The 15 Best Pillowcases for Acne, According to Experts

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Updated October 11, 2023: This best pillowcases for acne story was updated with more expert information and even more pillowcases for acne to shop.

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Chances are, if you struggle with acne, you know the value of a nighttime skin care routine filled with acne treatment products. What you may not realize, however, is that caring for a pimple-prone complexion doesn’t end with a rinse. What you rest your head, and therefore your face, on while you sleep can also majorly impact the state of your complexion. In other words, investing in one (or a few) of the best pillowcases for acne is just as important as using the right cleanser, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, or salicylic acid product on your quest to banish breakouts.

You can probably recall a time you were told by either a doctor or parent not to touch your face to prevent the onset of pimples. But from the moment you close your eyes to the second you wake up in the morning, your skin is rubbing against a pillowcase for hours, and direct contact with the wrong fabric, or your favorite bed sheets or duvet cover that’s due for a wash, can just as easily cause a breakout. This is especially true if you aren’t regularly washing your pillowcases, as certain fabrics collect and retain oils and bacteria. Plus, the evening is prime time for skin cells to restore and rejuvenate, and using a suitable pillowcase ensures that it’s able to happen.

So to minimize acne breakouts and maximize your shut-eye, we tapped board-certified dermatologists, skin care experts, and beauty founders to break down why the correct type of pillowcase is necessary and which pillowcases to buy now for acne-prone skin.  

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Top Silk Pillowcases for Acne of 2023

Slip Silk Pillowcase

  • Fabric: Pure Mulberry Silk (22 Momme)

  • Thread Count: 220-360

  • Machine Washable: Yes

  • Sizing: Queen, King

  • Color Options: 16, including Black, Caramel, Marble, Pink Marble, Plum, Rose Gold, and Spring Paisley

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

This writer can attest from personal experience that sleeping on a Slip Silk pillowcase is as dreamy as it sounds, and dermatologists are in agreement that the luxurious fabric also boasts skin-loving benefits. Dr. Marcus credits her fandom to the pillowcases’ smooth texture, gorgeous color options, and the data Slip has to prove its product absorbs significantly less face cream and creates 43% less friction than cotton pillowcases. Celebrity aesthetician and dermatological nurse, Natalie Aguilar is also a fan, telling WWD over email that Slip’s highest grade long fiber Mulberry Silk and non-toxic dyes deliver the “ultimate beauty sleep” as the combination keeps skin’s moisture, and any product applied before bed, on the face. Silk also generates less friction, minimizing irritation so that blemishes can heal, plus it’s a cooler fabric, which is great for sensitive skin. “I’ve noticed that my skin is always at an even temperature,” Aguilar says of her experience with the pillowcase. “I never feel it get too hot or too cold with the beautiful Slipsilk.”

Editor testing and review notes: “Without a doubt, the Slip Silk Pillowcase is worth the money. The luxuriousness of the Slip Silk pillowcase is immediately observable. The silk looks as soft as it feels when I lay my head down each night. Since the fabric is so smooth, it causes less irritation to my skin than if I used a cotton or semi-satin pillowcase. I truly notice a difference in my skin when I have it on my pillow versus when I don’t.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $77

slip pillowcase
slip pillowcase

$77 $110 30% off

Buy Now at amazon

Blissy Pillowcase

  • Fabric: 100% Pure Mulberry Silk

  • Machine Washable: Yes

  • Sizing: Standard, Queen, King

  • Color Options: 31, including Black, White, Silver, Pink, Gold

  • Amazon’s Choice

  • 1,000+ purchases in the past month

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

The Blissy Pillowcase is aptly named because sleeping on mulberry 22-momme silk truly is bliss for your skin. Available in five beautiful staple colors (black, white, silver, pink, and gold), Blissy’s silk pillowcases are handcrafted, certifiably eco-friendly, and non-toxic. Its mulberry silk fabric is hypoallergenic and thermoregulating (so you stay cool throughout the night), and helps skin maintain moisture, rather than strip your complexion of its natural oils (not to mention the products you apply before bed).

Editor testing and review notes: “Last Prime Day, my mom surprised me with four Blissy pillowcases. Since I’ve used the Slip pillowcase multiple times, I wasn’t excited to use the Blissy ones at first; however, after putting it on my pillow when my other was in the wash, I instantly became a fan. It does help prevent me from having any skin issues from a regular cotton pillowcase. It also helps me have a good night’s sleep and wake up with fresh hair that needs little maintenance.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $58.89

blissy pillowcase
blissy pillowcase

$58.89

Buy Now at amazon

California Design Den Cotton Pillowcase Set

  • Fabric: Cotton Sateen

  • Thread Count: 400

  • Machine Washable: Yes

  • Sizing: Standard/Queen, King

  • Color Options: 19, including Bright White, Hunter Green, Soft Plum, and Sunshine Yellow

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Another affordable pillowcase for acne you can snag for under $20 is the California Design Den Cotton Pillowcase Set, which comes in a pack of two. The pillowcases are made from 100 percent extra-long-staple cotton with a royal sateen weave. They’re also certified as Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, meaning they’re hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin. According to the founder of DermBx and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Neda Mehr, the California Design Den luxurious hotel pillowcase is “cool, dry, and breathable, making it perfect for acne-prone skin.” Plus, the pillowcase comes in so many colors and sizes (from twin to California king) — you’re bound to find the perfect match for your bedroom decor.

Price upon publish date of this article: $16.99

California Design Den Cotton Pillowcase Set
California Design Den Cotton Pillowcase Set

$16.99 $21 19% off

Buy Now at amazon

Silvon Pillowcase

  • Fabric: Silver-infused Supima Cotton

  • Thread Count: 300

  • Machine Washable: Yes

  • Sizing: Standard, King

  • Color Options: 5: Blush, White, Sand, Silver/Grey, Sky/Blue

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Silvon calls its product an “anti-acne pillowcase.” This is largely due to the fact that the Silvon pillowcase is made from Supima cotton (American-grown and extra-long-staple) woven with silver, which is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial. The pillowcase is also free of dyes and has not been chemically treated. “For those who spend a lot of time sleeping, these pillowcases can harbor less bacteria and pathogens than many other pillowcases that are made from traditional materials,” says skincare expert and medical aesthetician Cassandra Bankson. It’s been clinically tested and proven to help eliminate 99.97 percent of acne-causing bacteria, meaning you can sleep soundly knowing you’re resting against a clean surface and is hypoallergenic. Amazon reviewers rave the pillowcase also delivers results fairly quickly. For example, one user claims Silvon’s pillowcase helped fade old acne in one month, while another saw visible results in as little as three weeks.

What reviewers say: “I’m not saying this is the only thing to miraculously help my skin. I have a skincare routine that I’ve had in place for the last 2.5 months. But I bought this pillowcase a few weeks ago and I’m only now seeing results. It is definitely a help and I feel such a difference compared to my last.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $27

Silvon pillowcase
Silvon pillowcase

$27

Buy Now at amazon

Bedsure Satin Pillowcase

  • Fabric: Polyester Satin

  • Machine Washable: Yes

  • Sizing: 20×26, 20×30, 20×36, 20×40

  • Color Options: 22, including Champagne, Space Grey, Dark Green, and Plum Purple

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

You’ve likely been advised to never judge a book by its cover. Well, we’re here to tell you, you can usually judge a product by its Amazon reviews. The Bedsure Satin Pillowcase is case in point. With over a whopping 233,400 five-star ratings and counting to date, the satin pillowcase is beloved by acne-prone and sensitive skin types alike. It’s made from polyester with a satin weave, is shiny like silk, but more durable. And because satin is not as drying as cotton, skin is able to retain its moisture throughout the night.

What reviewers say: “Within a week of using these my acne completely cleared.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $6.98

Bedsure Satin Pillowcase
Bedsure Satin Pillowcase

$6.98 $11 37% off

Buy Now at amazon

Bedelite Satin Silk Pillowcase

  • Fabric: Polyester

  • Machine Washable: Yes, but hand-washed is preferred

  • Sizing: Standard, Queen, King, Toddler

  • Color Options: Ivory, white, black, coral, and over 10 others

  • Amazon’s Choice

  • 7,000+ purchases in the past month

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

If you’re looking for a pillowcase that will keep you cool at night, look no further than Bedlite’s pillowcase. This product is made from polyester but is just as luxurious and soft as those made from pure silk. It has an envelope enclosure to keep your pillow from hanging out of one end and is machine washable, making it easy to clean whenever need be.

What reviewers say: “I bought these pillowcases to prevent my hair from tangling during sleep and they work great. They are soft and very comfortable to sleep on plus look stylish on my bed. You get two in a package and after washing them they still look and feel good as new. I plan to buy a few for gifts since they are packaged nicely and reasonably priced. I bought the black ones for myself but plan to buy a few other colors to match the rest of the bedding sets I have.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $6.97

Bedlite pillowcase
Bedlite pillowcase

$6.97 $12.99 46% off

Buy Now at amazon

Inssl Silk Pillowcase

  • Fabric: Silk

  • Machine Washable: Hand-washable and machine-washable

  • Sizing: Standard, Queen, King

  • Color Options: Black, blue grey, coral, dark purple, dark red, and five other colors

  • 1,000+ purchases in the past month

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Despite its affordable price tag, Inssl’s silk pillowcase holds its own against options that are triple or quadruple its price. It’s gentle on skin and hair, with a medium weight that’s cool to the touch. It’s less slippery than other options, meaning you’re not as likely to slide around at night. A hidden zipper closure keeps it firmly in place and helps minimize the wrinkles that naturally occur in silk pillowcases

What reviewers say: “I bought this to cause less damage to my hair while sleeping and so I don’t wake up with terrible bed head and I am pleasantly surprised with how much I like it! I wash it in a delicates bag on a gentle cycle and hang it on a hanger to dry and it does well. I love that it’s zippered so it’s not always sliding off the pillow. I will buy a few more.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $11.99

inssl pillowcase
inssl pillowcase

$11.99 $22.99 48% off

Buy Now at amazon

Caiir Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

  • Fabric: Mulberry silk

  • Machine Washable: Yes, but hand-washed is preferred

  • Sizing: Standard, Queen, King

  • Color Options: Black, champagne, grey blue, grey, pink, peacock blue, and five other colors

  • Amazon’s Choice

  • 300+ purchases in the past month

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Say hello to better skin with Caair’s silk pillowcase. This pillowcase made of mulberry silk contains 18 essential amino acids and natural proteins that help fight dry skin and acne to make your skin glow. Aside from the pillowcase’s great price, shoppers love how soft, breathable, and light it feels on their faces, which helps keep them cool at night.

What reviewers say: “Purchased one of these pillowcases a few months ago to help protect my curly hair. It lived up to its billing so well I bought a second one. They say to hand wash, which is always recommended for silk I know, but I’m a bit of a rebel and will usually give things a go through the washing machine once just to see how they stand up. I’ve washed this one a couple of times now on gentle/cold and hung it to dry and it was fine for me; just a few minor wrinkles I’m not worried about at bedtime and way faster than hand washing.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $26.99

caair pillowcase
caair pillowcase

$26.99

Buy Now at amazon

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase

  • Fabric: Satin

  • Machine Washable: Yes, but hand-washed is preferred

  • Sizing: Standard/Queen

  • Color Options: Lavender, sage, black, Malibu Barbie, rainbow

  • 14,682 Five-Star Reviews

  • 600+ purchases in the past month

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Satin is the next best thing to silk for those looking to maintain healthy skin, and Kitsch offers the best satin pillowcases designed for all skin textures. While the brand primarily attests to the product’s hair-improving abilities, it’s also a dream for healthier-looking skin. The smooth surface reduces facial creasing and acne over time. After you fall in love with the brand’s pillowcase (which we know you will), check out the label’s infamous scrunchies and hair wrap to make your strands look as great as your skin.

What reviewers say: “The Kitsch Satin Pillowcase for Hair & Skin has become an essential part of my nightly routine. Its smooth and luxurious satin fabric is not only incredibly comfortable to sleep on but also provides remarkable benefits for both hair and skin. One of the standout features of this pillowcase is its ability to reduce hair frizz and breakage. The satin surface minimizes friction, helping to maintain the integrity of your hair while you sleep.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $18.99

Kitsch pillowcase
Kitsch pillowcase

$18.99 $22.79 17% off

Buy Now at amazon

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase

  • Fabric: 100% Mulberry Silk

  • Thread Count: 600

  • Machine Washable: No

  • Sizing: Standard, Queen, King, California King, Toddler, Body, European, 18-inch x 18-inch

  • Color Options: 38, including Burgundy, Mint Green, Natural Ivy, and Teal Sapphire

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

With over 8,100 (and counting) five-star ratings on Amazon alone, the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase is clearly a fan-favorite. Its wide range of color options and fun designs make shopping for pillowcases for acne feel less like a chore and more like picking out new home decor. Plus, the pillowcase boasts many perks for sensitive skin: First, mulberry silk is as sustainable as it is breathable, hypoallergenic, and thermoregulating. Second, the fabric is smooth, unlike cotton and linen that can be scratchy on the skin. It’s its level of softness that Jillian Magee, an esthetician at Face Haus in Dallas, loves most about the pillowcase. “This is my top choice for an acne pillowcase and what I currently use,” she tells WWD. Possibly the only major caveat: It’s not machine-washable. Rather, this pillowcase should be hand washed in cold water, with a mild liquid detergent for best results.

What reviewers say: “These are amazing… they’ve been used daily for almost 18 months and are still in near-new condition. Very well made, sturdy, wear incredibly well, machine wash and dry beautifully (I do everything on cold), and are so comfortable to sleep on. No zipper issues or problems with seams ripping or fraying, wrinkling or staining.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $26

ALASKA BEAR Natural Silk Pillowcase
ALASKA BEAR Natural Silk Pillowcase

$26

Buy Now at amazon

Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

  • Fabric: 100% Pure Mulberry Silk

  • Machine Washable: Yes, but hand-washed is preferred 

  • Sizing: Standard, Queen, King

  • Color Options: 11, including English Rose, Moonless Night, Navy, and Taupe

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

According to Marcus, the Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is also a fantastic choice of pillowcase for acne at an accessible price point. Made from 100 percent long strand, grade 6A pure mulberry silk, the pillow is entirely wrapped in luxurious fabric (which means you can get more use out of just one pillowcase by simply flipping it over). The fabric is machine washable on a gentle cycle, however, the brand does note in its product’s description that dry cleaning or hand washing is the best care method.

What reviewers say: “Checks all boxes and brought relief to a family member with cystic acne.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $50

Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

$50

Buy Now at amazon

Sleep & Glow Aula

  • Fabric: 100% Tencel (natural eucalyptus fiber)

  • Machine Washable: Yes

  • Weight: 2.47 lbs 

  • Color Options: White

  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

If you’re tired of breakouts and willing to splurge on a pillowcase for acne, Bankson says the Aula by Sleep & Glow is worth the investment and the hype it’s garnered on social media. A pillow and pillowcase in one, the Aula beauty training pillow aims to improve the quality of your sleep, and the effect sleeping on a pillow has on your complexion. Its patented ergonomic 3D design with supportive side bolsters to keep your head and neck in the most optimal position so you can comfortably sleep on your back, a position Bankson dubs a “skin-saver.” “When you have acne-prone skin, sleeping on your side or on your face can rub acne medication off of your skin and onto your pillow, and if you’re using a pillowcase that is scratchy or irritating, the skin can become inflamed and further irritate breakouts,” she tells WWD. “Sleeping on your back is fantastic for acne and blemish-prone skin, but also for preventing wrinkles and fine lines as well.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $220

Pillow case on amazon
Pillow case on amazon

$220

Buy Now at amazon

Brooklinen Classic Pillowcases

  • Fabric: Long Staple Cotton

  • Thread Count: 270

  • Machine Washable: Yes 

  • Sizing: Standard, King

  • Color Options: 12, including Solid White, Graphite, Cream, Aqua Blue, and Soft Grey

  • Brooklinen Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Celebrity master esthetician and owner of Sarah Akram Skincare, Sarah Akram is, admittedly, not a fan of silk pillowcases for acne-prone skin. “Not because I don’t believe in the merits of silk pillowcases,” she tells WWD, “but rather because they aren’t very practical when it comes to keeping them clean – which, in my opinion, is critical to prevent acne.” Akram changes out her pillowcases anywhere from once to twice a week, and the Brooklinen classic pillowcase is her tried-and-true favorite. It’s made from 100% long-staple cotton, boasts a thread count of 270, and has been Oeko-Tex certified for chemical safety. And with over 3,800 five-star reviews, clearly, Akram isn’t the only one appreciative of this pillowcase’s powers. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $41.65

Brooklinen pillowcase
Brooklinen pillowcase

$41.65 $49 15% off

Buy Now at brooklinen

Matouk Nocturne Pillowcase

  • Fabric: Cotton Sateen

  • Thread Count: 600

  • Machine Washable: Yes

  • Sizing: King

  • Color Options: 21, including White, Silver, Azure, Charcoal, Navy, and Violet

  • Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Besides giving your bedding the look and feel of a five-star hotel, the Matouk Nocturne Pillowcase is dreamy on your skin, too. Dr. Mehr explains that because acne develops as the result of overactive oil glands, sleeping on a fabric that is absorbent, like cotton, ensures excess oils and bacteria don’t stay trapped on the fabric and clog your pores. Matouk’s Nocturne Pillowcase is made from 600-thread count Egyptian cotton and is one of Dr. Mehr’s favorites for acne-prone skin. “It is absorbent, so it will absorb moisture, reducing sebum buildup to help minimize acne breakouts,” she tells WWD. It is machine washable, which makes laundering a breeze, and comes in 21 colors, so you’re guaranteed to find a shade that best matches the rest of your bedroom decor.

What reviewers say: “Beautiful! Stunning and luxurious! The perfect jewel to accessorize my bed!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Matouk Nocturne Pillowcase
Matouk Nocturne Pillowcase

$115

Buy Now at bloomingdales

Envy Copper + Silk Pillow

  • Fabric: 100% Pure Mulberry Silk, Tencel Fiber, Copper

  • Weight: 3.2 lbs

  • Machine Washable: Removable pillowcase is machine washable

  • Sizing: 22-inches x 14-inches

  • Color Options: White

Aguilar admits her top choice of silk pillowcases is quite the splurge (not to mention frequently sold out), but before you turn up your nose at the product’s steep price tag, keep in mind your purchase also includes an Envy foam pillow and all the benefits this dynamic duo offers users. “[It’s] such an amazing investment for those that want to keep their skin smooth with antibacterial properties to help prevent and heal blemishes,” Aguilar tells WWD, citing the pillowcase’s copper-infused silk fabric that’s lined with Tencel fibers as its main perk for acne-prone skin types. Pure silk is swarming with essential amino acids and natural cellular albumen (which speeds up the metabolism of skin cells), helps retain skin moisture, is hypoallergenic, and decreases friction (therefore decreasing wrinkle development). Combine that with the power of copper technology that kills 99.9 percent of microbes within 24 hours, and you have yourself a “therapeutic dream for skin that tends to suffer from acne breakouts,” Aguilar says. “Another major bonus is that this wonderful pillowcase has proven collagen-boosting properties that improve skin health, texture, and tone.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $229

envy pillowcase
envy pillowcase

$229 $239 4% off

Buy Now at pillowenvy

Lunya Washable Silk Pillowcase

  • Fabric: 100% Silk

  • Machine Washable: Yes

  • Sizing: Queen, King

  • Color Options: Tranquil White

  • Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Lunya’s 100% Silk Washable Pillowcases are so popular that they’re known to sell out. The fabric is made with bluesign-approved dyes, ensuring that the product is made responsibly, sourced in a way that minimally impacts people and the environment, and dyed without harmful chemicals. Dr. Marcus lists Lunya as one of the best pillowcases for acne because it can be washed easily and regularly (remember, acne-prone skin types should wash their pillowcases 2 to 3 times per week). Just make sure you’re washing on a delicate setting, sans bleach, and tumble dry on low. It’s also worth noting the silk fabric is thermoregulating, meaning it helps your face and body maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

What reviewers say: “These are amazing, feels like I’m sleeping on a cloud.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $78

Lunya Washable Silk Pillowcase
Lunya Washable Silk Pillowcase

$78

Buy Now at nordstrom

$78

Buy Now at lunya

The Best Pillowcase Fabrics for Acne

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus tells WWD that while your pillowcase doesn’t hold the power to single-handedly prevent breakouts, the wrong fabric can exacerbate your acne. You want to be on the lookout for fabrics that are hypoallergenic and breathable, that reduce friction and therefore irritation, and don’t soak up a ton of products like face creams and serums so that the oils and any bacteria fester on your bedding. These include:

  • Silk pillowcases

  • Satin pillowcases

  • Bamboo pillowcases

  • Lightweight cotton pillowcases

If you’re surprised to see cotton on the list, it’s understandable. The information surrounding whether or not cotton is actually good for acne-prone skin is conflicting. But according to the founder of Bare Aesthetic, Vanessa Coppola, APN-C, FNP-BC, cotton is easy to launder. As long as you’re washing your pillowcases every few days, Coppola tells WWD, the oils, dirt, and grime from our face, which can accumulate on the pillowcase and cause us to have breakouts, won’t have the chance to build up. 

“When going the cotton route, I would recommend choosing a lightweight 100 percent cotton option without added synthetic materials which can cause heat-trapping against the skin,” Coppola says. “Typically the higher the thread count, the softer the pillow, which can help to reduce shearing forces against the skin. Also, white pillowcases are helpful simply for the fact that you can easily see when they get dirty.”

As for which fabrics acne-prone skin types should steer clear of, Dr. Marcus flags synthetic textiles like rayon and polyester, as these tend to hang onto moisture, providing “a perfect breeding ground for the buildup of bacteria and yeast.” Pillowcases that are not easily washed or require dry cleaning should also be avoided, Dr. Marcus warns, as pillowcases need to be washed frequently, and dry cleaning chemicals can irritate the skin.

The Best Way to Wash Your Pillowcase to Prevent Acne

By now you’re aware that the best way to wash your pillowcase to prevent acne is, well, frequently. However, Dr. Marcus did provide some additional best practices. First, she advises choosing a fragrance-free detergent, as fragrance is a common irritant. “Irritated skin is more prone to breakouts, so let’s reduce all of the external risk factors we can,” Dr. Marcus tells WWD. 

When machine washing silk, pH-neutral detergents are the ideal choice, and you’ll want to place your pillowcase inside a mesh bag. Wash on a delicate cycle and tumble dry, Dr. Marcus warns, as heat is what kills bacteria and other microorganisms. “If your fabric will stand up to it (usually cotton will), I recommend washing in hot water and drying in the dryer,” Dr. Marcus says, adding if a pillowcase can only be hand-washed, “be sure to use plenty of soap and rinse it very well.”

How Often You Should Wash Your Pillowcase?

In a word: Often. A new report from the mattress company, Amerisleep, found that “not washing your pillowcase for just one week can lead to about three million bacteria. That three million is 17 times more bacteria than an average toilet seat.”

So, according to Marcus, acne-prone skin types should be washing their pillowcases 2 to 3 times per week. Those without acne can get away with a weekly wash. 

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Meet the Experts

  • Dr. Rebecca Marcus is a Columbia-trained board-certified dermatologist.

  • Vanessa Coppola is a registered nurse practitioner and the founder of New Jersey-based med-spa, Bare Aesthetic.

  • Sarah Akram is a celebrity master esthetician who founded her eponymous skin care boutique in Alexandria, Virginia, and counts politicians and tastemakers as clients — but she’ll never tell.

  • Natalie Aguilar is a Los Angeles-based dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician, tending to the famous faces of actress Roselyn Sanchez and celebrity chef and restaurateur, Bricia Lopez Maytorena.

  • Jillian Magee, an esthetician at Face Haus in Dallas, is known as “The Rejuvenator” because of her talent to help each client feel restored and gorgeous.

  • Dr. Neda Mehr is a board-certified dermatologist at Hoag Medical Group in Newport Beach, California, and the founder of the skin care brand, DermBx.

  • Cassandra Bankson is a medical aesthetician and skin care expert. 

  • Amanda Caldwell is an esthetician at Face Haus in Dallas, Texas.

Meet the Authors

Julia Guerra is a New Jersey-based freelance lifestyle and beauty writer. Guerra has over a decade of experience writing about lifestyle topics for outlets like InStyle, Shape, and Mindbodygreen. Guerra wrote the original version of this story on the best pillowcases for acne.

Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she both writes and edits stories on the latest clothing, accessory, and shoe trends for women and men. Chwatt’s writing has appeared in publications, such as Editorialist. She is currently based in New York City. Chwatt keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness as well, including the pillowcases that help combat acne. Chwatt contributed to the October 11, 2023, update of this story on the best pillowcases for acne adding some personal testing notes and new pillowcases to shop for 2023

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