The Best Red Light Therapy Devices for Anti-Aging, Approved by Beauty Experts

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True life: I'm obsessed with red light therapy devices. I’ve been using them since 2018 after my go-to esthetician, Alessandra Cavallero, put me onto the skin-clearing power of LED therapy, a pro-grade treatment I often indulged in at her San Francisco spa. While a professional investment in my skin was worth it, I just couldn't bring myself to spend a staggering $1,700 on the same red light therapy device she uses at Spa Bem-Ti-Vi, no matter how visible the results were. So naturally, as the Best Products beauty editor, I had to investigate the best red light therapy devices on the market and what makes them so effective.

I interviewed board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erum Ilyas, M.D., and got her guidance on how to shop for these game-changing tools. Ilyas, who practices at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Pennsylvania, says red light therapy can penetrate the skin up to 6 millimeters deep. Red light therapy treats acne, wound healing, hair regrowth, and anti-aging, like plumping up fine lines and wrinkles. “It is believed to work by activating signaling pathways between cells. It has not been shown to damage the DNA of cells the way UV light does,” says Ilyas.

Scroll to the bottom of this story for advice from Ilyas, who touches on the science behind, benefits of, and types of red light therapy devices, plus how often to safely use them at home.

Best Red Light Therapy Devices

• Best Overall: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask

• Best Budget Buy: Ora LED Light Energy Mask

• Best Wand: SolaWave 4-in-1 Facial Wand and Renew Complex Serum Bundle

• Best Face Mask: HigherDose Red Light Face Mask for Fine Lines & Glowing Skin

• Best Goggles: CurrentBody Skin LED Eye Perfector

How We Chose

Red light therapy devices are a great investment for your own beauty routine or to gift to a loved one, which I kept in mind while I personally tested a majority of the ones that made it on our list. I spent several weeks testing and researching all aspects of these red light therapy devices, including:

Comfort: Sure, some of these devices can be used in as little as 3 minutes per session, but wearing an LED face mask and gliding these red light therapy wands across your face should be comfy. Throughout my testing, I realized I prefer silicone over hard plastic LED face masks because silicone is easier to clean. Plus, silicone is a flexible material, meaning it's more likely to accommodate a gorgeous and diverse array of facial features. I also advise using red light therapy devices with adjustable straps so they can accommodate all head, neck, and wrist sizes.

Ease of Use: For handheld devices like wands, I considered how labor-intensive the application was. For example, the Solawave wand requires a serum to help it glide across the skin and help active ingredients deeply penetrate the face. While other treatments like the featured face masks are simply plug and play which I appreciated it because it provided me with private time to clear my head or plan how I wanted to apply my makeup before going out.

LED lights: I considered how many LED lights were on each mask because you'll want to ensure there's enough to make contact with the skin for most anti-aging effects. I also preferred red light therapy devices that also provided additional functionalities like vibrations (Theraface) and multiple LED colors so I can target any concern in the short- and long-term. For example, anyone dealing with hormonal acne knows it's a pain and the blue light emitted from some of these LED face masks can help zap away your pimples.

Visible results: And of course, the most important aspect is if I noticed visible results like brighter, more even-toned skin within a few weeks. I also considered if any facial lines looked less pronounced, and if anyone I see frequently noticed any difference.

As for the rest, a few of these items earned snaps from my trusted skincare experts, while others caught my eye because they blend functionality with form by meeting the expert guidance and above criteria.

And don't worry: Many of the best red light therapy devices are relatively affordable, making them the ideal gift for your favorite loved one, such as a recent graduate or hard-working mom who could use a reminder to prioritize self-care. Your favorite pop culture-obsessed friends will also pleased to know that many celebrities, including Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry, and Cillian Murphy, are all major fans of some of these featured red light therapy devices.

LED Light Therapy Mask

CurrentBody Skin's red light therapy device earned our best overall distinction because Ilyas and I agree it's the most easy-to-use LED face mask on the market. Most importantly, it provides real results. Not only does it help improve my skin's tone, texture, and firmness, but celebs use it to firm their skin ahead of major red carpet events like the Oscars and Golden Globes.

This red light therapy device is made from body-safe silicone that fits the curves of my face, and the included adjustable velcro strap ensures the perfect fit every time. Even while testing other devices, I was left thinking about CurrentBody because, with regular use, their LED Light Therapy Mask left my face brighter, more luminous, and more youthful-looking than anything else.

I love that this kit includes everything necessary for a positive experience — an easy-to-use control center, a long-lasting battery, four plugs to use the device abroad, and a dustbag for travel.

Although the $380 is an upfront commitment, I do think the short- and long-term benefits pay for themselves, especially when compared to other pricier options on this guide that cost well over $500.

Notably, it won several beauty industry awards and is adored by Oscar nominees like Sterling K. Brown and Carey Mulligan. It's so fast-acting and effective that Halle Berry prepped her skin for the 2023 Oscars with this tool, so brides and wedding guests, consider this the skin's ultimate treat for milestone events.

More: The Ultimate Body Care Products Vetted by Our Beauty Editor

LED Light Energy Mask

Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles, users will see a visible improvement in their skin texture, firmness, and tone in just a few weeks using this LED mask. Notably, ORA is the most affordable model on this list, yet it provides an impressive seven light modes targeting various skin issues.

Beyond red and blue light, there's green light for a soothing effect; yellow light improves the flow of oxygen; purple light combines the benefits of red and blue light into one mode; white light firms sagging skin and improves skin tone; and clear blue light promises to help enhance cell energy for overall healthy skin.

Overall, ORA's red light therapy device is very convenient because it’s comfortable to wear and has a full battery life that provides up to six 30-minute treatments per charge.

Red Light Face Mask

HigherDOSE, the Lady Gaga-approved infrared sauna brand, created a red light therapy device that stimulates collagen production, fades fine lines and wrinkles, and adds a glow factor to my complexion.

This red light therapy device is made from flexible, medical-grade silicone and can withstand high temperatures. Given its sleek yet functional design, the brand swears users can even wear it during yoga workouts. It's also easy to clean with wipes between each 10-minute treatment.

The eye holes and adjustable head strap are refreshingly comfy and provide a great fit. Beyond tackling signs of aging, such as lines and wrinkles, this red light therapy device also helps calm rosacea.

LED Eye Perfector

Oscar nominee Sterling K. Brown looked incredibly dapper for the 2024 Academy Awards ceremony — and he relied on this fast-acting red light therapy device from Currentbody Skin to prep his skin before the big moment.

Celebrity makeup artist Kathy Santiago recently told me Brown adheres to a strict skincare routine and he has used the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask for a few years. Since Oscars night was hectic and fast-paced, Santigo applied eye patches and layered these CurrentBody Skin eye goggles over his peppers to ensure he looked refreshed.

"What’s great about the eye mask is when you are pressed for time, you still get a treatment even when you don’t have the full 10 minutes. The LED really gives the patches a boost,” Santiago told me.

These goggles combine four types of LED wavelengths (amber, red, deep red, and near-infrared) to rapidly boost collagen production and promote healing. It's the perfect introductory red light therapy device, especially since our eyes are the first area of our faces to show signs of aging like puffiness, dark circles, and crow's feet. I'm also impressed that, unlike regular LED undereye patches, these Currentbody Skin goggles target brow furrows and 11 lines, which are the vertical frown lines between your brows.

Eye Brightener

When you have only $100 to spend on a gift, choose this unique solution from fan-favorite Omnilux. The price point makes it a great treat for someone who is on the younger side with a little patience.

Since each order includes only a single eye patch, your giftee will need to wear the patch for 10 minutes under one eye and another 10 minutes under the other eye. It's a minor pain for gorgeous, glowing results.

With regular use, this pocket-sized red light therapy device uses red LED to calm inflation (bye puffiness), fade pigmentation (adios dark circles), and even help calm redness. The near-infrared wavelength lights boost collagen production so the delicate undereye area is plump, firm, and youthful.

UFO 2

FOREO already makes my favorite facial cleansing brush and one of the best microcurrent machines on the market, so it's no surprise that the brand's red light therapy device was next on my list to try.

UFO 2 is an easy-to-grip device made from body-safe silicone. It's also one of the most compact red light therapy devices on this list, and given the success I've had using UFO 2, it would be the first one I pack for any upcoming travel plans.

This unique device combines eight LED lights with the brand's signature T-Sonic massage for a truly spa-like feel. The pulsations feel like light vibrations on my face, and my skin feels more supple and soft whenever I use the T-Sonic feature. Foreo's spa-like vibes are a welcome treat because the light pulses feels comforting on my face, but above all they enhance microcirculation that boots oxygen tot he skin for a natural glow. Over time, the multitasking red light therapy device added a luminous glow to my skin, especially when paired with FOREO's serums and face masks.

Even better? It's equipped with thermotherapy for a gentle warming effect on the skin to help it better absorb hyaluronic acid serums and hydrating face masks. There's also cryotherapy to help visibly lift, firm, and reduce puffiness, meaning it's the perfect hangover beauty treatment. (No judging here!)

4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand

Last year, Solawave dropped a new wand boasting twice the red light therapy power as the OG version — and it's already a favorite of Priyanka Chopra, Pedro Pascal, and Vanessa Hudgens. Like the original model, this tool utilizes therapeutic warmth and massage to reduce puffiness. Since our senior digital art director Bridget Clegg used the first version for 2 years, I knew she was the best person to test this new model, and she noticed a few key upgrades.

“Most visibly, it now has a power button with an automatic 3-minute timer to keep your application on track. The timer’s great because it pulses on and off to indicate when to move the red light device to a new section of your face. The updated wand has a subtle ticking noise that makes the current feel slightly more powerful than the first version of the wand,” she says.

Notably, Solawave swapped out microcurrent for galvanic current to aid product absorption. Clegg likes to pair her new red light therapy device with Radha Rosehip Oil or Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Face Oil for easy gliding and maximum hydration.

Given its petite size and the included protective case, Clegg notes it is the perfect addition for beauty lovers on the go. “I packed the new Solawave on a recent trip and was glad to have the protective case to keep the device clean and prevent it from turning on in my luggage,” she says.

This unique device also offers heating capabilities to enable skincare products like dark circle eye creams, face serums, and night creams to penetrate deeply into the skin. Plus, the pain-free warmth is therapeutic and feels super relaxing on the skin.

DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross, M.D., created this TikTok-viral LED face mask that was sold out for months and was incredibly hard to secure. Now that it's finally back in stock, I had to put it to the test and see if it lives up to the social media hype.

I love that it has 100 red lights to boost collagen production, while 62 blue lights kill acne-causing P.acne bacteria. Other LED face masks on this list hover around the 50-60 range of red lights on their masks, so it's no surprise Dr. Gross' mask works fast.

It features the same 3-minute modes as the Skincare DRx SpectraLite BodyWare Pro which is designed for the body, such as the back and chest. Plus, it maintains the same elevated white and copper aesthetic that's perfect for a quick Instagram Story.

As for its efficiency, this red light therapy device is A-1. My skin tone looks more even, my skin feels firmer, and my smile lines are less noticeable. The blue light does a great job tackling hormonal acne like a boss, which is always appreciated during my menstrual cycle.

Skin Gym Wrinklit LED Mask

If you only have $100 to spend on an LED face mask, let it be this one from SkinGym. Beyond aesthetics, this shield emits red, blue, and orange light therapy to target wrinkles, acne, and dullness.

Users will also love that it's incredibly lightweight and completely wireless, meaning they can mask and chill from their couch, bed, or backyard if they choose.

This red light therapy device is so effective that you'll soon realize you can’t go a day without using the red and blue LED lights. With regular treatments, users will notice hormonal acne is less frequent, heals faster, and discoloration is no longer an issue.

LED Neck and Dec Perfector

This unique duo is designed to target the neck and décolletage, two areas we often forget should be treated with the same TLC as the rest of our face. Why? Well, we have fewer oil glands on our décolleté than we do on our face, and it loses elasticity quickly as we age. The neck is also relatively thin, so it develops signs of aging relatively quickly.

CurrentBody Skin's red light therapy device is made from soft silicone and feels lightweight on my neck and chest. It's also equipped with adjustable bands for a comfortable feel during the treatment session. I find it leaves my delicate skin looking healthy and glowing. Since I (thankfully!) don't have lines and wrinkles on my chest, I can't fully speak on its ability to treat those signs of aging.

Luckily, I’m optimistic that it’ll help more mature skin based on my positive experience using other Currentbody Skin red light therapy devices and glowing online reviews. It'll help improve the crepey appearance of your neck in about two months to boost self-confidence so you're not hiding behind strategically placed shawls this summer.

LED Lip Perfector

Wait, you thought red light therapy devices were only those TikTok-famous masks and editor-approved wands? Not quite. Celeb-loved brand CurrentBody Skin is taking the red light therapy game to another level since creating the first FDA-approved at-home LED treatment for the mouth area.

This portable device penetrates deep into the lips to help stimulate collagen production to reduce fine lip lines and improve uneven texture and tone. It also targets fine perioral lines, aka smoker lines, above the lips.

Using this red light therapy device is straightforward and incredibly fast. After cleansing my face and lips, I place the device into my mouth and keep it stable for 3 minutes when it switches off. (It looks odd, but I got used to holding the red light therapy device in place after the second try.) Lastly, I apply either an organic lip balm, SPF lip balm, or my personal go-to: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster for some much-needed hydration.

I can attest that regular use of this device will make everyone's pout look youthful, plump, and firm sans lip injection.

Clear

Bella Hadid's facialist, Kristyn Smith, put her onto Omnilux's red light therapy device, so it should come as no surprise this new version caught my eye. Red light therapy calms inflammation in sensitive skin, and Clear combines it with infrared light to boost your cellular healing process while preventing signs of aging.

This red light therapy device is someone's best bet if they can't sit still during short 10-minute treatments. Clear sports built-in protective eye shields, meaning they can safely keep their eyes open (and watch the last season of Curb Your Enthusiasm on HBO) throughout your treatment. It also has a formfitting yet flexible design that feels comfortable on the face.

With regular use, you'll swear by Clear since it improves acne and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. After using this red light therapy device for a couple of weeks, I finally woke up pimple-free after trying a few different products. My skin was so clear, even my clueless guy friends noticed an improvement.

UNVEILED Glove

Since I'm a long-time fan of the Omnilux red light therapy glove, I wanted to test Priori's version. They're both around the same price, so I felt even more compelled to figure out which model is the better splurge.

Sporting an illustrated hand and wrist covered in gorgeous gold ring stacks and a timepiece, Priori definitely earns snaps for creating the most glamorous red light therapy device. Looks aside, it's a functional tool that helps ensure the hands also look youthful.

Made from a lightweight, flexible silicone base, this red light LED device feels comfy on the hand. It works in just 10 minutes, but visible progress was more evident with regular use, aka 3-5 times per week for at least 1 month.

Overall, both gloves are a solid investment that delivers on their promises, but I suggest users opt for Priori if they place a greater emphasis on aesthetics. The Omnilux has the advantage because it fits like a mitt that I can slide my fingers into, which helps keep the device in place. As for me, I'll stick with using the Omnilux on one hand and the Priori glove on the other since both brands only sell a single glove (boo!), and I'm too impatient to treat one hand at a time.

Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device

Dr. Maryam Zamani, an oculoplastic surgeon and facial aesthetics doctor, created one of the most advanced red light therapy devices available.

The multi-light functionality offers a wide range of treatment options, making her golden face mask the ideal gift for someone who wants to target multiple skincare concerns. It boasts five impressive light modes, including red light for anti-aging, blue light to banish acne, yellow light to calm skin and reduce redness, green light to fade pigmentation issues like post-acne dark spots, and white light to promote skin healing.

And let's be honest: The aesthetics of her light therapy device are highly enticing. After all, what could be more luxe than rocking a gold face mask that heals the skin?

Ideally, this red light therapy device should be used for up to 20 minutes five to six times weekly for optimal results. (Zamani also has a more robust, faster, and pricier red light therapy device, which I will discuss in the following slide!)

LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask 2.0

I can level up my at-home spa day with this splurge-worthy red light therapy device. Not only is this the prettiest light therapy device I've ever come across, but it's also incredibly functional.

For starters, it's lightweight, made of flexible silicone, and equipped with two adjustable straps to fit the contours and curves of my face, ensuring I receive optimal red light therapy absorption.

There are two powerful light modes of LED light: red and infrared light offer an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effect, while acne mode blends red and blue light. Additionally, this completely wireless device is FDA-cleared and can be used for up to five 10-minute weekly sessions. Since it's half the time commitment as the original Golden Facial Treatment Device, I can use the extra 10 minutes to rewatch Succession.

Each LED face mask also comes with three adaptors for the U.S., UK, and EU, ensuring the skin is always on point whenever someone is on vacation.

Contour GLOVE

Using a hand cream and sunscreen isn't enough. If someone is serious about their anti-aging skincare regime, they'll want to incorporate this red light therapy device into their routine ASAP.

It is equipped with the same tech found in other Omnilux red light therapy devices to target sunspots, pigmentation, redness, wrinkles, dry cracking skin, and uneven skin tone.

Need further proof that this red light therapy device should be in your giftee's life right now? Discoloration like sun spots will quickly fade, and the Contour GLOVE helps improve the overall tone and texture of the hands.

The design is practical, too. Although it's called Contour GLOVE, it's shaped like a mitten, with one large section for all five fingers instead of separate areas for each finger. It also sports an adjustable wristband so you (and whoever is lucky enough to borrow this gadget) can customize the fit without worrying about it falling off the hand.

Types of Red Light Therapy Devices

Ilyas’ number-one tip is carefully researching options to ensure they fit your lifestyle, budget, and skincare goals. And luckily, I spent hours carefully vetting dozens of red light therapy devices and narrowed them down to 16 standout products worthy of your hard-earned money.

LED Face Mask
The Pennsylvania-based doctor suggests buying a practical and user-friendly red light therapy device, such as a well-fitting LED face mask, like the Ora LED Light Energy Mask and Skin Gym Wrinklit LED Mask. However, Ilyas notes that just because one face mask is popular and fits someone nicely doesn't mean it's the perfect fit for everyone's face. If you are concerned that a red light therapy device won't accommodate your features, look for a face mask with adjustable straps, such as the Higher Dose Red Light Face Mask and MZ Skin LED 2.0 LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask.

LED Panel
She says LED panel options are simple to use but not ideal if kids run in and out of the room while you are using it. You can also use a single-panel red light therapy device, including the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite BodyWare Pro for the body. There's also the Celluma PRO, which provides full coverage on the body face like a three-panel option, just with a different aesthetic. Regardless of which model you opt for, panel red light therapy devices take up quite a bit of space, so if your loved one lives in a small first apartment, you'll likely want to gift a smaller LED device such as a wand or goggles.

LED Wand
Red light therapy devices like the TikTok-famous SolaWave have a learning curve and require consistent application to treatment areas, but they are much easier to store. Given their compact size, they're also cheaper than face masks and panel red light therapy devices. For example, the brand new Currentbody Skin Pen is $79, while the larger and more powerful MZ Skin Light Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device will set you back a casual $578.

Other Niche Red Light Therapy Devices
Red light therapy devices also target often-neglected facial and body areas, including the CurrentBody Skin LED Neck and Dec Perfector for the neck and décolletage. There is even the Omnilux Contour GLOVE for the hands and CurrentBody Skin LED Lip Perfector to enhance the mouth area over time. I know I’m talking about CurrentBody Skin a lot. The brand has a unique array of products that's hard to compete with. That being said, it recently introduced a unique red light therapy device to help stimulate hair growth that's worth checking out if it's a concern.

FAQ

Q: How often should you do red light therapy?
Red light therapy devices offer a slew of benefits, so it's tempting to utilize these skincare tools daily, or even multiple times a day, but that's not necessary. Ilyas says since every red light therapy device is different, it's hard to give a blanket recommendation on frequency and duration of use. Your best bet is to carefully follow the guidelines your red light therapy device of choice advises.

Q: How safe is at-home red light therapy?
Red light therapy is generally safe for at-home use, but Ilyas recommends looking for FDA-cleared devices for added comfort.

“LED red light devices that are intended to produce safe and effective results generally go through the FDA clearance process as likely class II devices," she said. "If this is not noted on the product you are considering, it is difficult to say if it has been subject to a third party evaluating its safety, and may not have the efficacy you are seeking, as well.”

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