A sleep mask sits on the most delicate skin you have for seven or eight hours. What it is made of matters more than it does for almost anything else you wear to bed.
The short answer: both block light. Silk is smoother and drags less on the skin around your eyes; cotton is easier to wash and costs less. For skin, silk is the gentler choice.
Why the fabric matters here
The skin around your eyes is thinner than the rest of your face, and a mask moves a little every time you turn over. A rougher fabric rubs; a smoother one glides. That is the main difference between the two.
Silk and cotton, side by side
| Silk mask | Cotton mask | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Very smooth, low friction | Soft but more textured |
| Moisture | Less likely to soak up your eye cream | Absorbent, like a towel |
| Feel | Cool and light | Warm and familiar |
| Lashes and brows | Glide against it | Can catch slightly |
| Care | Gentle hand wash | Regular wash |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
What silk does better
- Less rubbing. Silk slides over skin, so there is less tugging on the eye area and fewer marks in the morning.
- Kinder to your night routine. Cotton soaks things up readily. A smooth, fine silk tends to take up less, so more of your eye cream stays where you put it.
- A lighter feel. Silk is fine and breathable, which helps if a mask usually makes you feel warm.
What cotton does better
Cotton is sturdy and simple to look after. If you want a mask you can put in a normal wash every few days without a second thought, cotton is easier to live with.
The shape matters as much as the fabric
Whatever the material, a flat mask presses on your eyelids. A contoured mask, with cups that hold the fabric away from your eyes, leaves room for your lashes and lets you blink. A wrap-style mask spreads the pressure across a wide, soft band. Choose the shape for how you sleep, then the fabric for your skin.
Questions people ask
Can a sleep mask cause wrinkles?
No mask causes or prevents wrinkles on its own. A tight strap or a rough fabric can leave temporary marks, which is one reason people prefer silk and an adjustable fit.
How often should I wash a sleep mask?
About once a week, more often if you wear skincare underneath. A silk mask needs a gentle hand wash in cold water.
See our contoured and wrap-style silk sleep masks, or read whether a sleep mask really improves sleep.
