Silk vs. Tencel vs. Cotton Pillowcases for Skin and Hair: An Honest Comparison
Updated November 2026 · By the Beauty Pillow team
Quick answer: Silk is the smoothest of the three and the gentlest on hair, but it needs the most careful washing. Tencel is smooth, cool and breathable, and it is easy to machine wash. Cotton is durable and inexpensive, but it has a rougher surface and absorbs more moisture. Whichever you choose, a pillowcase mainly changes friction. It does not stop your face from being compressed against the pillow, which is the main cause of sleep wrinkles.
The three fabrics at a glance
| Silk | Tencel (lyocell) | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Natural protein fiber spun by silkworms | Fiber made from wood pulp; Tencel is a brand name for lyocell | Natural plant fiber |
| Feel | Very smooth and slippery | Smooth, soft and cool | Soft, with more texture |
| Friction on skin and hair | Lowest | Low | Higher |
| Moisture | Absorbs less than cotton | Breathable and moisture-wicking | Highly absorbent |
| Care | Delicate: gentle wash, mild detergent, air dry | Easy: gentle machine wash | Easiest |
| Best for | Hair that tangles or frizzes easily, and anyone who wants the smoothest surface | Hot sleepers and everyday low-maintenance use | Budget and durability |
Silk: what to look for
Silk is weighed in momme (mm), a measure of fabric density. Most silk pillowcases fall between 19 and 25 momme; a higher number means a denser, more substantial and usually more durable fabric. 22 momme is a common choice for pillowcases because it balances softness and durability.
Also check that the label says 100% silk. “Satin” describes a weave, not a fiber, and satin pillowcases are usually polyester. They feel smooth at first but do not have the same breathability as silk.
Many people choose silk for their hair: a slippery surface means less tugging when you move, which can mean fewer tangles and less frizz in the morning. Independent, peer-reviewed measurements of the effect are limited, so treat specific percentages you see in marketing with caution.
Tencel: the low-maintenance option
Tencel lyocell is made from wood pulp. It is smooth, feels cool to the touch and handles moisture well, which makes it comfortable for people who sleep warm. It is also much easier to care for than silk.
Our Skin+ pillowcase is made from Tencel fabric with antioxidant microcapsules (carotenoids) that are released gradually as you move during the night. It is cut for the contoured Beauty Pillow and comes with every pillow. Wash it inside out with the zipper closed on a gentle 30°C (86°F) cycle; its Skin+ properties last for up to 20 washes.
Cotton: durable, but more friction
Cotton is affordable, durable and easy to wash at higher temperatures. Its downside for beauty sleep is texture: it creates more friction than silk or Tencel, and because it is absorbent it can soak up some of the night cream or oil you applied before bed.
What a pillowcase can't do
A smooth pillowcase reduces friction. It does not reduce compression: if you sleep on your side, your cheek still sinks into the pillow for hours, and compression is the main driver of sleep wrinkles (see sleep wrinkles vs. expression wrinkles). For that, the shape of the pillow matters. The most complete setup combines a contoured pillow that keeps pressure off the face with a smooth pillowcase.
Our silk and Tencel pillowcases
- 100% Silk Pillowcase, standard size: fits standard 50 × 70 cm (20 × 28 in) pillows; 22 momme Turkish silk, zipper closure; Champagne or Black Diamond.
- 100% Silk Pillowcase for Beauty Pillow: cut for the contoured 35 × 54 cm (13.8 × 21.3 in) Beauty Pillow; 22 momme Turkish silk front, cupro-polyester back, zipper closure.
- Skin+ Pillowcase: Tencel with antioxidant microcapsules, for the Beauty Pillow; a spare lets you keep one on while the other is in the wash.
- Beauty Pillow with 100% Silk Pillowcase: the contoured pillow with the silk pillowcase already on.
Our 100% Silk Sleep Mask also has a 22 momme silk outer.
Frequently asked questions
Is silk or satin better for skin and hair?
Silk is a natural fiber; satin is a weave that is usually made from polyester. Both feel smooth, but silk breathes better. If you want the benefits people associate with silk, check the label for 100% silk.
What does momme mean?
Momme is the weight, and therefore the density, of silk fabric. For pillowcases, 19 to 25 momme is typical; 22 momme is a good balance of softness and durability.
Does Tencel feel like silk?
It is smooth and cool, but less slippery than silk. Many people find it a good everyday alternative because it is easier to wash.
How often should I wash my pillowcase?
Weekly is a common recommendation, and more often if you use oils or rich night creams. Follow the care label for each fabric.
Does a silk pillowcase prevent wrinkles?
It reduces friction, but not compression. To reduce sleep lines, pair a smooth pillowcase with a pillow that keeps pressure off your face.
Ready for better beauty sleep?
Free shipping over $100 · 14-night trial on pillows · 3-year pillow warranty
