9 Best Pillowcases for Acne 2023, According to Dermatologists

Dec 08, 2023

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Wake up bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and with clear skin.

Whoever coined the term "beauty sleep" has clearly never woken up with a pesky pimple. Anyone who's struggled with acne knows that dealing with blemishes is the worst. But, what you don't know? While acne can be caused and perpetuated by a number of factors—stress, hormones, and clogged pores, to name a few—your pillowcase might play a major role in your skin's overall look.

"Oil, sweat, and bacteria accumulating on unwashed pillowcases are frequent causes for more acne breakouts," explains board-certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne, Dr. Yoram Harth. "Rubbing on the skin damages the outer layer of the skin and makes acne worse."

Don't worry, just because you use a pillowcase like everyone else doesn't mean you're condemned to pimple perpetuity. As luck would have it, choosing the right pillowcase and caring for it properly can really help clear up your acne. (Or, at the very least, it won't make your situation worse.) If choosing a pillowcase based on your unique skin-uation feels a little foreign, we tapped a handful of the top dermatologists to share pro-approved picks and to answer your biggest questions about the pillow shopping process. Scroll on to check out the best pillowcases for acne and finally find a purchase that's right for you and your skin.

It all boils down to the material. "Exfoliating fabrics most likely will result in irritation and interference with treatment," explains dermatologist Dr. Mariano Busso, who is a big proponent of softer textiles like silk. That said, most pillowcase materials have pros and cons. "Cotton pillowcases have more moisture absorption but increase skin dryness and wrinkling," he adds. "Microfiber pillowcases have a tendency to irritate sensitive skin."

Though silk is often regarded as the go-to for acne-prone sleepers, Dr. Erum Ilyas notes that they don't always live up to the hype. "When silk is wet, there is a tendency that certain silk constructions may adhere to the skin and contribute to more friction and may actually not give the effect you are seeking," continues Ilyas noting that silk can sometimes be high-maintenance. Overall, finding the right material for your skin may require some trial and error, but once you do find the perfect match, you can whittle your search down to the color, budget, and sizes available.

While buying a pillowcase is a great start to minimizing your acne, it's only as good as how well you care for it. According to Dr. Harth, those who struggle with acne should be washing sheets once a week and pillowcases every other day. Speaking of which, you'll want to wash your bedding in hot water and with gentle soap. "Look for fragrance-free detergents that will not irritate your skin, washing detergents for baby clothes are the best," Harth shares. "Second, thoroughly wash away the soap. Using too much detergent can make your skin itchier and redder than before."

At House Beautiful, we take skincare and sleep very seriously, so we made sure to ask several dermatologists for expert opinions and insight. However, we also did our diligence by scanning each product's reviews, factoring in material, ease of washability, and breathability to the mix.

There's a reason why many dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases. Not only is the material naturally hypoallergenic, which can keep irritation at bay, but it also has a silky smooth texture that's no match for the troublesome friction other materials might cause. When choosing her favorite, dermatologist and Maei MD founder Dr. Rebecca Marcus, reaches for Slip's pillowcases, which are made from long-staple mulberry silk.

"I love Slip Silk Pillowcases because of their super smooth texture, gorgeous colors, and data that their pillowcases absorb significantly less face cream and create 43 percent less friction than cotton pillowcases," Marcus explains. "Slipsilk can help to reduce friction, allowing the skin to glide along the pillow while reducing extra pressure on creased skin.

Of course, Marcus isn't the only one who loves Slip's pillowcases. With an A-List following of celebrities, hairstylists, and aestheticians, this industry obsession certainly lives up to the hype.

The good news is you don't have to spend a small fortune on a set of acne-fighting pillowcases. "California Design Den's Buttery Soft Cotton Sateen pillowcases are soft to the touch and easy to maintain," Dr. Ilyas says.

While the brand's Heirloom Soft pillowcases may not be made with silk, the cotton sateen used here has a buttery-soft, friction-free feel. (It's also sold in multiple sizes and colors to match your bedroom's vibe.) Speaking of your boudoir, you can complete the set with California Design Den's sheets for an additional fee.

As mentioned, silk might be the status quo for acne-fighting pillowcases, but not everyone wants silk and that's totally okay. It's exactly modal is a go-to for Dr. Ilyas.

"Modal is considered an eco-friendly alternative to cotton and known for how super soft it can feel against the skin," she says. If you're looking for modal pillowcases, why not give this set from Brielle Home a try? The ultra-soft option is also breathable, lightweight, and wrinkle-resistant.

Silk can also be a bit high-maintenance. (In fact, depending on a brand's care instructions, you might need to hand-wash or air-dry your pillowcase.) If you're looking to blend the benefits of silk with the ease of your everyday bedding essentials, Lunya's machine-washable pillowcases have you covered.

"They're are made of exquisite white washable silk, and [the brand's] pillowcases stay cool all night, providing the ultimate comfort and luxury in beauty sleep," Dr. Marcus reveals. "They can be washed entirely in a washing machine which makes them easier to keep clean and change regularly for acne-prone skin."

Anyone who has looked at enough acne-fighting pillowcases will notice that most styles are sold individually and available in limited color options. If you want to buy pillowcases that are more conducive to your unique setup, Fishers Finery is a great choice. Though Dr. Marcus loves the brand because of its ability to make "beautiful, high-quality silk pillowcases at an accessible price point," the brand's versatility makes this a must-buy. Available in a dozen colors, the pillowcase can be sold separately or as a set, not to mention in an array of sizes such as standard, queen, and king.

Can't get enough of cotton? Dr. Busso encourages readers to look for pillowcases made in "hypoallergenic and soft fabrics." One of his favorite places to look is direct-to-consumer darling, Brooklinen. While the brand's Luxe pillowcases aren't billed as hypoallergenic, they're made with long-staple cotton that's smooth to the touch and doesn't irritate the skin. (This pick is also OEKO-TEX certified, so you won't have to worry about rubbing your skin with any pesky chemicals.) And, thanks to its abundance of colors, your head will be resting on something soft and stylish.

Speaking of style, a pillowcase is an integral part of your bedroom decor so it makes sense to find one that fits seamlessly in your space. Enter Blissy. Made with 100 percent Mulberry silk, this option is hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating, and retains moisture.

Plus, Blissy claims its products are "bug-resistant," so you won't have to worry about any unwelcome guests creeping into your bed. But what makes Blissy stand out from the rest is its vast array of color options. With 44 styles to choose from—yes, you read that correctly—there's something here for everyone. Tie-dyes? Check. Stripes, marble-inspired patterns, and leopard? Definitely. Solids in an array of brights and neutrals? Of course.

According to Dr. Busso, acne-fighting pillowcases and Mother Nature go hand in hand. "If you want to purchase a pillowcase, I would suggest that you look into one that is made from all-natural products like bamboo fibers or tea tree," he says.

Ticking off all of the boxes is Ettitude's sateen pillowcases, which are currently sold in 10 vibrant colors. Made with bamboo lyocell, this eco-friendly material is durable, breathable, hypoallergenic, and silky smooth. That way, you can relax knowing this pillowcase is working overtime to keep your skin looking great.

Your pillowcase might seem like the last place you'd find copper, but research suggests that those metallic fibers can help ward off unwanted germs and bacteria. (Remember: The cleaner your pillowcase is, the clearer your skin will hopefully be.) If you're understandably a little skeptical about copper-infused pillowcases, Dr. Simran Sethi gave this option top marks.

"I have been using the Envy copper pillowcase for a few years, and it has significantly improved my skin and hair health," she shares. "Silk or even copper fiber pillowcases can be hypoallergenic because they do not absorb high amounts of skin cell debris, oils, and bacteria. "

Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.

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