The best silk pillowcase for your hair and skin

Give yourself the beauty sleep you deserve.

Silk pillow

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

When it comes to bedding, laying your head down on one of the best silk pillowcase can make all the difference. Why? Because silk, unlike other materials, can help to ensure your expensive night creams are absorbed by your skin and not lost on your pillow. Beyond the sheer luxury of resting your head on a silky surface after a tiring day, this fabric paired with your best pillow has a range of health and beauty benefits for your hair and skin.

Silk is more than just a luxurious and soft fabric - it is made of natural fibres that are gentle and naturally cooling on the skin. Unlike its counterparts, like polyester, silk preserves your skin's natural moisture. This makes it a dream for those with sensitive skin. And for those of us tired of waking up with that dreaded bedhead, silk pillowcases will leave your hair soft, smooth and can even help prevent split ends.

Best silk pillowcases UK at a glance:

• Best value: Marks and Spencer's Pure Silk Pillowcase – view on Marks & Spencer's
• Best silk pillowcase for hydration:  ESPA Silk Pillowcase – view on ESPA Skincare
• Best for luxury: The White Company Audley Pure Silk Oxford Pillowcase – view on The White Company

But let's talk sleep. Sleep is our natural reset - and a good quality night's sleep should not be understated. Wellness really starts in the bedroom, as we spend around one-third of our day in our bedding. Therefore, having quality, breathable bed sheets, pillowcases and duvets is important. The type of pillow you choose plays a starring role. For those hot summer nights, the best cooling pillows are a godsend. Or, if you suffer from neck and back pain and are looking for the best orthopaedic pillows tailored to you, there are certainly options to choose from. Optimising your bedroom is a quick and easy way to improve your health.

So, if you are looking for the best silk pillows, we've done the homework for you. In our guide, we'll delve deep into the world of silk pillows. From understanding the importance of 100 per cent mulberry silk to the significance of the momme level (weight measurement in silk fabric), we've got you covered. So, prepare to transform your sleep experience and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated with hydrated hair and skin.

Best silk pillowcase UK

Best value pure silk pillowcase

Marks and Spencer's Pure Silk PillowcaseCredit: M&S

Description

You can always count on M&S for timeless elegance. Crafted from 100 per cent silk and priced at an affordable £30, it's a luxury that won't break the bank. Whether you're after a pop of colour or something more subdued, there's a shade for every taste. Its versatile rectangular design ensures a snug fit for most pillows. However, treat it with care: it prefers a delicate 40°C wash and isn't too fond of tumble dryers.

Customer review: "Really soft and well made. Bought upon recommendation for my hair."

Pros

  • Made from 100 per cent silk
  • Affordable price
  • Available in a variety of colours.

Cons

  • Requires a delicate 40°C wash
  • Tumble drying is not advised

Best silk pillowcase for hydration

Oxford Edge Silk Pillowcase - Pearl WhiteCredit: ESPA

Description

There is nothing quite like the luxurious embrace of an ESPA silk pillowcase. Coming in a striking pearl white. The glossy surface ensures you'll glide smoothly as you turn, while a cooling layer is gentle to your skin. This pillowcase ensures your facial products stay put, letting your skin soak in all the goodness, and your skin stays hydrated. Crafted from robust 100 per cent silk, it promises longevity even after numerous washes and arrives in a beautifully branded ESPA box.

Pros

  • Glossy surface
  • Beautiful colours
  • 22 momme silk

Cons

  • It needs to be washed on a delicate cycle

Best silk pillowcase for luxury

Audley Pure Silk Oxford PillowcaseCredit: The White Company

Description

Experience hotel-like luxury every night with The White Company's Audley Pure Silk Oxford pillowcase. Made from 100 per cent Mulberry silk, it's a symphony of softness and comfort. Its design ensures it slips on and off with ease, and with a range of sizes, there's a fit for every pillow type. The chic border adds a touch of elegance to your bedding. However, bear in mind it's only available in white.

Customer review: "Fantastic quality - wonderful silk."

Pros

  • Made from 100 per cent Mulberry silk
  • Availability in multiple sizes for varied pillow shapes.
  • The elegant border design adds a touch of luxury reminiscent of hotel stays.

Cons

  • It is only available in white

Best silk pillowcase set

Slip Ultimate Beauty Sleep CollectionCredit: Amazon
Price: £30

Description

The Slip silk pillowcase is crafted from 100 per cent Mulberry silk. Presented in a stunning box, it's not just a treat for you but an ideal gift for a loved one. Its softness is unmatched, and the chic 'Slip' logo adds a touch of sophistication. While its standard opening ensures ease of use, be mindful of its lighter colours, especially if you're partial to a spot of fake tan or occasionally forgot to remove your makeup. This also comes as a four-pack, so you can have spares or put them on your guest's bed. This set includes pillowcases with invisible zipper closures, a black pure silk sleep mask, a leopard pure silk skinny scrunchie, and one pink pure silk skinny scrunchie.

Pros

  • Made from premium 100 per cent Mulberry silk.
  • Scientifically proven to reduce friction.
  • Beautiful packaging makes it an ideal gift option.
  • It comes with a sleep mask and two scrunchies

Cons

  • Lighter colour options might show makeup or tan stains.
  • Features a specific 'Slip' logo, which might not be liked by everyone

Best silk pillowcase for colour selection

John Lewis Organic Mulberry Silk Standard PillowcaseCredit: Amazon

Description

John Lewis's Ultimate Collection silk pillowcase is made from the finest Mulberry silk. This pillowcase works wonders in reducing hair friction, ensuring you wake up with easy-to-care-for locks. It comes in a huge range of 14 colours, from charcoal to duck egg, to ensure you find the perfect fit with your duvet cover. Blissfully soft and naturally breathable - this pillowcase is sure to improve your sleep quality.

Customer review: "I have been thinking about getting one of these for a while, and I can't believe I've waited this long! This is absolutely glorious to sleep on. I was a bit skeptical about the benefits for your skin and hair, however my skin feels so much better in the mornings since I've been using this! I need to purchase another so I can have one in the wash and one on the bed!"

Pros

  • Made from Mulberry silk, ensuring a luxurious feel.
  • Effective in reducing hair friction and preventing tangles and breakage.
  • Improves sleep quality

Cons

  • Some reviewers said that it didn't last very long. We would recommend reading the washing instructions to ensure longevity.

Best silk pillowcase for a 30-night guarantee

LILYSILK 100% Mulberry SilkCredit: Amazon

Description

LilySilk's Mulberry silk pillowcase offers excellent value for money. Available in a range of colours, there's one to match every bedroom aesthetic. Plus, you can sleep easy with its 30-night guarantee, ensuring peace of mind with every slumber. However, do note its singular size, which might not be a universal fit for all pillow shapes.

Customer review: "I've added this over my cotton pillow case for extra comfort. It's so soft and cool, it made me feel very comfortable. The price is a bit steep, but now my wife wants one too."

Pros

  • Offers great value for money.
  • Available in various colours.
  • Comes with a 30-night guarantee.

Cons

  • Available in only one size.

Best silk pillowcase for skin

MULBERRY SILK PILLOWCASECredit: Silk Works London

Description

Your nighttime routine has never looked so good with the Silk Works London Mulberry silk pillowcase. Its super non-absorbent nature ensures your night creams and serums remain undisturbed, letting your skin soak in every drop. Users have reported a noticeable improvement in skin smoothness.

Customer review: "Delighted with my pillowcases. Super size and made from top quality 22 mommy 100% mulberry silk. A joy to sleep on. Perfect."

Pros

  • Exceptionally non-absorbent, ensuring skincare products remain on the skin.
  • Noted to enhance skin's smoothness and reduce wrinkles.
  • Premium quality

Cons

  • Might require more delicate care due to its fine quality.

Best vegan silk pillowcase

Beauty Bay Satin PillowcaseCredit: Beauty Bay

Description

The Beauty Bay Satin Pillowcase is soft, cruelty-free, and vegan satin. It's durable, and even though it's not made with 100 per cent silk, its lower price tag makes it a worthy contender against the other luxury bedding on this list too. Swap your regular pillowcase for this excellent value silk one, and you'll never look back.

Customer review: "Amazing, so nice to sleep with."

Pros

  • Made from soft, vegan, and cruelty-free satin.
  • It is likely to outlast silk counterparts, especially with frequent washing.
  • Offers a smooth texture for a comfortable sleep.

Cons

  • Lacks the full beauty benefits associated with 100 per cent silk

Best organic silk pillowcase

RENESSY Organic Silk PillowcaseCredit: Amazon
Price: $44.99

Description

Made from organic mulberry silk, this pillowcase is a dream to sleep on. Whether you're a fan of classic white, elegant ivory, playful pink, or calming blue, there's a shade just for you. Perfect for those with sensitive skin or allergies, this pillowcase has been made with hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking properties. Users rave about its softness, its knack for reducing hair frizz, and its skin-enhancing benefits. If you're searching for a pillowcase that's as kind to your skin and hair, this could be a perfect match.

Customer review: "Comfortable feeling and slippery; the face has no any wrinkles after sleep."

Pros

  • Made from 100% organic mulberry silk,
  • Hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
  • Durable and available in a variety of appealing colours.

Cons

  • It is only available in a standard size, which may not fit all pillow types.

Best budget satin pillowcase

Bedsure Satin Pillow CasesCredit: Amazon
Price: $44.99

Description

If you are looking for an affordable choice, satin is the next best thing to silk. The envelope closure ensures your pillow stays put, and it comes with several colours to choose from. And when it's time for a wash, you can simply pop it in on a gentle cycle, air dry or tumble dry low, and it's as good as new.

Customer review: "I bought the satin pillows for my hair and have seen an improvement in my hair after using the satin pillowcases. There is less hair breakage, and my hair texture feels much softer. super pleased with my purchase. Thank you!"

Pros

  • Premium quality satin
  • Reduces hair breakage and friction, promoting healthier hair.
  • A budget alternative to pure silk
  • 14 colours

Cons

  • It is not made from natural silk, which means it might lack some of the natural benefits of silk.

What to consider when buying a silk pillowcase

Understanding momme: Think of momme as the thread count for silk. For that luxurious feel, aim for a count between 19, which is soft and more affordable or opt for a 25 momme if you are aiming for true luxury. When it comes to top-tier silk, mulberry silk is your best bet because of its long, uniform fibres.

Washing: Before you toss your pillowcase in with the weekly wash, pause and check the care label. While some can brave the delicate cycle, others may need a hand wash. Tumble drying isn't advised. If wrinkles bother you, a gentle steam with an iron will do the trick.

Satin vs silk: Silk is a natural protein fibre renowned for its smooth, soft texture and natural temperature-regulating properties. Satin, on the other hand, is a weave, not a natural fibre, and can be made from a variety of materials, offering a glossy surface with a smooth feel - it is also much cheaper than silk.

Middle aged woman sleeping on silk pillow case from above

FAQs

Are silk pillowcases hypoallergenic?

Yes, high-quality silk pillowcases are naturally hypoallergenic. This means they resist dust mites, fungus, and mould, making them suitable for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin. This is why we think they are the best anti-allergy pillows.

How does mulberry silk differ from other types of silk?

Mulberry silk is a special type of silk made by silkworms that is fed exclusively on leaves from the mulberry tree. It's considered the highest quality of silk due to its long, consistent fibres, resulting in a smoother and more durable fabric. However, it is not vegan.

How do silk pillowcases benefit skin and hair health?

The smooth texture of silk reduces the tugging effect on hair and skin, leading to fewer split ends and reduced potential for wrinkles too. Also, silk doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils, maintaining its hydration.

Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.

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