We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

These 8 Best Silk Pillowcases Will Deliver The Ultimate Beauty Sleep

Here's to sweet dreams and smooth skin.

a woman lying on a silk pillowcase

Byrdie / Reese Herrington

Silk's magic lies in its super-smooth, breathable fibers that reduce friction against your skin and hair. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can reduce the friction that contributes to bedhead, wrinkles, and night sweats.

We handpicked 35 of the most popular silk pillowcases, then hit the sheets to test them. For two weeks, each Byrdie tester slept on a silk pillowcase, throwing it in the washing machine along with other bedding bedding or following the specific care instructions provided by the brand. After evaluating each one for feel, results, ease of care, and overall value, we curated this list of the very best silk pillowcases. 

Can Silk Pillowcases Prevent Wrinkles?

With its super-smooth surface, a silk pillowcase can be a dream for your skin. But there’s no research that proves sleeping on a silk pillowcase will prevent age-related wrinkles and fine lines, but they can help minimize friction against your skin, which might have you waking up to fewer sleep creases. Plus, the breathable fabric allows for better moisture retention, potentially reducing skin dryness and irritation that can be caused by other fabrics.

What We Like
  • Temperature-regulating 

  • Mitigates blemishes

  • Softens hair

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive

Momme: 22 | Colors: 15 | Wash Instructions: Machine wash, Hang dry

Slip’s Silk Pillowcases are the gold standard for a reason: They’ve been scientifically tested and refined over the span of 10 years to reduce frizz, tangles, and bedhead, and protect your skin from friction. From night one, our tester was pleased with the performance of the pillowcase. I have very sensitive skin and normally have breakouts at the bottom of my cheeks. I never thought it could be from my pillowcase, but since switching to the Slip case, those breakouts and bumps have diminished greatly,” said tester Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac. She also noted that her frizzy, easily tangled hair was smooth upon waking up and was “easier to brush through.” At 90 dollars, it’s more expensive than some other options on the market, but if you look at it as an investment for your skin and hair, our tester believes it’s worth it.

before and after sleeping on silk pillowcase

Byrdie / Caitlin Duggan

Maggie, Type 3 Hair | Slip Pillowcase Tester

"Each morning, I found my naturally frizzy hair was smooth and easier to brush. I also have very sensitive skin and normally experience breakouts at the bottom of my cheeks. I never thought it could be from my pillowcase, but since switching to the Slip case, those breakouts and bumps have diminished. The pillowcase feels lovely on my skin—it’s smooth and stays cool throughout the night. I noticed that it is fairly thin and wrinkly, so wondering how that may hold up after several more washes."

What We Like
  • Highest quality momme

  • Breathable 

What We Don’t Like
  • Requires extra effort 

Momme: 25 | Colors: 2 | Wash Instructions: Hand wash, or machine wash cold on gentle cycle, Hang dry

Boasting 25 momme mulberry silk—the highest quality silk on the market—the natural fibers in Parachute’s silk pillowcase provide optimal airflow, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Our tester can vouch for how great it feels, sharing that its breathable nature made her feel good about putting her cheek on the pillow the whole night. Though she didn’t notice a difference in regards to wrinkles (she said she’d need a Botox pillow for that), our tester noted that she woke up with her skin feeling really clean. The fibers actually prevented sweat and oil from developing overnight, even in a summer heat wave. You need to put in a little extra effort to clean this pillowcase (the brand suggests hand washing or machine washing cold on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag), but that ensures it lasts a long time—and you get your money’s worth.

What We Like
  • Snug envelope closure 

  • Helps promote shiny, smooth hair

  • Easy to care for

What We Don’t Like
  • Thin fabric

Momme: 22 | Colors: 7 | Wash Instructions: Hand wash or machine wash cold on gentle cycle, Hang dry

Tend to toss and turn? If so, chances are you’re all too familiar with bedhead. Harsh fabrics like cotton tend to cause frizz, breakage, and tangles as you flip and flop in your sleep, making for an unruly result come morning. Though it’s not the end of the world, the extra time it takes in the morning to tame (or re-style) your hair adds up. Our tester was pleased with her experience using the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase. She loved waking up each morning to smooth, beautiful hair as opposed to “a knotted mess.” In fact, she said it made getting ready for the day significantly easier. One thing she wasn’t a huge fan of: She found the material thinner than she’d prefer (the white was see-through on her colored pillow), but she said it made for an easy clean. 

What We Like
  • Kind on delicate hair

  • Won’t cause frizz or breakage

  • Pretty color selection

What We Don’t Like
  • Some colors can be see-through

Momme: 22 | Colors: 7 | Wash Instructions: Hand wash cold, Hang dry

With the right pillowcase, those with curly hair can control and protect their hair from going haywire. Enter: Hill House Home’s Sisi Silk Pillowcase. According to our tester, who has delicate curly hair, not only is the pillowcase “exceptionally soft,” but it also blows the other pillowcases she’s tried out of the water. She swears that the buttery fabric is significantly softer than anything else she’s used in her specific anti-hair loss routine and that she “feels confident” in her hair when she sleeps on it every night. As if that wasn't convincing enough, she notes that she's "never looking back," and recommends this pillow to all of her friends. In true Hill House fashion, the colorways are beautiful and hard to choose between. Just keep in mind that the lighter shades skew transparent, and you might see the seams of your pillow through them. 

What We Like
  • Gentle on existing breakouts 

  • Non-irritating

What We Don’t Like
  • Can get wrinkly

Momme: 19 | Colors: 11 | Wash Instructions: Hand wash or machine wash lukewarm on gentle cycle, Hang dry

It goes without saying that a good night’s rest can do wonders for your skin’s overall health. But did you know silk pillowcases can help manage acne? By eliminating the rough, irritating, and bacteria-ridden surface you normally sleep on, many people have been able to find a major difference when it comes to breakouts. Not only does the gentler, less abrasive material offer a smoother sleep, but its breathable, natural fibers are less likely to anger existing breakouts and make them appear more inflamed. Our tester, who has acne-prone skin, has been a longtime supporter of silk pillowcases but mentioned that this pillowcase from Fishers Finery is “way softer and much more breathable” than any of the other options she’s used. Although it’s not a cure-all (especially if your acne is hormonal), it may help keep your skin from looking extra irritated. Keep in mind that even if you follow the cleaning and care directions properly, you may find that your pillowcase is super wrinkled. Try laying it flat to dry if this happens. 

What We Like
  • Helps prevent creasing

  • High momme count

What We Don’t Like
  • Very delicate 

Momme: 25 | Colors: 25 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, Hang dry

No matter if you’re a side sleeper or a stomach sleeper, you’ve probably noticed pillowcase creases on your face at one point or another. As double board-certified plastic surgeon Konstantine Vasyukevich, M.D. explains, cotton pillowcases tend to hold a lot of friction and tension throughout the night, causing tugging and creasing on your skin. Over time, he says, this can contribute to the formation of wrinkles. But don’t worry;, silk pillowcases can help. “A silk pillowcase minimizes the opportunity for wrinkles to form since the surface is smooth and allows your face to glide over it rather than crease up against it,” he explains. The Celestial Silk pillowcase features a high momme count, which can be even more helpful in preventing the formation of sleep-induced wrinkles. Our tester noticed that her wrinkles didn’t appear as deep after sleeping on the pillowcase for a few weeks. Though it’s not going to completely halt the skin’s natural aging process, it can eliminate some of the tugging and smushing. Keep in mind, though, that it’s delicate, so it requires special care when washing. But at 45 dollars, our tester swears it’s a great product to stock up on. 

What We Like
  • Comfortable temperature 

  • Eliminates creasing 

  • Tames hair friction

What We Don’t Like
  • Requires ironing 

Momme: 19 | Colors: 26 | Care instructions: Hand wash, Hang dry

Sweaty sleepers, listen up: A silk pillowcase might be the key to better sleep. Since silk has the benefit of being temperature regulating and insulating, it can help keep you cool (even in hot weather). This silk pillowcase from SLP Baby is among the best when it comes to keeping hot sleepers comfortable. Our tester, associate commerce director Shannon Baur, who says she runs hot, loves the cooling effect that the pillow has. She said she especially loved that she no longer had to toss and turn in search of a cool side of the pillow. And, thanks to the fabric’s smooth finish, she noticed less creases in her skin come morning. It’s worth mentioning that in order for the pillowcase to look brand new after washing, the directions recommend ironing for a few minutes. It’s not a huge dealbreaker, but our tester found it to be a “downer” for sure.

What We Like
  • Eliminates friction and pulling

  • Provides slip 

  • Maintains hairstyle

What We Don’t Like
  • Can lose its luster if not cared for properly

Momme: N/A | Colors: 7 | Care instructions: Machine wash cold on gentle, Hang dry

Protect delicate tresses by sleeping on this silk pillowcase from Grace Eleyae. By protecting against friction, the soft material gives hair the slip it needs to move around freely, therefore avoiding breaking or tugging on extensions. And, since the pillowcase is designed envelope style (it closes without a zipper), you won’t have to worry about hair snagging on clunky hardware. According to our tester, who has high-maintenance glued-in hair extensions, this pillowcase helped mitigate the chaos she normally experiences when she wakes up. She described her hair as “knot-free” with no frizz or tangles in sight. Just keep in mind that if not cared for properly (aka machine washed with cold water on gentle and hung dry), it can lose some of its luster and shine over time. 

What to Look for in a Silk Pillowcase

  • Momme: When considering the silk pillowcase options, you should be aware that each has a number of mommes—aka the metric used to measure the weight of silk. The higher the number, the softer the pillowcase will be. The average number is 19 (like the Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase), but it can go as high as 25 (like the Celestial Silk 100% Silk Mulberry Pillowcase). 
  • Care: Before purchasing a silk pillowcase, it’s important to know that caring for one can be a little more complex than just tossing it in the wash with the rest of your laundry. It depends on the pillowcase you choose (so be sure to read the specific instructions for the one you buy), but, generally, you’ll have to hand wash or use the washing machine’s gentle cycle to clean your pillowcase. When it comes to drying, air drying—either hang drying your pillowcase or laying it flat to dry—is best. 
  • Size: Like beds, pillows come in different sizes—standard, queen, and king. To ensure you get the most out of your silk pillowcase, be sure to check the size of your pillow and buy the appropriate size. Otherwise, a pillowcase that’s too small won’t cover the entire pillow, and, conversely, a pillowcase that’s too large might slip off. 
FAQ
  • How should you wash silk pillowcases?

    You should wash silk pillowcases according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each pillowcase has different directions, so be sure to check yours before throwing it in the wash. Because the material is so fine and delicate, chances are the directions will recommend hand washing your pillowcase and then letting it air dry.

  • Are silk pillowcases proven to be beneficial for skin and hair?

    According to Shereene Idriss, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology, and creator of #PillowtalkDerm, silk pillowcases are great for your skin and hair for a number of reasons. “Silk absorbs less moisture than cotton, in turn keeping your skin hydrated. This is beneficial for those that live in dry climates or during the winter season,” she explains. “Additionally, silk is a better option for those that take skincare seriously since serums won’t soak into your pillowcase.” Vasyukevich, a facelift expert, agrees that silk pillowcases offer a ton of skincare benefits, especially after procedures (like a facelift or Botox), adding that the softer fabric helps preserve the face’s structure and shape. Silk is also smoother and more gentle on hair, which Idriss says limits the amount of friction and frizz. 

  • How often should you change your pillowcase?

    The short answer: Three to four times a week. “I believe that changing your pillowcase more regularly will make the most difference in your skin,” Idriss says. “I use one side of the pillowcase one night, then flip it over the next night, then toss it in the wash. Your skin will thank you for it!” 

Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has been a writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. She has tried several silk pillowcases, including some on this list from brands like Brooklinen, Slip, and Fishers Finery. To get further insights on the benefits of silk pillowcases she spoke to the experts below.

  • Konstantine Vasyukevich, M.D. is a double board-certified plastic surgeon.
  • Shereene Idriss, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology, and creator of #PillowtalkDerm.

Related Stories