You might normally classify a pair of silk pillowcases as a “nice-to-have” luxury – something that sits somewhere between a designer scented candle and a statement throw. But here’s the thing: this chic bedroom accessory might actually do more for your beauty routine than some of your cult-favourite products.
Sleeping on pure silk is said to come with real, tangible beauty benefits for both your hair and your skin. From silk bedding to sleep masks and even hair bonnets, the lustrous material has long been touted as the gold standard for beauty sleep thanks to its ability to reduce hair breakage, minimise sleep lines, and improve the overall appearance of skin. But is silk all it’s hyped up to be?
To walk us through the benefits of silk pillowcases and give us a comprehensive overview of the advantages and disadvantages of switching to silk, I spoke to experts from three of the UK’s most renowned silk pillowcase brands to get their insights on this luxurious material.
Below, discover everything you need to know about silk pillowcases, from how to incorporate them into your nightly routine to the common mistakes that could reduce their beauty-boosting benefits. Sweet, silky dreams, peeps!
Meet the experts:
What are the benefits of a silk pillowcase?
The benefits of silk pillowcases are well-supported by research. The global beauty pillowcase market is projected to reach £1.2 billion by 2030, growing steadily at 6% per year in the UK, and while other fabrics may target specific skin or hair concerns, there’s no material that’s quite as singular in its multi-hyphenate abilities as silk.
“Silk fibres are significantly less absorbent than many other materials, so they can help keep your skin’s moisture and expensive face and hair products where they belong…on your face and hair, where they can work their magic,” explains Fiona Stewart, CEO and Founder of SLIP.
According to the team at LILYSILK, “Silk pillowcases are naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. They help keep skin hydrated overnight and feel incredibly smooth and luxurious against the face, offering anti-aging benefits over time.”
As we all know, as skin ages, it stops producing collagen and loses elasticity. This means that when we sleep and put our heads on the pillow, creases can form from the pressure and friction between your skin and the material. “These creases can be gradually ‘ironed in’ over the years, making your skin appear more wrinkled than it really is,” says Fiona.
As if that wasn’t a good enough reason to invest in some seriously silky pillowcases, they also provide a whole host of hair benefits, too. Alongside the no friction factor, which means less ruffling of your hair during sleep (i.e. no more bed head!), it’s thought that silk also helps to control sebum production – great news for those of us with oily hair types!
The theory is that unlike cotton, silk doesn’t absorb the scalp’s natural oils, meaning that the scalp doesn’t produce even more to replenish itself. Plus, according to Nichola Stott, founder of SilkUp, a silk pillowcase can even prolong a blow dry; “The natural properties and anti-static qualities in silk can extend the life of a blow-dry by two days, reducing the need to restyle in the morning and therefore avoiding any additional heat damage.”
Which type of silk is best for pillowcases?
When it comes to pillowcases, the type of silk you choose can make all the difference. These are the most common varieties and what you need to know about each:
Mulberry silk is made from silkworms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves and is prized for its smooth fibres, softness, and durability. It’s naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on skin and hair.
Charmeuse silk isn’t a specific type of silk fibre (like mulberry silk) – it’s actually a weaving technique that gives the fabric its signature look and feel. Best known for its glossy front and matte back, it feels smooth and cool against the skin and it’s often used for high-end pillowcases thanks to its elegant drape and lustrous finish.
A more natural, lived-in take on silk, Tussah is spun from wild silkworms, giving it a subtly textured feel and a soft, matte finish. It’s often more affordable but still dreamy to sleep on.
Often blended with cotton or polyester, these options won’t deliver all the skin and hair perks of pure silk, but they’re a savvy pick if you’re after that silky touch on a budget.
What is Momme in silk fabric
Momme (sometimes shortened to “mm”) is the unit used to measure silk’s weight and density. For pillowcases, 19-30 momme is the sweet spot. The higher the momme, the thicker and more hard-wearing the fabric, with a richer drape and longer-lasting sheen.
The team at LILYSILK says, “The finest option for silk pillowcase is 100% Mulberry silk, ideally in a weight between 19 and 25 momme. A 19-momme pillowcase offers a lighter feel, while 22 and 25 momme options feature a denser weave for added durability and a more sumptuous finish.”
Are silk pillowcases machine washable?
Generally speaking, silk pillowcases require more delicate care than cotton. To maintain their natural sheen and softness, most high-quality silk pillowcases are best hand-washed in cool water or dry-cleaned.
That said, not all silk pillowcases are high-maintenance. Some brands, like Drowsy, The White Company & Scooms have developed machine-washable designs – crafted with reinforced weaves and pre-treated fibres – so you can simply pop them on a delicate cycle. We’d just be sure to skip the tumble dryer, use a silk-safe detergent, and turn the pillowcase inside out to protect that signature sheen.
What should I look for on my silk pillowcase label?
A good silk pillowcase label should clearly state key details about the product. Look out for labels that specify 100% Mulberry silk, the momme weight – such as 19, 22, or 25 momme – the finished size, and the OEKO-TEX® certification mark, which ensures the fabric is free from harmful substances and safe for sensitive skin.
You’ll also find care instructions, such as ‘hand wash in cold water’ or, for machine-washable designs, ‘machine wash at or below 30°C, gentle cycle,’ with guidance like ‘line dry’ and ‘do not bleach,’ says the team at LILYSILK. These details help you choose confidently and care for your silk pillowcase properly, so it stays smooth and luxurious for years.
Are there any downsides to using silk pillowcases?
The main consideration is that silk pillowcases do need gentler care than cotton pillowcases. It’s not something you’d throw in a hot wash or tumble dry, but with proper care, silk pillowcases last for years and keep their benefits. Most people find it’s a small trade-off for the beauty and comfort
they bring.
High-quality silk pillowcases are also more of an investment compared to regular
bedding, but their durability, anti-aging effects, and luxurious feel make them well worth it.
Because silk is naturally smooth, it can feel a little slippery at first, though most people
quickly grow to love that sensation.
What’s the difference between silk and satin pillowcases?
Silk is a natural fibre, while satin is a type of weave that’s usually made from synthetic
materials like polyester. Satin can look shiny and feel smooth, but it doesn’t offer the same
breathability, hypoallergenic properties, or temperature regulation as silk. If you’re after
genuine benefits for your skin and hair, along with that luxurious feel, silk is unmatched.
GLAMOUR editor silk pillowcase reviews
Over the course of a year, we tested a wealth of silk pillowcases, each with its own pros and cons. And one thing quickly became clear: not all silk pillowcases are created equal. Yes, they’re an investment, but the benefits of a really good one make them so worth it.
The winner in our best silk pillowcase round up is the LILYSILK 19 Momme Housewife Envelope Silk Pillowcase – the crème de la crème of silk pillowcases if you ask us, and the one that convinced our Senior Commerce Writer, Georgia Trodd, to make the permanent switch to silk.
Made from pure charmeuse silk, it’s available in a dreamy range of colours, from deep navy to the season’s must-have butter yellow. One side features a lustrous, pearl-like sheen, while the reverse offers a softer matte finish that still feels equally as smooth. “It’s wonderfully breathable (a true blessing during those recent balmy nights) and remarkably gentle on skin – hypoallergenic, moisture-retentive, and a quiet hero for both my hair and my acne-scarred skin,” says Georgia.
Next up is Mayfair Silk’s Cherry Blossom Pure Silk Pillowcase – a welcome change from the sea of neutrals dominating the silk pillowcase world. Handcrafted from 25-momme pure mulberry silk, it’s thermo-regulating, hypoallergenic, and mite-resistant. Mayfair Silk also stocks the widest range of patterns we’ve seen – 28 in total – and each one expertly crafted. Despite its delicate feel, it held its colour and shape beautifully after multiple machine washes.
We can’t forget about one of the most-coveted silk collections from The White Company – the Audley Silk Pillowcase. Crafted from 19-momme mulberry silk, it’s machine washable and designed to leave you waking up refreshed every morning. After three months of use, we can confirm: no pillow creases, no matter how much we toss and turn throughout the night, and that blissful “cool side of the pillow” feeling lasts all night. This one also has an Oxford finish, giving our bed a smarter, more sophisticated edge which we love.
Silk pillowcases: The verdict:
If you ask us, silk pillowcases have well earned their reputation for being more than just a luxury – they’re a clever hair care and skincare investment. Thanks to its smooth surface and smooth texture, pure silk creates less friction against strands, which helped our editors – including those with fine and curly hair types – reduce tangles, flyaways, and even split ends.
As for skin benefits, dermatologists often note that the gentle fabric is kinder to facial skin, helping minimise fine lines, sleep creases, and breakouts, while also being less likely to snag or aggravate dry skin and eczema. With natural moisture wicking properties, silk can even help maintain hydration and keep your skincare routine (including serums) where it belongs – on your skin, not your duvet.
It’s also hypoallergenic, resisting allergens like dust mites, making it a smart choice for sensitive sleepers. So, if you’re after genuine benefits for your skin and hair along with that aesthetically-pleasing finish on your bed, silk is the way to go.
After something else? Read our full silk pillowcase reviews, our guide to the best silk bedding and the best sleep masks here.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.