8 Best Silk Pillowcases, Tested By Skincare Experts
“There really is a difference between sleeping on a silk pillowcase, a satin pillowcase, and a rough cotton pillowcase."
Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
If you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine and minimize bedhead, investing in a silk pillowcase may just be the best solution. With its ultra-smooth and breathable surface, “it creates less potential irritation on the face, and less potential irritation and breakage on hair,” says board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, which is why silk hair bonnets are also the way to go, btw.
That means the best silk pillowcase can work wonders for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Plus, silk pillowcases are naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and temperature-regulating, so they can keep you cool and sweat-free in the summer, and warm and cozy during the winter.
Best Silk Pillowcase
Another great benefit of this luxurious fiber is its ability to keep your skin incredibly hydrated and moisturized. “Silk isn’t as absorbent as cotton, so if you’re putting product on your face or hair at night, it leaves the product where it belongs,” says textile expert Deborah Young.
Although some silk pillowcases look very similar, they often vary in terms of quality, price, and feel. So, before you dive into our favorite picks, here are a few things to look for in a silk pillowcase.
What to consider
Fiber content
When shopping for a silk pillowcase, it’s important for it to actually be 100 percent silk, says Dr. Gohara. Most silk pillowcases are made with mulberry silk, which comes from the cocoons of silkworms that exclusively eat mulberry leaves (hence the name). However, you might come across some silk pillowcases that are actually just satin. So, what’s the difference, and why does it matter?
Satin is a type of weave structure rather than a fabric, while silk is a protein fiber. Although some satin pillowcases can be made with natural silk, many are often blended with synthetic materials like polyester and rayon, which are less breathable and more likely to cause acne and skin irritation, says Dr. Gohara. “There really is a difference between sleeping on a silk pillowcase, a satin pillowcase, and a rough cotton pillowcase,” she explains. Ultimately, when you use a pillowcase that’s 100 percent pure silk, “you will notice the benefits on your skin, and it’s something worth investing in.”
Weight measurement
Similar to thread count in cotton sheets, momme is a term that’s commonly used to describe the weight measurement of silk. It also indicates the weave tightness, density, and overall quality of the material. Most silk pillowcases range from 19 momme (soft, more delicate, and relatively affordable) to 30 momme (luxurious, exceptionally durable, and expensive), with 22 momme widely considered to be an excellent middle ground.
Basically, as the momme count increases, it becomes heavier, denser, and more costly. You can even go as low as 16 momme if you’re looking for a less bulky, ultra soft, and budget-friendly option. However, Young recommends shopping for silk pillowcases that are 20 momme or higher. “Don’t be seduced just by the softness,” she says. “You have to go beyond the touch of them. Look for a certain heft so that they’re not flimsy.” The silk pillowcases on this list range from 16 to 25 momme, so you can choose your preferred level of durability, softness, and thickness at different price points.
Care instructions
Unlike cotton, mulberry silk is a delicate fiber that requires special care, explains Young. So, when ordering silk pillowcases online, you’ll want to pay attention to the label and specific care instructions because they may vary depending on the brand, quality, and fabric structure. While hand-washing is widely preferred, most silk pillowcases are machine-washable (more on that below!). Just make sure you’re using mild detergent and a gentle, cold wash cycle.
How we chose
For the past few weeks, Women’s Health editors and contributors have been researching the most popular, bestselling, and top-rated silk pillowcases. Our team tested silk pillowcases from a variety of brands and took notes on the durability, smoothness, washability, and skin and hair benefits of each one. We also vetted thousands of customer reviews and ratings, and we consulted with a textile expert and a board-certified dermatologist to narrow down the best options for a wide range of needs, preferences, and budgets.
So, if you’re ready to ditch your old cotton pillowcases and give your skin and hair some much needed TLC, continue reading to learn more about the best silk pillowcases to shop in 2024, tested by skincare experts.
Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
Watch Next
How To Get Rid Of Armpit Odor, Per Dermatologists
Beauty Products Inspired By The Outdoors
The 8 Best Acne Body Washes
LED Face Masks Are *Way* Cheaper Than A Facial