17 best LED face masks in 2024, tested & reviewed

Investing in an LED face mask isn't like picking up a new retinol serum or moisturiser. They’re expensive – and not all face masks are created equal. So, we've consulted experts and tested market-leading designs to ensure you only buy something that'll work.

Hannah Measures and Laura Ferguson, founders of The Light Salon, told me not to be fooled by a huge number of bulbs or multiple colours – if the wavelengths of light and the dose aren't correct, no matter how many bulbs there are, the mask won’t be effective.

“Clinically-proven wavelengths of light are key, they should be seen as the ingredients you look out for in your skincare, such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide etc that are known to make a difference to your skin,” they said. “The most clinically-proven wavelengths of light, 633 nanometers & 830 nanometers – these are clinically proven to make a difference to the skin’s hydration, wrinkles and firmness.”

As well as looking out for clinically-proven wavelengths of light, we call in each LED face mask to test it for size. We test each LED face mask for 30 days, over the course of one full skin cycle, and take before and after pictures.

GLAMOUR editors consider performance across four primary categories: results, safety (we ensure they’re FDA-cleared), research and the science behind specific claims, plus value for money. We’ll also consider functionality andfeatures like whether they’re wireless, have adjustable velcro straps and come with eye protection, whether they're comfortable and whether they're portable.

Meet the experts:

LED light therapy refers to the process of exposing skin to different wavelengths of light which “stimulate collagen production and purify the skin”, Dr Radmila Lukian said. The light emitted by your LED face mask is absorbed by your skin, and as the light wavelength increases, so does the depth of penetration.

Each different light type – usually represented by a different treatment mode in your device – stimulates a different response. This means every colour boasts different skincare benefits.

LED light therapy “can help improve skin texture, reduce blemishes and hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone,” as well as calm psoriasis, improve the general appearance of your skin and reduce visible signs of ageing.

Yes, LED face masks are good for your skin, particularly if you want to boost collagen production in a bid to give structure, strength and elasticity to your skin. “LED light therapy have been proven to treat such a wide range of concerns over the past thirty years," CurrentBody's CEO Laurence Newman told me.

One study carried out in 2021, showed an improvement in atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition) in both men and women after twelve weeks of phototherapy, while a small 2018 study found green light therapy to aid in fading melasma and hyperpigmentation. Elsewhere, the NHS has a few medical applications of LED light therapy, such as for treatment of wound healing. “Particularly, for chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers or pressure sores,” Laurence said.

“The colour of the LED light to use depends on your specific skin concerns,” Dr. Jinah Yoo said.

“It is generally safe to use an at-home LED face mask every day,” Dr. Lukian said, “but it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not overuse it. Using it for up to 20 minutes a day, three-five times a week is a good starting point.”

The LED used in at-home devices is much weaker than what it would be in-salon, and actually, the devices often undergo much more rigorous testing because they need to be safe enough to use without the presence of a professional. If you do have sensitive skin or notice irregular signs of damage, consult with a dermatologist.

As for whether the effects of use will be permanent? “LED will always benefit skin and will help skin as long as you use it,” Dr. Maryam said. “Just like with exercise, you maintain your muscle mass and if you stop, then your muscle mass will diminish. Similarly, if you are using LED, you will see the benefit as you use that will decrease and stop after you stop using it. It gives you a new starting point.”

What should I put on my face before LED light therapy?

You don't need to put anything on your face before LED light therapy. Remove your makeup, use your normal cleanser and then make sure your skin is clean and dry.

Using an LED face mask will make your skincare products more effective, so let your skin settle for five minutes before continuing with your normal skincare routine: your serum, eye cream; face SPF.

Kim Kardashian famously gifted her friends with CurrentBody and Omnilux LED face masks for Christmas back in 2023 (they were found in those in those viral SKIMS-wrapped packages). Both of which come in under £400, pleasingly. "You can find me right here... Face, neck and hand red lights for the win!" wrote Kardashian via her Instagram Stories at the time. “I'm obsessed with these I gave them as gifts this year.”

1. Best LED Face Mask Overall: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask

• Mask type: Flexible mask.
• Light modes: Red (633nm) and Near-Infrared (830nm).
• Treatment time: 10 minutes.
• Wireless? Yes.
• Tested by: GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor Neamh Randall and GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett.
• Pros: 31% more powerful than other leading at-home LED masks, excellent price point, made from flexible silicone, boosts collagen with red LEDs and near infrared.
• Cons: Does not include blue LED light. Found we had to attach the strap to the head's crown with a claw clip to walk around mid-treatment to keep the mask in place.

Why GLAMOUR loves it: GLAMOUR's favourite LED face mask – approved by Sydney Sweeney – is the CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask. The brand knows a thing or two about LED light therapy having also launched an LED hair growth helmet, LED neck mask, an anti-blemish LED mask and an LED facial mapping mask, but the OG gets our vote.

The Currentbody mask uses only clinically-proven wavelengths of light (the same as professional salon machines) to reach up to 4cm of skin tissue and stimulate the cells from within. According to Dr. Belkin, they use wavelengths of light that are evidence based, and the LED emits a very precise band of light in that wavelength – more precise than other LED devices on the market.

What's more, each of the wavelengths are diffused with patented Pillow Technology which enhances the distribution of LED wavelengths, thus ensuring complete and evenly-distributed skin coverage. Many other masks have pinpoint LED lights that will only target the areas that they're actually being shown on.

“I always wondered if it was worth the hype, but without a doubt it is," our tester Neamh said. "It has an automated timer, which I love, and my skin feels clearer, tighter and more glowy.”

• READ MORE: GLAMOUR's full CurrentBody LED face mask review.

2. Best LED Face Mask For Anti-Ageing: Dr. Dennis Gross Spectralite LED mask

• Mask type: Rigid mask.
• Light modes: 100 red LED lights.
• Treatment time: 3 minutes.
• Wireless? Yes.
• Tested by: Sarah Y. Wu, Beauty Writer and Contributing Content Director at Milk Makeup and Denise Primbet.
• Pros: Red and blue light, medical-grade, each treatment just three minutes, looks chic.
• Cons: Rigid rather than silicone which may be uncomfortable; slightly inaccessible price point.

Why GLAMOUR Loves it: This is a medical grade, FDA-approved mask (which been developed by A-list dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross). It boasts 100 red (collagen stimulating) and 62 blue (bacteria-killing) LED lights which can be used either separately or together. So, if you have multiple skin issues that you're looking to target, this could be a good choice.

“As someone who’s prone to redness and irritation, my trusty Dr Dennis Gross LED face mask has been a staple in my skincare routine,” GLAMOUR's Denise Primbet said.

“Out of the three treatment options, I’ve been particularly loving the blue light mode, which has helped calm my rosacea and even out my skin tone. Above all, I enjoyed the cordless design, making it super easy for me to carry on with my day-to-day activities without having to stay next to the nearest plug. I've started noticing the improvement in my skin tone and texture about five weeks in, after having used it religiously once a week on my skincare reset days. The price will set you back a hefty £465, but trust me when I tell you that it’s well worth the investment.”

• READ MORE: GLAMOUR's full Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask review.

3. Best LED Face Mask With Massage Therapy: TheraFace Mask

• Mask type: Rigid.
• Light modes: Three light settings and three vibration modes. You can choose between pre-programmed three minute or nine minute cycles.
• Treatment time: 9-minute pre-programmed treatment once a day for 6 days each week.
• Wireless? Yes.
• Tested by: Fiona Embleton.
• Pros: Harnesses the benefits of vibration therapy at the very same time.
• Cons: Rigid, which some people may find uncomfortable.

Why GLAMOUR loves it: First came the Theragun massage gun and then the Theraface Pro. Now, Therabody, the global pioneer in wellness technology, has released an LED face mask that is clinically proven to reduce signs of aging, firm skin and increase radiance. Need proof? An objective clinical study of 31 participants between the ages of 39 to 64 found that after 12 weeks, TheraFace Mask improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firmed skin and reduced sagging, smoothed texture, increased luminosity and radiance, lightened dark spots, and revealed radiant, healthy skin. The mask boasts 648 Red, Red + Infrared and Blue LED lights which is three times more than the leading competitor.

Not only is this LED face mask wireless, incredibly comfortable to wear and genuinely effective (more on that later), but it's the only LED face mask in this edit which also harnesses the benefits of vibration therapy at the very same time. Yep: there are three different vibration settings which each help to ease facial tension, boost circulation and ~relax~ you. It's also worth noting that it comes with eye shields to protect your eyes during use.

4. Best Lightweight LED Face Mask: Magnitone Get Lit Tri Colour LED Face Mask

• Mask type: Rigid mask.
• Light modes: Red, blue and yellow.
• Treatment time: 15 minutes.
• Wireless? Yes.
• Tested by: Hattie Cotmore, GLAMOUR's Associate Visuals Editor.
• Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, affordable, stays on whilst you're moving around, automatically shuts off after 15 minutes, USB rechargeable.
• Cons: Results are not immediately apparent, doesn't fold flat which means it's difficult to travel with.

Why GLAMOUR Loves it: Unlike many other LED face masks in this edit, this LED face mask – which allows you to give light therapy a go without spending over £100 – is worn like a pair of glasses, as opposed to attaching to your face with elasticated head straps. This makes it a lot more comfortable for most users, and ensures you can continue with chores, reading or making a cuppa while wearing it.

“I started using the red light in my routine at least four times a week,” Hattie said of her testing period. "Magnitone recommend taking photographs throughout use as the easiest way to track your skin's changes.

“For me it was when I was applying my make-up that I felt the changes the most. My foundation seemed to be gliding over my face more easily than usual. The texture of my skin was more even. I didn't feel particularly ‘glowy’ as I had hoped, although I did get some compliments on how my skin was looking – so I persisted.

“Overall, I do feel like my skin is looking a little brighter, but I think this LED mask needs prolonged use to really reap the benefits. I'm going to keep on using it regularly and monitor my skin over a longer period of time.”

• READ MORE: GLAMOUR'S full Magnitone Get Lit LED Face Mask review.

5. Best Korean LED Face Mask: Omnilux Contour Face

• Mask type: Flexible mask.
• Light modes: Red and near-infrared light.
• Treatment time: 10 minutes.
• Wireless? Yes.
• Tested by: Lucy Morgan, GLAMOUR's Purpose Editor and Mayola Fernandes.
• Pros: Flexible, comes with a carry bag so it's great for travelling.
• Cons: The remote control is permanently attached to the device which some users found a little annoying.

Why GLAMOUR loves it: Using 132 medical-grade red and near-infrared LED lights, the Omnilux LED face mask is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of pigmentation and redness, and generally promote healthier, younger-looking skin.

It's easy to use for five, 10-minute treatments per week for four-six weeks. It's also flexible, which makes it comfortable to wear, and it comes with a rechargeable battery controller, power supply and plug adaptors, USB C line to USB A connector, head straps and carry bag.

6. Best LED Face Mask For Brightening: The Light Salon Revive and Repeat LED Facial Set

• Mask type: Flexible mask.
• Light modes: Red and near infrared.
• Treatment time: 10 minutes.
• Wireless? Yes.
• Tested by: Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Writer.
• Pros: Stimulates collagen production, medical-grade, easy to use, comfortable.
• Cons: Nothing to note other than it's price point. Reviewers were impressed with this face mask.

Why GLAMOUR loves it: Both Alexa Chung and Victoria Beckham swear by this LED face mask, agreeing that your complexion looks brighter, tighter and smoother from the very first 10-minute use. It emits a combination of clinically-proven red 633nm and near-infrared 830nm wavelengths to boost collagen production, elastin production, toxin removal and circulation.

“Since coming off the contraceptive pill just over a year ago my skin has been put through the wringer – think severe hormonal acne, dryness and post-inflammatory pigmentation,” Georgia said. "I've been trying everything from the best retinol serums to even adjusting my diet in hopes of helping it, and while those things have definitely contributed to active spots and irritation, this device has truly worked wonders for my scarring and overall appearance.

“While I may need something a bit more chemical-grade to help with my older and more stubborn acne scars, I have definitely seen a vast improvement overall. My complexion is much less angry, and even the fine lines on my forehead have smoothed out.”

• READ MORE: GLAMOUR's full The Light Salon LED face mask review.