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Best LED Masks of 2025 Approved by the FDA

Best LED Masks of 2025 Approved by the FDA
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These radiant face masks are the ultimate glow-up for your self-care routine.

LED face masks claim a lot — fewer wrinkles, less acne, brighter skin. Harvard Health’s studies have also shown promising results. But which ones really live up to the claims? After testing the top options on the market, we’ve narrowed down the best FDA-approved LED masks that are truly worth your time (and money).

What is an LED face mask?

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Jessica Rendall/CNET

LED masks, which have light-emitting diode in the form of red, near-infrared and blue light, are still making wellness waves as one of the trendiest (and priciest) ways to revamp your skincare routine at home, using a powered-down approach to anti-aging and skin rejuvenation already done at the dermatologist’s office.

However, this doesn’t mean all LED face masks are created equal. In fact, many of them do not have the right specifications or safety clearance to improve your skin’s glow or reduce the appearance of acne. 

Before you get started with light therapy at home, it’s important to note that an LED face mask shouldn’t replace an existing skincare routine consisting of research-backed ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing, including using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or over, finding a face-washing cadence that suits your skin type and regularly using other skin-boosting agents, such as retinoids. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that even the best LED face masks will not work skin miracles or cause your face to change drastically. If that’s your goal, you can consider more invasive or direct cosmetic care such as botox or filler.

With all that being said, there is enough evidence linking red light therapy to the improvement of skin appearance to make an investment in a quality LED face mask worth it. To make your hunt a little easier, we’ve rounded up a list of the best LED face masks out there.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy is used for skin rejuvenation and brightening for people wanting to reduce the appearance of some signs of aging, like fine lines, or brighten their skin overall. It’s traditionally been used in dermatologists’ offices in higher strengths, but in recent years, at-home red light therapy masks have become a hot new skin-care tool. Research behind it shows that, at certain levels (more on that below), red and near-infrared light can stimulate collagen production.  

Light therapy has also been used as a medical therapy versus a more cosmetic one. For example, there is research showing potential benefit for red and near-infrared light therapy on tendon healing. Red light therapy may also be used for hair loss.

What type of light should I look for in a mask?

If you’re after skin-brightening or anti-aging effects, you should look for a mask that has at least 630 nanometers red light and 830nm of near-infrared light. This combination has been recommended by dermatologists we’ve spoken with in the past and has research backing its use in the way it penetrates skin.

If acne is your target, however, you should choose a mask with blue light, which has anti-bacterial effects and targets closer to the surface of the skin than red or near-infrared light, which go deeper.

How we chose the best light therapy masks

We selected masks only from companies that have clearance for their technology from the US Food and Drug Administration. This means that the LED light specs provided through each mask are safe to use as directed. It also means that — while you shouldn’t expect dramatic results overnight — the mask has shown at least some level of efficacy. 

From there, we made selections based on the type and strength of light emitted and firmness or material of the mask. We considered popularity and reviews and tested a couple models ourselves (the Omnilux Contour Face and Omnilux Men).

I will take this time to address one small scare I had during my entire testing of the Omnilux face masks, which turned out to be a lesson in reading the fine print. I’d been using red light therapy masks while lying down as part of a nice, little meditative routine. But one day with the Omnilux mask for men, I had my eyes wide open while reading a political article for the duration of the 10-minute treatment. After taking off the mask, roughly 20 minutes later, I started to feel symptoms of what I’ve assumed in the past to be an ocular migraine. My vision felt slightly distorted, like I could still see but through a slightly watery filter. 

I won’t lie, I freaked out a little. While I knew that Omnilux’s products were FDA cleared and red light is safe when used as directed near the eyes for most people (there’s even some research suggesting red light can benefit eye health), I didn’t read the fine print of contraindications for using the Omnilux mask, which warns people prone to light-induced headaches and other conditions that make you more sensitive to light, some skin conditions and genetic eye conditions.

My vision was completely normal within an hour, as it has the handful of other times I’ve had symptoms of a migraine brought on most often by changes in light, or something really similar that temporarily distorts my vision than makes me very tired and gives me a headache. 

I have continued to use the Omnilux Contour mask (I have zero clue if the extra-deep wavelength in the men’s mask had anything to do with it), but with my eyes completely closed and after exposing them to other sources of light so it’s not as abrupt an adjustment from complete dark to red light. This is strictly my choice, though. If you also get light-induced headaches or are otherwise sensitive, ask your doctor before trying an LED face mask. Also, check the list of contraindications and safety instructions before buying and using any light therapy mask. You can also buy eye protection to wear with your mask if your eyes are particularly sensitive.

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Red light therapy may not be safe or suitable for people with some health conditions, including lupus erythematosus, photosensitive eczema or albinism, according to Omnilux information. You also shouldn’t try light therapy at home (at least without asking your doctor first) if you have a photosensitive disorder which makes you especially sensitive to light, or if you have light-induced headaches.

Otherwise, as long as you choose a brand that’s been cleared by the FDA, and you follow each company’s directions for use, LED masks should be generally safe to use for most people. At the wavelengths mentioned, red and near-infrared light shouldn’t hurt the eyes. Some people may have eyes more sensitive to light and should invest in eye shields or keep their eyes shut. 

Blue light is another story, however. Blue light may be largely safe to look at when emitted through a screen, for example, but there isn’t as much research on blue light from LED masks on the eyes. If you’re using a light therapy mask for acne (and choosing one with blue light), make sure you’re following the instructions and consider wearing eye shields or goggles, usually sold through the LED mask company.

If you’d like to target sagging skin or are interested in anti-aging effects, you should look for an LED mask with appropriate wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (about 633nm and 830nm, respectively).

The Mayo Clinic’s research and dermatologists suggest that LED face masks are generally safe to use. However, people who are sensitive to light should avoid them. Additionally, eye protection is recommended, especially with blue light.

While home LED masks are usually not powerful enough to cause high-intensity damage, it is still possible to cause skin irritation if used for excessively long durations of time. When using LED masks, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for duration of use.

FDA clearance: For safety, and to make sure you’re not buying a counterfeit product, it’s a good idea to purchase a mask that has been cleared by the FDA.

Specs of light: For anti-aging and skin-brightening effects, you’ll want to choose a mask that has red and near-infrared light. If you want to target acne, look for a mask that has a blue light setting.

Irradiance or power: Generally speaking, the higher the irradiance of the LED mask, the more powerful it may be. However, higher irradiance can mean more heat and warmth on your face, which may be uncomfortable to some.

Whether you’ll use your LED mask regularly: A quality LED face mask will run you at least a few hundred dollars, so it’s an investment to say the least. Before you hit the buy button, make sure you’re interested enough in revamping your skincare routine to stick to the mask’s recommended use cadence — in most cases, this is a few times a week.

Don’t neglect your overall skincare regimen: Just because you’ve added a fancy new LED mask to your routine doesn’t mean you can skip out on other skincare measures that have quality research behind them. This includes wearing a daily facial sunscreen, washing your face according to your skin type and using other products with anti-aging or skin-brightening properties, such as retinoids.

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Our Experts

Written by 

Jessica Rendall

Written by 

Nasha Addarich Martínez

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

Headshot of Jessica Rendall

Jessica Rendall Former Wellness Reporter

Jessica was a writer on the Wellness team, with a focus on health technology, eye care, nutrition and finding new approaches to chronic health problems.

Expertise Public health, new wellness technology and health hacks that don’t cost money Credentials

  • Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool.
Headshot of Nasha Addarich Martínez

Nasha Addarich Martínez Managing Editor

Nasha is a Managing Editor for CNET, overseeing our sleep and wellness verticals. She is a nutrition, mental health, fitness and sleep science enthusiast. Her passion for mindful and holistic practices transcends her personal life and profoundly influences her editorial approach, as she weaves evidence-based insights with practical advice to inspire readers to lead healthier, more balanced lives. Throughout her career, she’s covered various topics including financial services, technology, travel and wellness.

Expertise Sleep | Mental health | Personal Care | Fitness | Nutrition | Medical | Wellness | Vitamins and Supplements | Vision Health | Longevity Credentials

  • Sleep Science Coach Certification from The Spencer Institute.

For safety and best results, you should choose a mask that’s been cleared with the FDA.

Light therapy masks come with varying types of light, and wavelengths of light and power (irradiance). Choose one that targets your skincare goals.

Because LED face masks are so expensive, make sure you’re interested enough in using it to commit to the amount of time likely required to see results – they won’t happen overnight. 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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