Red light therapy has long been used to reduce inflammation and improve skin texture, which is why LED devices are having a moment—you can reap some of the benefits without booking a professional treatment. As the deputy editor who oversees Forbes Vetted’s beauty content, I set out to select the best LED face masks with red light therapy, plus ones that offer blue and near-infrared modes. The is my top recommendation because its innovative design and multiple light modes make it a versatile tool worth investing in.
To find the best red light therapy masks, I researched popular models and consulted with skincare professionals on which key features to consider. I enlisted nine panelists (including myself) to test my top contenders, and based on our collective feedback, I selected seven winners.
To elicit the best results, we ensured that each of our testers is over the age of 30 (when skin concerns start becoming more visible) and used their masks consistently over the course of at least eight months—and in a few cases, up to two years. Ultimately, we concluded that it’s worth opting for a device that costs a little more because the overall design, as well as the quality and placement of its light output, are crucial for both comfort and effective light therapies. Below, find the seven models we recommend—plus two that didn’t make the cut.
Although it comes with a higher price tag than comparable options on the market, we chose this Dr. Dennis Gross mask as our winning pick because of how comfortable it is to wear, its versatility in targeting signs of aging as well as acne, and its quick treatment time of three minutes, which is significantly less than many other models. Our tester found it very easy to add this component to her daily skincare routine.
Firm, Wireless Plastic Body Easily Holds Its Shape
Instead of featuring silicone, as is common in other masks, this one is made of a rigid, lightweight plastic that’s contoured to the shape of a face. Our tester found it to be more comfortable than others she’s tried, and better at hugging her facial features. A silicone head strap keeps the mask on securely, and the completely wireless aspect makes it that much easier to use without juggling an attached controller.
Three Treatment Modes For Different Results
The mask has three different treatment settings: a red light option to target signs of aging like fine lines and discoloration, a blue light version to help minimize acne, and a combination of the two to target various concerns in one go. Our tester used the blue light setting a few times while dealing with minor breakouts and noticed the redness around blemishes subsiding a bit faster than usual. According to the brand, it’s safe to use the mask with your eyes open or closed, and without safety goggles (which can be purchased separately). Our tester didn’t find the brightness of the LED lights to be overwhelming or irritating to her eyes, but she did feel more comfortable using it with her eyes closed.
Easy Setup And Long-Lasting Battery
Setting up the SpectraLite mask is very easy, according to our tester, thanks to clear and straightforward instructions. It comes in a drawstring bag with a USB charging cord, and took our tester about four hours to fully charge before first using it. She found that one full charge lasts 8 to 10 uses, so a little over a week if used daily, as recommended by the brand.
The 2026 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Therabody’s TheraFace is a uniquely versatile LED mask, with a number of features that set it apart from the rest. It features the most LED lights out of all the devices we evaluated: 648 in three light modes (red, red and infrared, and blue). I’ve been using this mask consistently for over a year, and since incorporating it into my skincare routine, I’ve been pleased with my overall skin texture and tone. I do think it’s just one helpful element in a robust regimen, and like most effective at-home treatments won’t necessarily be a quick fix for any one concern.
Wide Range Of Treatments With Massaging Vibration
It offers a variety of treatments, including an all-encompassing nine-minute session that cycles through all of the light modes; you can also choose single light mode treatments to better target a specific skin concern. Most interestingly, it pairs gentle massaging vibration with light therapy to make the whole session especially relaxing.
Heavy, But Still Comfortable
At 1.3 pounds, it’s on the heavier side and slightly bulky, but I find that’s easily justified by its advanced technology. It’s very well designed, with a vertical and horizontal head strap that secures the whole thing in place. The mask also comes with a very soft, removable eye shield, which really blocks the light from my eyes during a session (I’m very comfortable with my eyes open thanks to this). The eye shields do end up leaving pressure marks on my upper cheekbones, which don’t bother me since they eventually go away; alternatively they can be removed.
Quick To Set Up And Charge
Setting up the TheraFace is very simple; it takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge, and it gives me about 108 minutes of use (which amounts to 12 nine-minute sessions) before needing recharging. Like the Dennis Gross mask, this one is completely cordless, with buttons on either side for the various modes.
Consistent, Low-Effort Results After Two Years Of Use
I’ve been consistently using the Theraface LED mask for over two years now (since it first launched), several times per week, and what I appreciate most is how straightforward and easy it is to fit into my routine. It’s comfortable enough to wear while I unwind at night, and the additional vibration therapy is a nice feature. It’s one of those devices I actually stick with because it feels effortless to use, and I like having a consistent, low-effort way to support my skin in conjunction with the rest of my skincare routine. Also worth noting: With my regular use over such a long period of time, there’s never been any malfunction or wearing down of battery life.
Solawave made its name with its viral skincare wand, so it’s no surprise the brand has now grown its roster to include larger red light therapy tools targeting eyes, face and décolletage. Made from a soft, medical-grade silicone, the Wrinkle Retreat Pro mask features 320 LEDs that emit red, near-infrared, deep amber and amber light. This upgraded design has 188 more LEDs than the previous model we tested, and has a quicker three-minute session.
Subtle, Skin-Smoothing Effects With Regular Use
Our tester has been using the Wrinkle Retreat Pro for roughly two weeks, but over the months our tester used the earlier iteration of this mask, she noticed subtle differences in her skin when she paused. “I was surprised to notice that I felt a little less glowy, a little less smooth and maybe just more tired looking, so I started using it again,” she says. “I think this mask is probably best used in conjunction with additional anti-aging skincare and treatments to get a more pronounced effect, but it offers a bit of a pick-me-up with consistent use.”
Lightweight Mask With A Secure Fit
Our tester found this mask lightweight, comfortable and incredibly secure, thanks to the two adjustable head straps (the earlier model had only one). Like the CurrentBody and Therabody devices, it comes with detachable eye inserts, but our tester notes that they don’t shield her eyes that much. You can get about 20 treatments on a single charge, and it has a battery indicator during charging to show how much time is left, which is a new feature.
Reduced, 3-Minute Treatment Session
Perhaps the biggest difference between the upgraded Wrinkle Retreat Pro and the previously tested Wrinkle Retreat is that the treatment time is reduced from 10 minutes to 3 minutes. “This makes huge for me,” says our tester. “I’ve noticed that I’m using the mask more often and more consistently now that it’s just three minutes per session.”
Like many red light therapy masks on the market, the Omnilux Contour Face is crafted out of flexible silicone with cutouts that allow the mask to wrap snugly around facial features. Our tester found this device to be super lightweight and very easy to set up and use. The mask features a single setting that’s a combination of red light and near-infrared light therapy to address concerns like discoloration and redness. After consistently testing this over the course of several months, our tester noticed her skin tone looking “slightly more even and glowy.”
Dermatologist-Recommended And Highly Effective
The Omnilux Contour Face is also a favorite of dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman’s due to its design and the behind it. “The contour shape fits nearly everyone comfortably and enables the red light to reach all around the face for maximum efficacy,” he says. “The device is FDA cleared for use and Omnilux backs up the claims with strong, clinically reviewed and published research.
Two Adjustable Head Straps, But No Eye Inserts
The mask features two adjustable head straps that help keep it in place, although our tester notes that it’s not secure enough to move about while using it. It doesn’t come with eye inserts or safety goggles, which would be helpful to shield against the bright lights; our tester didn’t find them completely necessary though and just kept her eyes closed during sessions. Although it’s technically wireless, it’s powered by an oval handheld controller, which needs to be fully charged before plugging it in to use the mask. Charging time ranges from two to six hours, and our tester appreciated the multiple power adapters that came with the device.
The wildly popular CurrentBody LED face mask, spotted on celebrities and influencers alike (Sydney Sweeney takes hers with her while filming), is beloved for its use of red, near-infrared and deep near-infrared light to improve skin tone, texture and firmness. Similarly to some of the other masks on this list, this device uses flexible silicone and strategically cut holes to allow it to wrap closely around the face. While we originally tested the first generation mask, we’ve had a tester evaluate the newer CurrentBody Series 2 for several weeks, and we think it’s worth the upgrade. This update on the original has a significantly larger number of LED lights and an added chin section for fuller face coverage.
Basic Setup With Secure Straps
Setup is straightforward; this mask is wireless but comes with a controller that our tester charged for 4.5 hours using the USB-C cable. The mask was easy to secure with the larger strap that attaches at the back of the head, and an over-the-head strap that keeps the mask more securely in place.
Includes Removable Light-Blocking Eye Inserts
This device comes with pop-in rubber eye inserts to help block out the bright LEDs. During her testing, our tester found that the eye inserts were effective at shielding her eyes from the lights, and they allowed her to keep her eyes open and complete other tasks—like checking email—while wearing the mask. While this version molded more closely to her face in certain areas without the inserts in, she found that she was still able to achieve an adequate fit. If you’re curious to see how this model weighs up to the , you can read our in-depth Omnilux vs. CurrentBody comparison here.
The HigherDose LED mask is our top pick for comfort, thanks to its flexible silicone body and three adjustable straps. It features two options for treatment length—10- and 20-minute red light and infrared sessions—which are the longest out of the devices we tested in this roundup.
Rejuvenating, Glowy Results In Less Than 20 Minutes
According to our testing, you don’t have to wear it for a full 20 minutes each time you use it to get results. “The biggest benefit I notice is a post-mask glow,” says one of our testers who has been using the device for over a year. “I feel like it rejuvenates my skin and makes it look more vibrant and healthy.” She is also diligent about taking care of her skin using a consistent regimen and monthly facials.
Easy Setup, With A Slightly Challenging Fit
The lightweight mask is easy to set up and get going (our tester generally got five 20-minute sessions out of a full charge), and the included storage bag contains protective eye goggles, a charging cord for the controller and multiple adapters. The fit on this option was the trickiest for our testers, as the mask didn’t always fit the lower portion of their faces even with three head straps to customize the fit. Also, the included goggles didn’t help much with shielding eyes from the LED light.
Most skin experts will remind you not to forget about your neck and chest in your skincare routine; this CurrentBody LED Neck and Décolletage mask is a great option for targeting crepey skin and any discoloration in these areas. Hartman is a fan of this device, saying “It targets neck skin, which is often forgotten and can show age sooner than facial skin. The research on it shows that it can help reduce crepey skin and also increase skin firmness.”
Preprogrammed Infrared Treatments That Take 10 Minutes
The device has one preprogrammed 10-minute treatment that uses the same red and near-infrared light therapy technology as the brand’s face mask featured above to encourage collagen production and help even out skin tone. After using the mask over the course of several months, our tester noticed a subtle softening in the horizontal lines on her neck.
Secure Setup That Allows You To Multitask
Designed specifically to cover the neck and chest area, this CurrentBody device feels comfortable and secure, even when moving around, says our tester. Setup is straightforward and simple; the Neck and Décolletage Perfector goes around the neck with a Velcro strap and wears like a very high-tech bib. Our tester liked having the ability to multitask while wearing this red light therapy mask, noting it’s easy for her to read, brush her teeth and even do the dishes while wearing it.
Reliable Results After Over A Year Of Use
Our tester has been using this neck mask regularly for over a year and a half now, and she continues to be pleased by the results. “I do think that this device has helped improved my neck’s tone and texture—plus I haven’t seen any noticeable fine lines since I began using it (I am in my forties, for reference, so fine lines on my face are not uncommon).” In terms of operation, its battery life remains the same, and she’s had no issues with the quality of the product itself.
Other LED Face Masks We Tested And Don’t Recommend
Along with our picks above, we tried two additional LED face masks that didn’t excel in enough of our criteria for us to recommend them. Here’s why we didn’t include the following products on our list:
- : This mask lacked standard features like preprogrammed treatment times and an automatic shut-off. Our tester found it a little uncomfortable due to the hard plastic on the nose piece that rests on skin, and the face shield design doesn’t allow light to make close or direct contact with skin.
- : This face and neck duo is a little clunky due to multiple cords that need to be plugged into a charging port. Made from hard plastic, it was also one of the heavier and more uncomfortable face masks we tested.
LED Face Masks To Watch
Since this article was first published, there have been several new LED face masks launched from top brands. Here are the red light therapy masks we’re looking forward to testing next.
- : Shark is a trusted beauty device brand known for its powerful hair styling tools (and vacuums), which is why we’re intrigued by its LED face mask, which launched in January 2025. It offers red, infrared and blue light therapy, with the option for a cooling under-eye treatment using a proprietary InstaChill technology.
- : The TheraFace Mask Glo is a less expensive alternative to the , which is our top pick for multitasking. It has fewer LED lights and therefore has a longer recommended treatment time (12 minutes versus the original model’s nine minutes).
How We Tested The Best LED Face Masks
To find the best LED face masks with red light therapy, we committed to an extensive, long-term testing process designed to measure real-world results. Our evaluation was led by a panel of testers in their 30s and lasted for a minimum of eight months. Our final selections are based on rigorous, hands-on research and insights from skincare experts.
Initial Research And Vetting
Our process began with a thorough review of popular masks from top brands. We filtered out any products that had not been cleared or approved by the FDA for safety. We also consulted with skincare experts to identify the key features and technologies to look for in a quality at-home device.
Targeted Testing Panel
Since these devices primarily target signs of aging (like fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration), we ensured that the testers in our nine-person panel were in their 30s to evaluate the masks' efficacy.
Long-Term Testing And Evaluation Criteria
Red light therapy requires consistency to see results. Our panel used each device at its maximum recommended frequency and duration for at least eight months, with some tests (like my own with the Therabody mask) now nearing the two-year mark. During this period, testers took detailed notes on the following criteria:
- Ease of use: We evaluated everything from the initial setup and clarity of instructions to how simple the device was to operate on a daily basis.
- Comfort and design: Testers noted how comfortable each mask was to wear during a full session and the quality of its design and materials.
- Efficacy: Panelists had regular check-ins to document any visible changes in fine lines, skin tone and acne over the months.
- Battery life: We assessed how long the battery lasted on a full charge and whether it maintained consistent power.
What To Consider In An LED Face Mask
When purchasing an LED face mask, there are a few factors you should keep in mind, including the overall design and variety of light modes. Here’s what to consider as you shop.
Design
The design of an LED mask determines how heavy or lightweight it is, how comfortable it is to wear, and ultimately how likely you are to be consistent with using it. And most importantly, “a comfortable and well-fitting mask ensures proper light delivery,” says plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Chiu. Additionally, a wireless, rechargeable device allows for the convenience of not having to be near an outlet while using it; all of our picks on this list are wireless (whether with or without an attached controller).
Light Modes
While most LED face masks feature red light or a combination of red and infrared, many offer additional light modes to allow users to target multiple skin conditions in one session. Here’s a brief breakdown on each type of light:
- Red light: Aesthetician Joanna Czech says that red light therapy is most universally beneficial in enhancing overall skin health. “This wavelength stimulates collagen production and increases cellular energy,” she says. For this category of light, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman recommends looking for a red light wavelength between 630nm and 680nm. “This range has shown to be the most beneficial in research to stimulate the cellular process within the skin to help boost the production of collagen and elastin, ease fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce inflammation,” he says.
- Near-infrared light: Many LED light therapy masks’ red light modes are actually a combination of both red and near-infrared light. The biggest differentiator of near-infrared light is that its wavelength (measured in nanometers, or nm) falls beyond the visible spectrum, from 700nm to around 1400nm. Near-infrared light is able to penetrate skin tissue deeper than red light, so the two are often used together to boost effectiveness.
- Blue light: Blue light is ideal for those dealing with acne or rosacea. According to Czech, “Blue light possesses antibacterial properties that effectively combat the bacteria often associated with these conditions.” Hartman says those seeking this type should look for a wavelength between 405nm and 420nm.
- Yellow light: Although less common in at-home devices, yellow light is helpful for minimizing the effects of sun damage. “Yellow light works to even out skin tone from photoaging caused by external factors like sun exposure and environmental stressors,” says Czech.
FDA Clearance
When considering face masks, some may use the terms “FDA cleared” and “FDA approved” interchangeably, but there is a difference. Products with FDA approval have gone through intensive testing to be deemed safe and effective for their intended use, while those with FDA clearance have been reviewed by the administration and determined to be substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device. All of the LED masks considered and ultimately featured in this story are FDA cleared—something that all of our experts stressed as important for this category. “You want to know you are using something that has been studied, is safe and is also effective,” says dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield.
Benefits And Risks Of Red Light Therapy Face Masks
Regular use of red light therapy can potentially improve the tone and texture of your face. But, like any facial treatment, there are a few risks to keep in mind.
Reported Benefits
- Can stimulate collagen production, resulting in smoother, more supple skin
- Helps reduce cell inflammation and promote healing
- Addresses redness and uneven skin texture
- Can minimize the appearance of fine lines
Potential Risks
- If used on photosensitive skin, can cause irritation and temporary redness
- Direct, unprotected and prolonged exposure to LED light can cause eye damage
Tips For Using An LED Face Mask
Our experts provided usage tips to help you get the most out of your at-home red light therapy treatments. Here’s what you should know before getting started.
- LED face masks should be used on clean, bare skin. We recommend starting off with a face wash and patting your skin dry before putting on your red light therapy mask. Any skincare products—including your face moisturizer—should be applied afterward.
- Treatment times can vary depending on the mask. Sessions range from three to 20 minutes and average about 10 minutes. Some are recommended to be used daily while others can be used a few times a week or every other day. Make sure to follow your device’s instructions carefully, as using longer than the prescribed treatment time is typically ineffective.
- Consistency is key. “While there are significant studies showing the efficacy of LED therapy, you need to use it regularly for a sufficient amount of time (at least a couple months) to start seeing results,” says Chiu. “You have to trust the process and be patient.” To get the most benefit from the red light therapy, consistent use—up to several times a week or daily, as directed by the brand—is important, as is pairing with a tailored skincare routine.
- Certain medications can have negative interactions with LED light therapy. According to our experts, those who take medication that increases skin or eye sensitivity should refrain from using LED light therapy devices. “While overall gentle for normal skin, the heightened sensitivity can cause discomfort for some,” says Hartman.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted beauty and grooming vertical consists of dozens of thoroughly researched, rigorously tested and expert-backed guides, including many skincare stories roundups.
- The author of this piece, deputy editor Jane Sung, leads the beauty and grooming category and has two decades of experience covering beauty, wellness and style. She has previously reported on the best at-home laser hair removal devices and neck-firming creams.
- Sung also gathered key insight and guidance from several industry professionals. These include board-certified dermatologist and founder , board-certified plastic surgeon at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery , Dallas- and NYC-based aesthetician who has been practicing for 39 years and dermatologist of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.
- We routinely track this article and update it based on current LED device news and ongoing testing. In addition, we regularly review our product picks to ensure all information is accurate. It was last updated by lifestyle commerce editor Katherine Louie in May 2026.