The Top Light Therapy Masks of 2023: Tried and Evaluated

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When perusing the cosmetics aisle, you're bound to come across a myriad of creams, lotions, and serums. However, the latest and greatest at-home beauty tool has just hit the market, and it appears to be straight out of a sci-fi flick: the light therapy mask. These cutting-edge devices boast even greater results than their messy sheet mask counterparts.

Light therapy masks expose your skin to different wavelengths of light, each of which has varying effects on the skin and is available in different colors. Blue, red, or amber lights can help address uneven skin tones, lines, textures, wrinkles, acne, and even inflammation.

But what sets light therapy masks apart from topical products?

“Unlike most topical skincare, [light therapy masks] have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties which can help people recover faster from procedures and may help reduce the redness associated with chronic inflammatory skin disorders like rosacea and acne,” says Sam Ellis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at University of California-Davis.

Additionally, red light therapy can stimulate collagen production in a way similar to topical skincare, such as retinoids, but works through a different biological pathway. This alternative method can be seen as a complement to what skincare and in-office procedures can offer when it comes to skin rejuvenation.

However, trying various high-tech devices can be both expensive and a hassle. That's why we tested 12 different light therapy masks over the course of six weeks and settled on five standout products.

The Foreo UFO 2, particularly when paired with the FOREO Make My Day Activated Mask, was the top winner for its hydrating and rejuvenating abilities. Each activated mask corresponds to specific skincare concerns and has its own treatment routine in the FOREO app, which syncs to your UFO 2. Although this high-tech approach was relatively easy after the initial setup, it does require more work than other light therapy masks. The Make My Day Activated Mask delivers on its promise to revitalize and nourish skin for improved texture and a refreshed look.

Another noteworthy product is the SolaWave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand. While not a true light therapy mask, this tool packs in four non-invasive skin-boosting technologies in under five minutes. With the flick of the wrist, you can enjoy red and blue light therapy, microcurrent therapy, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth. Although not hands-free, we found the process to be comfortable for the short amount of time it requires. The wand is a great introduction to light therapy, even though it did little to improve overall skin texture.

Target Areas: Full face or trouble spots | Session Duration: 90-seconds or 2-minutes | Cordless: Yes | Skin Concerns: Wrinkles, fine lines, clogged pores, and overall complexion | Battery-Powered or Charging Required: Charging

Target Areas: Full face | Session Duration: 5-minutes, 3 to 5 times a week | Cordless: Yes | Skin Concerns: Smoothes fine lines, decreases puffiness | Battery-Powered or Charging Required: Charging

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.

As far as design, the tool is very small and can fit entirely in the palm of your hand, which made it easy to use and simple to incorporate into our daily beauty routine. We loved that our skin texture did improve, but we did find that the tool needed to be used routinely to treat existing acne and blemishes. This was primarily because you can only use it once daily on each acne spot. The battery life was standard for most light therapy masks, requiring a two-hour charge to run for one hour of continuous use.

Target Areas: Spot treatments for pre-existing acne | Session Duration: 3-minutes, repeat daily as needed | Cordless: Yes | Skin Concerns: Acne | Battery-Powered or Charging Required: Charging

If you’ve never tried a 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 LED lights emit infrared light that causes heat in specific wavelengths or spectrums, which have been proven to aid other skincare treatments to penetrate deeper into the skin. Translation: If you’re already a regular at your local medspa, this mask is a great addition to enhance professional treatments or treat existing skin problems. It’s charged through a USB cord, but the charge only lasts about an hour. Expect to plug it in every three sessions or so.

We found that the mask worked great at removing blemishes, but did not help with deep, cystic acne or melasma. It was especially ineffective on the sides of the face, since the mask doesn’t wrap around that far. 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 or exercise. But overall, for the price and ease of use, we found this product to be a great option.

Target Areas: Full face | Session Duration: 20-minutes, 2 to 3 times a day | Cordless: Yes | Skin Concerns: Blemishes, pigmentation, and redness | Battery-Powered or Charging Required: Charging

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.

While the mask is cordless, it does need to be plugged into a small adapter when in use, but that adapter can easily fit in a pocket or hand. 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). The user-friendly device provides two treatment options — 10 minutes or 20 minutes — and it automatically turns off when the time is up.

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, we did notice a few small breakouts after we began using it. Additionally, we found that for women with thick textured hair, the head strap was not long enough. It felt tight and uncomfortable at times.

Target Areas: Full face | Session Duration: 10 or 20-minutes | Cordless: Yes, but must be connected via adapter | Skin Concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, and dull, dry skin | Battery-Powered or Charging Required: Charging

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 set-up process, comfort, and ease of use for 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.

Light therapy is on the cutting edge of skincare. In fact, it’s even been used by NASA and the Navy Seals for medical purposes. So, finding the right light therapy mask can make all the difference in your overall complexion and the future of your skin’s health. That’s why it’s important to do your research before you go shopping to ensure that what you’re buying is tailored to your specific skin care needs and not harming your skin or causing damage. Dr. Ellis recommends consulting with a skincare professional if you have any questions or concerns about what the best option is for you. 

Light therapy masks can treat a variety of skin conditions that include: mild to moderate acne, wrinkles, rosacea, sun damage, and even reduce hyperpigmentation. And LED light therapy may treat small and superficial basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of cancer. 

Light therapy masks cannot treat deep acne cysts, blackheads, or whiteheads. These types of blemishes require professional extractions. 

Light therapy can come in a variety of ways, but the most common are masks or hand-held wands. It’s important to follow the individual product instructions for optimal results and safety, but you should avoid looking at the mask’s light while using the product and stop use if you begin to notice any discomfort or abnormal side effects.

While light therapy works well on its own, it’s best used in conjunction with other treatments such as facials, creams, and topicals. 

Of the five light therapy masks we tested, most suggested a session duration of 2 to 20 minutes.

Light therapy, and specifically LED light therapy, uses various wavelengths that correspond to different visible colors. Each color penetrates the skin at different depths.

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 freelance 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. 

Samantha Ellis, MD is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist. Dr. Ellis graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She was awarded the Dean’s Merit Scholarship to attend the University of Michigan Medical School, where she completed her medical doctorate and was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society for exceptional academic performance and leadership in her program.

After finishing her medical internship in Denver, Colorado, she returned to her home state of California to complete her dermatology residency at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Ellis has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and authored several medical textbook chapters on a broad range of dermatology topics including cutaneous immunology, dermatologic surgery, cosmeceuticals, and skin aging. She also volunteers her time as a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at UC Davis.