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Looking to elevate your skincare routine? Here's our selection of the most dazzling masks of the year that'll leave your skin glowing.
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Written by
Jessica Rendall
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
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Jessica Rendall Wellness Reporter
Jessica is a writer on the Wellness team with a focus on health technology, eye care, nutrition and finding new approaches to chronic health problems. When she's not reporting on health facts, she makes things up in screenplays and short fiction.
Expertise Public health, new wellness technology and health hacks that don't cost money Credentials
- Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool.
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What to consider
FDA clearance
For safety and best results, you should choose a mask that’s been cleared with the FDA.
Specs of light therapy
Light therapy masks come with varying types of light, and wavelengths of light and power (irradiance). Choose one that targets your skincare goals.
Whether you’ll use it regularly
Because LED face masks are so expensive, make sure you’re interested enough in using it to commit to the amount of time likely required to see results – they won’t happen overnight.
Table of Contents
Best LED Face Masks for 2024
What is red light therapy?
What type of light should I look for in a mask?
How we chose the best light therapy masks
Best flexible LED mask
Best combination LED mask for anti-aging and acne
Best LED face mask for acne
Most stylish LED mask
Best LED face mask for men
A note for sensitive eyes
Factors to consider when choosing an LED face mask
Our Picks
Best combination LED mask for anti-aging and acne
TheraFace Mask
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Best LED face mask for acne
Omnilux Clear
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Most stylish LED mask
DRx SpectraLite Faceware Pro
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Why You Can Trust CNET
16171819202122232425+
Years of Experience
14151617181920212223
Hands-on Product Reviewers
6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000
Sq. Feet of Lab Space
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
What to consider
FDA clearance
For safety and best results, you should choose a mask that’s been cleared with the FDA.
Specs of light therapy
Light therapy masks come with varying types of light, and wavelengths of light and power (irradiance). Choose one that targets your skincare goals.
Whether you’ll use it regularly
Because LED face masks are so expensive, make sure you’re interested enough in using it to commit to the amount of time likely required to see results – they won’t happen overnight.
Table of Contents
Best LED Face Masks for 2024
What is red light therapy?
What type of light should I look for in a mask?
How we chose the best light therapy masks
Best flexible LED mask
Best combination LED mask for anti-aging and acne
Best LED face mask for acne
Most stylish LED mask
Best LED face mask for men
A note for sensitive eyes
Factors to consider when choosing an LED face mask
Have you ever walked in on someone wearing an LED face mask? It's a sight to behold, to say the least, but you’d be surprised by the magic that’s working underneath.
LED masks, which have light-emitting diode in the form of red, near-infrared and blue light, are still making wellness waves as one of the trendiest (and priciest) ways to revamp your skincare routine at home, using a powered-down approach to anti-aging and skin rejuvenation already done at the dermatologist's office.
However, this doesn’t mean all LED face masks are created equal. In fact, many of them do not have the right specifications or safety clearance to improve your skin’s glow or reduce the appearance of acne.
Before you get started with light therapy at home, it’s important to note that an LED face mask shouldn’t replace an existing skincare routine consisting of research-backed ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing, including using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or over, finding a face-washing cadence that suits your skin type and regularly using other skin-boosting agents, such as retinoids.
It’s also important to keep in mind that even the best LED face masks will not work skin miracles or cause your face to change drastically. If that’s your goal, you can consider more invasive or direct cosmetic care such as botox or filler.
With all that being said, there is enough evidence linking red light therapy to the improvement of skin appearance to make an investment in a quality LED face mask worth it. To make your hunt a little easier, we’ve rounded up a list of the best LED face masks out there.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is used for skin rejuvenation and brightening for people wanting to reduce the appearance of some signs of aging, like fine lines, or brighten their skin overall. It’s traditionally been used in dermatologists’ offices in higher strengths, but in recent years, at-home red light therapy masks have become a hot new skin-care tool. Research behind it shows that, at certain levels (more on that below), red and near-infrared light can stimulate collagen production.
Light therapy has also been used as a medical therapy versus a more cosmetic one. For example, there is research showing potential benefit for red and near-infrared light therapy on tendon healing. Red light therapy may also be used for hair loss.
What type of light should I look for in a mask?
If you’re after skin-brightening or anti-aging effects, you should look for a mask that has at least 630 nanometers red light and 830nm of near-infrared light. This combination has been recommended by dermatologists we’ve spoken with in the past and has research backing its use in the way it penetrates skin.
If acne is your target, however, you should choose a mask with blue light, which has anti-bacterial effects and targets closer to the surface of the skin than red or near-infrared light, which go deeper.
How we chose the best light therapy masks
We selected masks only from companies that have clearance for their technology from the US Food and Drug Administration. This means that the LED light specs provided through each mask are safe to use as directed. It also means that -- while you shouldn’t expect dramatic results overnight -- the mask has shown at least some level of efficacy.
From there, we made selections based on the type and strength of light emitted and firmness or material of the mask. We considered popularity and reviews and tested a couple models ourselves (the Omnilux Contour Face and Omnilux Men).
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Pros
- Company has a lot of publicly available research
- Comfortable and versatile
Cons
- Not as powerful or irradiant than other LED face masks on the market
- It comes with a chord and power button attached, so you need to carry it around during use
Light specs 633 nm red light and 830 nm near-infrared
Irradiance 30 mW/cm2
Price $395
Type of mask Flexible
Photo Gallery 1/1
Omnilux is one of the most popular LED face masks on the market, and for good reason: Its tech is cleared with the FDA and it contains the right formula of light for anti-aging and brightening results (633nm red light and 830nm of near-infrared). Price-wise, it’s not the most expensive out there and is fairly middle-of-the-road. Of course, in LED face mask lands, that means it’s still a big chunk of change to drop.
I’ve been wearing the Omnilux Contour on and off for the past few months and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I don’t think I’ve used it consistently enough to see improvements in fine lines (for me, that’s mostly around my mouth), but I do like how it gives me a bit of a glow after. I plan to keep using it, as I was not expecting any LED face mask to work “miracles” or drastically change my face overnight.
One thing about all Omnilux LED masks in general is that it has a cord and power button you’ll need to keep with you while using it. I don’t mind this at all, since I take my light therapy time as an opportunity to lay on the ground and practice mindfulness, but for multitaskers that want to do light therapy during chores, this may be annoying and they may opt for a different mask.
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Pros
- Powerful irradiance
- Anti-aging and acne-fighting light therapy
- Vibration setting
- Comes with an eye shield for people with sensitive eyes
Cons
- May not be as comfortable as a silicone mask
- On the pricier side
Light specs 415 nm blue light, 633nm red light and 830 nm near-infrared light
Irradiance 64 mW/m2 and higher
Price $599
Type of mask Hard
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At CNET, we’re a big fan of the brand Therabody and their massage guns. The brand also sells an LED face mask with particularly impressive specs: It contains both near-infrared and red light for anti-aging and skin brightening effects, but also has a blue light mode to target acne.
It’s also one of the most powerful on the list, with an irradiance of 64 mW/cm2 and higher, depending on which light you’re looking at. Another bonus: It vibrates for a mild face-massage effect.
For people who battle acne and want a little glow boost, the TheraFace is a powerful choice.
Depending on your preference, a con of the TheraFace could be that it’s hard and bulky compared to other LED face masks that are made of silicone. And while the mask is loose enough to allow for air (and easy to take off), it doesn’t have a mouth or nose hole, which may provide a more claustrophobic feeling for those prone to have one.
Therabody says it comes with two treatment settings: 3 minutes for a quick glow-up, or you can choose the full 9-minute setting for what the company calls “clinically-backed results.”
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Pros
- Good for people whose main skincare concern is acne
- Soft and comfortable fit
Cons
- Not ideal for people who want to target collagen production or anti-aging
Light specs 415 nm blue light and 633 red light
Irradiance 30 mW/cm2
Price 395
Type of mask Silicone
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Omnilux Clear is similar to the Omnilux Contour in design: It’s a comfortable, flexible silicone mask that comes with a power cord you carry around with you. The Omnilux Clear is different, though, in that it’s specifically designed for people with acne. The Clear is packed with 415nm blue and 633nm red light wavelengths.
Because it doesn’t contain the near-infrared and red light combo like Omnilux’s other masks, the Clear is specifically marketed toward teenagers 14 and older and adults with mild or moderate acne. Blue light has anti-bacterial properties, targeting one of acne’s causes.Also, because blue light can make people's eyes more sensitive than red light, Omnilux said they've included a bit of eye protection built into the Clear mask.
At $395, it’s the same price as the Clear’s anti-aging cousin, the Contour.
Photo Gallery 1/1
Pros
- Powerful irradiance
- Short
- Features both blue and red light
- Novel and stylish mask style
Cons
- Hard mask may not fit every face
- Mask doesn’t include most-tested 633 nm red and 830 nm near-infrared wavelengths
- Doesn’t include goggles or eye shields for blue light setting (though company says mask is safe to use as-is)
Light specs 630nm red light, 880nm near-infrared, 605nm amber and 415nm blue light
Irradiance 60 mW/m2
Price 455
Type of mask Hard
Photo Gallery 1/1
Similar to the TheraFace, this mask by Dr. Dennis Gross contains both red and near-infrared light, as well as blue light for a range of uses. Treatment time is just 3 minutes, which makes sense given its relatively high irradiance (60 mW/cm2); like other high irradiance devices, a little goes a long way, and you don’t want to overstay the mask’s welcome on your face as it can start to heat up.
Dr. Gross is a well-known dermatologist in the New York City area, and his DRx SpectraLite Faceware Pro may be one of the coolest and prettiest looking on the market. It’s not silicone and flexible like some LED masks, but unlike the TheraFace, it has holes for your nose and mouth and conforms more to your actual face.
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Pros
- Specifically designed for men
- Omnilux is a solid LED face mask brand that makes other popular devices
- Mask is larger and provides for more room around the head and face
Cons
- Jury is out on whether the extra-deep wavelength really is needed to benefit men’s skin
Light specs 633 nm red light, 830 nm near-infrared light and 1072nm (near-infrared)
Irradiance 30 mW/cm2
Price 395
Type Flexible
Photo Gallery 1/1
Omnilux, riffing off their wildly popular Omnilux Contour Face mask, has come out with a mask for men.
No, light therapy is gender-dependent. But Omnilux said it created this mask for men because men’s skin is a little thicker, so they included an extra-deep wavelength (1072nm near-infrared) to get under that thick skin.
Whether or not this really matters remains to be seen, but I did find the mask for men much roomier, making it suitable for larger faces or features. It also has a different pattern than the Contour. In terms of treatment time, it’s the same drill: 10 minutes, and you hold the cord.
A note for sensitive eyes
I will take this time to address one small scare I had during my entire testing of the Omnilux face masks, which turned out to be a lesson in reading the fine print. I’d been using red light therapy masks while laying down as part of a nice, little meditative routine. But one day with the Omnilux mask for men, I had my eyes wide open while reading a political article for the duration of the 10-minute treatment. After taking off the mask, roughly 20 minutes later, I started to feel symptoms of what I’ve assumed in the past to be an ocular migraine. My vision felt slightly distorted, like I could still see but through a slightly watery filter.
I won’t lie, I freaked out a little. While I knew that Omnilux’s products were FDA cleared and red light is safe when used as directed near the eyes for most people (there's even some research suggesting red light can benefit eye health), I didn’t read the fine print of contraindications for using the Omnilux mask, which warns people prone to light-induced headaches, among other conditions, including ones that make you more sensitive to light, some skin conditions and genetic eye conditions.
My vision came back completely normal within the hour, as it has the handful of other times I’ve had symptoms of a migraine brought on most often by changes in light, or something really similar that temporarily distorts my vision than makes me very tired and gives me a headache.
I have continued to use the Omnilux Contour mask (I have zero clue if the extra-deep wavelength in the men’s mask had anything to do with it), but with my eyes completely closed and after exposing them to other sources of light so it’s not as abrupt an adjustment from complete dark to red light. This is strictly my choice, though. If you also get light-induced headaches or are otherwise sensitive, ask your doctor before trying an LED face mask. Also, check the list of contraindications and safety instructions before buying and using any light therapy mask. You can also buy eye protection to wear with your mask if your eyes are particularly sensitive.
Light therapy mask FAQ
Are LED masks safe? What are the negatives of light therapy?
Red light therapy may not be safe or suitable for people with some health conditions, including lupus erythematosus, photosensitive eczema or albinism, according to Omnilux information. You also shouldn’t try light therapy at home (at least without asking your doctor first) if you have a photosensitive disorder which makes you especially sensitive to light, or if you have light-induced headaches.
Otherwise, as long as you choose a brand that’s been cleared by the FDA, and you follow each company’s directions for use, LED masks should be generally safe to use for most people. At the wavelengths mentioned, red and near-infrared light shouldn’t hurt the eyes. Some people may have eyes more sensitive to light and should invest in eye shields or keep their eyes shut.
Blue light is another story, however. Blue light may be largely safe to look at when emitted through a screen, for example, but there isn’t as much research on blue light from LED masks on the eyes. If you’re using a light therapy mask for acne (and choosing one with blue light), make sure you’re following the instructions and consider wearing eye shields or goggles, usually sold through the LED mask company.
Which LED masks are best for anti-aging or sagging skin?
If you’d like to target sagging skin or are interested in anti-aging effects, you should look for an LED mask with appropriate wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (about 633nm and 830nm, respectively).
Factors to consider when choosing an LED face mask
FDA clearance: For safety, and to make sure you’re not buying a counterfeit product, it’s a good idea to purchase a mask that has been cleared by the FDA.
Specs of light: For anti-aging and skin-brightening effects, you’ll want to choose a mask that has red and near-infrared light. If you want to target acne, look for a mask that has a blue light setting.
Irradiance or power: Generally speaking, the higher the irradiance of the LED mask, the more powerful it may be. However, higher irradiance can mean more heat and warmth on your face, which may be uncomfortable to some.
Whether you’ll use your LED mask regularly: A quality LED face mask will run you at least a few hundred dollars, so it’s an investment to say the least. Before you hit the buy button, make sure you’re interested enough in revamping your skincare routine to stick to the mask’s recommended use cadence -- in most cases, this is a few times a week.
Don’t neglect your overall skincare regimen: Just because you’ve added a fancy new LED mask to your routine doesn't mean you can skip out on other skincare measures that have quality research behind them. This includes wearing a daily facial sunscreen, washing your face according to your skin type and using other products with anti-aging or skin-brightening properties, such as retinoids.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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