GoKawiilIf your skin is crying out for help, but you're too tired to do a 10-step routine (or don't want to spend hundreds on a high-tech facial), a 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, though, but claiming that their wrinkles and fine lines have disappeared with the help of red-light therapy. While there's nothing wrong with aging, the hype around these devices made me want to investigate whether the technology behind them can actually improve your skin.
You can't get the same effect with just any red LED from the hardware store. If the light isn't strong enough, it won't penetrate your skin—sorry to the one TikTokker 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 skin type and condition, budget, and lifestyle.
For more beauty and wellness recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Red-Light Therapy for Hair Growth, Best Electric Toothbrushes, and Best Hair Dryers.
Updated August 2026: I've added the Skin Gym Wrinklit Heart LED Mask and the Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand to Honorable Mentions, along with more LED devices to avoid. I've added more information to the FAQ section; prices and links were also updated.
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How I Test LED Devices AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron So far, I've tested 22 red-light 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, and I also judge 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 spending money willy-nilly, I also consulted 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. What Am I Testing Next? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron I'm testing the Foreo Sweden FAQ 202 for $799, the Flikeze PhotonMask Quint for $300, and the Omnilux Clear for $395.
Best LED Mask Overall
Photograph: Verity Burns
Photograph: Verity Burns
Photograph: Verity Burns Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask $350 Shark $349 Sephora $350 Ulta WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Integrated cryotherapy under-eye pads help depuff during sessions
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