Tuesday, March 3

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.

Two LED face masks against a black background with a red border

I recruited a team of six panel testers to determine the best LED face masks that deliver effective red light therapy from the comfort of your home.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

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

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.

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Sephora

Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.

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.

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.

The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro comes with a kit that includes a USB charging cord in its drawstring storage bag.

Victoria Moorhouse For Forbes

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 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.

Victoria Moorhouse For Forbes

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.

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Amazon

HigherDose Red Light Face Mask

Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.

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.

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 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.

Jenni Bruno For Forbes

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 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.

Jenni Bruno For Forbes


Omnilux

Omnilux Contour Face

Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.

Forbes Vetted readers can save $50 using our exclusive link for the Omnilux Contour Face Mask, now through 8/31.

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 comes with a storage bag, a USB cable and multiple power adapters.

Victoria Moorhouse For Forbes

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 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.

Victoria Moorhouse For Forbes

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 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.


Amazon

CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2

Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.

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.

The CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2 is wireless with a rechargeable controller that can clip to your waistband, and it has a chin strap section for more extensive face coverage.

Molly Calhoun For Forbes

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 Omnilux Contour Face, you can read our in-depth Omnilux vs. CurrentBody comparison here.


Revolve

Therabody TheraFace

Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.

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.

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).

Jane Sung For Forbes

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.

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.

Jane Sung For Forbes

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.


Solawave

Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask

Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.

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.

Subtle, Skin-Smoothing Effects With Regular Use

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.

Rose Sala For Forbes

Light Body With A Secure Fit

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.

Rose Sala For Forbes


Amazon

CurrentBody LED Neck And Décolletage Perfector

Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.

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 CurrentBody Skin LED Neck And Décolletage Perfector is a great option for targeting crepey skin and any discoloration in the neck and chest.

Emmy Favilla For Forbes

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.

The CurrentBody Skin LED Neck And Décolletage Perfector goes around the neck with a Velcro strap and wears like a very high-tech bib.

Emmy Favilla For Forbes


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:

  • Solaris Laboratories How To Glow 4 Color LED Light Therapy ($115): 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.
  • Nutriskin Wrinkle Clearing Light Therapy Face And Neck Mask ($170): 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.

How We Tested The Best LED Face Masks

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.

Each device was used at the maximum frequency and recommended duration to assess comfort and battery life.

Lindsay Boyers For Forbes

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.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

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.

  • 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 Skin Wellness Dermatology founder Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified plastic surgeon at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Dr. Gabriel Chiu, Dallas- and NYC-based aesthetician Joanna Czech who has been practicing for 39 years, and dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield 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 beauty writer Claire Epting in August 2025.

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.


Is LED Light Therapy The Same As Red Light Therapy?

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.


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 afterwards.
  • 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.

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