If your skin is crying for help but you’re too tired to care, the best red light therapy mask is the easiest fake-it-till-you-make-it hack around. You might have seen a wave of people on social media channeling their best Hannibal Lecter while wearing a red light therapy device, like our top pick, the CurrentBody LED Face Mask Series 2 ($470). They’re not sipping Chianti but instead claiming that the wrinkles and fine lines on their faces have disappeared with the help of red light therapy. There’s nothing wrong with aging (duh), but after seeing the hype of these skin care devices, we had to find out if the “anti-aging” technology behind them could make a big impact on your skin health.
You can’t get the same effect with just any red LED from the hardware store. If the wavelength isn’t strong enough, it won’t penetrate your skin—sorry to the one TikToker sitting in front of a chicken coop heat lamp. After talking to board-certified dermatologists and testing several at-home devices, we’ve rounded up the best red light therapy masks for every sensitive skin condition, budget, and lifestyle.
For more beauty and wellness recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Electric Toothbrushes, Best Hair Dryers, and Best Lip Balms.
Featured In This Guide
- Compare Top 5 LED Devices
- More LED Devices to Consider
- Avoid These
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do Red Light Masks Truly Work?
- What is the Most Effective LED Light Wavelength?
- What are the Different Types of LED Lights?
- How to Properly Use an At-Home LED Mask
- How Often Should You Use An LED Face Mask?
- How We Test LED Devices
- What Are We Testing Next?
Updated October 2025: We’ve reevaluated the Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro. We also added more information about our testing methodology and updated prices.
Best Red Light Mask Overall
| WIRED | TIRED |
|---|---|
| Three effective red-light wavelengths. Travel-friendly. Hands-free. Easy 10-minute routine. | No blue-light capability. Pricier than most of its competitors. |
The CurrentBody LED Face Mask Series 2 is a medical-grade, silicone mask. It also comes with a more secure strap—each side is shaped like a U, instead of using a single strap, making it much more secure. I can wear it and walk around if I like, without worrying about it slipping off, and the attached remote even has a little clip on it to hook it to your body.
This red light face mask only has one mode, but it does have three red light wavelengths, while most others only have two. The three levels are red (633 nanometers), near-infrared (830 nm), and what CurrentBody calls deep near-infrared (1,072 nm). CurrentBody says the deep near-infrared lights are designed to target areas that will have more signs of aging, though you can’t tell a difference in the lights just by looking at the lit-up mask.
It also has more LED bulbs in it than most other masks, with 236 LED bulbs in total. It’s a powerful mask, but I didn’t see much different results than I did from the cheaper LED Esthetics, once again seeing my acne clear up quickly with fewer scars left behind and a good glow to my skin. It was noticeably more comfortable and easier to wear around the house, so if you’re looking for a red-light-only mask you can multitask while wearing, the CurrentBody Series 2 is a great choice. —Nena Farrell
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Skin Concerns | Fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, sun damage |
| Wavelengths (nm) | Red (630), Near-Infrared (880), Deep Near-Infrared (1072) |
| # of LEDs | 236 (110 Red, 110 Near-Infrared, 16 Deep Near-Infrared) |
| Usage | 10 minutes, 3-5 times per week |
| FDA-Cleared | Yes |
| Return Policy | 60 days |
| Warranty Info | 2 years |
Best Value
| WIRED | TIRED |
|---|---|
| Tri-wick LEDs. Cryotherapy under-eye pads. Adjustable head straps. Quick sessions. | Comparatively noisy. Heavier and less flexible. |
The Shark CryoGlow is one of the best LED face masks on the market and is a great choice for newcomers, since it holds your hand through the process. There are two main programs to follow—Blemish Repair, which uses a combination of blue light (415 nm), infrared, and red LED (630-830 nm) for eight minutes, and Better Aging, which uses just infrared and red LED for six minutes. It’s recommended to follow one program daily for eight weeks, switching to the four-minute Skin Sustain program afterward to maintain the best results. It comes with a handy controller that counts down your time remaining and also tracks your progress, plus the mask has a party trick of cooling under-eye pads that can be used in combination with the LEDs or on their own, to soothe puffiness.
During my eight weeks, I noticed patches of perioral dermatitis clear up much quicker than they usually would, and my skin looked plumper and more glowy. Most interesting, though, was going to an aesthetician who scanned the layers of my skin beneath the epidermis before and after the program and found I had considerably less inflammation and pigmentation after eight weeks, plus improved fine lines to boot. —Verity Burns
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Skin Concerns | Fine lines, acne, uneven complexion, eczema, rosacea |
| Wavelengths (nm) | Blue (415), Red (630), Deep-Infrared (830) |
| # of LEDs | 160 tri-wick LEDs (480 light sources) |
| Usage | 4-15 minutes, 3-5 times per week |
| FDA-Cleared | Yes |
| Return Policy | 60 days |
| Warranty Info | 2 years |
Most User-Friendly
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| WIRED | TIRED |
|---|---|
| Red and blue treatment options. Wear length is only 3 minutes. Comfortable to wear. Long battery life. | Strap constantly comes undone. Hard-shell construction makes it harder to store/transport. |
Even though this cordless, hard-shell mask makes me feel like a rose-gold Optimus Prime, it’s incredibly comfortable to use. I like that the lights aren’t too bright around the eyeholes, so I can still walk around and see well enough to fold laundry or load the dishwasher, and the short, three-minute session (it automatically turns off when it’s done) makes it a cinch to fit into my routine on even the busiest of days. It also means the battery lasts ages—I used it close to every day for six weeks and did not need to charge it. Some online reviews mention an issue with charging, but I tested its ability to hold a charge, and it didn’t seem to have any issues. I also like that there are three settings—red light only (press the button once), blue light only (press twice), and red-and-blue light combo (press three times). On the downside, the lightweight silicone strap constantly comes undone. I thought at first I may have assembled it incorrectly, but former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano had the same issue during her test. The shape and height of the mask (about 5 inches) also make it hard to fit in a drawer or smaller travel bag, compared with a flat mask like the GloTech. And, like other red-light masks I’ve tried, I have yet to notice a significant change in wrinkles or skin texture. However, I specifically tested the red-and-blue combination light setting for two weeks and did feel like I experienced a noticeable reduction in various blemishes. —Kat Merck
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Skin Concerns | Acne, breakouts, fine lines and wrinkles, redness |
| Wavelengths (nm) | Red (630), Near-Infrared (880), Amber (605), Blue (415) |
| # of LEDs | 100 (Red), 60 (Blue) |
| Usage | 3 minutes, daily |
| FDA-Cleared | Yes |
| Return Policy | 30 days |
| Warranty Info | 1 year |
Best Vibration Therapy
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE--Boutayna-Chokrane.jpg)
| WIRED | TIRED |
|---|---|
| Includes red, blue, and near-infrared LEDs. Paired with vibration motors for added relaxation. Cordless and hands-free. | Vibrations can be noisy. Hard-shell fit. May leave temporary indentations on the forehead if worn too tightly. |
The TheraFace Mask has become my favorite excuse to sit still for 10 minutes (fine, nine minutes). Most LED masks stop at light therapy, but this one ups the ante with built-in vibrations that massage pressure points around your brows, temples, and scalp. It’s so soothing that I almost don’t care whether it’s transforming how my skin looks (though I’d like to believe it is).
You can opt for a three-minute targeted treatment or a nine-minute session that cycles through all three wavelengths. Therabody claims 93 percent of users saw visible improvements after eight weeks. After 12 weeks of daily-ish use (give or take 10 days due to travel), my skin tone does look slightly brighter. The blue light didn’t do much for my hormonal breakouts, since it only treats existing blemishes, not prevents them. But more than anything, this gadget has encouraged me to be more consistent with my self-care routine.
It’s lightweight and cordless, and it has removable eye goggles (a feature that should be mandatory). There’s no mouth hole, so snackers and yappers, be warned—or project your voice. At $599, it’s a splurge, but if you want an LED mask that doubles as a massager, this is the one.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Skin Concerns | Fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, acne |
| Wavelengths (nm) | Red (633), Blue (415), Infrared (830) |
| # of LEDs | 648 |
| Usage | 3-9 minutes, 3-5 times per week |
| FDA-Cleared | Yes |
| Return Policy | 30 days |
| Warranty Info | 1 year |
Best Spot Treatment
-Illuminated-Reviewer-Photo-Nena-Farrell.jpg)
| WIRED | TIRED |
|---|---|
| Handheld. Travel-friendly. Includes vibration and gentle heat therapy. | Limited power and coverage. No blue-light capability. |
The Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand is a bestseller on TikTok. It has a single 630-nm red light wavelength, and former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano found it quite relaxing to use. With vibration and warmth therapy thrown in with the light, it feels like a full spa experience. Two other WIRED testers have had positive results with skin tightening. One mentioned that the skin around her eye area looked firmer in just a few weeks of use. It also has a longer return window than some of our other picks, so you can always try this and have time to see if it works.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Skin Concerns | Fine lines, dark spots, inflammation |
| Wavelengths (nm) | Red (630) |
| # of LEDs | 14 |
| Usage | 3 minutes per area, 12 minutes per day, 3-5 times per week |
| FDA-Cleared | Yes |
| Return Policy | 60 days |
| Warranty Info | 1 year |
Compare Top 5 LED Devices
| Product | Features | Wavelengths (nm) | LED Bulbs | Skin Care Concerns | FDA-Cleared | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CurrentBody LED Face Mask Series 2 | Three effective red-light wavelengths | Red (630), Near-Infrared (880), Deep Near-Infrared (1072) | 236 | Fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, sun damage | Yes | $470 |
| Shark CryoGlow | Cryotherapy under-eye pads | Blue (415), Red (630), Deep-Infrared (830) | 160 | Fine lines, acne, uneven complexion, eczema | Yes | $350 |
| Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro | Cordless; addition of amber light | Red (630), Near-Infrared (880), Amber (605), Blue (415) | 160 | Acne, breakouts, fine lines and wrinkles, redness | Yes | $455 |
| Therabody TheraFace Mask | Paired with vibration therapy for added relaxation | Red (633), Blue (415), Infrared (830) | 648 | Fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, acne | Yes | $650 |
| Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand | Handheld; delivers vibration and gentle heat therapy | Red (630) | 14 | Fine lines, dark spots, inflammation | Yes | $169 |
More LED Devices to Consider
HigherDose Red Light Therapy Face Mask for $345: This soft mask has a three-layer strap, with two side straps and one across the top of the head that all connect with large Velcro panels on the back of my head. It’s super comfortable, since you aren’t getting squeezed from the bands; it almost hangs around your head thanks to that top strap. It has both a 10-minute and 20-minute red light option. Overall, I saw fine results from this mask with glowy skin and better acne recovery. There are complaints online that the wiring isn’t strong and can break easily within the first year, but HigherDose says that falls under the one-year warranty. —Nena Farrell
LED Esthetics Glotech Mask Pro for $399: The LED Esthetics Glotech Mask Pro includes both red light therapy and blue light therapy that can help treat acne and better control your oil production. While I didn’t see much change in my 32-year-old facial lines after about six weeks of consistent use, I saw a healthier glow in my skin and have consistently gotten more compliments since using the Glotech mask on a near-daily basis. I also found that scabs and acne cleared up faster and didn’t leave scars like they usually did, even without using the blue-light mode. After three months of routine testing, editor Kat Merck noticed a very subtle reduction of fine lines, but she says it’s so subtle she questions it in certain lights. “On the plus side, my skin isn’t worse,” she says, “so I feel like it does prevent further damage and wrinkles.”
It’s a soft, flexible mask that you strap to your head with a single Velcro strap. I have a pretty big head and found I had plenty of slack to secure it. But the mask is heavy, and with the single strap, I found I couldn’t move around without causing it to slip. It’s best to wear while sitting or lying down; I use it while watching TV or reading a book after washing my face. —Nena Farrell
Omnilux Contour Face Mask for $395: This mask is a similar style to the LED Esthetics face mask and almost the same price. Both masks have 132 LEDs and reach similar red light levels—the Omnilux reaches 633 nm of red light to LED Esthetics’ 630 nm, and both promise 830 nm of near-infrared light—but the Omnilux doesn’t have a blue-light acne option. If that isn’t a worry for you, this is another red light face mask to consider that’s also FDA-cleared with a 30-day return policy.
JOVS 4D Laser Light Mask for $729: This mask allows you to adjust the infrared level, with three levels you can choose between (plus different time lengths). The highest level promises 1064nm long-wave light, but I didn’t see a difference between using that level and using lower levels. That highest level did make me hot and sweaty, so it was certainly more powerful, but I didn’t see better results that would make me recommend investing in this mask over more affordable options. —Nena Farrell
Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask for $349: This soft LED mask packs 630-nm and 830-nm light to support collagen production and treat signs of aging. I didn’t see any major changes in my fine lines, and while this mask looks cute while you wear it, I found you had to keep it really tight on your head to keep it from slipping, and it often left pressure marks on my face. It’s popular thanks to its affordable price, but I’d rather splurge on our more comfortable top pick from CurrentBody, or spend the same amount to get the Shark mask with cooling features. —Nena Farrell
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Solawave Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask for $279: While this mask is fairly comfortable, it can take a little finagling to secure it around your neck. It is easy to use, but I didn’t see results on any of my necklines. Most LED masks haven’t done much for my lines, but while face masks help with my acne and scars, my neck doesn’t benefit from that as much as my face does. The rechargeable battery also doesn’t last long, and I charge this neck mask more often than the face masks I use. It’s also harder to tell when it dies on you since it’s around your neck rather than on your face. —Nena Farrell
Avoid These
Pro by Déesse Pro for $1700: This is a hard-shell LED mask with six treatment modes (Anti-Aging, Purifying, Brightening, Post Procedure, Calming, and Anti-Aging Express) and four light wavelengths designed to target a range of skin concerns. Still, the mask is a commitment. The lights are intensely bright, even with the included tanning-bed-style goggles. I had to keep my eyes shut. It requires a power outlet, and the cord is short, so don’t expect to walk around. It’s not particularly comfortable, either. At $1,700, it’s one of the priciest options out there, and it doesn’t even come with a display stand or storage case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Red Light Masks Truly Work?
Yes, the right types of light can have a positive effect on the skin. WIRED editor Verity Burns tested Shark CryoGlow’s red light therapy with the help of a clinician who scanned the surface of her face using Observ 520x’s analysis machine before and after her eight weeks of testing. The before-and-after scans showed that her skin—particularly on her cheeks—was smoother, plumper, and brighter, and showed improvement in inflammation on her forehead, chin, and under her eyes.
Unfortunately, not everyone will see results from red- or blue-light therapy, and this might contribute to the suspicion around these skin care devices and whether they work. (Make sure to also correctly implement it into your routine.) You won’t know until you try, though you should talk to your dermatologist to see what they recommend based on your skin type. Waldman says there’s no reason to believe red light could be harmful if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, but as there isn’t much research involving pregnant women, you should consult your physician first.
We also recommend making sure the device you’re considering is FDA-cleared. FDA clearance means the FDA has cleared the device for marketing and that it’s safe to use. There’s a 510(k) or Premarket Notification process they go through to get it. You can check the database to see what’s FDA-cleared. It’s not the same as FDA-approved, which is a higher standard that takes more testing and research. We haven’t seen FDA approval for LED masks yet, but we have seen clearance.
Topical retinoids, like over-the-counter retinol and prescription tretinoin, can also treat wrinkles and texture by slowing the breakdown of collagen and increasing skin cell turnover. Both retinol and LEDs typically take several months to show results, but retinoids come with more side effects, such as increased breakouts and sometimes flaky, burning skin.
What Is the Most Effective LED Light Wavelength?
These are the typical wavelengths, measured in nanometers, to look for:
- Red light therapy commonly uses wavelengths in the 630- to 660-nm range, with the lowest effective wavelength around 600 nm.
- Near-infrared red lights are commonly 800 to 1,400 nm. These penetrate deeper into the skin and are used mostly for healing and reducing inflammation.
- Blue light is typically 405 to 420 nm to kill acne-causing bacteria.
What Are the Different Types of LED Lights?
Research shows that certain light can have benefits for skin rejuvenation. Medical-grade red light LEDs penetrate the dermis and can boost collagen production, according to Abigail Waldman, clinical director of the Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. (Collagen and elastin are proteins produced by fibroblast cells in the middle layer, under your epidermis.)
Research funded by NASA has revealed that red light can also speed up the wound healing process in some injuries. “High-intensity red and near-infrared LEDs significantly accelerated the healing of oxygen-deprived wounds in rats and also sped the growth and proliferation of skin, bone, and muscle cell cultures from mice and rats,” it was reported. NASA supplied LED devices to the US Navy to treat training injuries. Those who used the LEDs had a 40 percent improvement in musculoskeletal injuries and 50 percent faster healing for lacerations over the control group.
Blue light, on the other hand, penetrates the epidermis, the top layer of skin, killing acne-causing bacteria. “It also reportedly helps to regulate oil production and reduce inflammation, leading to clearer skin,” says Shoshana Marmon, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College.
There are other lesser-known LED lights, such as green, yellow, and purple; red and blue LEDs are backed up by clinical studies.
How to Properly Use an At-Home LED Mask?
Follow the directions for the specific device you’re using, but in general, you’ll want to wash and dry your face and use the mask before applying any skin care products. LED therapy devices should have a set session time, usually between three and 10 minutes. Use it for the full time unless it feels uncomfortable. After, apply your skin care products as normal, focusing on hydration (serums and moisturizers), especially if you’re prone to dryness. Do not use these masks longer than indicated in their directions.
While you can use red light therapy and retinoids in your skin care routine, Waldman doesn’t recommend using them simultaneously, as it can increase the chance of irritation.
How Often Should You Use an LED Face Mask?
LED light therapy doesn’t work for everyone, but consistency is crucial if you want to try it. Follow manufacturer guidelines for best use, but most dermatologists recommend using an LED face mask three to five times per week for up to 12 weeks to see results.
How We Test LED Devices
So far, we’ve tested 12 devices, each for a period of six to 12 weeks. Once we log our findings, we pass each device along to three additional testers with different skin types and signs of aging to see how results vary.
We monitored changes in skin texture and tone, but effectiveness is only one of the factors we consider. We also judged ease of setup, fit, and comfort. We noted the number of LEDs and whether the brightness felt tolerable or irritating. For cordless devices, we tracked how long they lasted on a single charge; for wired models, we judged how practical it was.
We also prioritized safety, checking for FDA clearance, automatic shut-off features, and overall durability of the design. To make sure we weren’t just spending money willy-nilly, we consulted dermatologists and experts about which wavelengths of light have clinical backing, and what features to look for when shopping for a device.
What Are We Testing Next?
We’re testing the TheraFace Mask Glo for $380, Flikeze PhotonMask Quint for $300, and the Omnilux Clear for $395. We’re also reevaluating the CurrentBody Series 2.
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