What Is Sericin in Silk? Benefits, Allergies & Alternatives Explained

Key Takeaways

• Sericin is the natural outer protein of silk, rich in amino acids, which helps retain moisture and supports skin and hair health.

• Its molecular structure forms protective, breathable films that hydrate, reduce friction, and maintain elasticity.

• Sericin enhances sleep quality and provides a hypoallergenic surface, though a small number of people may experience sensitivities or allergic reactions.

• For sensitive individuals, alternatives like organic cotton sateen, merino wool, linen, or mulberry silk offer similar benefits without triggering reactions.

• Mayfairsilk provides premium Mulberry silk pillowcases, sheets, and accessories that preserve sericin’s natural benefits to support skin, hair, and restorative sleep.

The Surprising Protein Behind Silk's Power: What Is Sericin?

Sericin is the sticky outer protein that surrounds silk fibroin fibres, forming the protective cocoon of the silkworm. Highly hydrophilic, it attracts and retains moisture, which helps explain silk’s naturally conditioning feel. This protein contains amino acids, particularly serine, glycine, and aspartic acid, many of which closely resemble those found in human skin, contributing to its recognised skin-friendly properties.

In its natural state, sericin appears yellowish and slightly tacky as silkworms secrete it while spinning their cocoons. For centuries, traditional silk production has removed sericin through a process known as degumming to achieve a smoother, more lustrous fabric. While effective for texture and appearance, this process also strips away a naturally occurring protein that is increasingly studied for its potential benefits to human tissues.

Science of Sericin: The Natural Silk Protein Explained

The molecular structure of sericin makes it valuable for therapeutic uses. This natural protein contains many polar groups, allowing it to bind effectively with water, proteins, and other substances. Its structure varies depending on the silkworm species, their diet, and extraction methods, giving it unique bioactive properties.

Chemical Makeup & Structure of Sericin

Sericin is rich in serine, which confers excellent moisture-binding ability, while other amino acids, such as glycine, aspartic acid, threonine, and glutamic acid, enhance its biocompatibility and activity. Its structure includes both flexible coils and stronger sheet-like formations, allowing it to form protective, yet breathable, films on skin and hair.

How Silkworms Produce Sericin

Sericin is produced in the silk glands of silkworms alongside fibroin. The silkworm secretes these proteins as a single filament coated in layers of sericin, which hardens when exposed to air. By moving its head in intricate patterns, the silkworm forms a protective cocoon, showcasing sericin’s natural adhesive and protective properties, prized in cosmetic and medical applications.

Remarkable Skin Benefits of Sericin

The unique molecular structure of sericin makes it highly beneficial for skin health. It interacts naturally with keratin, forming protective films while delivering moisture and nutrients. Its compatibility with human tissues explains why sericin-based treatments often outperform synthetic alternatives in both effectiveness and gentleness.

Sericin forms a natural protective barrier, supporting healthier skin and hair.

Natural Moisturising Properties

Sericin’s hydrophilic amino acids allow it to bind water, creating a natural moisture reservoir on the skin. This helps maintain hydration, prevents dryness, and forms a breathable barrier that supports the skin’s natural functions. Unlike petroleum-based moisturisers, sericin works with the skin, providing long-lasting hydration and a protective layer that helps reduce irritation.

Anti-Ageing Effects & Wrinkle Prevention

Sericin promotes collagen production and helps reduce hyperpigmentation, addressing wrinkles and age spots. Its antioxidant properties neutralise free radicals from UV exposure and environmental stressors, supporting skin elasticity and helping to prevent premature ageing more effectively than many synthetic alternatives.

UV Protection Capabilities

Sericin forms a protective layer on the skin and absorbs specific UV wavelengths, helping to reduce sun-related damage. While it is not a replacement for sunscreen, incorporating sericin into skincare routines adds an extra layer of defense, supporting healthier, more resilient skin over time.

Wound Healing Acceleration

Sericin promotes tissue regeneration and creates optimal conditions for healing by maintaining moisture while allowing oxygen exchange. Its application to minor cuts, burns, or abrasions can accelerate healing, reduce scarring, and support efficient repair without excessive inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Action

Sericin naturally reduces inflammation by calming pro-inflammatory cytokines and histamine release. This makes it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin, including conditions like eczema and rosacea, as it soothes irritation while preserving the skin’s natural barrier.

Sleep Quality & Sericin: The Connection

Silk has long been associated with better sleep, and recent research highlights sericin’s unique role in this connection. Silk bedding and pillowcases with preserved sericin support skin health and create an ideal sleep environment, promoting deeper, more restorative rest. 

Users of sericin-rich silk report fewer nighttime disturbances, improved overall comfort, and a more rejuvenating sleep experience compared to conventional cotton or synthetic bedding. The combination of smooth texture, gentle friction reduction, and moisture retention contributes to both physical comfort and skin benefits.

Temperature Regulation Effects

Sericin enhances silk’s natural temperature-regulating abilities by absorbing excess moisture while maintaining breathability. This creates a microclimate around the body that adjusts to changing temperatures, helping prevent disruptions to sleep cycles. Its adaptive nature is particularly beneficial for those prone to night sweats or seasonal temperature fluctuations, ensuring the body stays comfortably cool and balanced throughout the night.

Hypoallergenic Properties for Better Rest

Many sleep disruptions arise from allergens like dust mites, mold, and bacteria. Sericin naturally resists these irritants due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, creating a cleaner, healthier sleep surface. For individuals with sensitive skin, respiratory issues, or conditions such as eczema, sericin helps reduce irritation and micro-inflammation that can subtly disturb sleep, offering a calmer, more restful experience.

Additional Benefits of Sericin in Sleep

• Reduces friction on skin, helping prevent sleep wrinkles and fine lines

• Creates a naturally antibacterial and hygienic surface

• Maintains optimal skin hydration throughout the night

• Minimises hair tangling, breakage, and frizz during sleep

• Supports the body’s natural temperature regulation and comfort

For maximum benefits, choose silk products labelled as “sericin-rich” or “minimally processed,” as most conventional silk production removes much of this naturally beneficial protein. Preserving sericin ensures both skin and sleep receive the full restorative effects that high-quality silk can provide.

Sleep in comfort with bedding that adapts to your body’s temperature.

Potential Allergic Reactions to Sericin

While sericin is naturally gentle and beneficial, it’s important to know that a small number of people may experience sensitivities or allergic reactions to silk proteins. These reactions are uncommon but possible, and understanding them can help you enjoy silk products safely.

Skin Reactions

Some individuals may notice mild irritation, redness, or warmth where the silk touches the body. Reactions are usually temporary and localised, but those with sensitive or reactive skin should monitor any prolonged contact.

Itching & Rash

Itching or rash may appear at points where the skin comes into contact with sericin-rich silk, particularly with extended exposure. Washing the fabric before use or limiting initial contact can help reduce these effects.

Respiratory Sensitivities

A very small number of people may experience mild respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing or congestion, due to sensitivities to insect proteins. These reactions are rare, but anyone with known sensitivities should exercise caution.

Precautions

For individuals with known silk or insect protein allergies, a patch test on a small area of skin is recommended before extensive use. Overall, sericin is safe, hypoallergenic, and much gentler than many synthetic alternatives, providing natural hydration, skin protection, and hair benefits for most users.

Sericin-Free Alternatives for Sensitive Individuals

While sericin provides many benefits, some individuals may experience sensitivities, such as skin irritation or redness, when in contact with silk containing this protein. For those affected, several alternatives offer similar advantages without triggering reactions. The key is identifying which silk properties you wish to replicate, texture, temperature regulation, or skin benefits, and choosing materials that deliver them safely.

Organic Cotton Sateen

Organic cotton sateen has a smooth, soft surface that reduces friction on skin and hair, helping prevent sleep lines and irritation. However, it can absorb moisture from the skin, potentially leaving the skin dry overnight.

Linen

Linen is naturally breathable and excellent at regulating temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night. Its slightly coarse texture may create minor friction on delicate skin and hair.

Lightweight Merino Wool

Lightweight merino wool wicks moisture effectively and maintains a comfortable temperature. Some individuals may experience mild irritation or itchiness if they have wool sensitivities.

Mulberry Silk

Mulberry silk comes from silkworms fed exclusively on Mulberry leaves, producing the highest-quality silk known for its softness, strength, and natural luster. Breathable, thermoregulating, and hypoallergenic, it glides smoothly over skin and hair, maintains facial moisture, reduces friction, and enhances sleep comfort.

How to Choose the Right Silk Products for Your Needs

Choosing the right silk product depends on your goals, whether for skincare, hair protection, temperature regulation, or aesthetic enjoyment. Understanding your priorities helps narrow down the type of silk best suited to your needs.

Price can indicate quality, but it’s not the only factor. Beyond momme weight, consider sourcing, processing methods, and sericin content, as these have the most significant impact on silk’s therapeutic benefits.

Identifying Sericin Content in Products

Most silk items don’t list sericin levels, but visual and tactile cues can help. Raw or “wild” silk may appear slightly coarser with a golden or cream hue, while sericin-rich silk feels more substantial and less slippery. 

Products marketed as “sericin-enhanced” or “silk protein” are likely to retain beneficial amounts of sericin. In contrast, terms like “charmeuse,” “habotai,” or “mulberry silk” usually indicate conventional processing that removes most of the sericin to achieve smoothness and shine.

Mayfairsilk: Luxury Silk for Sleep, Skin & Hair

At Mayfairsilk, we provide a thoughtfully curated collection of premium silk products designed to enhance both comfort and well-being. 

Our range includes pure Mulberry silk pillowcases in a variety of sizes and exclusive prints, smooth silk sheets, duvet covers and duvet sets, as well as silk accessories such as eye masks, scrunchies and slim hair ties, face coverings, and cushion covers. We also create silk-focused gift options and colour-coordinated collections to suit different tastes and interior styles.

Silk’s thermoregulating properties create a comfortable sleep environment all year round.

Crafted from high-quality, long-fibre Mulberry silk and finished with care, our products are naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and gentle on skin and hair. We focus on preserving silk’s beneficial properties, helping maintain hydration, reducing friction during sleep, and supporting a comfortable rest through natural thermoregulation year-round.

Our silk bedding and accessories are available in a refined palette, from timeless Ivory and Oyster Grey to soft seasonal pastels and limited-edition prints, allowing you to personalise your sleep environment with ease. 

Recognised by experts and featured in leading style and lifestyle publications, our collection balances luxury with practicality through thoughtful design and attention to detail. Whether you prefer classic solids or expressive patterns, we position our silk products as a premium choice for those seeking beauty, comfort, and natural performance in their sleep textiles.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is sericin removed from most commercial silk products?

Yes, conventional silk processing typically removes most sericin through degumming to achieve the smooth, shiny texture commonly associated with silk. 

Specialty products like raw silk or items marketed for therapeutic benefits may retain higher sericin content. Cosmetic and medical industries also extract sericin from silk production waste for use in skincare and haircare formulations.

Can sericin help with eczema or psoriasis?

Research suggests sericin may support certain inflammatory skin conditions due to its moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-enhancing properties. 

Clinical studies indicate improvements in hydration and reduced irritation in individuals with mild skin sensitivities. Sericin-based products can complement conventional therapy, but consultation with a dermatologist is recommended for chronic conditions.

How can I tell if my silk pillowcase contains sericin?

Most commercial silk pillowcases lose nearly all sericin during processing. Look for products labelled minimally processed, raw silk, or sericin-enhanced. Sericin-rich silk often feels slightly more substantial and may appear less shiny.

To preserve sericin naturally, some brands focus on preserving sericin naturally. Mayfairsilk offers mulberry silk pillowcases and bedding designed to retain these proteins, supporting skin hydration, reducing hair friction, and enhancing comfort during sleep.

Does washing silk remove the sericin benefits?

Regular washing, especially with alkaline detergents, can gradually reduce residual sericin. To preserve it, use pH-neutral, enzyme-free detergents, cold water, and gentle hand washing. 

For sericin in skincare or haircare, benefits may be partially removed on washing, so follow recommended leave-in times or use leave-on formulations.

Are there any side effects to using sericin-rich products?

Sericin is generally well-tolerated, though a small number of individuals may experience redness, itching, or rash. Patch testing is recommended for those with known sensitivities. 

Overall, sericin is safe, with a long history in traditional and modern applications, offering benefits difficult to replicate with synthetic alternatives.

 

*Note: The prices and product listings mentioned above are approximate and may vary over time or by location. Actual costs can differ based on pricing policies, provider experience, and market conditions.