If you spend money on skincare, carefully select salon-quality hair products, and follow a bedtime routine — why are you still sleeping on a pillowcase that may be working against you?
Most people spend around a third of their lives in bed. Yet few stop to think about what their face and hair are resting against for seven or eight hours every night. That is exactly why silk pillowcases have become one of the most popular sleep and beauty upgrades in recent years. But not all silk pillowcases are equal — and some products marketed as "silk" are far from it.
The best silk pillowcase starts with real silk
The gold standard is 100% mulberry silk. The fibres are longer, smoother, and more uniform than other silk varieties, producing a softer, more durable sleep surface. If the material is not clearly listed as 100% mulberry silk, that is usually a sign to look elsewhere.
Not satin. Not polyester. Not "silk-like." Real silk. Premium silk manufacturers are transparent about what is in their products because the quality speaks for itself. If a listing is vague about fibre content, that vagueness is telling you something.
Why silk pillowcases are better for skin and hair
Cotton creates friction against the scalp and skin. Silk does not. The smooth surface lets hair glide rather than snag, reducing tangles, frizz, and breakage. The same low-friction surface is gentler on skin — reducing sleep creases and keeping skincare products where you applied them.
This is why silk pillowcases have become especially popular for curly hair, colour-treated hair, extensions, and sensitive skin. It won't transform you overnight, but reducing the friction that builds up over thousands of hours of sleep makes a real cumulative difference. If hair breakage is your main concern, read our full guide on the best silk pillowcases for hair breakage.
100% mulberry silk with charmeuse weave. OEKO-TEX certified. The most popular choice for everyday luxury — smooth, breathable, and kind to skin and hair.
Momme count: the most important factor most people overlook
Momme (mm) measures the weight and density of silk — think of it as silk's version of thread count. The higher the momme, the more silk is used in the fabric, and the more durable and luxurious the result. 22 momme is widely recommended as the ideal balance of softness, durability, and breathability.
Momme weight at a glance
| Momme | Quality | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 19mm | Good | Entry-level silk |
| 22mm | Premium ★ | Everyday luxury — most popular |
| 25mm | Ultra-heavy | Very durable, denser feel |
| 30mm | Indulgent | Maximum softness, overnight hair treatments |
Our densest, most indulgent silk. Lower absorption, a more cushioned feel, and exceptional durability. Ideal for those who use overnight hair or scalp treatments.
Why the weave matters
A charmeuse weave creates the smooth, slightly glossy surface that silk is famous for. It is the most common weave for high-quality silk pillowcases and the one that delivers the low-friction, skin-kind surface you are buying silk for in the first place.
Raw materials matter, but how silk is woven determines how it feels, how it ages, and how well it delivers its benefits. A poor weave can undermine even the finest mulberry silk fibres. When a brand is transparent about its weave, that is a good sign.
Temperature regulation: the benefit nobody talks about
Silk is naturally breathable and thermoregulating. Unlike synthetic fabrics that trap heat, silk helps maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature year-round — which means better quality sleep as well as a cooler, calmer skin surface overnight.
This is the reason silk pillowcases are especially popular with hot sleepers. If you tend to overheat at night, read more about why silk pillowcases help hot sleepers.
Why OEKO-TEX certification matters
OEKO-TEX certification means the fabric has been independently tested and confirmed free from harmful levels of chemicals. When you are pressing your face against a fabric for eight hours a night, this matters far more than it might seem.
Not all silk pillowcases carry this certification. Look for it clearly listed on the product page — it is one of the most reliable indicators of a responsibly manufactured silk product, and one that many cheaper alternatives quietly skip.
How to spot a cheap or fake silk pillowcase
Red flags to watch for:
- No mention of mulberry silk — often polyester or blended fibres
- Missing or hidden momme count
- Vague terms like "silky feel" or "silk-like fabric"
- No OEKO-TEX or other recognised safety certification
- Suspiciously low price — genuine silk cannot be produced cheaply
If you are wondering whether budget options are ever worth considering, we have covered this in depth: are cheap mulberry silk pillowcases actually worth it?
So, what is the best silk pillowcase?
When all the right elements come together, you get a pillowcase that looks beautiful, feels extraordinary, and genuinely supports healthier-looking skin and hair night after night. The best silk pillowcase is not necessarily the most expensive — it is the one made honestly, from real materials, to a standard you can verify.
Your buying checklist:
- ✔ 100% mulberry silk
- ✔ 22–30 momme count
- ✔ Charmeuse weave
- ✔ OEKO-TEX certified
- ✔ Envelope closure
- ✔ Transparent manufacturer — clear about materials and testing
Lunelle silk pillowcases tick every box — 60-night guarantee
100% mulberry silk. OEKO-TEX certified. Free delivery over £50.
Frequently asked questions
Further reading
Ready to upgrade your sleep?
Lunelle silk pillowcases are made from 100% mulberry silk in 22 momme and 30 momme. OEKO-TEX certified. Free delivery on orders over £50.
Shop Silk Pillowcases →60-night guarantee. Free returns if you don't notice the difference.