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Best Pillowcases for Acne
Soothing Materials for Clearer Skin
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.
The Best Pillowcases for Acne
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Best Overall
Cozy Earth Bamboo Pillowcases
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Best Value
Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Pillowcase Set
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Best Silk Pillowcase
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
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Best Temperature Regulating
Luxome Luxury Pillowcase Set
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Softest
Eucalypso Pillowcase Set
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Best for Sensitive Skin
Miracle Made Pillowcase
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In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Cozy Earth Bamboo Pillowcases
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Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Pillowcase offers decadent softness for a silky-smooth feel that glides gently across your skin. The bamboo-derived viscose fabric is also exceptionally breathable, ensuring you’ll stay cool and moisture-free even on hot or humid nights
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Pros
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Composed of silky-smooth viscose derived from bamboo
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Excellent cooling and moisture control
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Available in two closure styles and more than a dozen colors
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Cons
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Not ideal for sleepers who prefer crisp bedding
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Expensive pricing compared to the average pillowcase
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Price
$89
Material
100% viscose derived from bamboo
The Bamboo Pillowcase exemplifies the luxurious materials and long-lasting construction that have come to define Cozy Earth’s product line — but the sticker price is fairly affordable given the high-quality craftsmanship. Viscose derived from bamboo gives the pillowcase a soft, smooth hand-feel that won’t feel abrasive or harsh. This means even people with sensitive skin should be able to sleep soundly without irritation.
This fabric is also quite breathable, and its moisture-wicking properties should keep you comfy if you tend to sweat in your sleep or your local climate is prone to high humidity levels. Cozy Earth includes pilling as a manufacturing defect in its product warranty for the pillowcase, so you should get years of use before a replacement is needed. You may wash and dry the pillowcase in any household machine.
Two closure styles are available. In addition to a traditional design, you can opt for a concealed closure that prevents the pillow from spilling out of the sides — this is ideal if you want your pillow to maintain a full shape. Cozy Earth also offers 13 different colors ranging from classic neutrals to more offbeat options such as olive green, navy blue, and clay.
Two standard or king size pillowcases are included with each order. Ground shipping is free of charge for all U.S. orders. Returns are permitted within 100 nights of the order date. If you decide to keep the Bamboo Pillowcase after the trial ends, your purchase is further backed by a generous 10-year warranty.
Best Value
Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Pillowcase Set
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The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Pillowcase Set has a smooth feel and cooling features that cater to sleepers with skin that’s susceptible to irritation. The price-point is also hard to beat for pillowcases of this quality.
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Pros
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Tencel lyocell fabric is cool and moisture-wicking
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Sustainably sourced from eucalyptus trees
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Machine-washable for quick and convenient care
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Cons
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May not provide enough warmth on chilly nights
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Sleep trial limited to seven nights
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Price
$45
Material
100% Tencel lyocell
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 seven days for a full refund.
Both inexpensive and easy to care for, the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase combines the luxury of its namesake material with everyday practicality. The envelope closure helps your pillow maintain a full, lofty shape, and you can choose from a wide range of styles to match your bedroom decor.
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Pros
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Envelope closure secures your pillow insert and prevents clumping
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Available in several solid colors and patterns
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Silk is machine-washable and easy to keep clean
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Cons
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Pillowcase cannot be machine-dried
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Some patterns drive up the price-point
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Price
$69
Material
100% mulberry silk
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.
Best Temperature Regulating
Luxome Luxury Pillowcase Set
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The Luxome Luxury Pillowcase Set has a luxurious design with a silky feel that benefits sleepers with sensitive skin. The coolness of the fabric is also ideal for sleepers who run hot.
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Pros
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Bamboo-derived viscose has a smooth, silky feel ideal for sensitive skin
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Multiple color options
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Machine-washable
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Cons
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May not appeal to people who prefer bedding with a crisp feel
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Customer is responsible for return shipping fees if return is not related to a defective product
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Price
$50
Material
100% viscose from bamboo
If you’re prone to overheating at night, pillowcases can play a big role in keeping you cool while you sleep. The Luxome Luxury Pillowcase Set has a soft, silky feel that helps minimize heat retention around your head and neck during sleep.
The pillowcase set is composed of 100% bamboo-derived viscose, a fabric known for its strong thermoregulation. The material also excels at wicking moisture, which can help keep you dry if you tend to sweat a lot at night. A sateen weave gives the pillowcase a luxuriously smooth texture, so you won’t experience much friction against the skin. This is ideal for people with acne and sensitive skin.
The set comes in a full/queen or king size with almost a dozen color options to choose from. Each set includes two pillowcases designed with discreet envelope closures. You may wash the pillowcases in cold water in a household machine, then tumble dry on a low heat setting.
Luxome offers free shipping in the contiguous U.S., and the pillowcase set comes with a 30-day return policy.
Softest
Eucalypso Pillowcase Set
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The Eucalypso Pillowcase Set is made with hot sleepers in mind. The lightweight Tencel fabric wicks moisture and helps regulate temperature through the night.
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Pros
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Tencel fabric feels soft and cool to the touch
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Envelope enclosure secures the pillow for a full shape
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Machine-washable and easy to clean
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Cons
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Limited insulation during colder times of the year
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May not be comfortable for those who prefer crisp, percale-woven pillowcases
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Price
$59
Material
100% Tencel lyocell
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.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Miracle Made Pillowcase
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The Miracle Made Pillowcase is made with a blend of high-quality cotton and lyocell for a soft, silky feel. It’s also treated with silver ions intended to help prevent bacterial growth. Hot sleepers will appreciate the breathability of this pillowcase.
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Pros
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Cotton and lyocell blend feels soft to the touch
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Sateen weave produces silky texture
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Fabric infused with silver designed to reduce bacterial growth
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Cons
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Some colors cost more than others
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People who prefer crisp bedding may find the pillowcase too silky and drapey
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Price
$59
Material
Miracle Clean & Cool fabric infused with silver
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.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our Sleep Foundation team has performed hands-on tests of hundreds of sleep products, including sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding. During bedding tests, we lie on the bedding and handle the material extensively to assess firsthand how it feels. We are well-versed in a wide variety of bedding fabrics, and we know how each one performs when it comes to criteria like temperature neutrality and durability. Our team is comprised of different types of sleepers, including sleepers who run hot and cold. This diversity allows us to incorporate different preferences in our product evaluations.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several things to consider when shopping for pillowcases that help prevent acne. We’ll cover some of the most frequently asked questions so you can determine what type of pillowcase is right for your needs.
There is no one pillowcase material that’s best for acne, but there are certain types that can help prevent and minimize breakouts. The best pillowcases for acne are breathable, soft, and easy to clean. This helps reduce moisture buildup and skin irritation. Certain materials, like bamboo-derived fabrics and silk, tend to be softer and gentler on the skin.
You should wash your pillowcase about once a week to reduce buildup and keep your sleep space clean. Pillowcases easily collect dirt, sweat, and oil from your face and hair. Over time, this can become a breeding ground for bacteria or other allergens like dust and mildew. By washing your pillowcases regularly, you can help keep your sleep environment clean.
Silk pillowcases have an extremely soft feel, making them especially gentle on sensitive skin. Silk is also breathable, which helps wick away moisture and reduce the buildup of oils and sweat.
Generally speaking, a higher thread count means a softer pillowcase. However, certain types of fabric, like silk and microfiber, don’t use thread count as a measurement.
Some pillowcases may have a high thread count but are made of a lower-quality material. This is why it’s important to consider other factors like fabric quality when shopping for a pillowcase that helps prevent acne.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.