Do Silk Pillowcases Actually Help With Skin and Hair? I Tested the Top 3 on Amazon

Here’s a beauty secret that’s been whispered on social media, shouted in celebrity interviews, and probably handed to you at some point as unsolicited advice: "Get a silk pillowcase—your skin and hair will thank you."

I’ve heard it. You’ve heard it. Everyone from your esthetician to that one overly smooth-skinned influencer on TikTok swears by them. The promise? Fewer wrinkles, frizz-free mornings, better moisture retention, and generally looking more put-together upon waking. Sounds dreamy, right?

But as someone who doesn’t believe every “game-changing” product that gets shoved into the internet spotlight, I had questions. Mostly: Do silk pillowcases actually do anything—or are they just expensive hype with a bougie finish?

So I put the top three contenders to the test. I slept on each of them (literally), checked my face and hair each morning, and combed through what dermatologists and stylists actually say about these claims.

The results? Some surprising, some expected—but all worth knowing before you drop $100 on something your head squishes into every night.

What’s the Big Deal With Silk Pillowcases?

Before we get to the rankings, let’s talk science (don’t worry, I’ll keep it tight).

Silk, particularly mulberry silk, is known for being smoother and less absorbent than cotton. That means:

• Less friction against your skin and hair
• Less tugging, pulling, and creasing overnight
• Less moisture stolen from your face or hair while you sleep

That friction factor is a big one. Traditional cotton pillowcases have a rougher surface—on a microscopic level—which may contribute to sleep wrinkles and frizzy bedhead. Silk’s ultra-smooth surface, on the other hand, may reduce that damage over time.

According to dermatologists, friction from rough pillowcases can contribute to “sleep lines” that, over time, become permanent wrinkles. Silk’s smooth texture could help reduce this nightly wear-and-tear.

Add in the naturally hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating properties of silk, and it sounds like the textile equivalent of a spa day.

Not all silk pillowcases are created equal. So I tested three popular picks—including the most-hyped, the budget-friendly, and the one that hair pros swear by.

The Contenders I Slept On

Each pillowcase was tested for at least five nights, washed according to instructions (because yes, silk requires a little TLC), and evaluated based on feel, effectiveness, durability, and design.

1. Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase – $105

Slip is the name that comes up in every beauty blog, Sephora review, and celeb “what’s on my nightstand” feature. And I get it—the packaging is gorgeous, the silk is high-grade (6A mulberry silk, 22 momme), and the branding is aspirational in that “I definitely moisturize my elbows” kind of way.

What I Liked: The fabric is undeniably luxurious—buttery soft, cool to the touch, and genuinely feels like sleeping on a cloud. It didn’t slide around like some cheaper silks do, and I noticed less face creasing in the morning, especially when I’d face-plant into the pillow (unapologetically).

Hair-wise, it kept frizz at bay and reduced my usual morning ponytail dent. Also, my blowouts seemed to last a bit longer—possibly because my strands weren’t being roughed up overnight.

What Gave Me Pause: The price. At $105 for one pillowcase, this is a luxury purchase. Also, you have to wash it just right (hand-wash or delicate cycle in a mesh bag, no bleach or fabric softener). If you're not a high-maintenance laundry person, take note.

The Verdict: If you want a pillowcase that feels like self-care and looks like it belongs in a five-star hotel, Slip delivers. It’s not just hype—it does feel and perform better. But it’s a splurge, so know that going in.

2. J Jimoo Mulberry Silk Pillowcase – $26

I’ll admit I went in with low expectations. Twenty-six bucks? For real silk? On Amazon?

Turns out, yes, it’s real silk (6A-grade, 22 momme) and yes, it’s shockingly good for the price. The J Jimoo pillowcase is one of the highest-rated silk pillowcases on Amazon for a reason: it does the job without fuss or frills.

What I Liked: The feel is soft and smooth, though slightly less luxe than Slip. Still, it did an excellent job of reducing morning frizz and sleep lines. My skin felt less dry in the morning, and I didn’t notice the usual forehead creases I get from side sleeping.

I also appreciated that it comes in tons of colors and has a discreet zipper closure to keep your pillow in place.

What Gave Me Pause: It’s not as durable over time. After a couple of washes (yes, I followed the instructions), the sheen dulled slightly, and it didn’t feel quite as silky. Still solid, just a little less glam.

The Verdict: If you want the benefits of silk without blowing your skincare budget, this is the one. It’s comfortable, attractive, and effective. Not as indulgent as Slip, but not trying to be.

3. Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase – $56

This one sits in the middle—more affordable than Slip, more premium than J Jimoo. It’s also recommended by hair stylists and featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things list, which definitely caught my attention.

What I Liked: Hair-wise, this was the clear winner. My ends felt smoother, my curls were more intact, and I had noticeably less frizz even on day-three hair. It’s 25 momme (so slightly thicker than the others), which may explain why it felt a bit more durable.

The fabric is slightly heavier and doesn’t slip around at all. It stayed cool all night and seemed to keep my scalp less oily, possibly from less friction and product transfer.

What Gave Me Pause: The fit was a bit snug on my standard-size pillow, and the zipper felt slightly stiff at first. Also, while it looked nice, it didn’t have that same silky shine as Slip—but that’s aesthetic, not performance.

The Verdict: If your main goal is better hair, Fishers Finery delivers. It combines premium quality with long-term durability and doesn’t demand a triple-digit investment.

So, Do Silk Pillowcases Actually Help?

Based on my experience and what dermatologists and stylists say, yes—but with caveats.

They won’t erase wrinkles overnight. They won’t eliminate frizz completely. But they can help with:

• Reducing morning lines and creases on your face
• Minimizing friction that contributes to hair breakage and frizz
• Helping your skin retain moisture overnight
• Extending the life of your hairstyle (especially blowouts or curls)

They also just feel better. Cooler, smoother, a little more like you’re investing in your 8 hours instead of just crashing through them.

Silk is a natural fiber produced by silkworms that’s not only smooth and hypoallergenic, but also temperature-regulating—keeping you cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Cotton can absorb 27 times its weight in water; silk absorbs far less, making it kinder to your skin’s hydration levels.

Review Roundup

Here’s the TL;DR version if you’re deciding which one’s worth your money.

1. Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase – $105

• Best for luxury lovers who want the best of everything
• Skin feels smoother, fewer sleep creases
• Expensive but indulgent

2. J Jimoo Mulberry Silk Pillowcase – $26

• Best for budget-friendly beauty upgrades
• Great value, solid performance
• Slightly less durable, but still effective

3. Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase – $56

• Best for serious hair benefits
• Keeps frizz down, style intact
• Heavier silk weight for long-term use

Should You Make the Switch?

If you’re still skeptical, here’s my straight-up take: A silk pillowcase isn’t going to change your life. But it might make your mornings a little better—your skin a little calmer, your hair a little less chaotic, your sleep a little more luxurious.

And if you’ve already got a face serum that costs more than your car payment, this is the kind of upgrade that supports what you’re already doing. It’s low-effort, long-lasting, and honestly, kind of a joy to sleep on.

So yes, I’m keeping the silk pillowcases in rotation. All three earned a spot in my linen drawer. But I’ve got favorites now—and I know exactly when to pull them out.

My advice? Start with the J Jimoo if you’re curious. Try Fishers Finery if your curls are begging for mercy. And if you’re ready for the full luxury sleep experience? Slip is your girl. Just don’t forget to wash it gently. Your future face (and your blowout) will thank you.