Get this: We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping (or at least attempting to fall asleep). With all that time dedicated to catching zzz's, investing in a top-notch mattress, pillow, and bedding — like a silk pillowcase — is essential.
According to beauty experts, silk pillowcases are a perfect solution for protecting your hair and skin while you rest. Silk is a naturally hypoallergenic fabric that creates minimal friction, which is especially helpful if you're a side sleeper or sleep face down on your stomach. “It provides a smooth, wrinkle-free, and frictionless point of contact, plus reduces tugging on skin and hair,” says Dr. Rebecca Marcus, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the skincare line Maei MD.
To help you shop smartly, experts share their honest thoughts on silk pillowcases, and divulge the ones they recommend to patients and use at home IRL.
What are the pros and cons of silk pillowcases?
Pros
Silk pillowcases are fantastic for your hair and skin: They prevent your hair from breakage, dryness, and frizz, all while reducing facial creases caused by sleeping.
Silk absorbs less moisture, oil, and dirt than cotton, according to Dr. Yoram Harth, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of MDacne.
They're great for acne-prone and sensitive skin, notes Harth. When your skin rubs against a dirty cotton pillow, the friction can damage the outer layer of your skin and make your acne worse.
They're also luxurious! “A silk pillowcase feels soft and cool against the skin, and makes for very relaxing beauty sleep,” says Marcus.
Cons
The biggest downside with silk pillowcases is their price. Most mid-level options will set you back between $60 to $90, but I found a few alternatives for this list that cost $30 or less.
If you have acne-prone skin, you will need to wash your new silk pillowcase often and sleep on your back, advises Harth.
Silk pillowcases are also more difficult to clean than cotton bedding. They typically require a good ol'-fashioned hand wash and hang dry. If you're lucky, you'll find a silk pillowcase that is machine-washable, but remember that they still need to be cleaned during a gentle cycle.
Who should use silk pillowcases?
The best time to invest in a silk pillowcase is in your late 20s or 30s, argues Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare. During these crucial years, your skin loses moisture and elasticity on the surface of your skin, which she describes as your natural moisturizing factor (NMF).
Photo: Bridget Clegg/Best Products
“Once you’re around 30, you have a lower NMF at the surface of the skin, so it’s drier and doesn’t have the bouncy resilience it had in its youth. The friction caused by our faces rubbing into the standard [cotton] pillowcase will actually cause an indent in our skin that can last for many hours after we wake up,” explains Ciraldo.
If you're older than 30, no worries! It's never too late to treat yourself to some new bedding that can benefit your hair and skin.
Although it won't hurt to own one when you're young, teens don't need to use a silk pillowcase to prevent face creases. But if you're interested in ordering one for your child, you'll be happy to know that some brands make silk pillowcases that can even fit small pillows for toddlers.
Ready to sleep on a functional and stylish silk pillowcase? Here are several options that deserve a spot on your bed. Some of these picks came recommended by a beauty expert, such as a dermatologist or hairstylist, while others passed our beauty editor's vetting process, which includes analyzing the quality of the silk, discerning product reviews, considering the variety of colors available, and scrutinizing the price.
These award-winning silk pillowcases are worth the high cost for Marcus. “I love Slip because of their super smooth texture and gorgeous colors. Plus, data shows that their pillowcases absorb significantly less face cream and create 43% less friction than cotton pillowcases,” she says.
She wasn't kidding about the variety of colors: On Sephora, there are 10 fun picks to choose from, while Amazon has 16 options, including Spring Paisley and Marble.
TBH, I was a bit surprised to discover the cheapest silk pillowcase on this list is made with such high-quality fabric. Given the overall quality of the product and price, as well as the impressive variety of colors and prints available, it definitely earned its spot on this list.
While other brands may offer a more extensive range of colors, SLPBABY has a plethora of prints that would make any Liberty of London shopper proud. My favorite is Pattern 1, a stunning silk peach pillowcase with a feminine purple and blue floral motif.
Finding a high-quality silk pillowcase that's machine-washable is rare. Thankfully, Brooklinen's offering can be tossed into your laundry machine!
Made from 100% mulberry silk, you can rest easy knowing your night creams won't soak into this pillowcase. Silk is also a breathable fabric, with a refreshing cooling effect.
When you can only spend around $20 on a silk pillowcase, opt for J JIMOO's offering.
The overall value of this popular pillowcase is impressive. It's made from grade 6A mulberry silk, the highest tier of silk available.
JIMOO is also one of the few brands that make four sizes of silk pillowcases, including Toddler for your youngest family members. Plus, you get a solid variety of colors and prints to choose from, and can match your sheets and comforter with ease.
Casper is known for making standout mattresses, so it's no wonder its silk pillowcase earned a spot in this guide.
This two-piece set is an ideal choice when you want the skin and hair benefits of silk bedding in a muted color palette — options include Peach, Oatmilk, and Indigo. It's also the only silk pillowcase duo on our list that includes a silk eye mask to help lull you to sleep.
Hairstylist Courtney Foster’s all-time favorite silk pillowcase is from Blissy because it’s handmade and hypoallergenic. “I think it’s worth using if you’re not wrapping hair up at night in a scarf,” the New York-based hairstylist says. “It will reduce breakage that can be caused by moving while you sleep.”
These luxe silk pillowcases are OEKO-Tex certified, indicating they are nontoxic and eco-friendly. They're also made from the highest quality of silk available, and are machine-washable.
You'll have many good hair days, thanks to this splurge-worthy gift set.
Lilysilk's pink pillowcase is made from charmeuse silk, which has a glossy appearance and soft feel. It sports an envelope closure that's handy if your hair usually gets snagged in your pillowcase zipper.
This bundle includes a matching silk bonnet with an adjustable double closure to prevent slipping. Silk bonnets and wrap caps are common in the natural hair community, but all hair textures can use them to help protect their strands overnight.
There's also a silk band that you can wear overnight to create heatless curls, along with a pair of matching pink scrunchies.
Nicole SaundersBeauty EditorNicole Saunders is the Beauty Editor at BestProducts.com, where she oversees coverage on all things beauty.
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