Best Pillowcases for Acne

If you experience acne or frequent breakouts, the right pillowcase can help promote healthier skin conditions. We’ll take a look at some of the best pillowcases for acne and explore how materials like silk, Tencel, and others tend to be gentler on your skin.

Pillowcases are typically not a direct cause of acne, but they can contribute to acne if you’re already prone to it. If you regularly experience breakouts and skin irritation, you’ll want to look for a pillowcase that is breathable and gentle on skin and make sure to wash it regularly. 

A key factor when choosing pillowcases for acne is the type of fabric used. Smoother fabrics like silk and Tencel are generally less abrasive, meaning they are less likely to irritate acne-prone skin. Silk is also less absorbent than other commonly used pillowcase fabrics like cotton, so any skin products you use are more likely to stay on your skin rather than being absorbed into your pillowcase. 

Temperature neutrality is key as well. Bedding made with breathable materials and cooling fabrics are less likely to make you overheat and sweat, which can exacerbate certain skin conditions. 

We’ll take a look at the best pillowcases for acne on the market, paying close attention to materials and special features so you can choose one that works best for you.

Product Details

The Eucalypso Pillowcase Set is designed to help keep you cool and comfortable through the night. Tencel fabric is known for its excellent temperature regulation, so we recommend this pillowcase for hot sleepers or those living in warmer climates.

The pillowcase is composed of 100% Tencel lyocell, which is derived from sustainably grown eucalyptus trees. Eucalypso’s fabric undergoes a proprietary treatment called DreamWeave that’s aimed at making it smoother, allowing the pillowcase to glide over the skin without harsh rubbing. The pillowcase is also engineered to feel extra cool to the touch, which enhances the natural cooling properties of Tencel. The fabric has a soft feel and elegant drape. 

The pillowcase has a discreet envelope enclosure, and you can choose from seven color options. Each set includes two pillowcases, available in standard or king size. The pillowcase can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Eucalypso recommends air drying, but you may also tumble dry on a low heat setting.

Eucalypso offers free shipping in the contiguous U.S. You may return the sheets for a full refund within 30 days.

Silk bedding often comes with a higher price tag, but the Quince Mulberry Silk Pillowcase offers all the benefits of a luxury pillowcase at a very competitive price-point. It also comes in an array of stylish color options.

The pillowcase is composed of 100% mulberry silk, a material known best for its smooth feel and luxurious appearance. It has a weight of 22-momme, which is within the ideal range of 19 to 25. Silk is less abrasive than other bedding fabrics we’ve tested so it’s less likely to catch against your skin during sleep, and mulberry silk is especially soft. 

Silk doesn’t wick moisture as much as cotton, so it’s better at keeping your skin hydrated during the night. We also found the cool, lightweight feel was ideal for hot sleepers or those who live in warm climates.

The pillowcase is available in a queen/standard or king size, and you can choose from seven colors: champagne, navy, ivory, silver, blush pink, black, or charcoal. The design has a zippered enclosure. Quince recommends hand washing to ensure a longer lifespan, but you may also wash the pillowcase in a machine using cold water on a gentle cycle and hang it to dry.

Quince offers a generous 365-night sleep trial, during which you may return the pillowcase for a full refund. Shipping is free in the U.S.

The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Pillowcase Set has an exceptionally smooth texture that feels soft and cool to the touch. It’s gentle on your skin as you move about during the night, so we recommend this pillowcase for sleepers whose skin is easily irritated.

The pillowcase is composed of 100% Tencel lyocell, which is sustainably sourced from eucalyptus trees. Tencel is known for its silky feel and strong temperature neutrality, making this pillowcase well-suited to hot sleepers or those living in warmer climates. Tencel also excels at wicking moisture, so your pillowcase is less likely to harbor skin irritants like bacteria. Sijo adds a silver ion antimicrobial treatment to its fabric designed to help it stay clean for longer.

You can choose between a standard/queen or king size, as well as six color options—snow, fog, dove, blush, sky, and forest. Each set includes two pillowcases and the price-point is competitive compared to other Tencel pillowcases we’ve tested. The AiryWeight pillowcase is machine-washable in cold water on a gentle cycle. You can also machine dry on a low heat setting.

Sijo offers free shipping on orders over $65. You may return the pillowcase within 30 days for a full refund.

Silk bedding is notoriously fussy when it comes to ease of care. Many sheets and pillowcases made from silk require dry cleaning, which can be inconvenient and pricey in the long run, but the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase can be washed in any household machine. You may need to invest in some pH-neutral detergent and the case should be laid dry to flat as opposed to machine dried, but overall this a low-maintenance alternative to many competing silk pillowcases on the market today. 

An envelope closure slips over the edge of your pillow, securing it to prevent shifting and clumping. This helps ensure a full shape and optimal loft throughout the night. The silk is smooth and gentle, which can be especially soothing if you have acne, eczema, or other conditions that cause sensitive skin. Silk can also help prevent lines and wrinkles. 

Several solid colors and patterns are available for the Mulberry Silk Pillowcase. You can also choose from a standard or king size. One pillowcase is included with each purchase. Brooklinen’s generous sleep trial allows you to test out the pillowcase for up to 365 nights before deciding whether to return or keep it.

The Miracle Made Pillowcase caters to sleepers who prioritize bedding that promotes healthy skin. The pillowcases are made with a breathable cotton and lyocell blend that helps reduce skin irritation during sleep. This blend provides the best of both worlds for many sleepers, combining the softness of cotton with the silky feel of lyocell. Both materials are quite durable.

The fabric has a sateen weave that gives the pillowcase a smooth feel and lustrous appearance. The smoothness of the fabric allows it to glide over your skin, producing less friction and irritation than fabrics with a rougher texture such as microfiber or linen. The fabric is also infused with silver, which is meant to reduce bacterial growth. Hot sleepers will benefit from the cotton’s breathability and cool-to-the-touch feel.

The pillowcase is available in standard or king size, and you can choose from eight colors. Each set comes with two pillowcases.

Miracle offers a 30-night sleep trial with your pillowcase. It is also backed by a 5-year warranty. Shipping is free in the U.S.

Which Pillowcase Types Are Best for Acne?

The best pillowcase types for acne are ones that create clean and soft sleep surfaces. Breathable fabrics that minimize sweating and moisture buildup as well as soft materials that reduce friction can be beneficial for people who are acne-prone or have sensitive skin. 

Materials that combine temperature regulation and softness are great options for people looking for pillowcases that help prevent acne.

Silk

Silk has a smooth and soft feel that is gentle on sensitive skin. It’s also lightweight and breathable, so it can help keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Silk’s moisture-wicking ability also wards off bacteria and potential allergens that may irritate the skin. 

However, sleepers should keep in mind how easy it is to wash their pillowcase. Those who experience acne should wash their pillowcases regularly to help maintain a clean sleep environment. Washing silk pillowcases often requires hand-washing, so shoppers wanting a low-maintenance option may want to consider other materials.

Satin

While satin and silk have similar characteristics like softness and sheen, silk is a fabric, while satin is a weave, meaning satin can be made from many different types of materials. Because of this, the quality of satin can vary. When looking for a pillowcase to prevent acne, be sure to seek out satin made from quality materials.

Cotton

The breathability and softness of cotton pillowcases may help prevent acne. Lightweight cotton excels at temperature regulation, making it less likely for pores to become clogged due to buildup from sweat, oils, and bacteria.

Sleepers should keep in mind that cotton tends to be absorbent, meaning natural oils can stick to the surface of cotton pillowcases. Washing a cotton pillowcase regularly can help sleepers with oily skin combat buildup and maintain a clean sleep environment.

Bamboo

While there are several types of bamboo-derived fabrics, like rayon and viscose, they are generally known for being soft, lightweight, and breathable. This makes bamboo an excellent choice for those who want to prevent acne, as it can help minimize overheating and skin irritation. That said, bamboo pillowcases can be more expensive, so shoppers on a budget may want to consider other options.

Best Thread Count for a Pillowcase

Thread count refers to how many threads are woven into one square inch of fabric. A higher thread count typically means a softer pillowcase, which can lead to less friction and irritation since it allows the fabric to glide over the skin.

However, the best thread count varies depending on the material, and thread count doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of the fabric. Additionally, certain materials, like silk, don’t use thread count as a measurement. When shopping for a pillowcase, it’s important to consider the quality of materials in addition to the thread count. 

What to Look For in a Pillowcase for Acne

While the best pillows help with support and pressure relief, pillowcases serve a different purpose. For example, the right pillowcase can help prevent and minimize breakouts. Sleepers with sensitive or oily skin should consider several factors when shopping for a pillowcase for acne.

Material

A pillowcase’s material may help prevent acne. For example, softer pillowcases cause less friction against the skin, leading to less irritation. Breathable materials that wick away moisture can also be beneficial, as they minimize the amount of sweat and oils that build up on a pillowcase.

Quality

Pillowcases made from high-quality materials like silk and bamboo can help prevent acne due to their smooth and soft feel. While these materials can sometimes carry a higher price-point, they’re often more durable, meaning you might not have to replace them as often as lower-quality alternatives.

Breathability

By helping regulate temperature, a breathable pillowcase can minimize the buildup of sweat and facial oils, potentially reducing the likelihood of a breakout. This can be especially helpful for hot sleepers and those who experience night sweats.

Thread Count

Generally speaking, a higher thread count means a softer pillowcase, which can be beneficial for people with sensitive skin. Pillowcases with higher thread counts typically don’t cause as much friction against the skin, helping to prevent irritation. However, shoppers should be wary of products with excessively high thread counts. Some companies artificially inflate thread counts without increasing fabric quality by using cheaper materials woven with two- or three-ply threads.

Price

Due to factors like softness and higher thread counts, some pillowcases that are beneficial for acne tend to be more expensive. If you’re looking for a pillowcase to help with sensitive skin but are shopping on a budget, you may want to consider fabrics like lightweight cotton. This material is breathable, easy to clean, and has an approachable price-point.

Size

Buying the right pillowcase size is critical to preventing acne. A pillowcase that’s too small may leave part of the pillow uncovered. This can lead to buildup on the actual pillow, creating an unhygienic sleep environment. On the other hand, a pillowcase that’s too large can lead to fabric bunching, which could potentially cause irritation.

Ease of Care

The best way to keep dirt, oils, and bacteria from building up on your pillowcase is by washing it on a regular basis. However, not all pillowcases are easy to wash. When shopping for a pillowcase for acne, look for an option that’s machine-washable and easy to maintain so you can wash your pillowcase at least once a week.