The Best Red-Light Therapy Masks for Better Skin

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 Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask ($350). 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. While there's nothing wrong with aging, the hype around these skin care devices made me want to investigate whether the technology behind them can actually improve 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, I've rounded up the best red-light therapy masks for every sensitive skin condition, budget, and lifestyle.

Updated June 2026: I refined our picks and added the Laduora Lumeo SkinLift 4D Current Red Light Therapy Kit to Honorable Mentions. Product information, specs, prices, and links were updated.

Best Overall

WIRED

Integrated cryotherapy under-eye pads help depuff during sessions

Adjustable straps and tethered controller allow for hands-free sessions

Remote tracks treatment time and sessions, making it easy to stay consistent

TIRED

Noticeably noisier than most LED masks

Bulkier, hard-shell design limits flexibility and makes it less travel-friendly

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-week trial, I noticed my perioral dermatitis cleared up much faster than usual, and my skin looked plumper and more radiant. An aesthetician even scanned the layers of my skin beneath the epidermis before and after the program, revealing significantly less inflammation and pigmentation, as well as improved fine lines. —Verity Burns

Specs Number of LEDs 160 tri-wick LEDS (480 light sources) Wavelengths (nm) Blue (415), Red (630), Near-Infrared (830) Irradiance 73 mW/cm² for red light Usage 4 to 15 minutes, 3 to 5 times per week Return Policy 60 days Warranty Info 2 years

Best Silicone

WIRED

Offers three red light wavelengths

Flexible silicone design contours to the face for even coverage

Hands-free setup with a multiway strap and clip-on controller

TIRED

Lacks blue light for acne-focused treatments

Lower irradiance than some competitors, though still optimal for collagen support

Pricier than its multi-light competitors

While the CurrentBody LED Face Mask Series 2 only offers red light, it features three wavelengths: red (633 nanometers), near-infrared (830 nanometers), and the standout deep near-infrared (1072 nanometers). CurrentBody says the deepest wavelength is designed to reach areas more prone to visible aging. On paper, it's a more comprehensive spectrum than what most competitors offer, which is typically a combination of only red and near-infrared.

It's made from flexible silicone and designed with a multiway strap plus a chin band that keeps it locked in place. I can stand up and even do a few chores without worrying about it sliding off my face. The attached remote has a little clip, too, so you don't have to carry it around while you multitask. It's also densely packed with 236 LEDs, which explains why it feels so bright. (If you plan to walk around, the removable eye inserts are a nonnegotiable.) After consistent use, I noticed subtle improvements in inflammation and overall skin texture, especially when my skin was stressed or irritated. Most importantly, its comfortable design makes it much easier to stick to a consistent routine.

Specs Number of LEDs 236 (110 Red, 110 Near-Infrared, 16 Deep Near-Infrared) Wavelengths (nm) Red (630), Near-Infrared (880), Deep Near-Infrared (1072) Irradiance 30 mW/cm² Treatment Time 10 minutes, 3 to 5 times per week Return Policy 60 days Warranty Info 2 years

Best for Quick Sessions

WIRED

Fast 3-minute sessions thanks to high irradiance output

Lightweight, comfortable fit

Longest battery life among masks we've tested

TIRED

Some online reviewers report inconsistent charging performance

Hard-shell design makes the mask hard to store and travel with

Silicone strap tends to loosen mid-treatment

Even though this cordless, hard-shell mask makes me feel like a rose-gold Optimus Prime, it’s incredibly comfortable. The lights are dim enough around the eyes to let you see and move around easily, and the quick, three-minute automatic sessions fit effortlessly into a busy schedule. Additionally, the battery life is excellent—I used it almost daily for six weeks without needing to recharge, and I experienced no charging issues despite some online reports.

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 flexible silicone mask. 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 Number of LEDs 100 (Red), 60 (Blue) Wavelengths (nm) Blue (415), Amber (605), Red (630), Near-Infrared (880) Irradiance 60 mW/cm² Usage 3 minutes, daily Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year

Best Handheld

WIRED

Offers four wavelengths, from amber to near-infrared

Handheld design allows for targeted treatment on the face and body

One-button operation makes the device easy to use

TIRED

Requires hands-on use, and the wand can drag across skin due to direct contact

Corded design requires you to remain 6 feet of an outlet

Treatments can get time-consuming, especially for multiple and larger areas

Solawave makes what’s arguably the most recognizable handheld device, but it’s tiny, with a slim head that’s only a couple of inches across. The competing LightStim comes with a 3-inch surface comprising 72 LEDs for broader coverage and resembles a hand-held shower head.

One downside to the LightStim is that it is not cordless. While this means you never have to worry about charging it, it also means you are tethered to a 6-foot cord. After several days of grimly standing in front of the bathroom mirror next to an outlet, I gave up and connected the device to an extension cord, so I could sit on the couch and use the LightStim while watching TV.

It was here that I came to appreciate its full potential. The treatment time for each area is only three minutes, at which time the device will beep to let you know it’s time to move it to the next area. I found it took about 20 minutes for me to hit all areas of my face, which is twice as long as it would’ve taken with a mask, but after this period of time, it also gets quite warm. This made it feel therapeutic for areas of my neck, chest, and head, and even for sore muscles. I even once used it on one of my cats who came to sit on the couch, to positive effect. Despite its lightweight and simple design, the LightStim features four LED wavelengths, ranging from 605 nm amber to 855 nm infrared. A less expensive acne version is also available, though it only has 35 LEDs. —Kat Merck

Specs Number of LEDs 72 Wavelengths (nm) Amber (605), Light Red (630), Dark Red (660), Infrared (865) Irradiance 65 mW/cm² Usage 3 minutes per area, 3 to 5 times per week Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 5 years

Best Spot Treatment

WIRED

Ideal for targeting dark spots and small, hard-to-reach areas

Handheld design is easy to maneuver

Includes gentle heat and vibrations for a spa-like treatment

TIRED

Not powerful or practical enough for full-face coverage

No blue light for acne concerns

The Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand is a bestseller on TikTok. It has a single 630-nanometer 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 also 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 Number of LEDs 14 Wavelengths (nm) Red (630) Irradiance 49.5 - 60.5 mW/cm2 Usage 3 minutes per area, 12 minutes per day, 3 to 5 times per week Return Policy 60 days Warranty Info 1 year

How I Test LED Devices

So far, I've tested 18 devices, each for a period of six to 12 weeks. Once I log my findings, I pass each device along to one of three additional testers, each with different skin types and signs of aging, to see how results vary.

I monitor changes in skin texture and tone, but effectiveness is only one of the factors I consider. I also judged ease of setup, fit, and comfort. I note product specifications, like the number of LEDs and whether the brightness feels tolerable or irritating. For cordless devices, I track how long they last on a single charge; for wired models, I evaluate how practical they are.

I also prioritize safety, checking for FDA clearance, automatic shut-off features, and overall durability of the design. To make sure you aren't just spending money willy-nilly, I also made sure to consult dermatologists and experts about which wavelengths of light and irradiance outputs have clinical backing, and what features to look for when shopping for a device.

Compare Top 5 LED Devices

Product Number of LEDs Wavelengths (nm) Irradiance FDA-Cleared HSA/FSA Eligible Price Shark CryoGlow Mask 160 tri-wick LEDS (480 light sources) Blue (415), Red (630), Near-Infrared (830) 73 mW/cm² for red light Yes Yes $350 CurrentBody LED Face Mask Series 2 236 Red (630), Near-Infrared (880), Deep Near-Infrared (1072) 30 mW/cm² Yes Yes $470 Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro 160 Red (630), Near-Infrared (880), Amber (605), Blue (415) 60 mW/cm² Yes Yes $364 LightStim for Wrinkles 72 Amber (605), Light Red (630), Dark Red (660), Infrared (865) 65 mW/cm² Yes Yes $249 Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand 14 Red (630) 49.5 - 60.5 mW/cm2 Yes Yes $169

Honorable Mentions

HigherDose Red Light Therapy Face Mask for $349: This soft mask has a three-layer strap, with which makes it 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 treatment. 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

Laduora Lumeo SkinLift 4D Current Red Light Therapy Kit for $215: The Lumeo combines red- and infrared-light therapy, microcurrent stimulation, serum infusion through low-intensity electroporation, and therapeutic massage into one device. I used it almost daily for over two months, gradually moving up intensity levels. When I was on the highest levels, red inflammation dots began appearing on my cheeks, so I scaled back to the lowest three settings, and I didn’t have any problems. I’m 32, have generally good skin without breakouts or acne, and I get the occasional botox, so I didn’t see super dramatic results with the lower settings. Although there wasn’t a noticeable decrease in wrinkles, my skin looked smoother and more radiant. At this low price, this facial wand is worth checking out if you’ve been curious about red-light and/or microcurrent treatments. —Molly Higgins

Omnilux Contour Face Mask for $395: This flexible silicone 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.

iRestore Illumina Mask for $399: The Illumina has 360 medical-grade LED lights and three modes. Mode 1 combines red and infrared (635nm and 830nm, respectively), while Mode 2 combines red, infrared, and blue light. Mode 3 is a dedicated blue light setting (415nm) meant to kill off bacteria that can lead to acne—or, in my case, painful eczema. I found that Modes 2 and 3 did, in fact, minimize my pores, give me glowier skin, and kept my eczema from making an appearance. Results will vary, but I saw results in about a week. —Julia Forbes

LED Esthetics Glotech Mask Pro for $319: 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. After about six weeks of consistent use, WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell didn't see much change in her facial lines, but she noticed a brighter complexion and has gotten more compliments on my skin. She also found that scabs and acne cleared up faster and didn't leave scars. 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.”

TheraFace Mask Glo for $300: I loved the original TheraFace Mask ($650), but with this new version, it’s hard to justify purchasing the original, which is almost double the price.