The Best Silk Pillowcase in 2026
Can a silk pillowcase give you softer skin and smoother hair? We tested the claims and popular options to find the best silk pillowcases for you.
- Silk is a natural fiber that tends to be smooth, soft, and breathable. Mulberry silk is considered the best quality.
- The best silk pillowcases on our list cost $45–$106.
- There is some preliminary evidence that silk pillowcases may be gentler on skin and hair than other fabrics, but more study is needed.
- The unit used to measure weight and density in silk is "momme." Silk with a momme of 19 to 22 may offer a good balance of comfort, breathability, and durability.
- Many silk pillowcases can be machine washed, but few can withstand high heat, so air drying is required.
We’ve spent thousands of hours researching and testing pillowcases to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best silk pillowcases, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best pillowcases
- Put numerous models through a series of 8 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 10 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate silk pillowcases and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new pillowcases and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our sleep accessories review methodology.
If you wake up with tangled hair, sensitive skin, or creases on your face, a silk pillowcase may be worth trying. The smooth fabric creates less friction than many other bedding fabrics, which may help reduce rubbing on your skin and hair while you sleep.
But just as the best pillows for neck pain are no substitute for professional treatment, even the best silk pillowcases are not a cure-all for wrinkles or skin or hair problems. “Silk pillowcases have become increasingly popular and there is some science behind why they may be beneficial,” said Lycia Thornburg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rapid City, South Dakota. “But we do not yet have clinical trials showing that sleeping on a silk pillowcase prevents wrinkles or reduces hair breakage. What we know comes from research on silk fabrics, proteins, and the effects of friction on skin and hair.”1
Whether or not a silk pillowcase delivers benefits, it can feel soft and luxurious, as our older adult testers discovered. They compared silk pillowcases to see how they performed for comfort, quality, durability, and more. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillowcase came out on top in almost every category. Read on for the rest of our results and what to consider when deciding whether a silk pillowcase is right for you.
Cozy Earth Silk Pillowcase
High-quality silk that feels soft, smooth, and cool against your skin
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Has the smooth, satiny feel we love about silk
Blissy Silk Pillowcase
100% mulberry silk that feels soft and gentle against your face
Best silk pillowcases in 2026
- Cozy Earth Silk Pillowcase: Best Overall
- Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase: Best Silk Pillowcase for Hair
- Blissy Silk Pillowcase: Best Silk Pillowcase for Skin
- Quince Mulberry Silk Pillowcase: Best Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
The best silk pillowcases compared
| Comparison Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (out of 10) | 9.5 |
8.1 |
8 |
8.4 |
| Best for | Overall |
Hair |
Skin |
Mulberry Silk |
| Materials | 100% mulberry silk |
100% mulberry silk |
100% mulberry silk |
100% mulberry silk |
How we tested the best silk pillowcases
Cozy Earth Silk Pillowcase: Best Silk Pillowcase Overall
We chose the Cozy Earth Silk Pillowcase as our Best Silk Pillowcase Overall because it earned top scores for temperature, fit, and value. It is made from high-quality mulberry silk and feels soft, smooth, breathable, and cool against your skin.
- Made from high-quality silk in a satin weave
- Has a concealed envelope closure for a neat look
- Silk is treated with aloe vera for extra softness and potential skin benefits
- Earned our highest cooling score
- Materials: 100% mulberry silk
- Cooling score: 5/5
- Returns: 100 nights
- Shipping: $8; free for orders over $100
Pros
- High-quality mulberry silk is very durable
- Stays breathable and cool
- Soft, smooth feel for hair and skin
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- More expensive than some options
- Only one pillowcase per purchase
- Requires gentle washing and air drying
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase: Best Silk Pillowcase for Hair
We chose the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase as the Best Silk Pillowcase for Hair because its smooth, satiny surface feels gentle against hair and may help reduce friction while you sleep. It also earned a 5/5 durability score. Based on our test experience, you can expect it to hold up well with regular use and washing.
- Brooklinen Sheets Review
- Envelope enclosure
- Machine washable
- High-quality 100% mulberry silk
- Materials: 100% mulberry silk
- Cooling score: 4.5/5
- Returns: 365 nights
- Shipping: $6; free for orders over $100 to the contiguous U.S. states
Pros
- 100% mulberry silk
- Very durable
- Spacious envelope closure
- 365-night trial period
Cons
- Only one pillowcase per purchase
- Momme and fiber length aren’t listed
- Free shipping requires a $100+ order
- Must be laid flat to dry after washing
Blissy Silk Pillowcase: Best Silk Pillowcase for Skin
The Blissy Silk Pillowcase earned our pick for Best Silk Pillowcase for Skin. It's made from smooth, 100% mulberry silk that feels gentle against your face. It also earned a 5/5 cooling score and 5/5 for materials. This makes it a strong choice for sleepers who want a soft, breathable pillowcase.
- 100% high-quality mulberry silk
- High fiber count for durability
- Smooth, gentle feel against skin
- Zipper closure
- Materials: 100% mulberry silk
- Cooling score: 5/5
- Returns: 60 nights
- Shipping: Free
Pros
- High-quality, durable mulberry silk
- Excellent cooling properties
- Free shipping on any order
- Ultra smooth and soft so it’s gentle on skin
Cons
- The most expensive option on this list
- May feel snug on fluffy pillows
- One pillowcase per purchase
- Shorter return period
Quince Mulberry Silk Pillowcase: Best Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
The Quince Mulberry Silk Pillowcase earned our pick for Best Mulberry Silk Pillowcase because of its 100% mulberry silk material, great fit, temperature control, and durability. It also comes with free shipping, a 365-night return window, and no return fees. This makes it a low-risk way to try a silk pillowcase.
- 100% mulberry silk
- Available in many different colors
- Concealed zipper
- Smooth and soft feel
- Materials: 100% mulberry silk
- Cooling score: 4.5/5
- Returns: 365 nights
- Shipping: Free
Pros
- 100% mulberry silk
- Strong temperature regulation scores
- 365-night return period
- Free shipping with no minimum and no return fees
Cons
- No warranty
- Zipper can catch on the fabric
- Pillow may require some squeezing to fit
What makes a good silk pillowcase?
There are many different silk pillowcases, and not all are made the same. They can vary in what type of silk they use and how heavyweight and durable each pillowcase feels. They can also differ in details like a zipper versus envelope closure. Here are some of the features to consider when looking for a good silk pillowcase:
Silk type
A good silk pillowcase should be made of natural silk and not just a silky-looking fabric, said Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, California. “I would make sure you are buying natural silk and not silky polyester that is more prone to heating and sweating.” Read the product label to be sure. Mulberry silk, which comes from silkworms that are fed only leaves from the mulberry tree, tends to be regarded as the highest quality. This is primarily due to the material's long, uniform, and smooth threads.
Silk weight
The weight or thickness of silk is a measure of its durability. It is measured in units called momme. Eleonora Fedonenko, MD, a dermatologist at Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles, recommended looking for “100% mulberry silk with a momme weight between 19 and 22.” She said this range balances breathability, durability, and a smooth feel. But when choosing the best silk pillowcase, think about your own needs. Lighter silk may feel cooler, while heavier silk can hold up well to repeated washing and thick hair.
Third-party certifications
Dr. Fedonenko recommended OEKO-TEX certified silk, which means the fabric has been tested for harmful substances. She said harsh dyes may irritate skin.
Ease of care
Many silk pillowcases can be machine-washed but may require a gentle detergent or other special care. It’s important to read the product labels and follow the instructions. Air drying is usually recommended. If you prefer a pillowcase that can be tossed in a dryer, you may want to look for another type of pillowcase.
Fit and type of closure
If you are concerned with how your bed looks or completely protecting a pillow, you’ll want to consider the fit and closure. Some silk pillowcases have an envelope closure, while others have a concealed zipper closure.
How to choose a silk pillowcase
When choosing a silk pillowcase, start with your main goal. If you want to reduce friction on your skin, look for genuine silk with a smooth surface. “Research shows silk can reduce friction and moisture loss for skin and hair because silk fibers slide instead of grip,” said Dr. Fedonenko. But the evidence is not conclusive. If your goal is healthier-looking hair, a smooth silk surface may help reduce tangles and rubbing. “For hair, silk provides less friction, reducing tangles and mechanical wear,” said Dr. Thornburg.
If you have sensitive skin or want to limit rubbing while you sleep, silk may also be worth considering. “Less friction means less irritation and rubbing as you sleep, which can be great for sensitive skin in particular,” said Dr. Thornburg. Look for genuine mulberry silk with a smooth, even weave rather than fabric labeled “silky” or “silk-like,” she advised.
Keep in mind that a silk pillowcase is not a medical treatment. “Silk pillowcases are nice but they are not a treatment for any skin condition,” said Dr. Kormeili. Research on silk, skin, and hair is still developing. Think of a pillowcase as one part of your bedding, not a replacement for professional medical care.
How much do the best silk pillowcases cost?
The best silk pillowcases in this review cost $45–$106 for one standard-size pillowcase. The price can vary based on size, quality, the silk’s type and weight, and other factors.
| Comparison Features | Cozy Earth Silk Pillowcase |
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase |
Blissy Silk Pillowcase |
Quince Mulberry Silk Pillowcase  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for a standard/queen | $78 |
$69 |
$106 |
$45 |
| Shipping costs | $8; free for orders over $100 |
$6; free for orders over $100 |
Free |
Free |
| Warranty length | 10 years |
2 years |
None |
None |
| Trial period (nights) | 100 |
365 |
60 |
365 |
| Return fees | 3% of the refund value or $12—whichever is greater |
$10 |
Varies by product |
None |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, a silk or satin pillowcase?
Silk is a natural fiber, while satin is a type of weave that can be made from silk or synthetic fibers such as polyester. Both can have a smooth surface, but silk is breathable and less likely to feel hot than synthetic satin.
Is 100% mulberry silk the same as 100% silk?
No. Mulberry silk is one type of silk made by silkworms that feed mainly on mulberry leaves. A pillowcase labeled 100% silk does not necessarily use mulberry silk.
Is there a difference between cheap and expensive silk pillowcases?
Yes, price can reflect factors such as silk quality and durability, construction, and how well the pillowcase is made. A higher price does not always mean a better pillowcase. Check the fabric and details rather than price alone.
What do dermatologists say about silk pillowcases?
Some dermatologists note that silk’s smooth surface may create less friction against skin and hair than rougher fabrics.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
