Sure, a consistent skincare and haircare routine keeps skin youthful and strands shiny, but if you’re not noticing enough radiance and lustrousness, the best silk pillowcases can help. These luxurious pillowcases give a new meaning to the phrase “beauty sleep,” since the silk-smooth bedding offers a range of benefits while you rest, including improving hair and skin health and even helping reduce pesky hot flashes for women in midlife.
“Silk is naturally breathable and a good temperature regulator,” Dr. Lauren Moy, a board-certified dermatologist, explains. “They can improve overall sleep quality by creating a cooler sleeping environment and a gentle, non-irritating option for skin.”
Silk pillowcases are not new to the beauty space; in fact, many brands have caught on to their benefits over the past few years, and there are hundreds of options on the market to consider. But before you start shopping, it’s important to note that not all silk pillowcases are created equal. It comes down to momme, a Japanese unit of measurement for silk density. A higher momme count indicates smoother and more durable silk fabric.
To help, keep reading to learn about the benefits of silk pillowcases, and eight of the best options you can shop — all approved by dermatologists and hair experts.
Best Overall: Quince 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $45
Most Popular: Blissy Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $80
Most Affordable Silk Pillowcase: Promeed 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $23
Best Dermatologist Recommended Silk Pillowcase: Slip White Queen Zippered Pillowcase, $115
Best Silk Pillowcase for Hair: Lilysilk Pure Mulberry Silk Oxford Envelope Luxury Pillowcase, $92
Best Cooling Silk Pillowcase: THXSILK 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $26
Best Machine Washable Silk Pillowcase: Bedsure Satin Pillowcase (Set of 2), $7
Best Silk Pillowcase for Anti-Aging: Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $59 (originally $69)
Silk pillowcases have multiple benefits for the skin and hair. “Silk pillowcases may offer some benefits, particularly for those with sensitive skin or dermatological conditions, but robust evidence for general skin health is limited,” Dr. Moy says.
Silk contains smooth fibers that are less likely to irritate the skin than rougher materials like cotton or wool. “Some studies have shown that silk fabrics, especially those free of sericin or treated with antibacterial agents, can reduce skin irritation in patients with eczema,” Dr. Moy adds.
In addition to smoothing the skin, silk is also known for its anti-aging properties, since it reduces friction, helping the skin retain moisture and preventing wrinkles from forming. And since the fabric is non-absorbing, the silk keeps your skin care products on your face instead of other fabrics stripping them off.
According to Dr. Ross Kopelman, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, silk pillowcases are great for the hair. “I often tell my patients that sleeping on silk can be one of the simplest ways to reduce breakage and frizz,” he says. “Cotton tends to rough up the hair cuticle, while silk allows the strands to glide smoothly without pulling. This is especially helpful for people with fine, curly, or fragile hair and for anyone who wants to maintain their style overnight.”
Experts praise the benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase for a variety of reasons. Due to its silk production, these pillowcases are made from a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms, containing sericin and fibroin. “Silk pillowcases are smooth, hypoallergenic, and have moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr. Moy.
Dr. Kopelman also explains that from a cosmetic standpoint, silk pillowcases help keep hair smoother, reduce split ends, protect hairstyles, and minimize facial lines. “They’re naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin barrier, which makes them a great choice for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.”
Even those experiencing midlife changes can benefit from adding a silk pillowcase to their routine, especially when it comes to combating hot flashes. Dr. Kopelman confirms that silk can make a real difference, as the material naturally regulates temperature and wicks away moisture, which can help women who wake up hot or sweaty at night. “Many of my patients in midlife notice that switching to silk pillowcases helps them sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed,” he adds.
Washing a silk pillowcase requires a bit of extra attention when laundering your bedding, but not as much as you might think. For one thing, your silk pillowcases must always be cleaned on a cold cycle. If you’re using a washing machine, use a delicate cycle and mild detergent. Alternatively, you can hand wash a silk pillowcase to ensure its longevity. Remember to skip the dryer, and let your pillowcases air dry flat to “preserve its smooth texture and natural sheen,” Dr. Kopelman says.
You might be wondering what the main differences are between silk and satin pillowcases, as both can be recommended for similar reasons — and they can even feel and look alike, making shopping a bit challenging. Silk and satin pillowcases differ primarily in their fiber composition and manufacturing process, according to both experts Flow Space spoke with. Satin is a weave, not a fiber. Satin pillowcases can be made from silk but are more commonly produced from synthetic fibers like polyester or rayon. The satin weave creates a glossy, smooth surface that mimics the feel of silk, but “satin made from synthetic fibers does not possess the natural protein structure or bioactive properties of silk,” Dr. Moy notes. “While satin pillowcases can reduce hair breakage and skin friction due to their smooth texture, they lack the moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits that silk proteins have.”
“In my opinion, real silk breathes better, feels cooler, and is overall more luxurious,” Dr. Kopelman says. “Satin can still help reduce friction, but it doesn’t have the same temperature regulation or moisture-wicking benefits that true silk offers.”
From affordable, dermatologist-approved options to splurges worth the money, shop our top picks for the best silk pillowcases ahead.
