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Are Cheap Mulberry Silk Pillowcases Actually Worth It? Here’s the Truth
By The Lunelle Team | June 2026 | Silk Education, Buying Guides, Skin & Hair
Not all mulberry silk pillowcases are the same. Here is exactly what to look for before you buy.The short answer
No — cheap mulberry silk pillowcases are not the same as good quality ones. The key differences are momme count (how much silk is in the fabric), silk grade (the length and uniformity of the fibres), and independent certification. A genuinely good pure mulberry silk pillowcase costs from around £50 and delivers measurable results for skin and hair. A cheap one usually does not.
But there is more to it than that, because not every affordable pillowcase is poor quality — and not every expensive one is worth it. The rest of this guide will show you exactly how to tell the difference.
Why are some mulberry silk pillowcases so much cheaper than others?
100% pure mulberry silk is expensive to produce. It is made from the cocoons of Bombyx mori silkworms raised exclusively on white mulberry leaves — a labour-intensive process that cannot be meaningfully scaled down in cost without compromising the result. So when a listing promises “100% mulberry silk” for £10 or £12, something in that claim does not hold up.
There are three common explanations:
- It is not 100% pure mulberry silk. Many budget silk pillowcases are blended with polyester or other synthetic fibres, or are made from lower-grade “wild” silk rather than mulberry silk.
- The momme count is very low. Momme count measures how much silk is woven into the fabric. A thin, low-momme fabric uses far less silk per square metre and costs significantly less to produce — but it also performs significantly worse.
- The silk grade is poor. Grade A mulberry silk uses long, uniform fibres that produce a smooth, consistent weave. Lower-grade silk uses shorter, irregular fibres.
A pillowcase made from genuine Grade A 100% pure mulberry silk simply cannot be produced and sold profitably at very low prices.
What is momme count, and why does it define silk quality?
Momme (mm) is the measurement used for silk weight — roughly equivalent to thread count in cotton bed linen, but more meaningful because it directly reflects how much pure silk is present in the fabric.
| Momme Count | Typical Use | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 15mm | Scarves, linings | Low | Not recommended for pillowcases |
| 19mm | Entry-level pillowcases | Moderate | Occasional use |
| 22mm | Everyday silk pillowcases | Good | Best balance of comfort and value |
| 25mm | Premium pillowcases | Very good | Upgrade from 22mm |
| 30mm | Luxury silk bedding | Excellent | Maximum durability and luxury feel |
Pure mulberry silk also contains two natural proteins — fibroin, which gives the fibre its strength and smoothness, and sericin, which has demonstrated skin-conditioning properties.
22 momme silk — the surface quality that differentiates What does a cheap silk pillowcase actually do to your skin and hair?
The entire benefit of mulberry silk pillowcases rests on one mechanism: reducing friction.
Hair frizz, tangles, and breakage
Every time you move on a rough pillowcase surface, the fibres snag and roughen up your hair cuticle — the outermost protective layer of each strand. Research published in the International Journal of Trichology found that repeated mechanical friction is a primary driver of hair fibre damage over time. For more on this, see our post on why your pillow might be ruining your hair.
Sleep creases, wrinkles, and skin friction
The Sleep Foundation notes that silk pillowcases absorb significantly less moisture than cotton overnight, meaning your serums and moisturisers stay working on your skin rather than being absorbed by the fabric.
Sensitive skin, dust mites, and natural proteins
Pure mulberry silk is naturally hypoallergenic. Its tightly woven structure is resistant to dust mites, mould, and common environmental allergens that can trigger flare-ups in sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Set of 2. Grade A 100% pure mulberry silk. Envelope closure. The best everyday silk bedding for skin and hair.
How to identify a genuinely good quality mulberry silk pillowcase
- Momme count stated clearly. Look for 22 momme as a minimum, or 30 momme for a premium upgrade.
- 100% pure mulberry silk declared on the label. Not “silk blend” or “charmeuse satin”.
- Silk grade specified. Grade A means long, uniform fibres and a genuinely smooth surface.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification. Verifies the fabric is free from harmful substances.
- Zip closure. A reliable marker of quality construction.
- Clear care instructions. See our full guide on how to wash a silk pillowcase properly.
22 momme vs 30 momme: which should you choose?
| Feature | 22 Momme | 30 Momme |
|---|---|---|
| Silk weight | Lighter, more fluid drape | Heavier, denser feel |
| Durability | Good — lasts years with proper care | Excellent — the most durable option |
| Smoothness | Genuinely smooth | Exceptionally smooth |
| Temperature regulation | Naturally temperature-regulating | Naturally temperature-regulating |
| Best for | Everyday use, first-time buyers | Luxury upgrade, long-term investment |
| Price (set of 2) | £64.99 | £99.99 |
For more detail, see our full guide to choosing the best silk pillowcase. Both options are also naturally temperature-regulating — see our post on silk pillowcases for hot sleepers.
The honest verdict
A cheap mulberry silk pillowcase is not the same as a good quality one. The difference shows up in the smoothness of the surface, how long it retains that smoothness with washing, and how long it lasts before deteriorating.
A quality pure mulberry silk pillowcase lasts for years with proper care. For a deeper look, see our guide on whether mulberry silk is genuinely worth the investment.
Set of 2. Grade A 100% pure mulberry silk.Envelope closure. Heavier, denser, and more durable. Built to last for years.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cheap mulberry silk pillowcase still real silk?
It can be, but it is often lower grade, lower momme count, or blended with synthetic fibres. A genuine 100% pure mulberry silk pillowcase will clearly state the momme count, silk grade, and hold an OEKO-TEX certification. If a listing avoids all three, treat it with caution.
How much should I pay for a good quality mulberry silk pillowcase in the UK?
Expect to pay around £50 or more for a quality 22 momme pillowcase. A set of two with zip closure typically costs between £60 and £100 depending on momme weight. Anything significantly cheaper will likely compromise on silk grade, momme count, or both.
What is the best momme count for a pure mulberry silk pillowcase?
22 momme is the most popular choice for everyday silk bedding — the ideal balance of softness, comfort, and durability. 30 momme is heavier, denser, and more luxurious, and the best option if long-term durability is your priority.
Are silk pillowcases good for sensitive skin?
Yes. Pure mulberry silk is naturally hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and far less abrasive than cotton. It does not absorb moisture from your skin overnight, helping sensitive skin stay calm and hydrated.
Does a silk pillowcase really reduce hair frizz and sleep creases?
Yes. The smooth surface of pure mulberry silk significantly reduces overnight friction, meaning hair wakes up with less frizz and fewer tangles, and skin shows fewer sleep creases by morning. Most people notice the difference from the very first night.
Is silk temperature-regulating?
Yes. Pure mulberry silk naturally adapts to your body temperature, drawing warmth away from your head rather than trapping it. It is an excellent choice for warm sleepers or anyone who experiences hot flushes.
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