Are silk pillowcases worth it? An honest answer
Last updated: August 2026 · Written by Anya, Founder of The Silk Collection
The short answer: yes for your hair, yes for the feel of going to sleep, partly for your skin, and no if you expect it to erase wrinkles. A well-made 22 momme mulberry silk pillowcase is worth it. A £10 "silk" pillowcase almost never is, because it is usually made from polyester and labelled 'satin'.
Here at The Silk Collection, we've been crafting pure mulberry silk pillowcases for years, with thousands of you making the switch to silk over the years. Here are the things our customers ask us the most about silk pillowcases: what silk genuinely does, what it will not do, and who should keep their money.
What a silk pillowcase actually does
For hair, the evidence is strongest. Silk's surface creates far less friction than cotton. Less friction overnight means fewer tangles, less breakage at the mid-lengths, and a blow-dry or curl set that survives to morning. This is the reason hairdressers recommend silk, and it is the benefit our customers mention most in 1,076 reviews.
For skin, it helps in two real ways. Cotton is absorbent and draws moisture (and your night cream) into the pillow; silk absorbs noticeably less, so more of what you apply stays on your face. And because your cheek glides rather than drags, you wake with fewer face creases. Those temporary morning lines are real; permanent wrinkle reversal is not, and no pillowcase brand can honestly promise it.
For sleep, it is about temperature and feel. Silk is a natural protein fibre that helps regulate temperature rather than trapping heat, which is why warm sleepers tend to notice the difference first. The rest is the small ritual of it: a cool, smooth surface at the end of the day. We think that matters more than the industry's spec sheets suggest.
What a silk pillowcase will not do
It will not reverse existing wrinkles, cure acne, or repair damaged hair. It reduces the friction and moisture loss that make these things worse.
The maths, honestly
A quality silk pillowcase is expensive next to cotton. Spread over its life, it's not.
| Cost | Typical life | Cost per night | |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-street cotton pillowcase | £10 | 2 years | about 1.4p |
| The Silk Collection pillowcase | £55 | 3+ years with simple care | about 5p |
Around 5p a night for eight hours against your face and hair. Most people spend more than that on the last centimetre of a serum bottle. Whether that trade is worth it is your call; our view is that the things you use for eight hours a day deserve the most thought, not the least.
Our focus is on creating better basics, made from the highest quality silk, to elevate the steps in your routine you are already doing. No extra steps or complications. Just better quality materials.
Who should not buy one
Silk isn't necessarily for everyone. Mulberry silk fabric in particular is a very delicate fabric that needs care to ensure it lasts for years on end.
If you wash everything hot and tumble-dry, choose satin instead, as silk needs a 30°C gentle cycle and flat drying. If you want the slip benefit at the lowest possible price, a polyester satin case gives you a share of the friction benefit for £10, with none of the breathability or temperature regulation. And if a listing says "silk" for £15, check the fibre: it is almost always satin-weave polyester, which is a different product entirely.
If you do buy one, buy it properly
Three numbers matter more than any brand name: the fibre (100% mulberry silk), the weight (22 momme is the sweet spot of softness and durability; here is what momme means), and the certification (OEKO-TEX tested for harmful substances). Ours is 22 momme Grade 6A mulberry silk, OEKO-TEX certified, £55, and arrives in our signature gift box. If you want to compare us honestly against the big names first, we wrote that comparison too.
★★★★★
“Been wondering if silk would make any difference, well it did from the off. A lovely feeling and such a good nights sleep on it.”
Shop the pure silk pillowcase · Explore the pillowcase collection
Frequently asked questions
Does a silk pillowcase actually make a difference? Yes, most noticeably to hair. Less overnight friction means fewer tangles, less breakage and a style that lasts to morning. Skin benefits are real but modest: less moisture drawn from your face and fewer temporary sleep creases.
What are the disadvantages of silk pillowcases? Price, and care. Real silk costs more than cotton and needs a 30°C gentle wash in a mesh bag, no tumble drying. If that does not fit your life, satin is the budget alternative, however it is not a natural material and will not give the same benefits of real silk.
How long does a silk pillowcase last? A 22 momme case cared for properly lasts three years or more. Lower weights (16 to 19 momme) are thinner and wear faster, which is why we only craft our silk pillowcases from 22 momme mulberry silk.
Is a silk or satin pillowcase better? Silk is a natural fibre; satin is a weave, usually made from polyester. Satin copies some of the slip at a lower price; silk adds breathability, temperature regulation and longevity. We compare them properly in silk vs satin.
How often should you wash a silk pillowcase? Every one to two weeks, 30°C gentle cycle, pH-neutral detergent. Full steps in our silk care guide.
