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The best silk pillowcases to supercharge your beauty sleep, tested by over 200 women
Can switching up your pillowcase give you healthier hair and skin?
Tested by Denny DailyFormer Beauty and Grooming Tester
We know our skin regenerates and reproduces cells at double speed while we’re asleep, so there’s no disputing the value of a good night's rest, which is where the concept of "beauty sleep” comes from. It's why we always ensure we've slathering on the best night cream and best retinol serums before bed.
But, can the pillows we lay our head on actually make a difference to our morning bedhead and our skin health? There's evidence to suggest that swapping cotton or linen for the best silk pillowcases could supercharge our beauty sleep, so our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute recruited over 200 panellists to help them put the market-leading designs to the test.
See below for the pillowcases our experts rated top, and read on to find out whether swapping your pillow can really work wonders for your hair and skin.
Best silk pillowcases 2025
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How we test silk pillowcases
Over 200 panellists evaluated a selection of market-leading pillowcases based on a range of criteria, including ease of use and comfort, as well as noting any reduction in hair frizz or sleep creases. In the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, we conducted wash tests to assess any shrinkage or change in texture. We also used our Digi-Eye system to see how well each pillowcase maintained its original colour post-wash.
The goal was to identify pillowcases that not only looked and felt luxurious, but also reduced hair frizz, prevented sleep creases, and left skin feeling smooth and supple.
Score: 83/100
Our joint winner received high praise for its impact on hair overnight. “As someone who wakes up with hair a frizzy mess, I’ve never in my life seen such improvement from one single product so quickly,” said one tester.
The positive feedback didn’t stop there, with panellists telling us the silk’s cooling effect also helped improve sleep. “My depression and anxiety mean I don’t get much sleep, but this has actually improved my sleep pattern as well as my skin,” said one.
Everyone agreed it was breathable and had a quality feel, saying they would continue to use it after the trial period.
Read more: The best cooling bedding for a comfortable night's sleep.
Key specifications
| Silk % | 100 |
|---|---|
| Momme count | 22 momme |
Score: 83/100
These Blissy pillowcases passed with flying colours when it came to shade variety (there are 49 different options!). Testers loved their appearance and feel, while the subtle zip fastening gave them a neat finish. Everyone agreed that the case fitted their pillow well and the shade matched what they saw online.
According to the panel, hair felt less “bushy” straight away and people experienced “a noticeable improvement” when it came to hair breakage around the face. Testers also reported clearer, less congested skin with a smoother texture after the full trial period. In the lab, the pillowcase scored 5/5 in our wash tests, retaining its colour and shape.
Key specifications
| Silk % | 100 |
|---|---|
| Momme count | 22 momme |
Score: 82/100
This pillowcase is designed for curly hair, and our panellists said it didn't stain as easily as other pillows — ideal for those who use hair oils overnight to keep their curls defined.
The washing instructions were easy to follow, and everyone agreed it was simple and quick to remove any marks. Our testers also noticed their hair felt less frizzy and “way more manageable” come morning.
Key specifications
| Silk % | 100 |
|---|---|
| Momme count | 22 momme |
Score: 81/100
You may have caught a glimpse of the popular Drowsy sleep masks if you’ve seen someone fly-catching on a long-haul flight this year, but do the Drowsy pillowcases live up to the same standards?
When it came to skin, one tester told us: “I woke up without creases on my face, no matter what position I slept in”, and most said they felt their skin was smoother and softer after swapping to silk. Again, people told us they got a better night’s sleep than before the trial.
The silk felt luxurious and comfortable, and there are 10 colours to choose from, so you should find something to match your bedroom décor. We do like the idea of co-ordinating your eye mask with your bedding, though.
Read more: The best eye masks for great sleep.
Key specifications
| Silk % | 100 |
|---|---|
| Momme count | 22 momme |
Score: 81/100
Those prone to irritation said their skin felt calmed and cooled by this case and was left looking “healthy and hydrated” after a good night’s rest. Everyone who tried it said it was soft and comfy, as well as being easy to get on and off for washing.
There were a few grumbles about the case being slightly too big for pillows, but that's a minor niggle.
Key specifications
| Silk % | 100 |
|---|---|
| Momme count | 22 momme |
FAQs
Why are cotton or linen pillowcases bad for skin and hair?
Cotton and linen are known for absorbing moisture. While this can be good for sweat wicking, when it comes to your skin and hair, it often means they’re robbed of essential hydration overnight.
The rougher texture of both materials can also cause friction, leading to frizz and potential hair damage, not to mention those sleep lines you sometimes get on your face. Over time, these lines can become “crush wrinkles”, so sleeping on a smoother surface can actually slow down signs of skin ageing long-term.
Why are silk pillowcases good for skin?
Silk, however, helps maintain the hydration level of both skin and hair due to its non-absorbent properties. It also provides a smoother surface, preventing friction and any resulting damage, ultimately helping to minimise sleep lines and wrinkles.
Plus, silk is hypoallergenic, so it won't irritate sensitive skin. If you do have allergies, try one of the best mattress protectors and make sure you’re popping your duvet cover, sheets and pillowcases in the wash once a fortnight.
Why is silk good for hair?
Silk allows your hair to glide smoothly over its surface as you move in your sleep, which minimises breakage and split ends. It also helps to retain the hair’s natural oils, keeping it nourished and healthy. With a good quality silk, you can say goodbye to dry or frizzy locks — aka “bedhead” — come morning.
How do I wash my silk pillowcase?
“Caring for silk is easier than you may think,” explains Thom Hemelryk, founder of Drowsy Sleep Co. “Hand washing with a mild detergent in cold water is ideal. We have our DROWSY Deep Shine Silk Care Detergent, which has been specifically created to enhance and maintain the texture of the silk fibre, as well as retaining the pillowcase’s brightness and softness.”
If you prefer machine washing, most of the brands we've tested below can be washed on a gentle cycle – most manufacturers advise you to place the pillowcase inside a mesh laundry bag for extra protection. Always air-dry silk by laying it flat on a clean, dry towel, away from direct sunlight, and if needed, a cool iron can be used to remove any wrinkles.
What should I look for on my silk pillowcase label?
“It’s crucial to check the percentage of silk on the label,” Hemelryk explains. “A product labelled as 100% silk or with a momme count of at least 22 indicates high-quality, densely woven silk, ensuring you enjoy all the benefits of the fabric.”
Verdict: Which silk pillowcase is best?
To wake up without a bird's nest on the back of your head, and with no creases on your cheek, we recommend our winner, the Slip Silk Pillowcase, which our testers loved for its quality finish and breathability, as well as the positive impact on their skin and hair.
However, our winner does cost £105, so for good value beauty sleep, we recommend the Boucleme Silk Envelope Pillowcase.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for over 100 years, from the best vacuum cleaners and the best bed sheets to the best LED face masks.
Our testers are experts in their fields, whether that's home appliances or skincare science. They develop rigorous protocols to ensure we're putting every product through its paces in the lab. We also use our extensive at-home panel to try them in real life, to ensure they live up to their claims.
Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White, has been writing about beauty products for several years, which includes trying them herself at home, so she can understand the benefits (and limitations) of every product she writes about.
2oth June 2025: This article was updated to reflect the latest stock levels and prices. We also adjusted headlines and seasonal references and linked to other relevant Good Housekeeping content.
Denny our Former Beauty and Grooming Tester has an in-depth knowledge and background in beauty and PR. She has spoken on panels with Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) and has worked with many beauty brands as a commercial model. Since joining in October 2022, she has worked on numerous testing categories including over 18 different brands for vitamin C serums, scalp scrubs, shampoos for dry hair and many more. She has over 20k followers on TikTok where she shares beauty and fashion tips otherwise better known as Denny Daily.
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