |
What To Love | What to Reconsider |
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▲ Eco-friendly ▲ Lightweight ▲ Affordable | ▼ Small Size ▼ Multiple Size Options Unavailable |
5. Urbivore Natural Cork Travel Mat
Your search for an eco-friendly yoga mat that’s made of cork and also best suited for travel ends here. At 72″ x 24″, 2 mm thickness and weighing less than 2 lbs., this is one of the best cork yoga mats for travel.
The company makes sure that no trees are cut in harvesting cork. You can also earn some good karma by buying this mat as you help plant a tree with every purchase. Buy this Now.
Item | Specifications |
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Materials Size(s) Thickness Weight Manufactured in | Natural Cork Surface, Natural Tree Rubber Base 72″x24″ 2mm 2lbs Unknown |
What To Love | What to Reconsider |
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▲ Sustainable ▲ No Chemicals ▲ Lightweight ▲ Thin ▲ Plants a Tree | ▼ Premium Pricing |
6. Repose Organic Cork Mat
Made from organic cork and natural rubber, these eco-friendly yoga mats use no harmful chemicals. No glues, TPEs, or PVCs. Furthermore, the cork and rubber trees are not harmed due to their sustainable harvesting practices. No plastics in the production process and packaging, making them both biodegradable and recyclable.
This non-slip sustainable yoga mat with natural rubber bottom is good for hot yoga sessions too. This easy-to-clean Repose yoga mat is also portable, thanks to the yoga mat strap that comes with it. Beginner or a pro, in aerobics or pilates, this is one of the most versatile natural cork yoga mats. Buy this Now.
Item | Specifications |
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Materials Size(s) Thickness Weight Manufactured in | Natural Cork Surface, Natural Rubber Base 72″x24″ 4mm 6lbs China |
What To Love | What to Reconsider |
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▲ Eco-friendly ▲ No Chemicals ▲ Affordable | ▼ Somewhat Slippery Initially |
7. Yoloha Travel Yoga Mat
Another great yoga mat that is made for nomads is the Yoloha travel cork yoga mat. Extra light and ultra-versatile, the travel yoga mat is made with a premium layer of eco-friendly cork on top and a dense foam base free of PVCs and latex.
The non-slip and antimicrobial surface makes it easy to care for and maintain while the base offers solid comfort and grip. Measuring at 72″ x 24″, just 1mm thick, and weighing in just around 2.5 lbs., it rolls tight to a 2.5″ diameter.
You can even fold it, making it the best yoga mat for travel that’s made of cork. What’s also awesome is the available option of an 80″ x 26″ mat. For an additional $30, you can also pick from some cool prints as well. Buy this Now.
Item | Specifications |
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Materials Size(s) Thickness Weight Manufactured in | Natural Cork Surface, Natural Rubber Base 72″x24″, 80″x26″ 1.5mm 2.5lbs USA |
What To Love | What to Reconsider |
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▲ Sustainable ▲ No Chemicals ▲ Great Grip Dry or Wet, ▲ Foldable ▲ Multiple Sizes ▲ Lightweight | |
8. Yoga Design Lab Cork Mat
Suitable for yoga, pilates, and exercise, this is one versatile mat. This yoga mat is made with environmentally friendly recycled cork and natural rubber.
Measuring at 70″x24″ and 3.5 mm thickness and with the included complimentary yoga mat strap, this mat works well as a travel yoga mat too. Buy this Now.
Item | Specifications |
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Materials Size(s) Thickness Weight Manufactured in | Natural Cork Surface, Natural Rubber Base 70″x24″ 1.5mm, 3.5mm, 5.5mm 5lbs (3.5mm) China |
What To Love | What to Reconsider |
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▲ Sustainable ▲ No Chemicals ▲ Great Grip Dry or Wet ▲ Multiple Thickness Options ▲ Carrying Strap Included | ▼ Multiple Sizes Unavailable ▼ Premium Pricing |
9. Tranquil Yogi Yoga Mat
This is another standard yoga mat that works well for all yoga practices. Slightly on the heavier side, this yoga mat is ideal for wood-finishing floors and smooth surfaces. It comes with a yoga mat carrying strap making it easy to carry it around. Buy this Now.
Item | Specifications |
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Materials Size(s) Thickness Weight Manufactured in | Natural Cork Surface, Natural Rubber Base 72″x24″ 3mm, 5mm, 6mm 6.5lbs (5mm) Unknown |
What To Love | What to Reconsider |
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▲ Sustainable ▲ No Chemicals ▲ Great Grip Dry or Wet ▲ Multiple Thickness Options ▲ Carrying Strap Included | ▼ Multiple Sizes Unavailable ▼ Premium Pricing |
10. New Balance Yoga Mat
This is another great deal of a yoga mat that’s well suited for a variety of yoga practices. The non-slip, antimicrobial, self-sanitizing cork surface offers a fantastic grip for sweaty yoga sessions like hot yoga.
Measuring at 68″ x 24″ and 5 mm thickness, this is a bit of a heavy yoga mat but offers great cushion for joints. And the affordable price is another big plus. Buy this Now.
Item | Specifications |
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Materials Size(s) Thickness Weight Manufactured in | Natural Cork Surface, Non-toxic TPE Base 68″x24″ 5mm 2.5lbs Unknown |
Cork Yoga Mat Buyer’s Guide
1. What are the best yoga mats?
The best yoga mats are those that complement your yoga practice. If you’re into hot yoga, then grip becomes a very important consideration. For slow yoga such as Hatha Yoga, along with grip, cushion also plays an important role. Portability and sustainability are the other driving factors in picking the best yoga mat for your practice.
2. Are cork yoga mats good?
If sustainability is paramount for you, then you’ll be happy to know that cork mats are among the best eco-friendly yoga mats. Cork is biodegradable, lightweight, water-resistant, and antimicrobial(self-cleaning). Cork mats offer great grip when wet, making them best suited for sweaty yoga sessions such as hot yoga.
3. How do you clean cork yoga mats?
Since cork mats are antimicrobial and antibacterial, keeping them clean is fairly easy. Just wiping down with a damp cloth and letting it air-dry does the job.
For deeper cleaning, you can use a natural DIY spray by adding 3 parts water, 1 part white vinegar, and a few drops of natural essential oils. You may consider using essential oils with disinfecting qualities such as lavender, tea tree, and lemongrass essential oils.
4. How often should you clean cork yoga mats?
Generally, wiping down with a damp cloth once a week should be good. However, if your yoga practice is vigorous and sweaty, it’s a good idea to give it a wipe down after each session and deep clean once a week with a natural yoga mat cleaning spray like this one.
5. How do you make a yoga mat less slippery?
If your yoga mat is brand new, it’s a good idea to give a spritz of water where your hand and feet would go. Alignment issues can also contribute to slipping on a new yoga mat. Just being mindful of getting the hang of your body balance and taking it slow can in no time settle your slippage issues.
And finally, avoid using lotions and oils before you get on your yoga mat. The oils can end up coating the cork surface and turn it slippery. It’s a good idea to give your cork mat a wipe-down occasionally.
6. How do you care for a cork yoga mat?
Giving your cork yoga mat a regular wipe down is a good place to start. If you see any signs of oil or dirt buildup on the cork surface, you may want to give it a nice wash down with very mild natural detergent water. Be sure to give it a good wipe and leave it to air dry with the cork side up away from direct sunlight. Always roll with the cork surface facing outside so it rolls flat when it’s yoga time.
If your travel yoga mat is a foldable cork yoga mat, be sure to fold only when you’re traveling and at other times fold it with the cork surface outward like any regular cork yoga mat for longer life.
7. Are cork yoga mats worth it?
Yoga mats made of Cork are eco-friendly, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and easy to maintain. Also being lightweight and offering great grip and traction, cork yoga mats check off a whole lot of desirable qualities. They also come at various price points and that makes them totally worth it.
8. How long do cork mats last?
Depending on the amount of usage, a cork mat can easily last up to one year.