Your pillowcase matters a great deal when it comes to the health of your skin and hair. As we outlined in our recent post on 5 ways your pillowcase can ruin your skin and hair, the wrong pillowcase can leave your skin too dry, cause skin problems like acne and weaken your hair. 

So which are the right pillowcases for your skin and hair? Here are the best beauty pillowcases that will keep your skin supple and your hair smooth and lustrous. 

1. 100% Natural Silk Pillowcases

Silk pillowcases are, hands down, the best for skin and hair. Because of how fine silk threads are, silk fabric is incredibly soft and smooth against the skin. 

Compared to traditional pillowcases made from polyester or cotton, silk pillowcases exert very little friction against the skin. This prevents skin irritation particularly for those with sensitive skin. It also reduces wrinkles and fine lines. 

The low friction of silk pillowcases also prevents hair breakage.  

Compared to cotton, silk also absorbs less moisture and oils off your skin and hair, ensuring you don't wake up with dry skin or frizzy hair.   

Don't forget that silk is also one of the coolest fabrics. A silk pillowcase feels cool against your skin, and can help you sleep better if you are a hot sleeper or have hot flashes. 

2. 100% Bamboo Rayon Pillowcases

Silk pillowcases are great, but they are pricey. If you want a cheaper alternative that’s still good for your skin, try bamboo rayon pillowcases. 

Bamboo rayon is a type of semi-synthetic bedding that’s gotten hugely popular. While not as supple and luxurious as silk, bamboo rayon fabric is still quite soft and smooth. A bamboo rayon pillowcase causes minimal friction on the skin and hair, and the fabric also absorbs less moisture and oils than cotton. 

That means little to no skin and hair irritation and your skin and hair stay well moisturized. 

As a bonus, bamboo rayon is also highly breathable, making it a great pick if you sleep hot or have hot flashes. 

3. High Thread Count Sateen Cotton Pillowcases

Cotton is not our first choice when shopping for a beauty pillowcase. Most cotton pillowcases are rough on the skin and hair. Cotton, being highly absorbent, can also dry out your skin and hair. 

But if you still prefer a cotton pillowcase, at least get a sateen cotton pillowcase with a 300-500 thread count. 

Sateen is a type of cotton weave that’s smoother and softer, making it better for your skin and hair compared to the crispier percale weave. 

To make sure your pillowcase is the softest and smoothest it can be, get one with a thread count of at least 300. A higher thread count creates a smoother feel that’s more gentle on your skin. 

4. Satin Pillowcases

If you are looking for a budget beauty pillowcase, try satin. 

Many people confuse satin and sateen bedding. Sateen is a type of cotton weave. Satin is a synthetic fabric that’s usually made from polyester. Satin bedding is characterized by a smooth and shiny finish on one side. 

The smooth finish makes satin pillowcases great for the skin and hair. Satin also has poor absorbency, meaning it will not dry out your skin and hair.  

That said, some people find satin pillowcases to be annoyingly slippery. We don't recommend using a satin pillowcase on a satin bedsheet. Your pillow will not stay in place. Instead combine a satin pillowcase with a bedsheet made from another fabric like cotton or bamboo. 

Satin is also not a good pick if you sleep hot. The fabric is not breathable and can get hot and uncomfortable at night. 

5. Antibacterial Pillowcases  

If you are prone to facial acne, we recommend an antibacterial pillowcase like our Jax Sheets Pillowcase. 

Pillowcases get dirty quickly. They build up with dirt, body oils, dead skin cells and bacteria. That’s why you should change your pillowcase at least once a week. 

A dirty pillowcase can clog your skin pores, leading to a breakout. Having bacteria on your pillowcase increases the risk of an acne breakout and can lead to a more severe acne infection. 

An antibacterial acne actively fights off bacteria, keeping your pillow cleaner, more hygienic and safer for your skin. Because it also kills odor-causing bacteria, you also get to sleep on a fresh smelling pillow every night.