8 Best At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices That Testers and Dermatologists Say Actually Work
Smooth texture and reduce wrinkles, thanks to these powerful wands and masks.
Medically reviewed by Caroline Chang, M.D.Board-Certified Dermatologist
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At-home red light therapy devices, which are also called LED face masks, are the hottest gadgets in the skincare world right now. Trust us, we see it all! In the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, we review these devices by looking at them hands-on, including trying the masks on to see how comfortable they are. We also compare the most important product specifications like light wavelengths and number of lights, and check whether the brand conducted any clinical studies on the device.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
- Best Value: LightStim for Wrinkles LED Light Therapy Device
- Best FDA-cleared: Omnilux Contour Face
- Best with Red and Blue Lights: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
But can these devices really improve your skin? If you use them consistently over a long period of time, the answer is yes. Our number one pick, the Currentbody mask, brightened skin and reduced the appearance of wrinkles after eight weeks of regular use. So if you’re ready to commit, check out our best red light therapy devices below.
Best Deal
Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
Pros
- Comfortable
- Conforms closely to the face
- Has more lights than its predecessor
Cons
- Heavier than some others
The new and improved version of Currentbody's LED Face mask is super flexible and has an extra strip of material below the chin to hug the face closely and ensure full coverage. Karan Lal, D.O., Director of Pediatric Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Affiliated Dermatology in Arizona, is a big fan: "It has red and near infrared light that penetrates deeper in the skin, is easy to use, and not uncomfortable."
Choose if: You are looking to plump skin, decrease fine lines or add luminosity. The brand sponsored an independent clinical study, where 35 testers used the mask five times per week for eight weeks with great results: skin plumpness improved by 57%, wrinkles were reduced by 30%, and brightness increased by 27%.
Skip if: You want a lightweight option. This one felt a little heavy compared to other silicone masks.
What testers says: "I like that this design provides the flexible comfort of a soft LED mask with the close fit of a hard plastic LED mask," says GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. "This series 2 mask contains an additional, longer wavelength of light (1072 nm) which the brand calls 'deep near infrared' and also features more lights than the last version—236 LEDs versus 132 LEDs."
Features at a Glance
| FDA Cleared | Yes |
| Type | Mask |
| Target Areas | Full face |
| Benefits | Plumps, reduce wrinkles, brightens |
Pros
- Simple, easy-to-use design
- Includes goggles
- Three-minute timed sessions
Cons
- Wired
This easy-to-hold, straightforward red light therapy device is a consumer and editor favorite. With just one switch, the design is nearly foolproof and can be used all over your face. Just flip the light on and it'll stay on for a timed three-minute session before automatically turning off. Once it turns off, you can restart it and move it to the next area of your face you want to treat. Bertha Baum, M.D., a Miami, Florida-based board-certified dermatologist, is a fan of this brand, noting that the LightStim Elipsa, a more expensive option, is great for boosting collagen and reducing fine lines.
Choose if: You want something super easy to use—this device has one setting that works all over the face.
Skip if: You want a wireless device. Our editor loves watching TV while using it since you can't walk around during treatment.
What testers say: "I've used LightStim for years on my acne spots and scarring, and it's so quick and easy to use I can't imagine not having it in my skincare routine," one GH beauty editor said.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | All areas of body |
| Benefits | Treats acne, diminishes scars, reduces wrinkles |
Omnilux Contour Face
Omnilux Contour Face
Pros
- Attaches to your head/face for hands-free use
- Has an automatic shut-off feature
- Can use up to 10 minutes at a time
Cons
- Can be bright on the eyes
- Bulky
Like many of our other choices, this is an FDA-cleared LED mask. The portable, wearable mask attaches to your head via Velcro straps so you don't have to hold it up yourself. While many other options suggest three minute-long usage, this mask can be used for 10 minutes at a time and it includes an auto shut off feature.
Choose if: You are looking for a full face treatment that you can put on and multi-task with.
Skip if: You have sensitive eyes.
What testers say: "I like that it covers my whole face while still having eye and nose holes—there is a piece that lays on top of your nose so you are still treating your nose without feeling claustrophobic," says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. "My favorite way to use it is while I am lying down before bed when my eyes are closed because although there are no lights on the eyes, some of the other lights can make it too bright to see." Wnek notes that it's a little bulky, but the fact that it covers such a large surface area makes it worth it.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Mask |
| Target areas | Full face |
| Benefits | Plumps, firms, brightens |
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Pros
- Portable and hands-free
- Multiple color light settings
- Head strap keeps mask in place
Cons
- Some found it to be ill-fitting
Stimulate collagen production and target acne at the same time with this long-time editor-, derm-, and consumer-loved LED face mask. With both red and blue lights, this multitasker treats multiple skin concerns after just three minutes.
Choose if: You want to treat multiple skin concerns including acne, an uneven skin tone, and fine lines and wrinkles.
Skip if: You want a mask that perfectly hugs your face. Some reviewers didn’t love the fit.
What experts say: Our experts note its ease of use. "Since this is a whole mask, it’s easy to use and can be done while moving around the house since it has a strap as well," says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Mask |
| Target areas | Full face |
| Benefits | Treats acne, evens out skin tone, plumps, and brightens |
Shark CryoGlow Red & Blue Infrared iQLED Face Mask & Under Eye Cooling
Shark CryoGlow Red & Blue Infrared iQLED Face Mask & Under Eye Cooling
Pros
- Has cooling undereye feature
- Contains blue, red, and infrared lights
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Not great for severe acne
In addition to blue, red, and infrared lights for the full face, Shark's CryoGlow mask has a super cool (pun intended) feature just for the undereye area. Small metal “chill pads” can be turned on to cool this delicate area during a light treatment—you can also use it separately without the lights. In addition to the eye treatment, the mask is set up with three timed treatment programs, one for anti-aging, one for acne, and one that is designed for maintenance after completing either of the other two programs.
You select your treatment via a corded remote that also keeps track of usage. In terms of the fit, it is a hard mask that doesn't hug skin; instead it rests against the forehead and under eyes, making it a little more breathable for skin.
Choose if: Your skin (or you) can get hot when treating it with red light therapy or you want a variety of treatment options.
Skip if: You are looking to treat severe acne.
What testers say: "The device feels well made, has pre-programmed settings and programs to follow which makes it easy to use, and I like that these programs are curated to your specific skin needs," says GH Nutrition & Fitness Lab Director Stefani Sassos. "I found it pretty comfortable to wear and I even watched TV in it! I especially loved the cold setting for the under eyes, and saw a noticeable difference in de-puffing my under eyes when using it." While Sassos initially really liked the device, she didn't find it to be very effective for severe acne. "I am looking forward to using it for anti-aging when my acne fully clears up."
Features at a Glance
| FDA Cleared | Yes |
| Type | Mask |
| Target areas | Full face |
| Benefits | Depuffs undereyes, reduces wrinkles, brightens, and treats mild acne |
TheraGun TheraFace Pro
TheraGun TheraFace Pro
Pros
- Compact design
- Multitasker
- Auto-dim prevents eye damage
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about the quality of the device
The goal of this device is to bring the spa to you, with targeted, customized treatments including LED light (red, blue, and red plus infrared), heating, cooling, microcurrent, cleansing, and massage all in one small handheld machine. The 8-in-1 device is compact enough to sit on your vanity without taking over the space. We love that the LED lights also have an auto-dim when the device senses it's moving away from your face to prevent eye damage.
Choose if: You are looking for a multitasking compact tool with a variety of treatment options to cover all of your skincare and self care needs.
Skip if: You want a long warranty. The attachments for the device only have a three month warranty.
What testers say: "I love that it's such a multitasker," noted one GH editor. "Rather than needing several different devices to do each task, I can do almost everything with this one. It's a great space saver." While most reviewers raved over the quality, a few had issues with different parts of the device breaking.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | Face |
| Benefits | Tightens, brightens, reduces puffiness, plumps, and treats acne |
TheraFace Therabody Mask Glo
TheraFace Therabody Mask Glo
Pros
- Easy to use
- Wireless
Cons
- Heavy
In addition to 504 medical-grade LED lights including a combination of red, red + infrared and blue, this FDA-cleared mask has a relaxing scalp massage to add to the 12-minute daily experience. The cordless and lightweight device covers the entire face from forehead to chin with adjustable straps and a protective eye shield.
The Beauty Lab was impressed with the brand's clinical study, which was a 12-week trial with 104 subjects and once daily use of the pre-programmed 12-minute treatment. This study found that over 85% of testers reported their skin looks and feels smoother, tighter, and more radiant and rejuvenated.
Choose if: You feel that your whole face could use some brightening and tightening or if you love a good scalp massage.
Skip if: You want a lightweight mask; this one is on the heavier side.
What testers say: Three Lab testers trialed this mask over a four-week time period. Two out of three strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the device, would continue to use it, and that the mask was easy to use. "I liked that it's wire-free and I could move around while wearing the mask," one said, while another commented that the mask was easy to assemble and clean. All testers did agree that the mask felt heavy while wearing it.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Mask |
| Targeted areas | Full face |
| Benefits | Brightens, firms, reduces lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone and texture |
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro Device
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro Device
Pros
- Works quickly
- Hands-free
- Lots of lights and types of red light
Cons
- Can take time for eyes to adjust to the bright lights
Think superhero-style goggles for the skin around your eyes. This mask claims to smooth fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet, while firming skin and evening out tone and texture. It uses a variety of wavelengths including amber, red, deep red, and near-infrared with just one mode option. The treatment time is short and convenient—only three minutes—and that compared to many other masks on the market, it is a good value when it comes to price.
Choose if: You have major dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.
Skip if: Your eyes are sensitive to light or you are looking for a full-face option.
What experts say: "This mask has plenty of lights packed into a small area and an impressive number of red wavelengths included," Butler says.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Mask |
| Target area | Eye area |
| Benefits | Brightens, firms and smoothes |
How we choose the best red light therapy at-home devices
Experts in the GH Beauty Lab test thousands of beauty and skincare products each year. Although the Beauty Lab has not conducted a recent formal test of red light therapy devices, previous testing included at-home use by 13 testers alongside in-Lab analysis to assess changes in wrinkles, texture, and skin tone.
For this update, we relied on editors’ and staffers’ hands-on testing of popular devices, along with dermatologist insights and analysis of retailer reviews.
What to look for when shopping for the best LED face masks
✔️ Ease of use: This is a product you'll be using at home on your own, so Dr. Engelman recommends considering ease of use and ease of instructions when looking for an at-home red light therapy device. "Since at-home RLT isn’t always as strong as in-office treatments, it’s important to look for a device that can be easily used multiple times a week for maintenance and preventative benefits," she advises. Butler agrees and emphasizes the comfort of the tool as well: "You want to choose a device that you can sit with and relax while the lights work."
✔️ Wavelength: To avoid skin sensitivity or damage, take note of the wavelength of light, Dr. Engelman suggests. "I recommend devices that can provide a wavelength between 600 and 900 nanometers," she adds.
✔️ Device type and shape: Since many of these devices come in mask form, we recommend trying these on both for skin sensitivity and to make sure they are comfortable to wear. If they aren't, opt for a handheld wand-like device instead.
✔️ Color(s) of light: Dr. Lal recommends using a pure red light device, especially for skin of color. "Blue light can lead to hyperpigmentation, so I would avoid combo masks if you have darker skin."
✔️ Power Density: For skin issues, aim for a device with a power density between 20 and 200 mW/cm². "Power density means how much light is emitted per unit area," Wizemann says.
What exactly do red light therapy devices do?
"Red light therapy works by inducing skin regeneration in a noninvasive way—by exposing the skin to safe wavelengths of light," says Dr. Engelman.
While in-office professional treatments produce the most immediate and dramatic results, at-home red light therapy is a quick and convenient alternative that can produce similar results over time with repeated use. Some devices offer speedy treatment sessions that last for only three minutes. “[It is] a powerful tool for skin rejuvenation," says Dr. Baum. “For the best results, I always recommend using FDA-cleared devices and following safety guidelines.”
Is at-home red light therapy effective?
Yes, but it takes consistency and dedication. "I was skeptical at first because there isn't a huge amount of evidence, but my patients that use red light masks post laser procedures heal faster with less long-term redness so I have become a fan," says Dr. Lal. Butler has seen some studies showing anti-aging benefits including neck wrinkle improvement and fine line and wrinkle improvement after home use of a wearable LED device.
The one caveat: the energy level of an at-home red light therapy device is generally lower than what professionals use in the office, but that’s true for any home devices for safety purposes. "It just may require more long-term treatment to get results," says Dr. Lal.
Are LED masks safe?
LED masks are generally safe for skin. "The energy levels achieved are effective but low, and the light is unlikely to cause damage to the skin or eyes," says Shauna Diggs, M.D., a dermatologist working with Lumenis Laser Aesthetics. Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and assistant professor of clinical dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, agrees, noting that "while they aren’t as powerful as some other in-office treatments including various lasers, they are safe and the benefit is that they can comfortably be used at home with low risk."
LED masks aren't going to completely fix all your issues overnight, but if you use them regularly, you may achieve some impressive results. Take note—most of these masks come with a hefty price tag, but if you want to give your skincare routine a boost, they're worth the splurge!
How do you use red light therapy at home?
With several at-home devices being FDA cleared, it's easy and safe to do red light therapy at home. It's a non-invasive, painless treatment, but it's still very important to read directions carefully and follow instructions closely.
While every device is different, Dr. Lal generally suggests that people use red light in the evening, after cleansing their face but before skincare application. "I recommend patients sanitize their masks because they are in close contact to the skin and people can develop folliculitis or acne from contamination." He recommends people use their device three times a week on average, but notes that this treatment plan can vary on the device and the energy it emits. Since those with melanated skin can be more prone to side effects (like discoloration and blistering), it's safer to start with a more conservative approach using the device less frequently and build up as you go.
As with any other devices, proceed with caution. "Misuse of RLT devices can potentially cause blisters or burns," warns Dr. Engelman.
Dr. Marchbein stresses that the effects can take time. "Remember that repeated treatments are needed and these should be used on an ongoing basis and ideally as a part of a comprehensive skincare routine for best results," she says.
Can you overdo red light therapy?
For the most part, red light therapy is safe to use without side effects, as long as it's used correctly. However, as noted above, it's important to follow the instructions to avoid overuse. "If worried about cell damage, keeping sessions to a maximum of 20 minutes is a good idea and will still give you the desired benefits," recommends Dr. Engelman.
One review on light therapy also notes that patients of color can be more sensitive to visible light than patients with pale skin, so use caution with at-home use of red light and monitor your skin’s reaction to these devices.
How long should you do red light therapy to see results?
The key to red light therapy is consistent use over time. While you may see results in the short-term, it's important to continue using them to maintain those results. "You can see results from red light therapy by just doing treatment for five to 10 minutes, two to three times a week," says Dr. Engelman. However, red light therapy at-home devices need to be used consistently over several months to see any anti-aging benefits.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price did the most recent article updates, adding two new devices and more details to existing picks. She has over 18 years of experience writing about beauty and skincare in particular.
GH Staff Writer Cameron Jenkins updated this article with GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. She also has a wealth of experience writing about makeup and skincare.
With more than a decade of experience, board-certified dermatologist Caroline Chang, M.D., is nationally recognized as a top doctor in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the founder of Rhode Island Dermatology Institute, the state’s first direct care dermatology practice with the goal of providing high-quality, customized care.
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