I Was Skeptical of LED Face Masks Until I Tested 5 and Found a Winner

First, a quick survey: Who else has a cluttered corner of their bathroom filled with serums, patches, and tools that once promised glowing skin? (Same.)

As someone constantly comparing TikTok testimonials and Amazon reviews, I wanted to believe that a one-time splurge on a fancy LED mask could finally end my beauty-buy spiral—but I was skeptical. Light therapy has long been a dermatologist's go-to, but the rise of at-home LED masks claiming similar results felt too good to be true. Celebs might have access to pro-level gear, but could the versions marketed to the rest of us really deliver?

And yet. As prices dropped and more competitors—each with their own Sci-Fi aesthetic—entered the scene, I couldn’t shake the idea that a daily dose of red, blue, or infrared light might be the low-effort skincare fix I’d been craving. So I did my research. While these devices typically cost as much as one or two in-office laser treatments, they’re still not exactly cheap.

They also vary widely. Some focus on sauna-like infrared benefits, while others target acne-causing bacteria to prevent breakouts. With each mask offering different goals and features, I decided the only way to truly compare them was to let them take over my bedroom for six weeks. (I’m a hands-on learner.) I landed on five LED skincare devices—from Insta-famous brands you’ve definitely been served ads for, to a few under-the-radar picks worth discovering.

How I tested each product:

I tested each device for one week, following the brand’s recommended frequency. (If it said 2–3 times per week, that’s what I did.) When a mask offered multiple modes—which most did—I chose the most general-purpose setting, usually the one that cycled through different light colors. I used each device on clean, dry skin, since products—especially SPF—can block the light and reduce effectiveness. And because I was chasing low-effort luxury, I only tested hands-free masks.

Read on to see how each device stacked up.

The best LED skincare devices, at a glance:

• Best For Really Busy People: Dr Dennis Gross DRxSpectraLite (TM) FaceWare Pro Masque LED, $455
• Best For Customizing Treatment: Silk'n LED Face Mask 100, $299
• Best For On-The-Go: Metamorphosis Magic Moon Eye Evolution, $289
• Best For Getting Your Glow On: HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask, $349
• Best Overall: Therabody TheraFace Mask, $649

Best For Really Busy People: Dr Dennis Gross DRxSpectraLite FaceWare Pro Masque LED

$455

Shop at Sephora Shop at Dermstore Shop at Nordstrom

How the brand positions it:

The FaceWare Pro's marketing materials focus on light therapy for anti-aging and anti-acne in equal parts, explaining that the masque uses red light to stimulate skin's natural collagen production to reduce lines, and blue light to kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent future breakouts in short, 3-minute sessions.

Quick details:

• Treatment length: 3 minutes per session
• Recommended use: Daily
• LED light types: Red and blue
• Modes:
• HSA eligible: Yes
• Device type: Hands-free (no hand-held controller)

My review of the Dr. Dennis Gross FaceWare Pro

Pros:

• Just 3 minutes per session
• HSA eligible
• Combines red and blue light

Cons:

• Fit may be uncomfortable for some
• Higher price point

Even before diving into research, this mask (ehem, masque) was everywhere—from beauty retailers to the HSA store to my latest binge-watch. So I was eager to take it for a spin. The combo of red and blue light was especially appealing as someone in her mid-thirties who’s juggling anti-aging efforts with the occasional breakout.

Two other selling points sealed the deal: It had the shortest daily treatment time of any I considered—just three minutes—and it was HSA-eligible. (Why does paying with HSA dollars feel like it doesn’t count? Girl math.)

Once I started testing, those three-minute sessions were as lazy-proof as promised… kind of. While I loved the low time commitment, the mask itself made those minutes feel longer than expected. It just didn’t fit my face well. At 5'11", maybe it’s a scale issue, but it pressed into my cheekbones, and the silicone strap hit too low on the back of my head, making it feel loose no matter how much I adjusted it. Still, for the promise of boosted collagen and fewer breakouts? Strap me in—I’ll deal.

Best For Customizing Treatment: Silk'n LED Face Mask 100

$299

Shop at Silk'n

How the brand positions it:

Silk'n's mask claims to tackle a variety of different skin care needs with its multiple modes and treatment times. It offers red light for increased circulation, increased collagen production, and tighter skin overall, along with blue light for decreased oiliness and anti-acne benefits. But it adds two more features to this: a mixed light mode that appears purple to the eye and offers anti-inflammatory benefits and "reduced skin imperfections", and an infrared mode designed to temporarily boost circulation, increase skin moisture levels, and soothe sensitive skin.

Quick details:

• Treatment length: 15 minutes (Automatic mode, cycles through all lights), 10 minutes (Manual mode, single light)
• Recommended frequency: 3–4 times/week for 2–3 weeks, then reduce to 1–2 times/week
• LED colors: Red, blue, infrared
• Modes:
• HSA eligible: No
• Includes hand-held controller: Yes

My review of the Silk'n LED Face Mask

Pros:

• Multiple treatment modes for customizable skincare
• Flexible design molds well to the face
• Comfortable built-in eye guards for hands-free scrolling or reading
• Infrared mode provides gentle warmth and a post-treatment glow
• Automatic mode cycles through all light types—no need to choose

Cons:

• Not HSA-eligible
• Corded controller limits mobility during use
• Requires frequent reference to the manual to navigate settings initially
• Longer treatment time compared to some competitors

I hadn’t heard of Silk’n before testing, but it quickly became a favorite. The mask is thinner and more flexible than the other “flat” design I tried (looking at you, HigherDOSE), so it molded to my face more comfortably and didn’t leave deep indentations post-use. (All LED masks leave some kind of mark—but they fade fast, don’t worry.)

The built-in eye guards worked well, letting me read or scroll while wearing it. That said, since the mask connects to a handheld controller by cord, it’s not ideal for moving around mid-treatment. The controller is intuitive once you’re familiar with it, though I had to revisit the manual now and then when switching modes. I mostly used the Automatic setting, which cycles through all four light types.

What I really appreciated was the customizability. The infrared mode, in particular, delivered a gentle warmth and post-facial glow that made my skin feel refreshed and subtly flushed—in a good way.

Best For on the Go: Metamorphosis Magic Moon Eye Evolution

$289

Shop at Metamorphosis Light Therapy

How the brand positions it:

Metamorphosis takes a hyper-targeted approach to LED skincare. Each device is designed for a specific concern, and the Magic Moon Eye Evolution focuses exclusively on the under-eye area. It uses multi-wavelength red and near-infrared LEDs to boost collagen, support elastin production, even out skin tone, and visibly reduce puffiness, discoloration, and fine lines.

Quick details:

• Treatment length: 9 minutes
• Recommended use: Daily
• LED light types: Red and near-infrared
• Mode: Combined red and near-infrared therapy
• HSA eligible: No
• Device type: Hands-free (powered by a magnetic, portable battery; no controller)

My review of the Metamorphosis Magic Moon Eye Evolution

Pros:

• Hyper-targeted treatment specifically for the under-eye area
• Compact and travel-friendly design
• Noticeably reduces puffiness and brightens the eye area
• Hands-free and cordless with a magnetic battery
• Charges neatly in a portable case

Cons:

• Only treats a small, localized area
• Adhesive stickers can be tricky to apply and intense for sensitive skin
• Not HSA-eligible
• Slight learning curve with setup

At the time of testing, Metamorphosis was the only brand I came across offering such a localized, precision-focused device. The Magic Moon Eye Evolution stood out not only for its under-eye design, but also because the brand offers similar tools for acne and even lip plumping.

The setup is clever and compact. A soft, flexible eye mask pairs with a magnetic battery (roughly the size of a gumdrop) to power the treatment. You use small double-sided stickers to adhere the mask directly to your under-eye area, and everything charges neatly in a portable case—kind of like skincare AirPods.

This design is especially great for travelers, and despite the small size, the results held their own against full-face masks—at least for the area it treats. After just nine minutes, my under-eyes looked smoother, de-puffed, and brighter, even though I didn’t feel particularly well-rested. The stickers weren’t the easiest to work with (and they stuck a little too well for my sensitive skin), but they didn’t leave behind any redness or irritation once removed.

Best For Getting That Glow: HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask

$349

Shop at REVOLVE Shop at Neiman Marcus

How the brand positions it: HigherDOSE’s LED mask uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, and improve skin tone. But unlike many competitors, the brand also highlights less-visible perks: a natural mood boost and an overall sense of relaxation. It's positioned not just as a skincare tool, but as part of a full mind-body wellness routine.

Quick details:

• Treatment length: 10 minutes (starter mode) or 20 minutes (recommended over time)
• Recommended use: 3–5 times per week
• LED light types: Red and near-infrared
• Mode: Combined red and near-infrared therapy
• HSA eligible: Yes
• Device type: Includes a hand-held controller; uses medical-grade silicone for heat durability

My review of the HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask

Pros:

• Delivers a noticeable, healthy glow after each use
• Medical-grade silicone is high-quality and durable
• May support mood, circadian rhythm, and sleep quality
• Instagram-friendly design with wellness-forward branding
• HSA-eligible

Cons:

• Thicker material doesn’t sit flush against all face shapes
• Bulky feel makes it less comfortable for multitasking
• Requires a controller (less travel-friendly)
• Pricier than some competitors

With its signature turquoise design, HigherDOSE’s mask is the one you’ve probably seen on social media long before you even considered buying one. It’s made from thick, medical-grade silicone that gives it a substantial, almost weighted feel. That thickness makes it feel a bit less snug against the skin compared to more flexible masks—but it also makes the experience feel more like a sauna session than a facial.

Of all the masks I tested, this one felt the most invigorating. The warmth wasn’t intense, but it was definitely noticeable, and it left my skin with a fresh, healthy glow. In fact, at one point during my test, a colleague asked if I was in love because I was “literally glowing.” I’ll take that.

What really set this mask apart, though, were the bonus benefits. It’s the only one I tested that emphasized mood-lifting properties and the potential to offset blue light exposure. While I can’t pinpoint exactly which mask influenced my improved sleep, I did notice a surprising shift in my circadian rhythm while using this one. By starting my mornings with light therapy, I was somehow waking up before my alarm—consistently—for the first time in my life.

Best Overall: Therabody TheraFace Mask, $649

Therabody TheraFace Mask

$649.99

Shop at Dermstore Shop at Nordstrom Shop at Bloomingdale's

How the brand positions it:

TheraFace blends light therapy with the signature vibration tech Therabody is known for. The result? A treatment designed to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, reduce discoloration, boost circulation, and relax facial muscles. In addition to improving skin texture and tone, the built-in vibration pads are intended to help reduce tension and enhance overall skin vitality.

Quick details:

• Treatment length: 12 minutes
• Recommended use: Daily
• LED light types: Red, blue, infrared
• Modes:
• Vibration-only mode: Encourages circulation and reduces facial/muscle tension
• HSA eligible: Maybe (may require a doctor’s recommendation)
• Device type: Hands-free (no controller; vibration pads built into the mask and head strap)

My takeaway

Pros:

• Combines LED therapy and facial vibration for a multifunctional treatment
• Noticeably improves skin texture and tone within days
• Head strap vibration doubles as a relaxing scalp massage
• Great for multitasking—no controller and comfortable fit
• Includes a sleek, functional stand for easy storage

Cons:

• Most expensive device on this list
• Vibration straps are not removable—avoid using with wet hair
• May not be HSA-eligible without a doctor’s note
• Adhesion and vibration intensity may not be ideal for those with very sensitive skin

At the highest price point of all the devices I tested, the TheraFace still felt worth the investment. It’s sleek, smartly engineered, and packed with features. Like many others, it offers the holy trinity of red, blue, and infrared light—but what sets it apart is the ability to add or remove vibration across all modes.

I originally sought it out after reading about facial massage and lymphatic drainage. Realistically, I knew I’d never be someone who Gua Shas every morning—but the TheraFace’s built-in vibration pads seemed like a techy workaround. While the brand doesn’t claim lymphatic benefits, I definitely noticed the same sense of drainage and post-facial “sculpting” I’ve felt after pro treatments. Whether that’s placebo or not, I’ll take it.

Bonus: the vibration extends to the head strap. Embedded with motorized pads, it delivers a surprisingly soothing scalp massage while the face portion works its magic. As a migraine sufferer, I especially appreciated the option to run the vibration on its own during flare-ups—it felt like a high-end head massage when I needed it most.

Practicality-wise, the TheraFace nailed it. It fits snugly to the face, doesn’t require a hand-held controller, and is surprisingly easy to wear while moving around. The optional eye guards make it comfortable to look around during treatment, and it even comes with a sleek stand to keep it upright and dust-free. A small but satisfying touch.

The biggest skincare change? Texture. Within a few days, my skin felt noticeably smoother and calmer. As someone with a long history of acne and post-acne redness, I was impressed by how quickly my complexion started to even out.