7 Best Silk Pillowcases, Tested & Approved by Glamour Editors

• Clearer skin: As you shift position throughout the night, your skin rubs against your pillowcase causing friction, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Friction can cause skin folding and contribute to low-grade inflammation and wrinkles. Silk is a soft, natural fiber that allows the skin to glide. Plus, it’s light and breathable to minimize the amount of sweat that builds up on the skin.” Basically, less rubbing and beauty-product absorption that you can get from other fabrics like cotton can help if you have sensitive skin. Silk, derived from domesticated silkworms, might even make your beauty routine more effective because your products won’t rub off as easily.
• Healthier hair: “Unlike cotton, silk absorbs less. This means silk helps you retain both the moisture and natural oils of the hair. This prevents hair dryness and promotes hydration and shine,” says Nicole Salame, MD, FAAD, a double board-certified general and cosmetic dermatologist. “Silk is also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive scalps or eczema. Its cooling effect can also reduce sweat, which can further cause scalp irritation and damage.” Silk pillowcases prevent bedhead by reducing friction on your hair as you sleep, “decreasing split ends, frizz, breakage, and tangles,” Dr. Salame continues. Every single one of our testers will tell you that if you’re looking for a pillowcase to fix frizzy hair, silk is the way to go—and a few noticed it helped prevent night sweats.
• Less buildup of allergens: The fiber is naturally hypoallergenic and prevents the buildup of dust mites, fungus, mold, and other allergens. While the effects of silk pillowcases on skin and hair are still under-researched, a few studies, like this 2019 report, have found promising results. Empirically, though, the material’s benefits are easy to see—just read the reviews for the silk pillowcases our team has tested and endorsed.

Momme (pronounced “mom” or “mom-may”) is a unit used to measure the weight and density of silk. The higher the momme, the more silk threads—spun from silkworm cocoons—are woven into the fabric, making it denser, shinier, and more durable. It’s similar to thread count in cotton; a higher number generally means a thicker, more substantial fabric that feels more luxurious and lasts longer.

Most experts recommend 19 momme (soft, relatively affordable) to 25 momme (top-of-the-line, more expensive). Nineteen momme is lightweight and breathable (and usually the most affordable), while 22 to 25 momme offers more durability, sheen, and density. You can go as low as 16 momme, but there are options above 20 momme in the sub-$30 range.

Is 30 momme worth it? We don’t have anything that high on this list because, frankly, it’s hard to tell the difference when the count goes above 25. If you have especially sensitive skin, prefer extra-smooth material, or want to treat yourself to some of the highest-quality silk available, feel free to buy one. (Fishers Finery makes one that offers a great overall value.) For the highest-quality material, look for mulberry silk; the fibers are longer and more uniform, making the fabric smoother and longer-lasting.

Although one 2017 study found that silk had a “positive influence” on back acne, which suggests that it might be helpful for breakouts elsewhere, there isn’t enough evidence to prove that silk can help with acne. At this time, more research is necessary to draw any conclusions.

Silk is a fiber, while satin is a weave—a particularly smooth-surfaced weave. Silk can be woven into satin fabric; artificial fibers like polyester can also be woven into satin. However, the phrase satin pillowcase is most often used to denote products that are woven from some material other than silk.

Polyester satin, an ultrasmooth fabric that mimics silk satin, provides many of the same friction-reducing benefits for skin and for straight and curly hair, as confirmed by our in-house testing. Man-made materials are a cost-effective and more easily washable alternative to silk pillowcases at the more expensive end of the spectrum. Silk and artificial satin can cost about the same amount, depending on the brand. If you’d rather sleep on natural fibers or want the hypoallergenic benefits of silk, stick to the real thing.

“Washing or changing your pillowcase at least once a week ensures you are consistently removing bacteria, dirt, oil, hair products, skin care products, dust, and other allergens that accumulate over the week,” Dr. Salame says. “If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, washing or changing your pillowcases every two to three days reduces the oils, bacteria, dust, and other particles that build up on the pillowcase and can be the first step to improving your skin. If you are someone who sweats overnight or uses extensive hair products, washing or changing your pillowcase every one to two days is also recommended.”

Wondering how to wash silk pillowcases? Make sure to read the product’s specific care instructions. Some can go in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle (ideally in a mesh delicates bag), while others require hand-washing in lukewarm or cold water. Air-drying is best, since heat can weaken the fibers and cause shrinkage, though many brands allow low-heat tumble-drying if needed. To keep them looking fresh, you can steam or lightly iron on a low setting to remove wrinkles.

As for longevity, silk pillowcases are delicate but surprisingly durable when cared for properly. Expect them to last for years, especially if you choose a higher momme count, which makes the weave denser and stronger. Most testers noticed small changes—like loss of sheen, extra wrinkling, or stains—around the six-month mark, but the pillowcases remained soft and usable well beyond that.

• Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
• Nicole Salame, MD, FAAD, double board-certified general and cosmetic dermatologist