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I can thank my mother for her influence on my self-care and beauty journey, which has led me to spend exorbitant amounts of money on skin and haircare. But since I started working in the sleep world, Iโve added another bit of luxury to my routine: a silk pillowcase.
I toss and turn a lot in my sleep, including flipping my pillow around or smushing my face into it to get comfortable. On top of that, Iโm someone who has wavy, damaged hair and acne-prone but extremely dry skin. All of this is a recipe for disaster when it comes to breakouts, wrinkles, and hair loss.
When I noticed influencers and hair stylists recommending silk pillowcases as a magic fix for many of my nocturnal issues, I wondered: is this just a trendy cash grab, or the long-awaited hair-and-skincare holy grail?
So, I decided to try one out for myself. After using a silk pillowcase for over a year, Iโve seen some improvements. However, to determine whether I am experiencing a placebo effect or achieving real results, I decided to compare my experience with what experts and research say about silk.
What Makes a Silk Pillowcase?
A 100-percent silk pillowcase is made from silk fibers, which come in a few varieties. The most popular is mulberry silk, prized for its super-soft feel and excellent moisture-wicking capability.
To find a high-quality silk pillowcase, youโll want to look at both the grade of the fiber and the momme weight. Silk is graded on a scale from A to F, just like you are in school.
A, the highest level, is further divided into 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, and A. Experts claim the 6A grade is the cream of the crop, accounting for the smallest percentage of silk production. It will have the lowest percentage of imperfections, making for a smooth, uniform sleep surface.
Momme weight is similar to โ but not quite like โ thread count. A higher momme weight indicates a denser, more durable fabric. Itโs rare to see silk with a momme weight above 30, and most experts say that around 22 momme is the sweet spot for pillowcases. However, you may see higher numbers for silk sheets.
Silk Pillowcase Benefits
The benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase that I often see cited, whether true or not, are as follows:
- Anti-aging: A silk pillowcase can reduce the appearance of wrinkles that might form during sleep, especially if you rest on your side, thereby slowing signs of aging.
- Anti-acne: Irritation can worsen existing acne, so a silky-smooth surface shouldnโt trigger any breakouts.
- Helps with hair loss: The smooth texture of silk creates less friction, helping reduce the risk of hair loss.
- Protects textured hair: Silk is a popular choice for those with curly hair, as it protects the style while you sleep and reduces frizz and tangles. Because silk is less absorbent, some also claim it can protect the natural oils in your hair.
- Heat- and moisture-wicking: Compared to other popular fabrics, silk fibers reportedly better regulate temperature, making them preferred over cotton pillowcases for hot sleepers.
- Natural and hypoallergenic: Silk is a great pick for the eco-conscious shopper who is worried about allergens, dust mites, and synthetic materials.
- Smooth, luxurious feel: The most obvious benefit to a silk pillowcase is how it feels: sumptuously soft.
But letโs dive into what professionals and experts have to say about some of these claims, and whether they have any stock that makes them worth the price tag.
Silk Pillowcase for Hair
Dr. Mercy Odueyungbo (MD, FAAD, FACMS), a board-certified dermatologist and Dermatology Ambassador at Ezderm, offered her insight on whether you can trust a silk pillowcase for hair loss concerns. โSilk pillowcases may reduce friction-related irritation and hair breakage,โ she says. โThey wonโt prevent hair loss or stimulate hair growth, although reducing breakage may help fragile hair retain its length.โ
Silk Pillowcase for Skin
When it comes to skin, itโs similarly difficult to claim that silk pillowcases are a cure for sensitive skin. An older study reported that silk clothing improved the appearance and spread of atopic dermatitis, and another studied silk bedding in pediatric cases, both of which bode well for some folksโ skin health.
However, based on Dr. Odueyungboโs advice, I wouldnโt tread lightly. โThere is little clinical evidence that they actually improve acne, skin texture, or wrinkles,โ she said. Neither can we claim that a silk pillowcase is completely anti-aging.
โSilk pillowcases may reduce the temporary sleep creases you wake up with, but calling them anti-aging is a stretch,โ Dr. Mercy explains. โThere is no convincing evidence that sleeping on silk boosts collagen, reverses wrinkles, or prevents skin aging.โ
If youโre looking for a better way to tackle signs of aging or pesky breakouts, Dr. Mercy recommends that โdaily sunscreen and a consistent skincare routine will do far more for your skin than silk pillowcases.โ
My Experience with A Silk Pillowcase
When I was testing products for our best silk pillowcases page, I tried out the 100-percent mulberry silk pillow from Slip. This pillowcase uses long-staple fibers of grade 6A mulberry silk (the highest grade) with a 22 momme weight.
Out of the box, this pillowcase looked and felt luxurious, smooth, and, to be frank, silky. Iโd also consider the temperature-regulating claim to be true; it gave my pillow a cool-to-the-touch feel, which I definitely appreciated as a hot sleeper.
When it comes to beauty benefits, I immediately noticed less frizzy hair after a few nightsโ rest. I have pretty thick, wavy hair, and Iโm used to waking up with a wicked bedhead, but it was much more manageable. It seems like my hair slid right off the pillow rather than getting bunched underneath my head and ending up crumpled.
For skin, I donโt believe this pillow cured my acne, rosacea, or dryness, but it hasnโt made it any worse. And as someone with sensitive skin, I appreciate the smooth texture, which gives me peace of mind that I wonโt wake up with a pillow burn. Iโve also been blessed with a sensitive nose, so I appreciate the hypoallergenic properties of silk, too.
Silk vs Satin Pillowcases
Aside from a 100-percent pure silk pillowcase, I also have a satin pillowcase by Kitsch, made entirely of polyester. Satin refers to a weave rather than a fabric itself, so it can be made of many different textiles.
People often compare (or conflate) satin and silk because of their softness. Many offer satin pillowcases as a cheaper alternative to silk, claiming their smooth texture can offer some of the same benefits at a fraction of the cost.
โSatin pillowcases can provide a similar smooth, low-friction surface, although natural silk may offer better breathability than some synthetic alternatives and feels nicer on the skin,โ says Dr. Mercy.
In my experience switching between the satin and silk pillowcases (depending on which pillow I use), Iโve noticed little difference between the two. I think either could be beneficial to both your skin and hair health, though neither are going to be a panacea.
Are Silk Pillowcases Worth It?
If youโre looking for more luxurious beauty sleep, I think a silk pillowcase could be a great addition to your bed. While I wouldnโt expect miracles, I think the majority of sleepers will enjoy cooler, softer sleep, as well as minor improvements in their bedhead and fewer sleep lines.
It all comes down to price. Thankfully, there are a number of affordable silk pillowcases out there, but be sure to read the fine print. You might be dealing with a blend, lower-quality silk, a lower momme weight, or a โsilk-likeโ texture.
That being said, if a bona fide silk pillowcase isnโt in the cards for you, a cheaper satin pillowcase could be a good alternative. As Iโve found, you may notice some of the same benefits at a fraction of the cost.
Our Favorite Silk Pillowcases
Have I convinced you to try out a silk pillowcase? Below are our top-rated favorites that we often recommend, all of which have been tested by our experts at home over the long term.
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
The Brooklinen Mulberry Silk pillowcases have a great smooth feel that is skin soothing and great for your hair.
Sleepopolis Score
4.8 / 5
Cozy Earth Silk Pillowcase
Constructed with silk and bamboo-derived viscose and silk, this pillowcase helps you stay cool and dry with its natural materials.
Quince Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
This pillowcase has the luxurious silk feel that has characterized so many of Quinceโs products.
Silk Pillowcase FAQs
What are the disadvantages of silk pillowcases?
The main downside to pure mulberry silk pillowcases is their price. Depending on the quality of the silk, the grade of the fibers, and the momme weight, a silk pillowcase can cost anywhere from around $50 to hundreds of dollars.
Can I sleep with my hair down if I have a silk pillowcase?
Yes! I sleep with my hair down on a silk pillowcase. The silk may help reduce breakage, but also the style, such as ponytails and other up-dos, can put tension on the scalp hair, leading to breakage. I also use a satin bonnet and my silk pillowcase for even more protection. Remember, though silk pillowcases arenโt as absorbent as cotton, try not to go to bed with your hair wet.
How often should a silk pillowcase be washed?
Wash your silk pillowcase every few days to prevent buildup of dirt, sweat, oils, skincare products, and dead skin cells โ all of which can clog pores. Itโs also good sleep hygiene to wash all of your bedding at least once every week or two weeks.
Do dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases?
When I reached out to multiple dermatologists for input on this article, all of them said that silk pillowcases are a good addition to your sleep, but theyโre not the end-all-be-all of achieving health and beauty. Many even suggested getting satin-like pillowcases to mimic some of silkโs effects without the high costs.
Of course, if youโre experiencing unexplained hair loss, skin concerns, or other conditions, reach out to your healthcare provider before trying any at-home remedies.
Sources
- Tham, Jane. (2022, November 22). Grades of silk: Grade 6A, the best quality silk. ApparelX News. https://apparelx-news.com/grades-of-silk-grade-6a-the-best-quality-silk/
- Consenza, Kendra. (2026, March 5). What is momme in silk fabric? Mulberry Park Silks. https://mulberryparksilks.com/blogs/mulberry/what-is-momme-in-silk-fabric
- Das, B., Padaki, N. V., Jaganathan, K., & Ashoka, H. M. (2021). Comparative Studies on Thermal Comfort Properties of Eri Silk, Mulberry Silk, Wool and Linen Fibres. Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Series E, 102(1), 145โ154. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40034-021-00208-2
- DโSouza, B., Kasar, A. K., Jones, J., Skeete, A., Rader, L., Kumar, P., & Menezes, P. L. (2022). A brief review on factors affecting the tribological interaction between human skin and different textile materials. Materials, 15(6), 2184. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15062184
- Kurtz, E. J., Yelverton, C. B., Camacho, F. T., & Fleischer, Jr., A. B. (2008). Use of a silklike bedding fabric in patients with atopic dermatitis. Pediatric Dermatology, 25(4), 439โ443. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1470.2008.00717.x
- Ricci, G., Patrizi, A., Bendandi, B., Menna, G., Varotti, E., & Masi, M. (2004). Clinical effectiveness of a silk fabric in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. British Journal of Dermatology, 150(1), 127โ131. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.05705.x
- Anson, G., Kane, M. A. C., & Lambros, V. (2016). Sleep wrinkles: Facial aging and facial distortion during sleep. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 36(8), 931โ940. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjw074