After Testing a Bunch of Red Light Therapy Devices—These Are Our Top Picks (2024)

Red light therapy products—wands, masks, full-body panels—have gotten a lot of attention this year. But some of the best red light therapy devices cost a pretty penny. So, do they live up to the hype or are they just another pricey device that’ll end up gathering dust in your medicine cabinet?

Our editors have spent the past six months getting to the bottom of it. We spoke to numerous dermatologists to learn all about the proven technology, plus tested dozens of red light therapy devices of all kinds. Some of these devices operate at multiple wavelengths (blue, amber, infrared) for even more skin-care benefits. Our top overall red light therapy tool is the Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand. Sure, it’s a handheld option, but it’s easy to store and start using right away, bundles four skin treatments into a single tool, and is portable enough for your next vacay. Oh, yeah, and we saw some pretty great results during testing too.

The best red light therapy devices, at a glance

All your red light therapy questions, answered

  • What is red light therapy?
  • Which skin types can benefit from red light therapy?
  • Red light therapy benefits
  • Is at-home red light therapy effective?
  • How often should you use a red light therapy device?
  • What should you look for in a red light therapy device?
  • What is the most effective red light therapy device?
  • Is there a difference in red light therapy devices?
  • How do I know which red light to buy?
  • What red light therapy is FDA-approved?
  • Meet the experts

1. Best Red Light Therapy Device Overall: Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand

Courtesy of brand

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand

Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley demonstrating the 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
  • What dermatologists say: 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. Plus, it’s compact and easy to use. “The design element is truly amazing, in that the treatment head rotation has been increased to easily treat contoured areas of the face,” she says. The wand can be used daily for three minutes to help depuff, smooth fine lines, and target blemishes. Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City, recommends incorporating it into your routine after applying serum to help boost product absorption.
  • What our reviewers say: 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.”

2. Best Hands-Free Red Light Therapy Treatment: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Courtesy of brand

Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Original video by Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro

  • What we love: Has four different types of light; quick treatment; adjustable fit
  • What could improve: The structured mask is heavier than some others
  • What dermatologists say: For more power, all three of our experts also recommend Dr. Dennis Gross’s Instagram-famous DRx SpectraLight FaceWare Pro. “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 entire three-minute treatment duration,” says Dr. Lolis.
  • What our reviewers say: Multiple Glamour editors and contributors reach for this red light therapy mask on the regular, including Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro. “This mask is super straightforward, which is very important for an impatient person like myself,” she says, noting that it’s also highly effective. “I used it for three times a week for a month and noticed significant improvements in my skin, particularly less acne,” she reported. “After two months, I noticed I was able to scrunch the fine lines on my forehead less—similar to the effect of Botox.”

3. Most Comfortable Red Light Therapy LED Face Mask: Omnilux Contour Face

  • What we love: Flexible design; lightweight
  • What could improve: 10-minute increments are longer than other devices; only one mode
  • What dermatologists say: If the rigid red light face masks on the market don’t work for your face shape, Dr. Shah, Dr. Chang, and Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare in Southern California, 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. “This device is flexible and portable with a rechargeable battery, so you can use it while doing your house chores,” says Dr. Chang.
  • What our reviewers say: The brand recommends 10-minute sessions three to five times a week, and our testers found it particularly easy to hit this target since you can wear the mask while multitasking (Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley pops this on while she packs her kids’ lunches in the morning!). “My skin, which skews dry and can look dull, definitely looked more alive during the three consecutive months I tested this device,” she says. “I dare say, I even noticed fewer fine lines in between Botox appointments.”

4. Best Handheld Red Light Therapy Device: TheraFace Pro

Courtesy of brand

Original photo by Brie Schwartz, Glamour ReviewerOriginal photo from Glamour tester

  • What we love: Multiple attachments for different beauty benefits; option to purchase an additional cold therapy ring that turns the TheraFace 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
  • What dermatologists say: 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.
  • What our reviewers say: When Earley put it to the test, she was immediately impressed. “I’ve tried close to a dozen LED face masks and red light therapy tools, and this one is arguably my favorite,” she told Glamour. “I don’t normally go for handheld tools (champion multitasker!), but you can’t beat the versatility of this one. It really encourages me to go through all of the steps. I use the red light and microcurrent features daily, and definitely noticed a brighter skin tone within the first month.”

5. Most Convenient Red Light Therapy Device: Higher Dose Red Light Face Mask

Courtesy of brand

Jenifer Calle demonstrating the HigherDose Red Light Therapy Face Mask

  • What we love: You can wear it hands-free; adjustable
  • What could improve: Only red light mode
  • What dermatologists say: Made from medical-grade silicone, the Higher Dose Red Light Face Mask is one of the most comfortable red light therapy devices you can buy. The derms we spoke to tell us that tighter, flush-against-skin fit is key for efficacy too. It’s also one of the most convenient options: The cordless design makes it easy to do a treatment while multitasking. We like that it comes with extra plugs for international vacays, making it more travel-friendly than most. Like most other devices on this list, it combines red and near-infrared light wavelengths to stimulate cellular rejuvenation.
  • What our reviewers say: “It fits very comfortably—I can even lay down on my couch wearing it,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. 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.

6. Best Flexible Red Light Therapy Mask: CurrentBody LED Face Mask

Courtesy of brand

CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask

Original video by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz

  • What we love: Flexible; 10-minute auto-shutoff; light
  • What could improve: Only one mode; straps could be more comfortable when you’re leaning against a pillow
  • What dermatologists say: Dr. Chang also likes CurrentBody Skin’s Face and Neck Kit—and so do celebs including Kim Kardashian, Kaley Cuoco, and Suki Waterhouse. Like other silicone masks, this one fits snugly to the face for better light penetration and harnesses the power of 132 bulbs capable of emitting both red and near-infrared light therapy to stimulate collagen production, calm redness, and speed up skin rejuvenation.
  • What our reviewers say: We’ve extensively reviewed this CurrentBody mask, even naming it a winner in , because of how much our testers loved it. “After just a month of using this mask, I noticed my skin looked smoother and more radiant,” says Glamour’s Yaptangco, who has tested multiple red light therapy devices. Considering how well it fits and how effective we’ve found it, you really can’t beat the value of this red light therapy tool. It’s one of the lower priced devices on our list.

7. Best Red Light Therapy Device With Other Lights: Qure LED Light Therapy Mask

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Qure LED Light Therapy Mask

Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley

  • 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
  • What dermatologists say: Qure’s LED Light Therapy Mask, recommended by Dr. Shah, is unique, because it’s one of the only “smart” masks out there. “You can track and schedule treatments, which I think is really cool,” she says. It’s also equipped with several types of light (including red, infrared, deep red, blue, and amber) to target acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles in varying parts of the face. Dr. Shirazi is also a fan and points to its convenience as a major perk. “It’s a quick, three-minute daily treatment, making it convenient if you don’t have the patience for longer treatment durations.”
  • What our reviewers say: Of the dozen or so face masks and red light devices Earley has tested, this one is second to the Therabody only because it’s not quite as versatile. She does, however, appreciate the hands-free element and the super-fast treatment time. “It’s the perfect option for a busy working mom like me,” she says. “During the six weeks I tested this device, I noticed a brighter complexion and fewer fine lines around my eyes.” Other testers reported fewer breakouts too.

8. Best Lightweight Red Light Therapy Mask: Silk’n Facial Led Mask 100 LEDS

Courtesy of brand

Silk'n Facial LED Mask 100 LEDS

Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley

  • What we like: Very lightweight; four different lights; easy to switch modes
  • What could improve: Testers said the fit wasn’t as snug as they’d like around the chin
  • What reviewers say: The newest launch in the category comes from Silk’n, and it immediately impressed our testers. The face mask is made of natural silicone that bends with the contours of the face for a better fit. We also liked that in addition to two sets of adjustable straps, it has hooks that go over the ears so you can adjust it multiple different ways. It also emits four different types of light: Red helps improve circulation, stimulate collagen, and tighten skin; blue helps clear up acne and reduce redness; infrared also helps reduce acne and oil secretion; and the mixed light has anti-inflammatory benefits. “This is one of the more comfortable red light masks I’ve tried,” says Earley. “It’s so lightweight you hardly feel it on your face—even with the power cord hanging down.” She liked the different light modes too. “You can use the manual/automatic button to have the mask automatically cycle through the four different types of lights it offers, which takes any guesswork out of it.”

9. Best for Hyperpigmentation: The Light Salon Boost LED Mask

Courtesy of brand

The Light Salon Boost LED Mask

Original video by Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum

  • What we love: Cordless; easy to use; brand makes many variations
  • What could improve: Some testers said it was heavy and uncomfortable
  • What our reviewers say: We first spotted this face mask on the social feeds of celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Chrissy Teigen, and had to test it out right away. In addition to red light, it also emits near-infrared light for more skin benefits. It also has that flexible design we favor in face masks—lightweight and adjustable for a better fit. Plus, the whole thing is completely cordless, adding to the convenience factor (many face masks have a little battery pack/control that hangs down from the ear). During evaluations, testers said they saw improved skin hydration and firmness, plus fewer wrinkles. “The Light Salon Boost LED Mask is quickly becoming a pivotal part of my sleep routine,” says Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum. “The 10-minute treatment forces me to wind down with music or a chapter of an audiobook instead of endlessly scrolling on my phone before bed,” says. “As for my normal to dry skin, after a month of use, my recent acne scars are less red and noticeable. Also, the few pimples that have crept up along my jaw these past few weeks have also felt far less inflamed than previous flare-ups.”

What is red light therapy?

First, the basics: 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 New York City. 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” or “cold laser therapy” has been around for decades, but it’s 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. “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 boosting 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.

Red light therapy benefits

  • Benefits for skin: “Red light treatments have become very popular [in skin care], especially with at-home devices,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC. “It may benefit the skin in a few ways, from collagen production to smoothing fine lines, reduction of inflammation, and aiding in wound healing.” Evidence suggests it can be beneficial for addressing signs of aging, targeting scars, and speeding up the healing process for surgical incisions, and as a treatment for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, she says. There is an important caveat: Clinical studies for at-home red light therapy devices are limited, says Dr. Chang. “Many of the clinical benefits of red light as well as optimal treatment regimens are yet to be determined,” she says.
  • Skin types it’s best for: As mentioned, any skin type can benefit from at-home red light therapy devices. “Red light—particularly in combination with blue light therapy—has also been shown to help improve acne by reducing inflammation and bacteria on the skin’s surface,” says Dr. Chang. (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 like retinoids or salicylic acid.)

Is at-home red light therapy effective?

About that caveat. Most evidence for the effectiveness of red light therapy comes from clinical settings and the fact is “at-home red light therapy devices are not as strong as the devices we have in our offices,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey.

After Testing a Bunch of Red Light Therapy Devices—These Are Our Top Picks (2024)
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