Face masks have not been compulsory in South Africa since June 2022, but plenty of people still reach for one. You might wear a mask on a long flight, in a crowded space during flu season, when you are looking after someone vulnerable, or simply because a clinic or venue asks you to. If a mask is part of your routine, the fabric that sits against your face for hours matters. A silk face mask is softer and smoother than most alternatives, and it can be washed and worn again and again. Here is what silk does well, what the research does and doesn't show, and how to choose the right mask.
Why a Silk Face Mask Feels Different
A mask rubs against your nose, cheeks and chin every time you talk or move, and for many people that friction, along with trapped heat and moisture, leads to irritation and breakouts, often called "maskne". Dermatologists advise that if your skin is sensitive, the fabric touching your face should be soft, and that natural fabrics are kinder to skin than synthetic ones.
Silk is a natural protein fibre with a smooth, fine surface, so it glides over the skin rather than dragging across it. It is also light, which makes a silk face mask comfortable to wear for longer stretches, such as a day of travel. There is no clinical study yet on silk masks and maskne specifically, so think of silk as the more comfortable choice rather than a treatment for skin conditions.
What the Research Says About Silk Masks
In 2020, researchers at the University of Cincinnati tested how well cotton, polyester and several types of silk repelled water, as a stand in for respiratory droplets. Silk worked far better as a moisture barrier than either cotton or polyester, which absorbed water droplets quickly. The researchers suggested that layers of silk could help a fabric mask block droplets, and that silk's ability to stay drier is an advantage for a mask you wear all day.
It is worth being clear about the limits. That study measured water repellence, not protection against a virus, and claims you may see elsewhere about silk being antiviral were not tested in it. A silk face mask is a fabric mask, not a medical mask or a respirator. If you need medical grade protection, use the mask your doctor or healthcare provider recommends.
Choosing Your Silk Face Mask
All of our silk masks are made from Mulberry silk and adjust to fit.
- Silk face mask with carbon filter. Made from 19mm Mulberry silk, with a built in pocket that holds the 5 layer carbon filter included with the mask. Soft corded elastic with an adjustable toggle and a contoured shape help it sit close to the face. Available in Black, Navy, Champagne, Silver and Ivory.
- Silk face mask without filter. Made from 100% Mulberry silk, with corded elastic, an adjustable toggle and a nose guard that helps the mask sit close around the bridge of your nose. Choose from 12 colours, including Navy, Golden, Avocado and Antique Copper.
- Kids silk face mask. Soft, light 100% Mulberry silk with an adjustable fit and no filter, for children aged 3 and up. Each one has a playful print, with bears on the Blue and Silver masks and rabbits on the Pink and Green.
Whichever you choose, check that the mask covers your nose and mouth and sits snugly without digging in. A mask that slips or rubs causes more irritation than a well fitted one.
Reusable, Washable and Easy to Care For
Unlike disposable masks, a silk face mask can be washed and worn again, which means less waste and better value over time. Wash your mask regularly, and always after a day of heavy wear. Take out the filter first, then hand wash the mask in cool water with a pH neutral detergent or gentle shampoo, without scrubbing or wringing. Press out the water in a towel and let it dry flat in the shade. Our guide on how to wash silk covers every step.
Because each mask is washable and comes in a range of colours, it is easy to keep two or three on rotation, so you always have a clean one ready.
Silk Masks for Sleep
If you came here looking for silk masks to sleep in, you will want our silk eye masks. They bring the same smooth silk to the delicate skin around your eyes and help block out light for deeper rest, whether at home, on a plane or during an afternoon nap.
Find Your Perfect Silk Face Mask
Browse our full range of silk face masks for adults and children. If you are buying for a family, mix colours so everyone can tell their mask apart.
