13 Best Silk Pillowcases for Smoother Hair & Skin, Tested by Glamour Editors 2023

By Jake Smith and Andrea Navarro

Chances are a night of particularly deep sleep has wreaked havoc on your hair or skin at some point — but the best silk pillowcases are here to help you avoid that outcome ever again. Through less friction, silk’s texture prevents hair breakage and static, and it can also help prevent wrinkles and breakouts.

Throw in an electric diffuser, a weighted blanket, and some luxurious bed sheets, and you’re in for the best beauty sleep of your life.

Silk, derived from domesticated silkworms, is widely agreed to be less likely to contribute to fine lines than your cotton pillowcase, which doesn’t have such a smooth surface. Plus, silk pillowcases might even make your beauty routine more effective – they won’t pull the hydration out of your skincare products overnight, meaning your creams and serums will actually have a chance to penetrate the skin’s barrier and do their job. “They keep your products from escaping from your skin, so you can really ensure they are penetrating,” says celebrity facialist and La Mer global skin care adviser Georgia Louise.

Perhaps most importantly? Just like your silk scrunchie, silk pillowcases lessen the chances of breakage, frizz and split ends caused by moving around in your sleep, making for smoother, healthier hair.

Elsewhere, the material is naturally hypoallergenic and prevents the buildup of dust mites, fungus, mould, and other allergens. Silk pillowcases also tend to be great at temperature regulating, which means less flipping your pillow to the cool side.

While the effects of silk pillowcases on skin and hair are still under-researched, a few studies (like a 2019 article) have found promising results. Empirically, though, the material’s benefits are easy to see — just read the reviews for any silk pillowcase. Ready to switch to a truly luxe silk pillow cover? Thought so.

Our editors have slept on tonnes of silk pillowcases to evaluate differences in their design and materials, and these are the ones we (and countless reviewers) swear by. All of these picks are at least 19 momme and scored top marks in comfort, durability, and reducing hair flyaways as well as skin creases. You're welcome.

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Why we love it: Not only will the print of this cherry blossom pillowcase calm you, but so will the fabric. Handcrafted from 25-momme pure mulberry silk, this design is thermo-regulating, hypoallergenic and mite resistant.

Pros: Lots of colours and prints to choose from, such as this Cherry Blossom design, plus it comes with a 30-night sleep guarantee.

Cons: Envelope-style closure means your pillow is more likely to fall out in the night.

Why we love it: Who can resist this regal-hued silk pillowcase? As well as making a statement atop your bedding, this silk pillowcover will keep your hair smooth from tangles and prevent fine lines. It also features a hidden zipper rather than an envelope closure.

Pros: It's Oeko-Tex Certified (making it eco-friendly and non-toxic) and made from 100% 22-momme 6A grade mulberry silk.

Cons: You need special detergent to wash it with which is an extra, added cost.

Why we love it: This luscious pillowcase from Amazon is crafted from pure mulberry silk for a truly indulgent feel.

Pros: It comes in an array of colours and features a discrete zip fastening for a secure finish.

Cons: Hand wash and air dry only.

Why we love it: The smooth, cool finish feels sensational to sleep on (it's the secret to a good night's beauty sleep), and despite it's delicate feel you needn't worry about the durability. It'll last a lifetime.

Pros: Machine washable.

Cons: Only one colour available.

Why we love it: SLIP silk pillowcases reign supreme, and it's no wonder why when the designs are as soft and sumptuous as this one!

Pros: It's the most popular.

Cons: It's quite expensive, especially if you want more than one for your bed.

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Why we love it: The White Company's most indulgent bed linen yet, this high-quality silk pillowcase comes as part of the brand's limited-edition mulberry silk collection to celebrate 25 years. It's crafted from 19-momme silk, is machine washable for ease and will stop you waking up with a messy bedhead.

Pros: It's naturally hypoallergenic, free of creases and the perfect companion to your TWC eye mask.

Cons: Only one colour available.

Why we love it: Another from the Ultimate Collection from John Lewis, this mulberry silk pillowcase comes in a soft teal colour.

Pros: Loads of colours to pick from.

Cons: Cool hand wash inside out only using a fine mesh laundry bag with a specialist silk liquid detergent and no fabric softener.

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Why we love it: The Ultimate Collection from John Lewis presents this 19 momme mulberry silk pillowcase for a beautifully smooth feel. The non-absorbent fabric actively maintains your skin and hair's moisture levels overnight.

Pros: Hypoallergenic and breathable.

Cons: Only one colour/pattern.

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By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

Why we love it: This Silk Works silk pillowcase is non-absorbant, meaning your expensive products stay right where you want them during your night's sleep – on your face and in your hair – and don't end up on the pillow.

Pros: It features a hidden zip so you won't feel it digging in during the night.

Cons: It's recommended that you hand wash only, although you can machine wash on a delicate cycle if you must, and it's not suitable for tumble drying.

Why we love it: With a gift box included, this Amazon silk pillowcase makes for a perfect birthday or Christmas present and, what's more, it's highly reviewed by almost 30k buyers.

Pros: 33 (!!) colourways - you'll be sure to find a shade that'll match your interiors.

Cons: Nothing. tonote here.

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Why we love it: This pair of silk pillowcases means that you and your partner can both enjoy the benefits – or you can just keep one for a spare when you're washing the other!

Pros: It's great for hot flushes.

Cons: Only one colour.

Why we love it: This is the ultimate silk pillowcase for summer because on one side it features sumptuous silk (which is cooling and soothing), and on the other it features linen (which is breathable and lightweight).

Pros: You can buy two in a pillowcase set.

Cons: The colour choices are pretty neutral.

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

Why we love it: Not technically silk, but an excellent alternative if your disposable income doesn't stretch the extra money mile, this Bedsure satin pillow duo is chic and perfectly slippy to prevent traction on your hair and skin.

Pros: Supremely affordable.

Cons: Not as temperature regulating as real silk.

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