8 Best LED Face Masks, Reviewed by Dermatologists & Tested by Us
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Finding one of the best LED face masks for home use is quite the investment. This is why Glamour editors evaluated more than a dozen of the most popular LED face masks this year alone to find out which ones really live up to the hype. We tapped dermatologists to understand what features are must-haves for efficacy, plus asked a team of testers to evaluate FDA-approved and dermatologist-recommended red-light therapy masks based on how comfortable they were to wear, and how well they actually worked to improve their skin (while the results are subtle, you can peep the before and after pictures below).
Our top overall pick, the Qure Q-Rejuvalight Pro Facewear Light Therapy Mask, is competitively priced, takes only three minutes (seven minutes less than the average treatment time!), and produced brighter skin within two months of consistent use, per our testers. We also like the ever popular Omnilux LED face mask, as well as Shark’s first-ever LED mask, which just launched this month, for its innovative undereye cooling (but we’ll report back after we’ve had longer to review it).
Without further ado, after over a year of testing, we’re confident these are the best LED face masks on the market.
The best LED face masks, at a glance
- Best Overall: Qure Q-Rejuvalight Pro Facewear Light Therapy Mask, $360
- Most Affordable: Skin Gym, $99
- Best for Dull Winter Skin: Red Light Therapy Face Mask, $349
- Best for Acne: Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, $455
- Best for Antiaging: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask, $380
How we chose the best LED face masks
What we looked for
FDA clearance: All of the LED face masks on our list are FDA-cleared. The Mayo Clinic, as well as the dermatologists we spoke to, stressed the importance of this for both safety and efficacy.
Design: Some LED face masks are molded and structured, while others are made of flexible silicone. While the more structured masks may sit closer to your skin, the flexible masks tend to be lighter and more comfortable to wear. We also like masks that are entirely wireless, since bulky battery packs or controllers can negatively impact comfort, though some have clips to help counteract this problem.
Light modes: Most LED face masks operate with red light or a combination of red and infrared, but some have additional lights such as blue or amber to treat other skin concerns. These are the most common LED light therapy colors and their benefits (light colors are expressed in nanometers):
- Red-light therapy (620–750 nm): Penetrates deeply into the skin; has anti-inflammatory, antiaging, and collagen-stimulating effects; can help to minimize fine lines and wrinkles
- Blue-light therapy (405–420 nm): Does not penetrate as deeply and has antimicrobial properties to target acne-causing bacteria, making it an effective form of acne treatment
- Infrared, near-infrared, and amber light therapy (760–1400 nm): Can help reduce redness and even out skin tone from dark spots or hyperpigmentation from sun damage
How we tested
We started by scanning the market for the most popular and well-reviewed LED face masks, plus asked dermatologists for the ones they recommend to their own patients and even use on themselves. Then we asked both men and women over the age of 30 with various skin concerns to put more than 12 FDA-cleared devices to the test.
Our testers evaluated each mask design and features, plus considered attributes like comfort, treatment time, and ease of use. And since LED face masks don’t work overnight, we asked each tester to continue using their mask, checking in with them over the course of the year to get a more solid idea of just how effective each unit is.
To keep our finger on the pulse, we are consistently trying any updated or new models—like the latest from CurrentBody and Shark. We will continue to update this article to include more concrete notes on efficacy and durability as testing progresses.
1. Best LED Face Mask Overall: Qure Light Therapy Mask
- Light modes: Infrared, deep red, red, amber, blue
- What it treats: Acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, tone and texture
- Treatment time: 3 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
This viral face mask first caught our attention back in April for its quick three-minute treatment time, plus the fact that you can conveniently control it with your smartphone to completely customize your treatment and target specific skin concerns. We were also drawn to its structured yet lightweight design, which sits right up against the face.
I’ve been using this face mask for almost 10 months now. I love that it’s entirely wireless (no controller hanging down) and light enough to multitask—a must for me as a busy professional and mom of four small children. I do also appreciate the built-in eye protection, since it makes it easier to see while you’re wearing the mask. Since incorporating this mask into my routine, my skin looks glowier than ever—especially for someone approaching 40 years old.
- What makes it stand out: You can create a customized treatment based on a wide range of skin care concerns (acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, and tone and texture).
- What could be better: The eye protection is a little confusing to install.
2. Best Value: Skin Gym Wrinklit LED Mask
- Light modes: Red, blue, amber
- What it treats: Acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, tone and texture
- Treatment time: 15 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
You generally have to spend hundreds of dollars for an LED face mask, but this one from Skin Gym retails for less than $100 while still delivering the red and blue wavelengths dermatologists say you need to see results.
The lightweight plastic mask sits on two arms that slip over your ears—much like sunglasses—so it doesn’t sit quite as close to the face as other options. But I like how easy it is to operate. Simply press the power button. Unfortunately, there’s no built-in timer, so you’ll have to set your own and then manually shut off the mask after the recommended 15 minutes.
- What makes it stand out: This lightweight face mask is a fraction of the price of other devices but still meets minimum thresholds for red and blue light recommended by dermatologists.
- What could be better: There’s no automatic shut-off, so you need to use your own timer.
3. Best Flexible Mask: Omnilux Contour Face
- Light modes: Red, near-infrared
- What it treats: Fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars
- Treatment time: 10 minutes
- Wireless: Yes (with controller)
“This mask has been shown to reduce visible signs of aging and redness,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC. It’s also a flexible mask that comfortably molds to many different face shapes. (If you’re looking for a men’s LED face mask, the brand even carries a flexible silicone Omnilux Men device.)
For those who prefer a silicone face mask, I found this one easy to operate via the remote that hangs down from one side. Simply toggle it on and wait for the 10-minute treatment time to be up. It does lack the versatility you get in other masks, since it only operates on red and infrared wavelengths, but if you want a competitively priced LED device that’s comfortable enough to wear while relaxing or multitasking, this is it. After three months of consistent use, I noticed my dry skin looked more alive, and I had fewer fine lines in between Botox appointments.
- What makes it stand out: Operation is intuitive, and it’s comfortable and lightweight enough to wear while multitasking.
- What could be better: It only has red and near-infrared light.
4. Best for Dull Winter Skin: HigherDose Red-Light-Therapy Face Mask
- Light modes: Red, near-infrared
- What it treats: Fine lines, wrinkles, inflammation, acne
- Treatment time: 10 or 20 minutes
- Wireless: Yes (with controller)
We were particularly drawn to this mask for its design—it’s extremely flexible, so it expertly contours to the face bends. It also has three straps—two on the side and one on top—so you can get a snug fit no matter your face shape. It also comes with extra plugs for international getaways, making it a travel-friendly option too.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle has been used this mask consistently for six months. (Read her in-depth HigherDose review here.) “During the time I used it about two to three times a week (the recommended amount is three times),” she says. “After only a few weeks of using the HigherDose mask, I noticed that my skin felt a lot smoother and softer, but the biggest result was that the hormonal acne around my chin and jawline during my period significantly improved.”
- What makes it stand out: This flexible silicone mask is the most comfortable of any we tried.
- What could be better: Some users say the battery life isn't great, especially after prolonged use.
5. Best LED Face Mask for Acne: Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
- Light modes: Blue, amber, red, deep red, and infrared
- What it treats: Acne, antiaging, inflammation
- Treatment time: 3 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
This device puts a big emphasis on blue light and targeting acne while working to address antiaging concerns at the same time. “It works better for inflammatory blemishes, but it can help heal and restore all acne-prone skin,” says Jessica Weiser, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Weiser Skin MD, who uses this therapy in her NYC office.
We also like that it’s entirely wireless so there’s nothing hanging down from your face. You simply press the button on the top of the mask to toggle among the three different light settings: red, blue, or a combination. Glamour contributor Sarah Wu reviewed Dr. Dennis Gross Led Face Mask and reported, “It’s a derm visit, spa day, and photo op in one.” Another tester noted significant improvements in her skin while using the mask three times per week. “There was a clear reduction in my acne, and after two months I noticed I was able to scrunch the fine lines on my forehead less—similar to the effect of Botox,” she said.
- What makes it stand out: It’s great for younger users who experience hormonal acne.
- What could be better: It’s one of the heavier masks we tried.
6. Most Versatile LED Face Mask: Therabody TheraFace Mask
- Light modes: Red, blue, infrared (830)
- What it treats: Fine lines and wrinkles, acne, tone and texture, firmness, tension
- Treatment time: 3–9 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
If you think of your time with your LED mask as a moment of self-care, this is one of the most relaxing. In addition to a trio of red, blue, and infrared light therapy, it also has 17 motors, located on the head straps, that gently vibrate at pressure points along the eyes, brow line, and scalp.
“Each full treatment cycle lasts nine minutes, divided into three-minute segments for each light mode, but I like that you can also opt for a quick three-minute session if you’re running low on time or just want to spot-treat,” says a Glamour reviewer who tested this model for three months. “It's a game changer,” says TV host Andrew Freund, who has used it every morning for over a year. “I’ve noticed my skin tone is much more even, my crows feet have diminished, and my skin feels much tighter all around. This thing is the fountain of youth!” He likes that it’s easy to travel with too.
- What makes it stand out: This mask offers a true moment of relaxation while you reap acne-fighting and antiaging benefits.
- What could be better: This mask is loud when the massage mode is on.
7. Best LED Face Mask for Antiaging: CurrentBody Skin LED Light-Therapy Mask
- Light modes: Red, near-infrared, new deep near-infrared
- What it treats: Elasticity, fine lines, redness
- Treatment time: 10 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
We’ve extensively reviewed CurrentBody LED Face Mask, which was a winner in Glamour’s 2023 Beauty & Wellness Awards, a Kardashian favorite, and earned a strong recommendation by Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC. And this September the brand launched a new and improved Series 2, an upgraded mask with 236 LED bulbs (compared with the original 132) in red, near-infrared, and new-to-the-mix deep near-infrared. It also has a whole new shape that offers a better, snugger fit on the face, particularly around the tricky lip and nose areas.
“I was impressed by the long-term results,” says Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco, who has tested multiple red-light therapy devices. “After just a month of using this mask, I noticed my skin looked smoother and more radiant.” She also found it to be the most comfortable she’s tried. “It was simple to adjust to get the right fit, and the mask stayed put while I was walking around,” she says.
- What makes it stand out: This dermatologist and celebrity favorite is one of the more well-fitting masks we’ve tried.
- What could be better: The battery pack is a bit heavy.
8. Best With LED Neck Mask: Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask
- Light modes: Red, blue, near-infrared
- What it treats: Antiaging, acne, hyperpigmentation
- Treatment time: 10 minutes
- Wireless: Yes (with controller)
In addition to being packed with 238 red, blue, and near-infrared light to address signs of aging and acne, this LED mask comes with a neck piece to help address skin sagging and fine lines.
“Over the past few years, I’ve definitely started dealing with ‘tech neck’ and have noticed some lines developing,” says our Glamour reviewer. “After each use my skin and neck feels tighter, not in the uncomfortable way, but more so in a snatched way that I love (it’s almost like that pulled-back-ponytail effect).” Adds Schwartz, “I couldn’t adjust the straps tight enough for my smaller head, so unlike other masks I’ve tested, I had to sit still with this one to have it properly placed. However, my husband, who has a bigger head, loved it and saw brightening benefits after a few uses. He also found the neck piece comfortable.”
- What makes it stand out: For the often-overlooked neck area, this mask comes with a dedicated attachment.
- What could be better: This mask is one of the harder ones to see out of.
Other LED face masks we tested
Sun Home Saunas Radiant Face Mask
This LED mask has an impressive amount of wavelengths—red, deep red, amber, near-infrared, and blue—that go deep on acne, prevent breakouts, and increase collagen production, but we didn’t find it as comfortable as other flexible masks. The eye holes are on the smaller side and the light reflects into your eyes, making it hard to do anything but sit there with your eyes closed. For a comparable price, there are superior options.
Silk’n LED Face Mask 100
Most dermatologists say you won’t see results from LED face masks for four to six weeks, but Silk’n says its data shows measurable results in just two to three weeks. We also like that, though it’s one of the more affordable masks we tested, this mask has 460-nm blue light rather than the more standard 415 nm—great for those with acne. Our tester, Will Cownie, who has acne-prone skin, saw noticeable improvement in the texture of his skin. “When I started using the mask, I was noticing some bumpy texture on my forehead. After a month of use, the bumps are gone,” he told Glamour. Unfortunately, though, this LED mask is very frequently out of stock.
Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling + LED Anti-Aging & Skin Clearing Face Mask
Shark is known to be one of the more innovative brands in the beauty space (just look at its viral SmoothStyle or FlexStyle), and now it has entered the LED mask space with this brand-new launch. Despite its structured design, the brand’s mask is made to be more comfortable than most, thanks to features like forehead padding, silicone eye shields, and adjustable straps.
The standout feature, though, is the undereye treatment that instantly cools the area. “It helped revive my puffy eyes in just five minutes one morning after not getting enough sleep,” says Glamour’s Calle, who has been using the device for about 10 days. “In terms of the LED treatment, I used red, blue, and purple light. It was nice to have the blue LED light as an option during my monthly hormonal breakouts—I felt like I didn’t break out as much as I normally do.” Just keep in mind that the battery doesn’t last long. You’ll probably have to charge it once a week. However, we'll share more info once our testers have reviewed it for the recommended three months.
All your LED face mask questions, answered
Do LED face masks really work?
The glowing robot you put on your face isn’t going to rewind the clock or solve all of your skin care woes, but a high-quality LED face mask is a worthy addition to a thorough skin care routine, derms tell Glamour. “Numerous studies demonstrate that LED light therapy can aid in skin healing, improve chronic conditions like acne and rosacea, and enhance overall skin health,” says Viktoryia Kazlosukaya, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “That said, the results are often modest and gradual. It’s essential to set realistic expectations—LED masks are not a substitute for professional skin care, cosmetic procedures performed by board-certified dermatologists, or prescription medications. They are best viewed as a supplementary tool in a broader skin care routine.”
How exactly do these masks work? “LED (light-emitting diode) devices emit different light wavelengths that penetrate deep into the skin’s layers to activate a repair process that can help improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity, as well as reduce skin conditions like dark spots, acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation (including acne scars), redness, appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and, psoriasis,” explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
What is the most effective LED face mask?
For best results, you want to look for wavelengths of red between 620 and 750 nm, blue between 405 and 420 nm, and infrared between 760 and 1,400 nm, says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. Consistent use (approximately three to five times per week) at this level should produce results within about two months, she says.
Who should not use LED light therapy?
A big pro of LED treatments is that FDA-approved devices, in particular, are safe and suitable for all skin types and tones, and it’s rare to experience any side effects, says Dr. Weiser. “Additionally, LED and light therapy is thought to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding—a time when acne treatments are extremely limited,” she says.
Are LED face masks safe for your eyes?
If you’ve ever walked away from a mask session with blurry eyes, you may worry about this. But rest assured: “The use of at-home LED face masks is generally safe for the eyes,” says Michael Brusco, MD, FADCS, medical director and surgeon at Brusco Vision. “Most lights aren’t likely to damage the eyes, unless we are talking about ultraviolet light (UV) or staring at intense bright light (think of looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse).”
If your mask feels really bright or is creating a glare, it’s generally more annoying than harmful, says Dr. Brusco, who suggests using eye drops to lubricate the eyes, since bright light can cause dry eyes. For those who have sensitive eyes, we also recommend narrowing in on a mask that offers eye protection, like our top pick.
Treatment times
Treatment times vary by mask—10-minute sessions are most common, however they can be as quick as 3 minutes and as long as 20 minutes. For the most beauty benefits, use your LED mask consistently according to the brand’s instructions on clean, bare skin. After your session, you can immediately follow with other skin care products, like serums and moisturizers.
Meet the experts:
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC
- Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Jessica Weiser, MD, a dermatologist at Weiser Skin MD in NYC
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
- Brendan Camp, MD, a New York-based double-board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in the NYC area
- Michael Brusco, MD, FADCS, medical director and surgeon at Brusco Vision in the Washington, DC, area
- Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Miami
- Viktoryia Kazlosukaya, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City
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