17 best LED face masks for firmer, glowing skin, tested by 170 people

Score: 92/100

As the first LED mask to include under-eye cooling tech for that soothing spa experience, we were fighting to test this in the office. And it didn’t disappoint. It scored 4/5 in the lab for helping to improve skin texture, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and brown and red spots.

One panellist told us it got rid of red pigmentation in her cheeks by the third day of use, which is well before the brand claims you’ll notice a difference. When she stopped using the mask post-trial (sadly, she had to return it!), the redness has come back, so she knows the mask was responsible for improvements. Others loved that the treatment time is only six minutes a day, which is a shorter than most, and it was a doddle to set up and use (it won points for not making them download an extra app like many other devices do).

The cooling pads to de-puff the under-eye area exceeded our expectations, winning over everyone who tried them. “They added a spa element that genuinely helped to calm me down and prepare me for the day ahead”, one tester told us. Some panellists said there wasn’t enough warning when the battery was low, so it cut out halfway through a session. However, our experts found the battery lasted longer than most other masks. As it isn’t bendy, it’s also slightly harder to store, but everybody said their skin looked better in some way after the trial period – you can’t really argue with that.

Read our full Shark CryoGlow Face Mask review.

Score: 80/100

Our runner up LED face mask impressed across the board, effectively reducing the appearance of scars, brown spots, lines and wrinkles over a four-week period. It scored highly for functionality, too, with testers praising the ease of use, comfort during wear and long-lasting battery life.

Our panel said their skin looked brighter and more radiant after using the gadget, and felt it helped soothe rosacea and redness. The quick treatment time (three minutes) also made it easy to fit into their existing skincare routines, and it proved quick to charge and clean.

Score: 78/100

If you’re searching for a solution for acne – something over a third of the UK population experience at some point in their lives – then look no further.

This mask uses blue and red light to help control oil production and eliminate blemish-causing bacteria. We’re not suggesting it’s an overnight solution; as you’ve probably realised by now, nothing is instant with skin conditions, unfortunately. But with consistency and patience, this gadget claims to banish breakouts in the space of six weeks.

What did our panel think? “My blemishes have reduced significantly,” said one tester, while another told us: “I noticed my acne scarring had reduced, as well as breakouts, by week four.” Every single person who tried this device said they noticed an improvement in their acne, spots and blemishes, with all saying their skin texture and complexion in general were significantly better after the trial.

Some found the mask a little uncomfortable to wear for the allotted 10-minute treatment time, but it’s hopefully a relatively small price to pay for clearer skin.

Score: 77/100

Granted, this expensive mask is certainly a hefty investment. But if you're concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, our testers found it did make a difference, with just over half seeing a visible reduction in their appearance by the end of the month-long trial.

It didn’t skimp on radiance either, with our testers reporting a brighter, firmer complexion, while over half saw a reduction in redness and inflammation. Its space-age aesthetic may look intimidating (and uncomfortable!), but rest assured nobody on our panel experienced any issues. Some testers did struggle with how bright the LED lights were, though, so those with sensitive eyes may wish to look elsewhere.

Score: 77/100

This device can be used on any part of the body (well… face, neck, arms, legs) due to its ergonomic design, with various settings that allow you to target different areas according to their needs. The instructions were clear and detailed, and people loved the built-in timer, which turned the mask off after the recommended time.

The design of the Dermalux was slightly Marmite — while some testers enjoyed the chance to sit still, close their eyes and relax, others would have preferred eye holes (like other masks on our list) so they could multi-task while using it. However, a few minutes of shut-eye sounds like a welcome break to us.

Testers told us the device helped clear up rosacea, while they also noticed a reduction in the appearance of scars and smoother skin after use.

Score: 77/100

Although it may look like the perfect Halloween costume, this mask is a long-term investment in your skin that you’ll want to don year-round. According to our panel, it was comfortable to wear and the blue light setting helped to calm inflammation and clear breakouts.

All testers said the machine felt high quality and, despite a relatively short treatment time of five minutes, it still delivered improved skin texture and reduced pigmentation. In fact, every panellist said their skin looked healthier after the trial period.

There were some grumbles about not having a pouch or drawstring bag to store the mask in, and some didn’t like that you couldn’t move about with it on as it was plugged into the wall. However, it’s pretty hard to see when you’re wearing an LED mask, so we wouldn’t advise wandering around with it on anyway.

Score: 76/100

Don’t let your routine take a back seat when travelling; this smart skincare wand by Solawave is small enough to slip into your best suitcase (yes, even your carry-on). Despite its size, there’s no compromise on performance, with testers claiming they enjoyed two weeks of daily use out of just one charge.

It's intuitive and easy to use, with most participants praising how it felt on their skin. As for the results, our testers noticed an improvement in skin texture, and reported a reduction in acne and blemishes. Need more convincing? Our panel all said they'd continue to use it post-trial.

Score: 76/100

If you’re not a fan of more rigid face masks, this flexible design may be more appealing. Impressively, our testers said it boosted their skin's natural radiance, with half of them praising the overall condition of their skin after the trial.

When it came to wrinkles, the panel saw a slight improvement and said they’d continue to use this tool after the trial period. It didn’t improve redness or rosacea, but testers said it was a breeze to use and found it comfortable to wear. The LED lights weren’t too strong either, with most finding they could cope with the brightness.

Score: 75/100

If we thought some of the masks on this list made us look scary, this model really is in a league of its own. Once you’ve got over the Texas Chainsaw Massacre look, results are also scarily good.

Everyone said their skin looked less red and spotty, and felt far smoother, with some even noticing a difference after just two sessions. The red light didn’t get too hot, and the robust design means it stays in place, making it comfortable to use. It didn’t work as well for hyperpigmentation or combatting excess sebum, but one tester said, “After the second use my skin feels brighter, more youthful, has less sagging, less redness and a more even tone and texture.”

If dull and lacklustre skin is your beauty bugbear, this could be the solution.

Score: 74/100

UKLash’s award-winning growth serums have long been a favourite for lengthening natural lashes. So, when the brand launched its UKSkin arm, we had to find out if its devices were equally popular.

Testers appreciated how quick and convenient the device was, with just one button to start the 10-minute treatment. And one panellist told us they saw an obvious improvement in skin brightness within a couple of uses. It improved the appearance of panellists for some and skin felt smoother, too. Some found the eye shields slightly fiddly and uncomfortable, but they’re optional.

Score: 74/100

Made from soft medical grade silicone, this flexible LED mask prioritises comfort. Our panel praised its “relaxing, lightweight feel” and liked the Velcro straps for holding it in place, with one tester saying: “I liked that I was able to get on with other tasks while using it.” Salon-quality results while ticking off the to-do list? Sounds good to us.

Following the four-week trial, participants reported an improvement in skin firmness, fine lines and wrinkles. They also said their skin looked brighter and more radiant. It's worth noting, however, that some found the mask hard to fit close to their jawline, which they felt minimised the results in that area.

Score: 72/100

Our best budget mask offers much of the functionality of higher end models at a fraction of the price. Our panel was particularly impressed by the sheer range of LED light therapies, allowing users to seamlessly switch between modes according to their unique skin concerns. Considering its versatility, they also said it was simple and straightforward to use — even for beginners.

Despite regular treatments, participants noticed only a small improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, Sensse does suggest a minimum of four months before long-term, visible results will show.

Overall, most testers were impressed with this mask (especially given the affordable price), and reported textural improvements, as well as brighter, more radiant skin.

Score: 72/100

This targeted red-light device is great for giving a little TLC to specific areas. It works to smooth rough and bumpy skin, reduce inflammation and stop spots in their tracks, before they come to the surface. You wear it for just three minutes at a time, so it’s easy to incorporate into any existing routine.

Testers told us it was great for the T-zone or persistent oil-prone patches, and many noticed reduced redness of new breakouts. This wouldn’t suit those with acne all over their face, though, as it would take too long to treat each area. For that, you may be better off with the CurrentBody Device in our list above.

Score: 72/100

With a wide spectrum of light options, this compact device only takes two minutes to work its magic – making it a great choice for those short on time. It doesn't cover the entire face, which our testers actually liked. They were also happy with the brightness of the LED lights, and found it comfortable to use.

But what benefits did it have on the skin? Well, it provided some serious glow, with our panel saying they had a "lit-from-within" appearance after use. Testers also said their skin looked healthier overall, but it didn't do much for age spots or wrinkles.

You need to connect it to an app to use, which some testers struggled with. Despite this, they said they'd continue to use it after the trial. It's a great option if you're looking to experiment with LED masks before investing in a top-of-the-range device.

Score: 72/100

You may resemble a BAFTA award during the 20-minute treatment time, but trust us, your skin will thank you. This cutting-edge device is the brainchild of Dr Maryam Zamani (plastic surgeon to the stars) and is the first of its kind to offer five LED modes to to target individual skin concerns, or a mix, depending on your skin concerns.

After four weeks of use, our lab tests showed an improvement in the appearance of age spots and pigmentation, while our testers reported brighter and more radiant skin. If you’re looking for an LED device that can target individual skin concerns with ease, this could be the one.

Score: 70/100

Omnilux has created an LED face mask with near-infrared lighting, which enables deeper skin penetration. It’s specifically targeted at men, who tend to have thicker, tougher skin, so it would make a good gift for the guy in your life who’s after a rejuvenated, healthier-looking complexion (and you can then ‘borrow’ it, of course).

It aims to minimise under-eye bags, age spots and fine lines, which was corroborated in our lab test. Redness caused by shaving? This mask also helps to calm inflammation.

One tester praised its ease-of-use and said it left his skin “looking better and feeling smoother.” He added: “It's definitely something I would use again as I can see the benefits.” Big statement.

Score: 70/100

This LED face mask has two light modes to target different skin concerns, from acne to premature ageing. The red and infrared LED lights work to slow signs of ageing by helping to stimulate collagen production – which plays a key role in increasing firmness and elasticity in the skin. And, sure enough, all our testers said the mask helped their skin look and feel firmer. What’s more, one tester found it helped decrease puffiness too.

There’s also a blue light, or 'acne mode’, which target breakouts by eliminating bacteria. One downside is that it isn't the most comfortable to wear, with one tester saying it was quite heavy on the face. It’s also a significant investment, but if you’re looking for firmer, smoother-looking skin with 10 minutes of wear a day, this is a serious bit of kit.