Do LED Masks Really Work?

LED face masks are claimed to rejuvenate your skin, clear acne, reduce wrinkles and more, using just the power of light. 

Heavily promoted by celebrity endorsements, social media influencers and compelling (yet potentially dubious) marketing claims, these futuristic face gadgets promise a non-invasive solution to a host of skin concerns.

We wanted to do what we do best - an independent test to see if they really do make a difference to real people's skin concerns.

So, for the past few months, I've been researching the science behind LED masks, the most popular models around, and developing a series of tests to see whether using these masks regularly really makes a difference, and if some are better than others. 

You'll need to be patient for a little longer, though. Properly testing these products takes time, so for now here's a sneak peek at how the testing is going, along with a summary of what we've found so far about LED masks from our initial research and discussions with dermatology experts. 

How Do LED Masks Work?

LED masks employ a technology called photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT). This uses low-energy light to interact with your cells and improve their natural functions. 

Different colours of light have different wavelengths, and these determine how deeply the light penetrates your skin and what biological effect it has. The most common wavelengths found in LED masks are blue, red and near-infrared light, all of which have some evidence for effects on the skin.

• Blue light primarily affects the outermost layer of the skin, and it's meant to be effective at combating acne. 
• Red light has a longer wavelength than blue light, allowing it to penetrate more deeply into the skin. According to some studies, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin texture and firmness. 
• Near-Infrared (NIR) Light offers deeper penetration than red light but provides a similar effect in that it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin texture and firmness. 

What does the evidence say?

There is a reasonable amount of evidence to suggest that regular usage of LED devices probably works and can improve collagen production, reduce acne and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

However, there are also some uncertainties present in studies around LED therapy in general, including the use of clinical and home devices (some dermatology clinics offer light therapy in-house via a larger machine). 

With LED masks, there's no agreed standard, meaning different products may use a range of brightness levels and wavelengths, so it's hard to know what you're getting. 

Testing diaries: what we’ve found so far testing LED masks

What we're doing

We've recruited a number of volunteer testers to try out popular LED masks. As part of the selection process, we screened out anyone currently on medications that could increase photosensitvity, as well as those travelling abroad during the testing period, to account for any change in sunlight exposure.

We bought all the products ourselves, just like you would, as part of our independent testing policy.

Our testers will be trying the masks for six weeks and using them regularly as instructed.

Before they started using the masks, we took a scan of their face. When we get to the end of our tests, we'll be redoing the scans and comparing them, and asking an expert dermatologist to review them.

We'll also be asking testers to rate the masks on comfort, usability, and convenience. 

And, because here at Which? we like to go the extra mile, we'll be doing additional scientific analysis to check how powerful the light the products are producing is, and whether it's at the claimed wavelength.

What our testers have found so far

About halfway through the tests, we checked in with our testing panel to see how they were coping with the usage routine and to find out their first impressions. 

Most said they hadn’t yet noticed any dramatic improvements in their skin, although this isn't totally unexpected as it can take a little time. 

And some are finding that the masks are more fiddly and less comfy than anticipated: 

‘It has been quite an experience so far, and not exactly for the right reasons. The initial setup was a bit of a battle. I thought the added eye protectors were a good idea at first, but after 10 minutes, it felt like my face was being pushed in. They left marks around my eyes that lasted half the day, so I had to ditch them after the first go. 

The overall fit of the mask isn’t exactly spa-level comfort either. It’s tight in all the wrong places, yet somehow still manages to slip off. I don’t have an unusually shaped head (at least I hope not), so that was a surprise. I’ve had to pull the strap so far up the back of my head that the bottom part doesn’t even sit properly any more.

I’ve actually developed spots where it’s tightest, which feels like the mask has slightly missed the point.’ Chad, LED mask tester

Other key findings so far are that people didn't realise they'd have to take time out while wearing the masks. For some this is a plus; for others it's an annoyance. 

‘I thought I'd be able to do other things while wearing the mask - multitasking like laundry or vacuuming - but in reality, it's quite cumbersome and easier to use while sitting or lying down. That said, it's a good excuse to sit down and relax for 10 minutes, which I wouldn't otherwise do!’ Natalie, LED mask tester

So, the user experience isn't exactly thrilling people so far. But, of course, if the end result is noticeable improvements in your skin, you might be willing to put up with some discomfort, and some masks appear to be more comfy than others so far. 

What's next?

We're nearly done with the trial phase of our testing. Once we've finished, we'll scan everyone's faces again and get stuck into the analysis. This will help determine whether there are noticeable improvements, and which masks are rated best for this, as well as things like comfort and ease of use. For the skin improvement assessment, we'll be working closely with a dermatologist for their expert input on the results.

We'll then assess the lab results about the LED strengths, and pull everything together to discuss what we've found, and whether any products do well enough for us to be confident recommending them.

We know LED masks are pricey and might be on many a Christmas wishlist, so we're working hard to get the results out in November ahead of the festive shopping period. Stay tuned for more soon. 

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How often should you use an LED mask?

Regular use over time is considered important for the best results.

Recommended usage times and frequencies vary from mask to mask (and may depend on the strength of the LEDs), but generally it’s advised to use a mask for between 10 and 20 minutes, three to five times a week. 

Masks with stronger frequencies will only need to be used once or twice a week, while the weaker masks will require more usage time to have any effect. This is something to bear in mind when choosing, as you may find it easier to stick to if you don't need to commit to it as often. We'll be sure to report on this in our reviews.

Are LED masks safe?

Based on all the available evidence, LED masks appear to be safe in the short term, though there is a lack of research into their long-term effects. 

There have been reports of some users with existing conditions experiencing eye issues, but these reports are extremely rare. In 2019, skin and hair care brand Neutrogena voluntarily recalled its LED masks after a small percentage of users (0.2%) reported eye pain, irritation and blurry vision after using the masks as directed.

Any exposure to light can, in theory, be harmful to the eyes, which is why most masks provide some form of eye protection. It's important to use this, especially with blue light settings, where the potential for harm is higher.

If you're using skincare products or taking medications that may increase photosensitivity, you should seek professional advice before using LED masks. And always check the warnings and advice on the product first.

The LED masks we're testing now

There are hundreds of LED masks available on various online and high street stores at a variety of prices, which can make picking one quite a daunting prospect. 

We've focused on products from the biggest brands, available from reputable retailers, that represent a range of prices. 

We’ve selected 10 masks - we're limited in how many we can test because it's a time-consuming and expensive process, so we're focusing on the big-hitters for this first assessment. You'll find masks from Shark, Dr Dennis Gross and Theraface in the mix, and prices from £140 to £579.

You can find out more about the products we're testing below. 

Please note that as we're still in the process of testing these products, we aren't currently recommending any. Products are listed in alphabetical order.

CurrentBody Skin Series 2 LED Light Therapy Mask  - £400

Endorsed by celebrities such as Lily Collins and Kim Kardashian, the Skin Series 2 is a soft mask that offers red, near-infrared and deep near-infrared wavelengths. 

Available from Amazon and CurrentBody.

Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro - £465

One of the more striking masks on the market, this high-end model includes red and blue LEDs. 

Available from Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Selfridges and Sephora.

Higher Dose Red Light Mask - £299

The Higher Dose is a flexible mask that only offers red light treatment. 

Available from Cult Beauty, Health and Higher Dose.

Omnilux Contour Face - £348

The Omnilux Contour is a flexible mask that combines red and near-infrared light. 

Available from Omnilux.

Project E LumaLux Face Pro LED Light Therapy Mask - £299

The LumaLux Face Pro is a jack-of-all-trades device that includes red, infrared, deep-infrared, blue, green, purple, cyan, yellow and white wavelengths. 

Available from Amazon and Project E.

Sensse Pro LED Light Therapy Face Mask - £140

The Sensse Pro costs less than any of the other masks we are testing and includes red, blue, amber and purple wavelengths. 

Available from Amazon, Currys, Boots, Debenhams and Sensse.

Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling & LED Anti-Ageing & Blemish Repair Mask - £299

Known for its cleaning technology. Shark has also expanded into the world of LED masks. The CryoGlow combines LED light with under-eye cooling. 

Available from Amazon, Boots, John Lewis and Shark.

Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask - £299

The Silk’n mask combines LED light therapy with electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). 

Available from Boots, Currys and Silk’n.

TheraFace LED Skincare Mask by Therabody - £579

Similar to the Silk’n, the high-end TheraFace combines LED tech with EMS. 

Available from Boots, Currys and Therabody.

UKLash LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask - £199

One of the more affordable options available, the UKLash is a flexible mask that features red LED tech. 

Available from Boots and UKLash

Our LED mask experts

• James Aitchison, Which? senior researcher and writer

James has more than 10 years of experience as a product tester and editor. He has worked as a managing editor for health, lifestyle, and home at Reviewed and USA Today. 

At Which?, James is a senior researcher and writer, focusing on energy providers and health and wellbeing for our magazine and website. As well as LED masks, he is currently testing out sleep aids and setting up a user trial of collagen supplements and collagen face masks.

• Expert dermatologist 

James will be working with an industry-leading consulting dermatologist with a clinic in Harley Street, London to assess how effective the LED masks are and analyse testers facial scans. We won't reveal our expert yet to protect the independence and integrity of our testing.

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.