The Best Red Light Therapy Devices, Tested by Our Beauty Editor

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True life: I'm obsessed with red light therapy devices. 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 Best Products' beauty editor, I had to investigate what makes red light therapy devices so effective and asked board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erum Ilyas, M.D., for guidance on how to shop for these game-changing tools.

After perusing these product recommendations, keep reading for advice from Ilyas, who touches on the science behind, benefits of, and types of red light therapy devices and how often to safely use them at home.

Best Red Light Therapy Devices

• Best Overall: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask

• Most Affordable: ORA LED Light Energy Mask

• Best for the Face and Body: Celluma PRO

• For a New Release: Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand

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

The Science and Benefits Behind Red Light Therapy

Ilyas, who practices at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Pennsylvania, highlights data showing that 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.

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 20 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 face mask, like 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 three-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 you live in a studio, opt for the third option:

LED Wand

Red light therapy devices like the TikTok-famous SolaWave have a learning curve to consistently apply the red LED light to the 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 SolaWave wand with a full-sized serum is $169 on Amazon, while the larger and more powerful MZ Skin Light Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device is a mask and 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.

How We Chose

With a firmer understanding of what red light therapy is and how to shop for these handy at-home tools, check out my guide to the best red light therapy devices on the market. A few of these items earned snaps from trusted skincare experts, while others are devices that caught my eye because they blend functionality with form.

A bonus: Collectively, these red light therapy devices have earned hundreds of glowing online reviews across reader-favorite retailers, including Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and Dermstore.

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 and reviewers say it helps firm their skin.

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. While testing other devices, I was thinking about CurrentBody because with regular use, their LED Light Therapy Mask left my face brighter, luminous, and more youthful-looking.

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 celebs, like Gal Gadot, Renee Zellweger, and Kaley Cuoco. 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 Self-Care Gift Guide Vetted by Our Beauty Editor

LED Light Energy Mask

Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles, I saw a visible improvement in my skin texture, firmness, and tone in just a few weeks. 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. And I'm not the only fan— to quote one Dermstore shopper, “I love the different settings of energy wavelengths, but honestly see so many benefits front the red energy wavelengths, especially for wrinkles and toning facial muscles.”

4-in-1 Facial Wand and Renew Complex Serum Bundle

Reduce fine lines and dark circles with the help of this compact red light therapy device. It combines red light therapy with microcurrent energy, heat, and vibration for the ultimate 3-minute skincare treatment. No wonder stars such as Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Hudgens used this exact red light therapy device to prep for the 2023 Oscars.

According to Bridget Clegg, our senior digital art director, the SolaWave provides a luminous glow and healthy flush to the skin when paired with the included serum. (Renew Complex combines aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and blue tansy to help the wand glide across the face, and promote a healthy glow.)

Given its affordable price point, multiple capabilities, and low 5-minute commitment, Clegg considers this a solid entry-level red light therapy device. She describes the gentle vibration as subtle and notes it emits about the same noise level as an electric toothbrush.

“Where a jade roller is shockingly cool, a SolaWave is increasingly warm, up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can twist the head of the device to glide under your eyes or along your jawline. After using it for the recommended 5 minutes, my skin tingles like it does after a massage,” she says.

DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Dr. Gross also 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 see if it lives up to the social media hype.

I love that it's equipped with 100 red lights to boost collagen production, while 62 blue lights kill acne-causing P.acne bacteria, reduce redness. 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. Plus, it maintains the same elevated white and copper aesthetic that's perfect for a quick Instagram Story.

As for its efficacy, this red light therapy device is A-1. My skin tone looks more even, 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.

DRx SpectraLite BodyWare Pro

Back acne, popularly called bacne, sucks. Thankfully, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross, M.D., created this impressive LED device that offers anti-aging benefits and tackles acne in 3 minutes.

There are three different 3-minute-long modes, including red light for anti-aging, blue light for acne-fighting, and a combination of both colors. Plus, there's a 14-minute-long pain therapy mode if that's more of someone's vibe.

The flexible, adjustable design easily contours to various body parts, including wrapping around the arms or laying flat on the décolletage and back.

Yes, it's smaller than other red light therapy devices designed for the body, but it's also about 25% of the price of other models on this list. Since most sessions last only a few minutes, covering the entire back won't take too long.

4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand

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. Like the original model, this tool utilizes therapeutic warmth and massage to reduce puffiness. Since Clegg has been using 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, which aids in 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.

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.

Reviewers also find the eye holes and adjustable head strap are refreshingly comfy and provide a great fit. In addition to tackling signs of aging, this red light therapy device also helps with rosacea. "Within the first month, I noticed significantly clearer skin. I've been using it daily for 10 minutes a day, and it's been a lifesaver," says one 5-star review on HigherDOSE.

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 one Ulta reviewer declares they can’t go a day without using the red and blue lights. With regular treatments, they’ve noticed hormonal acne is less frequent, heals faster, and discoloration is no longer an issue. “It is easy to see out of, doesn’t bother my eyes, and I can still unlock my phone while wearing it,” says their 5-star review.

UNVEILED Glove

Since I'm a long-time fan of the Omnilux red light therapy glove (See slide 13 for more details), I wanted to test Priori's version. They're both 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 slight 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.

UFO 2

FOREO already makes my favorite facial cleansing brush and one of the best microcurrent machines, so it's no surprise that their 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 device is unique because it 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 I find my skin feels more supple and soft whenever I use the T-Sonic feature. And 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!)

PRO

Cavallero uses this red light therapy device at her spa in San Francisco's Mission District. It without a doubt pricey, but incredibly effective.

This isn't just any red light therapy device, of course — it can be used on the face and body to target acne (blue light), anti-aging (red light), and pain management. (Whoa, whoa, pain management?) Yes, this flexible panel red light therapy device is equipped with infrared light therapy to help relieve joint and muscle pains.

While I've thankfully never had to deal with joint and muscle pains, I can say this red light therapy device works to prevent and treat signs of aging and pesky pimples. I can alternate between various settings to achieve my cosmetic goals. And thanks to its bendable design, I don't need a bulky stand to lay down underneath this red light therapy device.

CLEAR LED Face Mask

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 treatments. CLEAR sports built-in protective eye shields, meaning they can safely keep their eyes open (and watch the last season of Barry on HBO ) throughout your treatment. It also has a formfitting yet flexible design that feels comfortable on the face.

Online reviewers swear by CLEAR since it improves acne and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. One reviewer says after using this red light therapy device for 3 weeks, they finally woke up pimple-free for the first time in years. Her skin was so clear, even her husband noticed an improvement.

Crystal LED Face Mask

Celebrity facialist Angela Caglia has a holistic perspective on skincare, so it's only natural she combined her approach with science-backed red light therapy.

Her device is made with medical-grade silicone, so the blue and red lights can easily penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin, and eliminate acne.

It's also equipped with rose quartz, a prominent stone in traditional Chinese medicine, that provides a much-needed cosmetic and wellness boost to the skin. Rose quartz has a refreshing and long-lasting cooling effect that depuffs, calms inflammation, and offers a welcome glow to my skin.

With a $500 price tag, this red light therapy device is certainly a splurge, but reviewers adore its cosmetic benefits, including targeting blackheads and dullness. “I was not a believer but bought it anyway, and I have been shocked! The blue light has helped my blackheads. The red light has given my skin a glow. My husband even noticed,” declares one reviewer. Another reviewer says using three times weekly has improved their overall skin texture and tone.

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.

Her golden face mask 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.

“This is without a doubt the best light treatment mask on the market. No mask compares with this mask. Its multi-light functionality offers a wide range of treatment options. I highly recommend it,” says one 5-star review.

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, we use this red light therapy device 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!)

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 agree with reviewers who say their delicate skin looks healthy and glowing, but since I (thankfully!) don't have lines and wrinkles on my chest, I can't fully speak on its ability to treat lines and wrinkles.

Luckily, I’m optimistic that it’ll help more mature skin based on glowing online reviews. One reviewer says it improved the crepey appearance of their neck over two months, and they’re pleased with the results. “It’s given me back my confidence, and I’m not hiding behind neck scarfs,” says their 5-star review.

LED 2.0 LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask

I'm able to 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.

Speaking of LED light, there are two powerful light modes: red and infrared light offers 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 up to 10 minutes per session four times a week. Since it's half the time commitment as the original Golden Facial Treatment Device, I can use the extra 10 minutes to catch up on the final season of Succession on HBO.

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.

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.

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? “The discoloration which has begun appearing on my hands is quickly fading and the overall tone getting smoother and FAR more youthful,” says one 5-star review.

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.

Crystal Led Face Mask

Celebrity facialist Angela Caglia has a holistic perspective on skincare, so it's only natural she combined her approach with science-backed red light therapy.

Her device is made with medical-grade silicone, so the blue and red lights can easily penetrate deep into your skin to stimulate collagen and elastin, and eliminate acne.

It's also equipped with rose quartz, a prominent stone in traditional Chinese medicine, that provides a much-needed cosmetic and wellness boost to the skin. Rose quartz has a refreshing and long-lasting cooling effect that depuffs, calms inflammation, and offers a welcome glow to my skin.

With a $500 price tag, this red light therapy device is certainly a splurge, but reviewers adore its cosmetic benefits, including targeting blackheads and dullness. “I was not a believer but bought it anyway, and I have been shocked! The blue light has helped my blackheads. The red light has given my skin a glow. My husband even noticed,” declares one reviewer. Another reviewer says using three times weekly has improved their overall skin texture and tone.

Light Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device

FAQ on Red Light Therapy Devices

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. She says, “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. 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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