The 6 Best LED Face Masks for Smoother, Firmer, and Clearer Skin, According to Beauty Editors

ProsCryo setting has three temperature levelsWe love the remote that tracks sessionsCosmo Holy Grail and Acne Award WinnerComes with a stand to hold it up when you're not using itConsHard shell makes it difficult to travel withWhy we love it: You can't talk about a multitasking beauty gadget without bringing up Shark's trailblazing CryoGlow LED Face Mask. It's both comfortable and genuinely easy to use. Unlike many other devices that feel heavy or awkward, this one is contoured to hover above the face, with cushioned eye pads that reduce brightness and eye strain (they’re inspired by ski goggles), so there’s no discomfort or headaches during use—and you can actually see while wearing it.Beyond the fit, the mask’s high-tech features make treatments feel more intuitive and effective, including session tracking, a digital timer, and multiple treatment modes that combine blue, red, and infrared light for a more well-rounded routine. The addition of a cryo setting for the under-eye area, with adjustable cooling levels, adds an extra de-puffing benefit and is a favorite among Cosmo's beauty team—its won both a Cosmo Holy Grail Award and Acne Award since launching less than a year ago.One Cosmo editor says: "I love that this mask tracks all of my sessions so I can stay consistent and actually see my progress, and the digital timer on the remote is a nice touch so I'm not wondering how many more minutes of a treatment I have left. My personal fave feature is combining blue light with the cryo setting to address my acne and puffy under-eyes. I never thought I’d be an everyday LED person, but this one has turned me."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a GlanceLight typeRed, blue, infraredUsageOnce a dayLED light sources480Beth Gillette and Jasmine Hyman for CosmopolitanAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFast-acting mask only needs to be worn for 3 minutes a dayI love that I can combine red and blue light at the same timeConsThe hard plastic design isn't suitable for all face shapes and sizesWhy we love it: Created by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross, this viral mask has got a whole lotta bells and whistles (162 red and blue LED lights to amp up your collagen production and help get rid of pimple-causing bacteria, to be exact), and the treatments are only three minutes daily. You can also combine the red and blue light therapy for a holistic treatment that targets both acne and collagen production.We also appreciate that it's wireless so you don't have to stay plugged into an outlet while you use it—you can just go about your day freely.One Cosmo editor says: "Every morning while I'm making my coffee, I just strap this around my head, turn it on, and let the LED do its thing until it automatically turns off. It's done by the time my kettle's done boiling. It's that simple. And as someone who struggles with both acne and faces the imminent formation of fine lines and wrinkles, I'm obsessed with the ability to use both red and blue light at the exact same time."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORAnother Cosmo review: “I love that the sessions are only three minutes, which makes me more motivated to do it every single day, instead of needing to carve out 10 minutes like other tools. There’s also no wire or remote needed, which makes it a super hands-free experience. As an acne-prone gal entering the latter half of her twenties, the purple light setting (a combination of blue and red light) is perfect for my two major skin concerns—breakouts and anti-aging.”—JHREAD OUR FULL REVIEWAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsThree different light modesGreat for those who hold a lot of tension in their faceConsIf you're trying to work while wearing it, the vibration might be a bit too distractingWhy we love it: This mask delivers two main benefits: LED light therapy and gentle vibration. It features 648 LEDs (about three times more than most popular LED face masks on the market) which emit a combination of red, infrared, and blue light.The mask also incorporates gentle vibration designed to help release facial tension and promote relaxation. The massage discs are placed at key pressure points, including around the eyes, at the top of the head, and along the back of the scalp, and pulse in three modes: continuous, breathing, and wave, each with adjustable intensity levels.One Cosmo editor says: "This is the probably the most comfortable LED mask I've ever tried (largely because of the protective eye inserts and adjustable strap design). It's also got a gentle vibration setting to help ease facial tension and help you relax during the treatment, which is so nice after a long day. And it works quickly—just pop it on and let the pre-timed 9-minute treatment cycle through the red, infrared, and blue lights."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTORFeatures at a GlanceLight typeRed, infrared, and blueUsageOnce daily for 12 minutesLED light sources648Lauren Balsamo for CosmopolitanAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBrand is backed by FDA clearanceFeatures green light, which is said to inhibit melanin production and reduce hyperpigmentationHas so many different modes depending on your skin's needsHas the most light sources out of any mask on this listConsSomewhat cumbersome set-up comes with a control box that needs to be plugged in for the device to workWhy we love it: Of every LED mask we've ever put on our face, this is hands-down the most fancy. It has 770 LED bulbs, emits four different types of light (infrared, red, blue, and green) and has six different treatment modes, including anti-aging, purifying, brightening, post-procedure, calming, and anti-aging express.It's beloved by many skincare experts, and we awarded it a Cosmopolitan Acne Award for its ability to deeply penetrate the skin for visible results, and its multi-wavelength technology is an anomaly when it comes to at-home devices.One Cosmo editor says: "After a month of consistent use, I feel like my hormonal acne breakouts have chilled out quite a bit and the overall tone of my skin has improved too. Yes, at $1700 this is absolutely a major investment, but it's the closest thing to a professional LED mask treatment at home."—LBLight typeRed, infrared, blue, and greenUsage5 to 30 minutes dailyLED light sources770Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsHolds a charge longer than most devicesOften on saleConsAdjustable straps are a little flimsyWhy we love it: Think of this SolaWave LED Mask as the all-over version of the brand’s viral LED wand. It's powered by 320 LEDs across four different wavelengths, each designed to target specific skin concerns. Unlike rigid LED masks, this one is made from flexible silicone, making it travel-friendly and easy to fold up and pack. It’s lightweight, comfortable to wear, and a solid pick for anyone who wants consistent LED treatments at home or on the go without the bulk of a hard-shell mask.One Cosmo editor says: "The mask itself is super easy to assemble, and the silicone material is very comfy so you can sit, lie, or scroll—however you please—during the 10-minute treatment. After I used it for weeks straight, my skin overall looks and feels rejuvenated, plus they're always running a buy 1 get 1 free deal, which is major." —JHLight typeRed and infraredUsage3 minutes, 3 to 5 times a weekLED light sources320Beth Gillette for CosmopolitanAnother Cosmo review: “I am such a fan of this $400 LED mask, especially stacked up against many that I’ve tried that cost so much more. Most of all, it’s easy to use, which is exactly what convinces me to keep using the tool over and over again (and is the only way to actually see results).”—BGREAD OUR FULL REVIEWAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFDA-clearedThree different levels of red-light work to penetrate different layers of the skinComes with a neck attachment ConsNot the best option for acne since it doesn't have blue lightWhy we love it: This light-therapy mask is beloved well known in the Hollywood circles (remember when Lily Collins wore it in Emily in Paris??), thanks to skincare-obsessed makeup artists (and, sure, some good advertising). But the hype is valid: The silicone LED mask is not only super flexible—so it can bend and reach every angle of your face and jaw—but it’s also specifically designed to address fine lines and wrinkles with three different red-light wavelengths. Plus, it also boasts a corresponding neck mask to target those signs of aging.Light typeRed, near-infrared, and deep near-infraredUsage10 minutes dailyLED light sources236ProsFDA-cleared for anti-aging and acneFlexible panel design can be used over your face or molded to cover anywhere on your bodyOften what pros actually use in facialsConsSome reviewers say the facial rest stands can be flimsy/hard to useWhy we love it: If you've ever gotten a facial with a top facialist or derm, odds are you ended your session under a Celluma Panel. The flexible design is multifunctional, so it can be used as a face mask (when propped up with the facial rest stands) or on different areas of your body like your stomach or chest. Dermatologist Heather Rogers, MD, is also personally a fan, "I use the Celluma for 30 minutes twice a week on my entire face, and I love the results."The Celluma Pro (which has the same light powers, but comes in a larger size to cover more surface area) is beloved by Cosmo's go-to skincare experts, so much so that it won a Cosmo Acne Award last year for its complexion-boosting abilities.One expert tells Cosmo: "Celluma Pro is by far the best LED on the market, with red, blue, and near-infrared light for anti-aging, acne clearing, wound healing, pain relief, and even potentially hair-growth benefits. It gives an amazing glow after just one 15-minute use, but for long-term benefits, it should be used on clean skin at least 3x per week for 15 minutes.”—ELIZABETH HAND, AESTHETICIANLight typeBlue, red, infraredUsage30 minutes dailyBulbs236 (Celluma Lite), 353 (Celluma Pro)Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowDo LED masks really work?Provided you're using a reputable device, light therapy or LED (aka light-emitting diode) masks might potentially work. These devices use varying wavelengths of light, which are thought to trigger skin changes at a molecular level—like stimulate collagen production, kill some acne-causing bacteria, balance oil production, and even reduce inflammation.That said, "in the short term, LED lights seems to be safe, but long-term safety of these light therapies remains uncertain," says dermatologist Hadley King, MD. "The bottom line is that there aren't yet large studies demonstrating that these lights are effective." So while I swear by them and have seen hella benefits from my at-home LED masks, the jury's still out on their efficacy and more research needs to be done. Which brings me to...What are the disadvantages of LED masks?In my opinion (and that of most derms), the biggest disadvantage of LED masks is that they are an expensive, time-consuming treatment that might not give you the results you're looking for, since more research needs to be done to prove their efficacy. But many derms, aestheticians, and editors swear by them and have seen results. So it's all up to your discretion whether you want to add one to your routine. And, as always, run things by your dermatologist before self-treating. Cool? Cool.FWIW, overall, these devices are generally considered to be safe, but Dr. Svidzinski recommends purchasing ones that have been cleared by the FDA (which, reminder, is only a testament to its supposed safety—not its efficacy). Dr. Svidzinski explains that while LED skin devices are weak and unlikely to have enough energy to burn your skin, the primary safety concern here is the effect they can have on your eyes, so it’s super important to shield them from the light while using these devices.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowHow long before you see results from a LED face mask?It can take about about six weeks of continued use to start noticing some results (think: clearer, brighter, firmer skin) with an LED mask. But the bulk of your results will likely come after three to four months, since collagen takes time to build. LED masks are not meant to be an overnight treatment—instead, you'll likely need to use yours a few times a week (some even daily; always check the directions on your device) across months to see changes in your skin.LED masks are best for anyone who is looking to prevent signs of aging or acne and willing to commit to using a device either daily or multiple times a week. The key here is consistency, so if you're not the type of person who will regularly use a skincare device, LED masks are prob not best for you.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAre LED face masks good for acne?LED face masks are good for acne, but they most likely won't clear up acne alone, which means you'll likely need to use your LED mask with a tried-and-true acne treatment, like an RX-strength retinol, Accutane, or spironolactone. “These devices have potential, but they need to be optimized with other standard treatments,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Okereke. “We don’t have enough large studies that demonstrate that these lights are superior or as good as standard treatments.”Not only that, but there are so many other factors with LED masks that will affect your results, like the strength of the light, the specific wavelength of the light, the distance from the source to the skin, the length of time you use it...the list goes on.Basically, LED masks won’t completely fix your cystic zits, whiteheads, wrinkles, or redness, but they can definitely help to a certain degree over time (think: at least 4 to 6 weeks to see any results). Still, as long as you manage your expectations, take the proper safety precautions, and consult your dermatologist, there’s little harm in giving one a shot.How to choose an LED face mask:Know which type of light is best for your skin.At-home LED masks will usually come with a mix of different lights (see: blue, red, orange, amber, and green lights) that are thought to target specific concerns, but the science is iffy on the true efficacy of any light outside of red and blue lights—mostly because red and blue are the most-studied lights so far (so, you know, talk to us in 10 years).That being said, there’s no harm in testing out each of the lights that come with your light therapy mask, so here’s a quick rundown of how to choose the right light frequency for your skin:Red light: If you’re trying to boost collagen production to potentially help with fine lines and wrinkles, choose an LED mask that uses red light.Blue light: If your main concern is killing acne-causing bacteria, go with a mix of blue light (which can “target bacteria in the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gohara) and red light (an anti-inflammatory, says Dr. Okereke).Orange, amber, purple, green lights: If you’re just hoping for an all-over miracle face glow, try ’em all out. They’re thought to help calm skin, fade acne marks, and even out hyperpigmentation, but again—the science isn’t all there yet.Consider the price.In general, the old “you get what you pay for” adage is relatively true when it comes to finding the best LED mask, but it’s unfortunately not that clear cut. Like, will the $300 LED mask created by a dermatologist be more effective than the $13 LED mask on Amazon? Most likely yes. But what about a $5,000 mask? Or even a $500 mask? Not necessarily.Dr. Svidzinski says that although there isn’t enough data to validate or compare the efficacy across all of these at-home devices, the strength of the higher-end models might be comparable to that of in-office light treatments. But again, there’s a huge discrepancy in the cost of these things, based on the technology used, the available features, and the materials. So always check the reviews—and the return policy.Think about the frequency of use. Hey, if you just know you're prob not gonna be able to stick to sitting with an LED mask on your face every single day, you prob shouldn't invest in one that requires daily use to see results. Instead, look for a stronger device that offers up the same benefit with once or twice-a-week consistency. This will likely cost more, but if you'll actually be able to get your money's worth out of the device, consider if this could be worth the extra $$$. Or if you WFH and generally don't have a prob sticking to your skincare routine, then sure—opt for a less expensive LED face mask that you just gotta whip out daily.Opt for a full-face LED mask.While LED masks that are just for specific areas of the face, like the eyes or lips, are having a moment, Dr. Rogers' tells her clients to choose a bigger LED mask instead so your whole face can benefit. And if you want those extra collagen-boosting benefits on your lips, try a lip device like the Current Body LED Lip Perfector or Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite LipWare Pro LED Device.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowMeet the experts:Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.Heather Rogers, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Seattle, WA. Dr. Rogers is the co-founder of Modern Dermatology and the CEO of Doctor Rogers Skin Care.Uchenna Okereke, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Associates in Canton, MA, and a clinical associate at Massachusetts General Hospital.Cula Svidzinski, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, NY.Mona Gohara​, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut in multiple locations in CT, and also an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine.Elizabeth Hand is an aesthetician based in New York, NY. She's also the founder of Ställe Studios, a spa in NYC offering bespoke facials.Why trust Cosmopolitan?Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nearly a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skin stories that range from the best retinol eye creams to the best lasers for acne scars. She’s an authority in all skincare categories but an expert when it comes to LED face masks and devices. She regularly tests and analyzes new LED masks and devices, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new brands and technologies.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has been writing about beauty for six years, including stories like the best mineral sunscreens and microcurrent devices. She's been testing LED face masks for months to write this story, connecting with as many dermatologists and aestheticians as she can to get their tips and faves.Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals. Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.