Professional light therapy masks have long been used in dermatologists’ offices as effective treatments for addressing skin concerns; at-home versions offer similar benefits from the comfort of your couch. As the deputy editor who oversees Forbes Vetted’s beauty content, I set out to select the best LED face masks worth investing in. I researched dozens of models, testing some myself and recruiting a panel to rigorously test them over four months. Ultimately, I chose the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro as my winner for its innovative design and multiple light modes. Additional top picks include the flexible silicone Omnilux Contour Face and the versatile Therabody TheraFace.
With insights from skincare experts and a panel of testers, I selected the best LED face masks that ... [+] provide red light therapy and more. Led Roll
Here are the best LED face masks for treating a variety of skin concerns, according to extensive testing.
To determine the best LED face masks on the market, I tapped skincare professionals for their guidance on the gold-standard features to consider; a panel of testers over the age of 30 evaluated multiple masks that met these standards for factors such as usage, comfort, efficacy, safety and more. It’s worth noting that our testing was focused on red light therapy—featured in all of the winners below—with some providing additional treatments such as vibration therapy or multiple light modes (like blue, which targets acne and rosacea).
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Our score: 9.5 | Target areas: Face | Light modes: Red, blue, or red and blue | Skin concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, redness, acne, discoloration | Wireless: Yes | Number of LEDs: 160 | Usage: 3 minutes, once a day
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 on, its versatility in targeting signs of aging as well as acne, and its quick treatment time of three minutes (which is well under the average). Our tester found it very easy to add this component to her daily skincare routine. 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.
The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro comes with a kit that includes a USB charging cord ... [+] in its drawstring storage bag.
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 pimples disappearing a little 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.
The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro offers three different preprogrammed treatment ... [+] settings that target a variety of concerns.
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.
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Our score: 8 | Target areas: Face | Light modes: Red and near-infrared | Skin concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, redness, dullness | Wireless: Yes (with connected controller) | Number of LEDs: 132 | Usage: 10 minutes, at least three to five times a week
The HigherDose LED mask 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. 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 seven months. “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.
The HigherDose Red Light Face Mask features two options for treatment length—10- and 20-minute red ... [+] light and infrared sessions.
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 storage bag it comes in includes 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.
This HigherDose Red Light Face Mask is easy to set up, and the storage bag it comes in includes ... [+] protective eye goggles, a charging cord for the controller and multiple adapters.
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Our score: 9 | Target areas: Face | Light modes: Red and near-infrared | Skin concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, redness, discoloration | Wireless: Yes (with connected controller) | Number of LEDs: 132 | Usage: 10 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week, for 4 to 6 weeks
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.”
The Omnilux Contour Face comes with a storage bag, a USB cable and multiple power adapters.
The Omnilux Contour Face is also a favorite of dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman’s due to its design and the clinical research 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.
It took a few minutes to properly place and secure the Omnilux Contour Face mask, but it felt pretty ... [+] comfortable once on.
The mask features two adjustable head straps that help keep it in place, although our tester notes it’s not so secure that she can move around 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.
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Our score: 8.5 | Target areas: Face | Light modes: Red and near-infrared | Skin concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dullness | Wireless: Yes (with connected controller) | Number of LEDs: 132 | Usage: 10 minutes a day
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 and infrared light to improve skin tone, texture and firmness. Similarly to the Omnilux mask and others on this list, the CurrentBody device uses flexible silicone and strategically cut holes to allow it to wrap closely around the face. Our tester appreciated the inclusion of openings for ears, which added to the mask’s fit and comfort.
The CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask's controller took about two hours to fully charge ... [+] with the included USB-C charging cable.
Setup is straightforward; it’s wireless but comes with a controller that took our tester only two hours to fully charge using the USB-C cable. Wearing the mask correctly required a little effort for our tester who found the head strap hard to secure initially. This device does come with rubber eye inserts to help block out the bright LEDs. During her four-plus months of testing, our tester realized that removing the eye inserts actually helped the mask fit better, along with wearing her hair in a ponytail, which helped prevent it from slipping around.
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Our score: 8 | Target areas: Face | Light modes: Red, blue, red and infrared therapy | Skin concerns: Acne, fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, discoloration, dullness, uneven skin texture | Wireless: Yes | Number of LEDs: 648 | Usage: Nine minutes per day for a full cycle, three minutes per day for one mode
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). 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.
The Therabody TheraFace Mask 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 I incorporated 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.
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.
The Therabody TheraFace Mask is very well designed, with a vertical and horizontal head strap that ... [+] secures the whole thing in place plus optional eye shields.
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.
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Our score: 8 | Target areas: Face | Light modes: Red and near-infrared | Skin concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, dullness | Wireless: Yes (with connected controller) | Number of LEDs: 132 | Usage: 10 minutes per day, at least three times a week for four weeks
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 Light Therapy mask has 132 LEDs in a combination of red and near infrared light. Over the course of months that our tester used the device, she noticed subtle differences in her skin when she took a pause. “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.”
Made from a soft, medical-grade silicone, the Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face mask has ... [+] 132 LEDs in a combination of red and near infrared light.
Our tester found this mask lightweight and secure enough to use whether moving around and multitasking or lying down. Like the CurrentBody and Therabody devices, it comes with protective eye inserts, but our tester preferred leaving them off and keeping her eyes closed during sessions. You can get a solid two weeks’ worth of treatments on a single charge.
The Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask comes with protective eye inserts, but our ... [+] tester preferred leaving them off and keeping her eyes closed during sessions.
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Our score: 9.5 | Target areas: Neck and décolletage | Light modes: Red and near-infrared | Skin concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone | Wireless: Yes (with connected controller) | Number of LEDs: 50 | Usage: 10 minutes, three to five times a week
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.”
The CurrentBody Skin LED Neck And Décolletage Perfector is a great option for targeting crepey skin ... [+] and any discoloration in the neck and chest.
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.
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.
The CurrentBody Skin LED Neck And Décolletage Perfector goes around the neck with a Velcro strap and ... [+] wears like a very high-tech bib.
Along with our picks above, we tried two additional LED face masks that didn’t make the cut. Here’s why we didn’t include the following products on our list:
We started by evaluating popular, well-reviewed LED face masks from top skincare and beauty brands, leaving out any products that haven’t been cleared or approved by the FDA. All of the picks on this list are designed to target signs of aging—including fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, and dullness in tone—in addition to other concerns like acne and blemishes. Since most people don’t start to notice these changes until they’re past their late 20s, we ensured our hands-on testing data came from a panel of staffers and experts age 30 and up.
Each device was used at the maximum frequency and recommended duration to assess comfort and battery ... [+] life.
Our testers evaluated each mask’s particular features and design, as well as initial setup and overall ease of use. Each device was used at the maximum frequency and recommended duration to assess comfort and battery life. As with most at-home skincare devices, red light therapy masks require consistent usage over a matter of time to see visible results, so we had our panel test products for a minimum of four months, with regular check-ins to note each mask’s efficacy. This article will continue to be updated with results.
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of skincare stories to help connect you with the best products to flesh out your daily routine.
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:
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).
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:
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.
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.
Our top LED face mask picks include the versatile Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro and Therabody TheraFace Mask, as well as silicone versions from Omnilux and CurrentBody. We chose these based on rigorous testing over the course of four months by a panel of expert testers, supported by input from skincare professionals.
Dermatologists like Hartman recommend light therapy via an at-home device frequently to patients, especially for those dealing with mild concerns. “The benefits of light therapy are plentiful,” he says. “Even patients with skin conditions like eczema and rosacea can find relief from symptoms via ease of inflammation.” As an aesthetician, Czech has been using professional-grade LED therapy in her treatments for herself as well as clients for over 20 years. She recommends an at-home device to her clients for maintaining overall skin health.
“LED red light therapy is generally safe for most people, but there are certain cases where it is not recommended,” says Chiu. 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. “And anyone with darker skin should discuss light therapy with their dermatologist before purchasing a device, as their skin can be more susceptible to visible light and excess light therapy could lead to hyperpigmentation.”
LED face masks offer the same benefits as red light therapy masks, but the opposite is not necessarily the case. LED devices generally tend to feature red light and sometimes near-infrared modes, and some have additional light therapy modes that address different skin concerns—for example, blue light therapy for acne and rosacea.
Flexible Led Strip Lights We ensured all pricing and product information is current and added a section on how to use LED face masks.