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Beauty

11 Silk Pillowcases For Your Best Beauty Rest Yet

 

These soft, slippery options might be the key to better hair and skin.

If you’re a woman of color like me, you've probably already sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet at-night. But, if you are next-level about preserving your blow-out, twist-out, or concerned about premature aging (yep, cotton isn’t doing you any favors), it might be time to treat yourself to one of the best silk pillowcases.

Shop the Best Silk Pillowcases

Keep scrolling to discover a few premium options to ensure that nothing comes between you and a good night of beauty rest—including your pillowcase.

25mm 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

PROS

• Wicks moisture well & feels cool to the the touch
• Durable material, doesn't show signs of wear

CONS

• None

This full mulberry silk pillowcase get lauded for both comfort and smoothness. Plus, the abrasion-resistant material means you'll get more bang for your buck. The hardest decision will be which color to choose (p.s. we're partial to the misty blue shade!)

23 Momme Silk Pillowcase

PROS

• Affordable price
• Rated smooth by sleep testers

CONS

• None

Ideal for hot sleepers, these moisture-wicking pillowcases keep you cool when you sleep. Each pillowcase comes with a laundry bag to help your preserve your new prized purchase.

Pure Silk Pillowcase

PROS

• Recommended by editors, dermatologists, and hairstylists alike

CONS

• None

Slip is one of the holy grail options for pillowcases, as they're made of pure silk inside and out. "I like these pillowcases breathable, soft and gentle on the hair and skin and can improve your skin's health," shares Raven Hurtado, Stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

PROS

• Helps prevent bedhead
• High comfort ratings

CONS

• None

These well-crafted, handmade pillowcases are completely hypoallergenic. You can sleep with ease knowing the team spent countless hours prototyping for quality and durability.

Washable Silk Good in Bed Pillowcase

PROS

• 100% machine washable silk
• Full matching bedding collection available

CONS

• None

Rest easy on these velvety smooth, machine washable silk pillowcases by the lauded loungewear brand, Lunya. Can't get enough silk—you can also get a matching flat sheet, fitted sheet, and duvet to elevate your experience.

22-Momme Zippered Silk Pillowcase

PROS

• Cooling

CONS

• None

In addition to being hypoallergenic and OEKO-TEK certified, this luxe pillowcase also happens to be biodegradable, making it a little more earth friendly. Plus, did we mention it also has a thread count of 600?

100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase (Queen-Size)

PROS

• Affordable pricepoint

CONS

• None

If you're looking to upgrade more than just your everyday bedding, we found silk options for both your throw and body pillows, and even toddler-sized ones from this in-demand brand. Plus, with a 19 momme count it's a very affordable option.

Silk Pure Natural Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

PROS

• Cotton underside prevents slipping

CONS

• None

While a full silk pillow is luxe, a one-sided silk pillowcase (with a cotton underside) is equally as appealing to prevent slipping, and a bit easier on your pockets. The entire collection ranges from 19-30 momme so you can find the right balance of thickness and softness.

Gallery Collection Silk Pillowcase in Peacock Feathers

PROS

• Available in toddler sizes
• Comes in multiple colors

CONS

• None

As a symbol of symbolic of re-growth and rejuvenation, royalty, and respect, this peacock-patterned 22 momme silk pillowcase is a stylish way to get your beauty rest. Don't miss this exclusive capsule Gallery Collection illustrated by wildlife artist and painter Elyssa Helfman.

Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin

PROS

• 19 Momme and 600 thread count
• Budget-friendly

CONS

• None

Proof that a "good" silk pillow case doesn't have to be expensive to be affective, this collection of 100 percent mulberry silk is ultra soft, breathable, and durable.

100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

PROS

• Hypo-allergenic
• Naturally thermoregulating to help maintain body temperature.

CONS

• None

This best in class quality pillowcase helps keep frizz in check and (hopefully) wrinkles at bay. Pair with their signature mulberry silk beauty sleep mask for a chic sleep experience.

Meet the Experts

Kiran Mian is a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City.
Gretchen Friese is a trichologist at Bosley MD.
Ian Michael Crumm is a celebrity esthetician and co-host of the Beauty Curious podcast.

What are the benefits of using a silk pillowcase?

On the skin front, silk pillowcases provide a smooth surface for your facial skin to lay on. “Those with eczema or rosacea will find it more soothing on their skin than other fabric and has antibacterial properties as well,” shares Kiran Mian, board-certified dermatologist of Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery.

Mian adds, “Silk also absorbs less moisture, [so] there's less chance of bacterial growth or dust mite accumulation, which keeps your pillowcase clean in between washes. Its moisture wicking properties also help to prevent your facial skin from drying out and makes it less likely for the transfer of your skincare products from face to pillow.”

How should you care for a silk pillowcase?

According to celebrity esthetician and Beauty Curious co-host Ian Michael Crumm, it’s best to have a few extra pillowcases to change throughout the week without needing to wash all of the time.“Hand-washing is often recommended for silk pillowcases to maintain their delicate fibers,” he explains. “Use a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Avoid wringing or twisting the silk, and instead, gently press out excess water.”

Alternatively, some silk pillowcases are machine-washable on a delicate cycle. Always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Why makes silk pillowcases better than satin for hair and skin?

You might ask, can I just go for satin since it’s cheaper? While we're not against satin pillowcases, experts note that using silk material is ideal. “Silk is hypoallergenic and less absorbent which helps to prevent the trapping of oil or bacteria in the pillowcase,” explains Gretchen Friese, Bosley MD trichologist. “It also helps retain moisture in the skin which benefits your complexion as well.”“Satin refers to a type of weave, not necessarily a singular fabric,” adds Mian. “Satin pillowcases are smooth, but are a blend of rayon, nylon, and other fabrics, and so don't share all the properties or benefits of a silk pillowcase.”

How can I make sure to choose the right silk pillowcase for my needs?

When it comes to choosing a silk pillowcase, look for the right momme count. “It can range from 15-30, with 19 being an average momme count,” Mian notes. Consider the grade of silk too. “Silk is graded from A to C, and further broken into 1A through 6A. Grade refers to the quality of the silk, which will last longer. [Always] look for a pillowcase grade 6A or above.”

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.