Sleep On These Silk Pillowcases for Smoother Skin and Frizz-Free Hair

Photo credit: Amazon
Photo credit: Amazon


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At first glance, silk pillowcases seem more indulgent than practical—but a closer look reveals just the opposite. Once a closely guarded celebrity secret, dermatologists have been touting the benefits of silk pillowcases for years.

How are silk pillowcases different from regular pillowcases?

Unlike cotton—which sucks moisture away from your skin, exaggerating wrinkles and fine linessilk doesn't absorb moisture at all, leaving you looking fresh-faced when you wake up in the morning, says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and the author of the book Skin Rules. Silk pillowcases also provide a smooth surface for your skin—a contrast to the cotton pillowcases that can tug at your face, scrunching the collagen and causing sleep lines to appear on your face, Dr. Jaliman says. Some experts also believe that because silk is entirely natural and comes from an animal, it's more compatible with our skin than other fabrics.

In addition to reducing wrinkles, sleeping on silk also fights frizz and bedhead. Unlike other pillowcases, which rub at your hair throughout the night, silk provides your strands a smooth, frictionless surface on which to glide.

The best silk pillowcases you can find are those made with mulberry silk, which is the highest quality silk you can find. Silk pillowcases are also measured in momme. One momme is equal to 3.75 grams. The higher the momme, the heavier the fabric. Pillowcases made of silk usually have 15 to 30 momme, but most of our picks are 19 or higher.

How to care for silk pillowcases

If you're worried that switching to silk will put a damper on your laundry routine, don't be. Care is simple: Hand wash cold with mild detergent and line dry. Like the rest of your sheets, your pillowcase should be laundered at least once a week.

The best silk pillowcases for hair and skin come in a range of prices—spend more for one that'll last you years, or less if you're not sure you're ready to commit to sleeping on silk. Either way, smoother hair and fresher-looking skin await.


1. Best Overall: Fishers Finery 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

4.6 out of 5 stars
5,800+ Amazon customer reviews

Fishers Finery claims to have 30% more silk than other pillowcases, which makes it feel much more luxurious and soft. It comes in 11 jewel-toned hues and in queen and king sizes. This case also earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, so you know it's gone through rigorous testing. An Amazon reviewer said, "I am very happy with this pillowcase—the fabric feels substantial and silky, and I don't see lines or creases on my face anymore."


2. Best Value: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase

4.6 out of 5 stars
7,500+ Amazon customer reviews

Each Alaska Bear pillowcase is hypoallergenic and made from 100 percent mulberry silk. It's also easy to clean: You just have to hand wash it in cold water with mild detergent and air dry it. Maybe that's why more than 5,000 Amazon reviewers have praised this pillowcase. "I could not be happier that I bought these because now I can wake up without looking like Mufasa had a bad blowout," said one.


3. Best Silk Alternative: Bedsure Satin Pillowcase

4.5 out of 5 stars
204,700+ Amazon customer reviews

For those looking for all the benefits of a silk pillowcase, without the silk material or price, this silk-like satin pillowcase is your ticket to a luxurious night's sleep. The 100% polyester material protects to reduce split ends, leaves skin hydrated, and is extremely durable and easily machine washable. “I have seen a noticeable difference in my hair in the mornings and overall they are so smooth and comfortable to sleep on. I’ve washed them several times and haven’t seen a difference in the quality. I would buy again,” one Amazon reviewer said.


4. Slipsilk Pure Silk Pillowcase

4.5 out of 5 stars
850+ Nordstrom customer review

Made from mulberry silk, this pillowcase helps to ward off wrinkles and prevent hair from tangling. Because silk fibers are less absorbent than cloth fibers, your skin is able to better retain the serums and creams you apply. "This pillowcase is so soft and silky. It remains cool to the touch all through the night, and I don't wake up with huge tangled knots in the back of my head," a Nordstrom reviewer wrote.


5. Amazon's Choice: Spasilk 100% Pure Silk Pillowcase

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,900+ Amazon customer reviews

Spasilk's pillowcases don't conduct static electricity—and therefore, won't cause frizzy, limp-looking hair. They're made from luxurious natural, un-dyed silk and come in a wide selection of colors—12 in total—it's no wonder that this pillowcase has racked up more than 2,900 (mostly 5-star) reviews on Amazon. Plus, they're hypoallergenic, lightweight, and breathable. One happy customer said, "I have two of these and swear they reduce the frizz in my naturally curly hair."


6. Ravmix 100% Pure Natural Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

4.6 out of 5 stars
27,000+ Amazon customer reviews

Ravmix's silk pillowcases are made with ultra-soft and hypoallergenic mulberry silk, which helps your skin maintain its natural moisture while eliminating dust, mold, and mites. And because mulberry silk is a natural temperature regulator, it's a great choice for hot sleepers. One Amazon reviewer said, "One of the best prices for the value of a silk pillowcase. Very good material, and I love the zip closure so they don't ever start to come off the pillow."


7. Celestial Silk Pillowcase

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,300+ Amazon customer reviews

Sweet dreams and better skin await with this silk pillowcase. Designed with a charmeuse weave, this 25-momme option feels extra luxurious. The side zipper also ensures your pillow will fit snugly and helps keep out dust mites. Any allergy sufferers also have the option to buy an undyed case (and those who aren't worried about dyes have 29 colors to choose from). One Amazon reviewer said, "I can't say I wake up without any lines on my face with this pillowcase, but it's very minimal and sometimes no lines at all."


8. LilySilk Silk Pillowcase

4.4 out of 5 stars
380+ Amazon customer reviews

This silk pillowcase is entirely free of additives and chemicals and is made of long-strand mulberry silk. The company has strong ethical standards, too: LilySilk sources from Mulberry trees, which require less water than cotton to grow and are not sprayed with pesticides to protect the soil. One Amazon reviewer said, "My hair is dry and always tangled in the mornings. Sleeping on this pillowcase is very soft, and I have no tangles in the morning."


9. J Jimoo Natural Slip Silk Pillowcase

4.6 out of 5 stars
16,300+ Amazon customer reviews

This silk pillowcase is made with 100 percent mulberry silk and has a 600 thread count, making it ultra soft and breathable to the touch. The silk's natural smoothness allows your hair and skin to glide onto the case while preventing static and friction. It also features a hidden zipper that keeps the pillow in place at night. "I purchased this pillowcase this week and just love, love love it!" said one reviewer. "So smooth, so cool, just perfect. I own many silk pillowcases, but this one is just heavenly to lie on."


10. Yanibest 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

4.6 out of 5 stars
14,300+ Amazon customer reviews

Silk pillowcases are supposed to be smooth—but sometimes, they're so smooth that they slide right off the pillow. The Yanibest comes with a hidden side zipper to ensure that your pillow stays secure. Even better, this 19-momme pillow boasts a 600 thread count. One Amazon reviewer said, "My hair is bleached and has moderate damage so I do try to baby it as much as possible, and sleeping on a silk case definitely feels gentler on my hair and skin."


11. Zimasilk 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

4.6 out of 5 stars
31,500+ Amazon customer reviews

Free of chemicals, dyes, and other additives, the Zimasilk pillowcase is made of organic, 19-momme mulberry silk, has a 600 thread count, and comes in more than 30 different colors. One Amazon reviewer said: "I like the size because it went on my foam pillow without a struggle. The zipper is hidden, and it's silk on both sides. This will cut down on laundry frequency because I can flip the pillowcase over and sleep on the other side."


12. Leccod Silk Satin Pillowcase

4.4 out of 5 stars
11,700+ Amazon customer reviews

This Leccord silk pillowcase comes as a set of two for twice the luxury! Protecting hair as you sleep, this pick won't dry out your strands and wards off frustrating knots. Although it doesn't have a side zipper, its envelope design will ensure it stays put. Once you've used this silk pillowcase a few times, put it in the wash. Just make sure it's on the gentle cycle! "HOLY SMOKES are these comfortable!!! They are so soft and make my pillows feel like a dream," said one happy Amazon customer. "Words cannot describe how amazing they feel against your skin. I loved them so much that I just ordered another pair."



13. OLESILK 100% Mulbery Silk Pillowcase

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,800+ Amazon customer reviews

This pillowcase is as gorgeous as it is comfortable. Bonus: With its soft, cool texture and 100% silk material, it's a good option for people with sensitive skin or eczema. One Amazon reviewer said, "Absolutely amazing. Best money I’ve ever spent on linens. I was hesitant but my sinuses no longer plugged up when I lay down and it’s very cool and soothing to your skin. I have slept on satin pillowcases but they’re not near as good as the silk. No comparison."


14. SLPBABY Silk Pillowcase

4.7 out of 5 stars
17,000+ Amazon customer reviews

Along with calming your hair and smoothing your skin, this pillowcase will brighten any room with its vibrant floral print. Several patterns are available, but if you'd prefer to stick to a solid color, the brand offers those as well. "I’ve washed mine several times already and it still looks fabulous," said one reviewer. "I purchased this so my hair would be less frizzy and not in knots in the morning and it’s helped so much."


15. Tafts Silk Pillowcase

4.7 out of 5 stars
3,800+ Amazon customer reviews

Made from 100% pure mulberry silk, this silk pillowcase promises to keep skin moisturized and radiant for the morning. The tight, satin weave allows the pillowcase to glide freely over skin and hair to reduce breakage and hair thinning. Plus, the concealed zipper design keeps your pillowcase seamless and uniform. “Tafts is made of better-quality silk. Overall, this is a great silk pillowcase. It gives higher-end brands a run for their money, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is looking for one,” an Amazon reviewer said.


16. LuluSilk Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

4.6 out of 5 stars
5,200+ Amazon customer reviews

This silk pillowcase can reduce hair breakage and friction, while also keeping you cool at night. It’s hypoallergenic and keeps skin looking smooth and healthy longer than a cotton case. Plus, it comes in 19 fabulous colors, including cherry, strawberry, and floral patterns. “I highly recommend these pillowcases! I plan on buying more for other family members. My hair has never looked better,” an Amazon reviewer said.


17. Abudor 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

4.6 out of 5 stars
5,200+ Amazon customer reviews
Each 900 thread count pillowcase will leave you feeling refreshed and restored for the morning. The ultra soft and breathable silk contains 18 kinds of essential amino acids, which help leave skin nourished and smooth. One Amazon reviewer said, “Since buying these pillowcases I've had less lashes shed on the outer corners, no breakouts or super oily skin in the mornings, and zero frizz to my curls. Highly recommend!”

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