Top Light Therapy Masks of 2025: Our Tested Favorites

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If you need a sign that the present-day world in which we're living is, in fact, the future we once imagined, check out the latest and greatest skincare innovations out there. Skin-tightening creams that erase away fine lines are readily available in drugstores. Microcurrent devices for at-home use somehow lift and sculpt faces. Heck, there are even neck creams that undo crepey skin. Perhaps one of the most innovative creations as of late, though, is the light therapy mask.

These masks use the power of light and different wavelengths to target skin concerns like acne, wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and so on. 'We know that LED light penetrates the skin to stimulate specific cellular functions that lead to the benefits we see,' says Gabriel Chiu, D.O., double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery. 'The wavelength, power, and duration of the light will determine the effect and efficacy of the treatment.'

They're pretty much the cat's meow when it comes to skincare, but the prices of these devices are a little spooky — there's good reason for it, though. “Unlike most topical skincare, [red light therapy masks] have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties which...may help reduce the redness associated with chronic inflammatory skin disorders like rosacea and acne,” says Sam Ellis, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at University of California-Davis. To find the best light therapy masks on the market, we tested 15 different masks for six weeks and deemed these the 10 best light therapy masks for all your skincare needs. Read our findings below for all the details.

Session Duration: 1.5 or 2 min | Skin Concerns: Wrinkles, fine lines, clogged pores, and overall complexion

Our discerning testers named the Foreo UFO 2 the best red light therapy mask for its hydrating and rejuvenating power. Some context: Foreo sells several activated masks, each targeting different skincare concerns (such as illumination or hydration). Each mask has its own treatment routine in the FOREO app, which syncs to your UFO 2 red light therapy device. You’ll apply the activated mask first, and then start treatment via the FOREO app. Pretty high-tech, and it was easy enough after the first try — but it requires a little more setup than other red light therapy masks we tried. 

'This device combines LED light therapy, thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and T-sonic massage to help rejuvenate the skin,' says Marisa Garshick, M.D., dermatologist and DRMTLGY brand advisor. 'It is easy to use and uses a full spectrum of LED light, including blue and red, to target all skincare concerns ranging from acne to wrinkles.'

The Make My Day Activated Mask that we tested promises to revitalize and nourish skin for a smoother, “dreamy-soft” texture — and TBH, it delivered. One tester found that their skin looked less inflamed, brighter, softer, and overall more clear in a single use. They even got compliments from strangers on the streets about how fresh their skin looked.

Session Duration: 10 min | Skin Concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation

If you're on the hunt for the best light therapy mask for wrinkles, this is the model for you. It's specifically designed to diminish the appearance of stubborn fine lines thanks to the red and near-infrared wavelengths to boost collagen production.

'This red light mask is FDA-cleared and is easy to use,' says Dr. Garshick. 'It uses red light and near-infrared light to help reduce fine lines, wrinkles as well as discoloration while also firming the skin.'

Session Duration: 10 or 20 min | Skin Concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, and dull, dry skin

While topical products can satisfy short-term skin goals, the HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask brings out your inner glow. Using near-infrared and red light therapy to promote healing and rejuvenate cells, this medical-grade silicone mask stood out to us for how quickly we saw results.

Designed with large eye holes and a head strap, it’s easy to put on and can be worn while around the house or while taking a nap (yes, it’s that relaxing). Overall, the product was a great addition to our beauty routine, and we found that the mask provided an extra dose of glow, dewiness, and healthier-looking skin. However, for testers with thick, textured hair, the head strap was not long enough. It felt tight and uncomfortable at times. 

Session Duration: 10 min | Skin Concerns: Acne, redness, inflammation

If you have acne, acne scars, redness, or inflammation, Shape editors recommend the Omnilux Clear. The FDA-cleared blue and red light therapy mask is crafted to not only clear breakouts but stop them from happening. The flexible mask utilizes the powers of red and blue light wavelengths to 'kill acne-forming bacteria in the sebaceous glands,' per the brand.

The brand states users can expect to see results after six months of consistent use, one of our testers said she noticed a difference after about a week of use. 'My scars got less noticeable, and I haven't even seen a pimple scratch the surface of my skin since using this thing.'

Session Duration: 3 min | Skin Concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, acne, redness, sun damage

Before you lose your breath looking at the price tag of this light therapy mask, let us explain where it comes from. A whopping 162 LED lights emit blue, amber, red, deep red, and infrared lights to work together in fighting off acne, repairing sun damage, boosting collagen production, and stimulating circulation so the skin can absorb all the good stuff even easier.

The impressive mask works with every skin type and requires only three three-minute treatments a week (you can use it more often if you wish, though) — which isn't a whole lot compared to others. Testers found that, unlike other masks, this one covered their entire face and fit comfortably whether they were lying down, moving around, or typing at their desk.

It takes some time to notice results, but once you see 'em, you won't stop noticing glowiness, a more even skin tone, and fewer lines throughout your face.

Session Duration: 3 min | Skin Concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, acne, redness, dark spots, sagging skin

'My favorite LED mask is the Q-Rejuvalight Pro by Qure,' says Luke Maxfield, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. 'This mask is the world’s first FDA-cleared LED mask for both anti-aging and anti-acne purposes. It is comfortable and of great quality, utilizing both red light and blue light. Each of these color spectrums provides benefits with red light optimally helping with signs of aging and blue light being more effective for acne.'

To customize the treatment option for your skin, choose one of the three treatment modes: anti-breakout, anti-aging, or custom treatment zones. The mask will then automatically begin emitting light wavelengths that best treat your skin concerns.

'Not only can you select which colors to use, depending on your skincare goals at the time, but through an application that can be connected to your phone, you can actually focus the different colors on specific areas of the face,' says Dr. Maxfield. 'Additionally, the app allows you to track and schedule treatments, making it easy to monitor your progress and maintain a consistent skincare routine. Because this mask is so personalizable, it allows for skincare that can adjust and age with a person over time.'

Session Duration: 20 min | Skin Concerns: Blemishes, pigmentation, and redness

If you’ve never tried a red light therapy mask, why not test the waters with an affordable and comfortable option? The Therashield 3-in-1 Light Therapy Mask’s ergonomic and portable design works for all skin types and offers three types of treatment: red light, blue light, and amber light therapy.

The mask attaches to the face like sunglasses with nose pads and eye holes that make the hard plastic more comfortable and easier to wear. We did find it to be a little bothersome when trying to watch television. We found that the mask worked great at removing surface-level blemishes but did not help with deep, cystic acne or melasma.

Session Duration: 5 min | Skin Concerns: Smoothes fine lines, decreases puffiness

The SolaWave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand is more of a gussied-up face roller than a true red light therapy mask, but it provides the benefits of four different non-invasive skin-boosting technologies in under five minutes. With the wave of one handheld tool, you can enjoy red and blue light therapy, microcurrent therapy, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth. We loved that the wand didn’t require us to sit or lie down while using it, unlike traditional red light face masks that can be cumbersome.

'This wand incorporates a combination of red light therapy to help rejuvenate the skin,' says Dr. Garshick. 'It can be used on the forehead, cheeks, under eyes, jaw, neck, and upper lip.'

Session Duration: 3 min | Skin Concerns: Acne

If you're constantly dealing with hormonal acne or you can expect a pimple the week of your period like clockwork, we loved the light therapy wand from SolaWave 3-Minute Pimple Spot Treatment. The portable, lightweight tool helped shrink mild to moderate acne after several weeks of use, and it required just the push of a button.

All you have to do is place the tool on existing acne or blemishes, hold it for three minutes, and let it work its magic. Heads up: You can only use it once daily on each acne spot.

Session Duration: 10 min | Skin Concerns; Acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea

For those who experience bouts of rosacea, the skin condition that causes redness, a combination of red and blue light therapy can help decrease inflammation and the red appearance of the skin, which is why this combination mask is a stellar option.

'Incorporating both red and near-infrared, this light mask has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of skin tone and texture,' explains Dr. Garshick. 'It can be used for 10 minutes five times per week and is considered safe for all skin tones.'

Also, it helps fight off blemishes and subside acne scars, so it's a phenomenal skin corrector for a number of concerns.

Since light therapy masks are an investment, we took our testing protocols very seriously. After consulting with an expert dermatologist, we researched the most popular light therapy devices on the market before narrowing it down to 12 to test. Our six-week testing period started in our New York lab, where we took official “before” pictures and used the masks for the first time under expert supervision. We ensured that each tester knew the best practices for using the mask (i.e., only on clean, dry skin) and set them free to test the mask in the lab. We interviewed testers immediately afterward to see what results they noticed, if any, and their thoughts on the setup process, comfort, and ease of use of the light therapy device.

We continued to check in with our testers regularly throughout the test, asking for detailed insights at the three-week mark in particular. Testers were asked to use the mask a minimum of three times per week during the six-week testing period for a minimum of 12 minutes per use (or per manufacturer best practices). After six weeks, we invited testers back to the lab for “after” photos and a full reflection on how their skin felt post-light therapy treatment. We used these findings to assign ratings for each light therapy device and curate this list of the best light therapy devices for all skin types.

Lauryn Higgins is a journalist whose work focuses primarily on public health and wellness. She reviews products in the fitness, beauty, and lifestyle categories. She currently works as a journalist and adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her work has appeared in NPR, Women's Health, RealSimple, Well + Good, and Teen Vogue. Her work tracking the Covid-19 pandemic at the New York Times was part of a team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

Summer Cartwright is a fitness and wellness editor who has been evaluating skincare and beauty products for more than six years. She specifically tested the Omnilux Clear for this article and updated picks with expert recommendations and details in August 2024.