Our pick for the best LED face mask for multitasking, the Therabody TheraFace mask, is on sale for Labor Day. For more deals, check out our roundup of the best Labor Day sales.
Red light therapy has long been used to reduce inflammation and improve skin texture. Thanks to modern technology, you don’t have to book a dermatologist appointment to get the treatment—LED masks 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 that offer red light therapy (in addition to blue and near-infrared versions) and are worth investing in. Following an extensive months-long evaluation process with a panel of testers, the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro is my top pick because of its innovative design and multiple light modes.
To determine the best red light therapy masks and LED devices that offer results and value, I consulted four skincare professionals and enlisted a panel of expert testers (including myself) to give hands-on insights.
Our Top Recommendations
- Best LED Face Mask Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
- Best LED Face Mask For Comfort: HigherDose Red Light Face Mask
- Best Silicone LED Face Mask: Omnilux Contour Face
- Best Silicone LED Face Mask, Runner-Up: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2
- Best LED Face Mask For Skincare Multitasking: Therabody TheraFace
- Best Flexible LED Face Mask: Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask
- Best LED Mask For Neck And Chest: CurrentBody LED Neck And Décolletage Perfector
I researched dozens of models and tapped dermatologists and aestheticians for their guidance on which gold-standard features to consider—including efficacy, safety and comfort. Then, I recruited a panel of seven testers over the age of 30 to test multiple masks that met these standards for a minimum of eight months (and counting). We concluded that it’s worth investing in 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 red light therapy. (To note, all of our picks act as red light therapy masks, with some providing additional treatments such as vibration therapy or blue light, which targets acne and rosacea.) Below, find the seven models we recommend, along with the two that didn’t make the cut.
Best LED Face Mask Overall
A Standout Device That Addresses Various Skincare Concerns
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
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
Best for:
- Skincare treatments that takes less than five minutes per session
- Users looking for a controller-free LED face mask
Skip if:
- You prefer a lightweight, flexible or silicone LED face mask
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 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.
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.
Best LED Face Mask For Comfort
A Solid Pick That Offers Various Treatment Durations
HigherDose Red Light Face Mask
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
Best for:
- Offering both short and longer treatments
- Users who prefer a flexible silicone design
Skip if:
- You want a mask that fits perfectly around the nose and chin area
- You have a sensitivity to bright lights
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.
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 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.
Best Silicone LED Face Mask
A Flexible Mask That Stays Put
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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
Best for:
- Those who prefer a flexible silicone design
- Users who prioritize simplicity
- International use, thanks to multiple power adapters
Skip if:
- You want a mask that comes with eye inserts
- You want more than one treatment setting
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 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.
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.
Best Silicone LED Face Mask, Runner-Up
A TikTok-Famous Mask That Lives Up To The Skin-Reviving Hype
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2
Target areas: Face | Light modes: Red, near-infrared and deep near-infrared | Skin concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dullness | Wireless: Yes (with connected controller) | Number of LEDs: 236 | Usage: 10 minutes a day, 3 to 5 times per week
Best for:
- Those who prefer a flexible silicone design
- Users concerned with eye safety
Skip if:
- You have a sensitivity to bright lights
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.
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.
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 Omnilux Contour Face, you can read our in-depth Omnilux vs. CurrentBody comparison here.
Best LED Face Mask For Skincare Multitasking
A Versatile Device That Combines LED With Massage Therapy
Therabody TheraFace
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
Best for:
- Customizing your treatment with a facial massage
- Those who want an LED mask that offers multiple treatment options
Skip if:
- You want a lightweight and flexible mask
- You don’t want to commit to daily usage
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Flexible LED Face Mask
A Lightweight Option That Targets Dullness
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
Best for:
- Users who are concerned about eye safety
- Those looking for a slightly more wallet-conscious option
Skip if:
- You want a mask with more than one treatment setting
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.”
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.
Best LED Mask For Neck And Chest
An Effective Treatment Targeting Tech Neck
CurrentBody LED Neck And Décolletage Perfector
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
Best for:
- Treating crepey skin and discoloration on the neck and chest
- Multitasking while treating your skin
Skip if:
- You want a device that targets the face
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 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.
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:
I started by evaluating popular, well-reviewed LED face masks from top skincare and wellness 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.
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 I had our panel test products for a minimum of four months (I’ve now been regularly using the Therabody mask for over a year), 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.
Because most LED face masks feature red light modes at minimum, they are considered red light therapy devices that target the face. Some LED masks are versatile because they’re equipped with other modes such as near infrared light (which penetrates deep into the skin for more pronounced anti-aging benefits), vibration massage to ease muscle tension, and blue light therapy to calm acne and rosacea.
Notably, different masks can offer various combinations of modes, so it’s important to read up on each model’s features before choosing the best LED face mask for your needs. You’ll probably pay more for an option with more treatments (or more advanced modes, like the combination red-and-blue therapy in the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro or the multitasking red and infrared mode on the Therabody TheraFace), but its worth the expense if it’s comfortable, easy to use and also targets your biggest skincare concerns.
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.