Even if you have one of the best pillows, your pillowcase can lead to frizz and wrinkles. “This friction on your face can lead to sleep lines, which over time, with repeated pressure, can develop into more permanent facial lines,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida. “Moreover, the absorbency of regular pillowcases can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.”
Using a silk pillowcase can help avoid this. “The natural material is less likely to absorb moisture and natural oils from your skin [and hair], helping to keep it hydrated and reducing the potential for irritation,” says Chacon. “Furthermore, silk’s smooth surface can reduce the friction between your skin and the pillowcase, which may help to prevent the formation of sleep lines and wrinkles.”
To help you shop for a silk pillowcase, I asked experts for their guidance on what to look for and then rounded up highly rated options that met their criteria.
SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best silk pillowcases | The best silk pillowcases of 2025 | What are the benefits of silk pillowcases? | Why trust NBC Select?
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How I picked the best silk pillowcases
Silk pillowcases work for just about everyone. To help you select one that will work for you, experts suggest keeping the following in mind as you shop:
- Material: All pillowcases on this list are made of silk. One thing to note: Along with silk, satin pillowcases are common for reducing friction on hair and skin. While silk is a material, satin is a type of weave. Satin pillowcases are either made from polyester or silk. Any pillowcase on the satin list is made of silk, too.
- Closure: Silk is slippery, so if the pillowcase isn’t secure on your pillow, it can slip right off. For this reason, we prioritized silk pillowcases with a zipper closure or a pocket fold to keep your pillow inside.
- Momme: Most silk pillowcases have a momme grade. This number tells you the weight of the silk. Over 20 is considered to be a heavier, more luxurious weight. Under 15 would be very thin and lightweight. “Look for a pillowcase with a high momme count, as this indicates a denser weave and higher quality silk,” says Chacon.
- Care instructions: Silk is traditionally considered a challenging material to care for. However, pillowcases must be washed frequently to prevent dirt and bacteria from accumulating and transferring to the face. For that reason, we sought out silk pillowcases that are machine-washable.
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The best silk pillowcases of 2025
To narrow down the best silk pillowcases, I used the criteria shared by the dermatologists I spoke to. In addition to meeting the expert-given criteria, these pillowcases either come highly recommended by NBC Select staffers or have at least a 4.0-star average rating from over 1,000 reviews.
Slip Pillowcase
- Comes in a lot of colors
- Holds up for multiple washes
- Brand name on cases
Made from pure mulberry silk with a 22 momme, this pillowcase won an NBC Select Wellness Award because it’s soft, comfortable and reduces frizz. “I’ve had this pillowcase for years and it’s still in great condition,” says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown. “I can’t sleep with a headwrap or bonnet because I’m a hot sleeper, so silk pillowcases are a must for keeping my curls in tact.”
Silk type: mulberry silk | Closure: zipper | Machine washable: yes
Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase
- Over 20 color options
- Hidden zipper
- Only comes in a pack of one
This pillowcase is made of 100% mulberry silk and has a hidden zipper to keep it closed. It has a momme grading of 19, making it a heavier-weight silk that feels luxurious, according to the brand. Choose between 24 colors, such as burgundy, silver, and white, and four sizes: standard, queen, king, and toddler. This pillowcase has a 4.6-star average rating from over 24,900 reviews on Amazon.
Silk type: mulberry silk | Closure: zipper | Machine washable: yes
SpaSilk 100% Pure Silk Pillowcase
- Hypoallergenic and breathable
- Machine wash and air dry
- No momme listed
SpaSilk’s pillow, which has a 4.3-star average rating from over 3,400 reviews on Amazon, is made from 100% silk and is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s great for sensitive skin. It’s available in queen and king sizes. To keep your pillow secure, it has an envelope flap closure.
Silk type: charmeuse silk | Closure: envelope flap | Machine washable: yes
Blissy Silk Pillowcase
- Feels cool on the skin
- 22 momme for a thick feel
- Only available on brand's site
Talk about options. This silk pillowcase comes in 53 colors and three sizes — but that’s not the only benefit. “Not only has this pillowcase made my super sensitive skin feel much less red and irritated in the morning, but it also helps me sleep so much better at night thanks to the soft and cooling fabric,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio, who has shared her love of Blissy’s pillowcase before. “Plus, the fabric’s breathability is great when the months turn warmer, especially since I’m a hot sleeper.”
Silk type: mulberry silk | Closure: zipper | Machine washable: yes
Quince 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
- Made from a thicker silk
- Has a hidden zipper
- Doesn’t come in pure white
Made from 100% mulberry silk with a 22 momme, this silk pillowcase is machine-washable and has a hidden zipper to prevent hair from snagging as you sleep. It comes in standard and king sizes, and it’s available in 12 colors. Quince also has a deal: When you buy two pillowcases, you get $15 in store credit back.
Silk type: mulberry silk | Closure: zipper | Machine washable: yes
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
- Made by a trusted brand
- Variety of color options
- Momme isn’t listed
Brooklinen makes some of our favorite bath towels, but the brand is even more well-known for its bedding. This 100% mulberry silk pillowcase is available in standard and king sizes, as well as various colors and patterns, including ivory, blush and starflower stripe.
Silk type: mulberry silk | Closure: envelope fold | Machine washable: yes
Lilysilk Natural Silk Pillowcase
- Three sizes available
- Has a 19 momme for thick feel
- Only one side is silk
This pillowcase is under $20 and has a 4.4-star average rating from over 1,400 reviews on Amazon. One side of this case is 100% mulberry silk, and the other side is cotton, which prevents the pillow from slipping around as you sleep, according to the brand. It’s available in standard, queen, and king sizes.
Silk type: mulberry silk | Closure: zipper | Machine washable: yes
Adubor Silk Pillowcase
- Hidden zipper
- 23 colors available
- Only comes with one
My daughter has curly hair that tends to tangle easily, especially at night as she sleeps. I bought this pillowcase for her and it has helped keep her hair smooth and tangle-free. It’s made of 100% mulberry silk and has a 23 momme, so it feels thick and luxurious. The pillowcase has a hidden zipper and is available in standard, queen and king sizes.
Silk type: mulberry silk | Closure: zipper | Machine washable: yes
ZimaSilk Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
- Comes with a warranty
- 37 colors available
- Only comes with one pillowcase
With a 4.6-star average rating from over 48,800 reviews on Amazon, this is one of the most reviewed silk pillowcases online. It’s made from 100% mulberry silk and has a 22 momme, according to the brand. The pillow comes in 36 colors and is available in toddler, standard, queen and king sizes. It also comes with a 180 day warranty.
Silk type: mulberry silk | Closure: zipper | Machine washable: yes
What are the benefits of silk pillowcases?
Silk pillowcases have several perks for both your skin and hair. “They keep your skin cool while you sleep, so your face may sweat less. They also do a better job keeping your skin hydrated because they absorb less moisture than cotton pillowcases,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology. “Silk is also hypoallergenic and for people with sensitive skin, or whose skin reacts to certain fabrics, silk is gentle on the skin.”
Silk may also help with fine lines. “While it’s an overstatement to say that regular pillowcases directly cause wrinkles, they can potentially contribute to their formation due to the friction caused by rougher materials,” says Chacon. “This friction can lead to sleep lines, which over time, with repeated pressure, can develop into more permanent facial lines.”
When it comes to your hair, silk pillowcases’ ability to prevent friction means your hair won’t rub against it and get frizzy. Similar to your skin, silk also won’t draw moisture out of your strands.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I interviewed dermatologists about the benefits of silk pillowcases.
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