7 Best Red-Light Therapy Devices, Reviewed by Testers and Dermatologists
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The best red-light therapy devices—wands, masks, full-body panels—have gotten a lot of attention lately (and happen to be among the most wish-listed gifts this year), but do they really work? Dermatologists tell Glamour that while these at-home tools aren’t quite as strong as medical-grade equipment, they do deliver glowing skin with regular use and a little patience. How? The devices spark a cell repair process that can help reduce inflammation (great for the acne-prone) and deliver antiaging benefits like increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity. But they don't come cheap, especially for something that requires trust in the process, so our editors spent the past year talking to experts and testing upwards of 15 devices ourselves to find out which ones are worth your hard-earned money.
Our top overall pick is the Qure LED face mask for its convenience, versatility, and efficacy. But there are plenty of other great options—all of which are FDA-approved—that we confidently recommend, including a super slim handheld option that works on your full body, a gadget with interchangeable heads for a facial massage, and one that doubles as a microcurrent device. Ahead, the best red-light therapy products that our reviewers say delivered actual results.
The best red-light therapy devices, at a glance
- Best Overall: Qure LED Light Therapy Mask, $349
- Best Wand: Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand, $110
- Best Mask: Higher Dose Red Light Face Mask, $279
- Best for Face: Silk'n Titan MultiPlatform, $499
- Best for Body: TheraFace PRO, $400
- Best for Inflammation: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLight FaceWare Pro, $455
- Strongest Red-Light Therapy Device: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask, $469
- Best for Hair Loss: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, $455
All your red-light therapy questions, answered
What is red-light therapy?
Red-light therapy is “a noninvasive treatment that uses low level light to do what we call photobiomodulation,” says Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology in NYC. Put more simply, it’s a treatment that uses low-wavelength red light and near-infrared light to penetrate cells, activating a repair process within the cells themselves that can help reduce inflammation, speed up wound healing, and even reverse signs of aging.
Red-light therapy isn’t new in clinical settings. This “low-level laser therapy” has been around for decades, but it has recently exploded in the world of at-home skin care devices based on the tantalizing promise that you might be able to rejuvenate your skin cells by literally waving a magic wand (think the Solawave).
Which skin types can benefit from red-light therapy?
According to Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare in Southern California, all skin types can benefit from red-light therapy at home with no side effects. “However, if you have melasma, then any light therapy can potentially worsen your pigmentation,” she says. Otherwise, red-light therapy at home is a great option for mature skin types seeking antiaging benefits, such as increased collagen production and the boosting of strength and elasticity in the skin. It can also benefit acne-prone and sensitive-skin types due to its ability to reduce inflammation and scarring and improve the complexion overall. It’s even useful as part of a pregnancy-safe skin care routine, since those who are pregnant might not be able to use other powerful acne fighters such as retinoids or salicylic acid.
Is at-home red-light therapy effective?
Unfortunately, clinical studies for at-home red-light therapy devices are limited, and at-home devices are not as strong as medical-grade equipment in dermatology offices, says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC.
That doesn’t mean that you won’t see any benefit from using at-home devices, though. “At-home devices will take more consistent use as directed by the manufacturer because of the difference in strength,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey. The bottom line, she says: It will take longer to achieve the glow that red-light therapy is known for, but if you are patient and follow directions, you can achieve glowing skin on your schedule—especially if the therapy is used in tandem with a consistent routine that includes musts like cleansing, moisturizing, and other targeted serums and products.
How often should you use a red-light therapy device?
There’s a lot of variation in the recommended time and frequency of use for at-home devices, so always follow the manufacturer’s directions. “It depends on the type of unit, so it’s important to read the instructions carefully,” says Dr. Shirazi. In general, she suggests three to five times a week for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
What should you look for in a red-light therapy device?
When shopping for at-home red-light therapy devices, Dr. Shirazi advises, look for an FDA-cleared device with the proven light energy: 630–680 nanometers (nm) red light, 415nm blue light, and 830nm near-infrared light. Red-light therapy penetrates deeply into the skin and has anti-inflammatory, antiaging, and collagen-stimulating effects; blue-light therapy does not penetrate as deeply but has anti-microbial properties to target acne-causing bacteria; infrared light can help reduce redness and even out skin tone from dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
The type of device (mask versus handheld) is also key; choose one that works with your mindset. Multitaskers tend to prefer face masks, while those who like to dedicate time to making their skin care routine a moment of TLC may want the handheld options. Wands are also great for additional treatment areas—like your neck or even arms. Other factors to consider? How it fits on the face (if applicable), ease of operation, and treatment time.
The true key to getting the most effective red-light therapy at home is choosing a product that you’ll be most likely to use consistently. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including treatment frequency and length, to get the full benefits of the device, Dr. Lolis says.
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC
- Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology in NYC
- Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare in Southern California
1. Best Red-Light Therapy Device Overall: Qure LED Light Therapy Mask
- What we love: Programming options in the app allow you to target specific areas of your face and customize treatments; great eye protection; quick treatments
- What could improve: Rigid design might not be comfortable for all face shapes
- Wavelengths: Red (630 nm), deep red (660 nm), infrared (880 nm), amber (605 nm), blue (415 nm)
- Target area: Face
- Treatment time: 3 minutes
Qure’s LED Light Therapy Mask, recommended by Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City, is unique, because it’s one of the few smart masks out there. You can track and schedule treatments to help ensure you remember to fit it into your schedule—key for efficacy, says Dr. Shah. It’s also highly versatile, since it’s equipped with several wavelengths of light therapy (including red, deep red, blue, amber, and infrared) to target acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles in varying parts of the face.
“Of the dozen of red-light devices I've tested over the last year, this is by far the most convenient, which is a huge perk to me. It’s entirely wireless so I can multitask, plus it’s hard to find an excuse not to slip the mask on when the treatment time is just three minutes. It’s the perfect option for a busy working mom like me. Over the last nine months, I’ve seen a very gradual improvement in skin tone and texture, but my skin does look undeniably glowier. People are constantly surprised when I tell them I’m in my late 30s, and I’m definitely not complaining about that,” says Glamour reviewer and beauty writer Brigitt Earely.
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2. Best Wand: Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
- What we love: Portable; adjustable head; delivers other skin benefits simultaneously
- What could improve: You have to manually work your entire face and neck
- Wavelengths: Red (630 nm)
- Target area: Face or body
- Treatment time: 12 minutes
Three dermatologists recommended Solawave’s 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand, which Glamour editors praise as well. True to its name, this little pen-size device bundles four skin treatments into one multitasking magic wand. In addition to red-light therapy, it combines “galvanic current for better skin-care-product absorption, gentle and therapeutic warmth to soothe skin, and facial massage to boost radiance,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey. She says the rotating head is a big bonus, too, since it allows you to more effectively pass over the contours of your face.
In our Solawave review, Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco described the device as “very user-friendly” and said she could “pick it up while watching Netflix on the couch,” adding, “I notice an immediate difference in puffiness and lift after using the Solawave wand. In the morning it really helps drain my face of any fluid buildup from overnight.” It does take 12 minutes, which may feel like a long time if you’re in a rush, but we like how easy this device is to store, plus appreciate the portability. You can toss it in your cosmetics case and bring it wherever you go.
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3. Best Mask: Higher Dose Red-Light Face Mask
- What we love: You can wear it hands-free; lightweight; adjustable
- What could improve: Not as versatile as some other options
- Wavelengths: Red (630 nm), near-infrared (830 nm)
- Target area: Face
- Treatment time: 10 or 20 minutes
Made from medical-grade silicone, the HigherDose Red-Light Face Mask is one of the most comfortable at-home red-light therapy devices you can buy. The derms we spoke to tell us that the tighter, flush-against-skin fit is key for efficacy too. It’s also one of the more convenient options, since it’s lightweight and largely cord-free (a little remote hangs down from one side), so you can multitask while doing a treatment. It also comes with extra plugs for international vacays, making it more travel-friendly than most.
“It fits very comfortably—I can even lie down on my couch wearing it,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who has been testing the HigherDose mask for six months. She finds it easy to fit treatments in two to three times per week, since the eye holes are large enough to see out of, and she can wear the mask while doing chores in the morning. And as far as results go? “I tend to break out around my chin and jawline during my period because of hormonal acne. I noticed that I didn’t get as many pimples when I was using the mask. Plus, my skin looks a lot smoother than it used to after three weeks of consistent use,” Calle says.
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4. Best for Face: Silk’n Titan MultiPlatform
- What we love: Four intensities for comfort; three-in-one beauty tool; two treatment heads for different areas of the face and neck
- What could improve: Long treatment time
- Wavelengths: Red (630 nm), infrared (850 nm)
- Target area: Face or body
- Treatment time: 15 minutes per area (60 minutes total)
For those who really want to target fine lines and wrinkles, Silk’n makes a handheld device that combines three technologies: bipolar radiofrequency (RF), which heats up the deeper layers of the skin and helps increase collagen and elastin production; near-infrared, which also penetrates the skin to boost collagen and elastinl and red light to improve blood circulation and enhance tone and texture. It comes with two treatments heads: one smaller and more precise for hard-to-reach areas such crow’s feet, eye bags, mouth wrinkles, nasolabial lines, and tear troughs; and a larger magnetic one that lets you cover more surface area in places like the cheeks, forehead, and neck.
“I love that it’s cordless—simply charge it up prior to use and you’re good to go, no pesky cords hanging in your way. You do have to use a conductor gel (the brand sells its own, but you can use any clear water-based gel) and treatment time is rather lengthy at 15 minutes per area, but I love the warm and slightly tingly sensation you get while using the device. It makes you feel like things are really working the way they should. I also noticed an immediate lift to my face, particularly around my eyes,” says Earley.
5. Best for Body: TheraFace Pro
- What we love: Multiple attachments for different beauty benefits; option to purchase an additional cold therapy ring that turns it into a great cryotherapy tool; portable
- What could improve: Cleansing head is the only part of the device that’s waterproof, which can make cleaning difficult
- Wavelengths: Red (633 nm), infrared (830nm), blue (415 nm)
- Target area: Face or body
- Treatment time: 10 minutes
Therabody, the maker of Glamour editors’ favorite fitness gadget, has officially entered the red-light therapy chat with a device recommended by Dr. Shah (and beloved by our editor in chief, Samantha Barry). Combining Therabody’s signature gentle percussive therapy with a series of interchangeable treatment rings, this handheld device does it all: Three percussive treatment heads relieve tension in your face, neck, and jaw; a microcurrent ring helps to firm and tighten; an LED light ring with three specific wavelengths (red, blue, and a red meets infrared combo) targets skin concerns like fine lines and acne; and a cleansing head, you guessed it, cleanses.
“When I first put this gadget to the test, I was immediately impressed—and remember, I’ve tried a dozen or so at-home red-light therapy tools and LED masks over the past year. Even though I don’t normally go for handheld tools (I’m a champion multitasker!), I really admire the versatility of this option. I don’t have endless storage space, so I love the thought of getting so many beauty tools all packed into one. Plus, I find it really encourages me to go through all of the steps. For about three months, I used the red-light and microcurrent features daily. During this time I definitely noticed brighter, tighter skin. Ultimately, the only reason I reach for the Qure instead of this tool is for the hands-free aspect of the mask,” says Earley.
6. Best for Inflammation: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
- What we love: Has five different types of light; quick treatment; adjustable fit
- What could improve: The structured mask is heavier than some others
- Wavelengths: Blue (415 nm), amber (605 nm), red (630 nm), deep red (660 nm), and infrared (880nm)
- Target area: Face
- Treatment time: 3 minutes
Three different derms gave Dr. Dennis Gross’s Instagram-famous DRx SpectraLight FaceWare Pro their stamp of approval. “This futuristic-looking treatment boasts over 100 red LED bulbs to help boost collagen, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and fade discoloration,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC. If you can stomach the higher price point and don’t mind the risk of accidentally frightening your partner, roommate, or pet, it’s also a particularly efficient at-home option. It’s completely hands-free and treats the entire face simultaneously for the super-quick three-minute treatment duration.
Multiple Glamour editors and contributors are regular users, including Andrea Navarro. “This mask is super straightforward, which is very important for an impatient person like myself,” she says. “I used it three times a week for a month and noticed significant improvements in my skin, particularly less acne,” she reported. (That’s the blue-light therapy for ya!) In terms of antiaging benefits: “After two months, I noticed I was able to scrunch the fine lines on my forehead less—similar to the effect of Botox.”
Most Popular At-Home Red-Light Therapy LED Face Mask: Omnilux Contour Face
- What we love: Flexible design; lightweight
- What could improve: Only one mode
- Wavelengths: Red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm)
- Target area: Face
- Treatment time: 10 minutes
If the rigid red-light face masks on the market don’t work for your face shape, Dr. Shah, Dr. Chang, and Dr. Shirazi all recommend this flexible design from Omnilux, which uses 132 medical-grade LEDs emitting red light and near-infrared light to stimulate collagen production. “It’s a high-quality device that’s FDA-cleared, along with clinical trials and peer-reviewed research, to back up its claims,” says Dr. Shirazi. For an electronic device that straps on to your face, it’s also surprisingly comfortable.
The brand recommends 10-minute sessions three to five times a week, and our testers found it particularly easy to hit this target since the device is flexible and portable with a rechargeable battery, so you can use it while doing your house chores. This was the first LED mask I ever tried (three or four years ago!), and it remained my go-to until I was introduced to the Qure. Ultimately, I switched for the wider range of wavelengths and quicker three-minute treatment times, since the Omnilux mask requires 10 minutes, but think this is a good option for people who like flexible masks that are straight-forward and easy to operate. When I was a regular user, my dry skin didn’t look as dull. I dare say I even noticed fewer fine lines in between Botox appointments.
Strongest: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask
We’ve extensively reviewed the CurrentBody LED Face Mask, which was a winner in Glamour’s 2023 Beauty & Wellness Awards and earned a strong recommendation by Dr. Chang, but the brand has a new and improved version of the mask we put to the test over the past couple of weeks. The upgraded mask now has an impressive array of 236 LED bulbs (compared with the original 132) in red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm), and new-to-the-mix deep near-infrared (1072nm), making it one of the stronger masks. It also has a new design that better contours the face—unlike other models, this flexible mask curls all the way around the chin. It also has a very solid head strap, and the control clips to your clothes for better maneuverability and comfort while wearing the mask.
Glamour’s Yaptangco has tested multiple red-light therapy devices and said this one was one of the more comfortable. “It was simple to adjust to get the right fit, and it stayed put while I was walking around,” she says. “It was also the easiest to see out of (the red light didn’t bother my eyes).” She was also impressed by the skin benefits: ”After just a month of using this mask, I noticed my skin looked smoother and more radiant.”
Best for Hair Loss: Hairmax LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex Hair Growth Device
- What we love: Strong energy output; quick treatment time; cordless design
- What could improve: Some reviewers report trouble with the charger after a few months
- Wavelengths: Red (655nm)
- Target area: Head
- Treatment time: 3 minutes
Studies suggest that red-light therapy (650nm or higher) can also help stimulate hair growth in those experiencing significant hair loss, which has led to a surge in popularity of hats and headbands for targeted scalp treatments. Hairmax made one of the original caps on the market but now offers this upgraded flexible band for increased comfort and convenience. The device is lightweight, and the treatment time is just three minutes—a low commitment compared to others that take 10 to 20 minutes. It also features special hair parting teeth (like a comb!) to allow the 246 lasers to better penetrate the scalp.
We’re still in the early process of testing the device, but reviewers are quick to praise their results. The brand claims you’ll begin to see hair growth with three weekly treatments in as little as three months. Most reviewers say they start to see some growth within one to two months, though some say the rapid shedding they had experienced dissipated in just a few weeks.
