The best red light therapy devices to shop in 2024, reviewed by our beauty experts

The best red light therapy devices have been in high demand for some time now, thanks to the tech's transition from salon to home – and woman&home's beauty experts have reviewed the top models in this very guide.

Promising a clearer and brighter complexion when used alongside skincare staples such as the best hyaluronic acid serums or best vitamin C serums , many studies support the skin-boosting benefits of red light therapy devices. “Red light stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to refine and strengthen the skin,” says Dr Maryam Zamani, facial aesthetics doctor and founder of MZ Skin. “It boosts luminosity through improved circulation, calms redness, evens skin tone and plumps up the complexion.”

Within these devices, red LED can even be combined with other light therapies, such as blue and infrared, to supercharge the results. Alongside in-depth insight into our top pick, the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Skincare Spectralite Faceware Pro, our tried and tested guide features tools that cover a wide range of light options, price points and skin concerns. We've also consulted with skin experts to answer the most common red-light therapy FAQs – in particular, how to choose the right device for your needs and whether it's possible to overdo these treatments.

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The quick list: our top 3 red light therapy devices

The best red light therapy devices, reviewed by our experts

Best red light therapy device overall

We found this tool was the top performer of any red light therapy device we tried and, to that end, feel it justifies its price tag. The three-minute-long LED procedure targets a broad range of skincare concerns: wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes and dark circles, to name but a few. Dr. Dennis Gross's mask also boasts a patented design that contours to the face and specifically focuses on those areas in need. With red light to support natural collagen and elastin production, alongside blue light to target acne and redness, it truly packs a punch.

From our own testing experience, we would recommend starting with a dry and freshly cleansed face before using this tool. Use the adjustable strap to secure the mask on your face (side note: we did find it slipped a little during treatment). Then, let the red and blue light combination therapy do its thing until the timer goes off. Afterwards, we followed up with one of the best vitamin C serums to further boost brightness. Expect an improvement in circulation and brightness within 12 weeks.

Read our full Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Skincare SpectraLite FaceWare Pro review

Best value red light therapy device

Although this device looks like a bit like a razor, it's actually a four-in-one skincare tool that combines red light therapy with therapeutic warmth, facial massage and microcurrent to brighten and smooth skin. Intrigued? Us too! Let us break it down for you – the four technologies work together to tackle myriad skincare concerns in as little as five minutes per day, three times a week.

All we had to do was move the device around our face in upward and outward motions. The microcurrent stimulates the muscles to boost firmness, while red light therapy reduces the appearance of fine lines and sun damage by boosting collagen production. Low vibrations provide a very pleasant, gentle massage to help take down puffiness. We particularly loved the warming head, which helped reduce redness and gave the device the ultimate feel-good factor. It's super lightweight and a total joy to use and would be a worthy investment for anyone who likes to do a facial at home. As for results, expect brighter, plumper and smoother skin after a few weeks of use.

Read our full Solwave Skincare Wand review

Best high-tech red light therapy device

Dr. Maryam Zamani's newest LED mask certainly looks the part. Crafted from patented, medical-grade soft silicone in a millennial pink shade, it moulds to the contours of your face – not unlike one of the best face masks – for a comfortable, sleek aesthetic. Looks aside, it’s also portable, so we found it easy to pop on and get on with our day uninterrupted. As for technology, it boasts two LED light modes: Anti-Ageing (using infrared and red light therapy) and Acne (combining red light and blue light therapy).

Simply slip the mask on, adjust the strap at the back and select your chosen mode to begin your 10–30-minute treatment. Designed to rival the power of clinic tools, this mask delivers impressive results. Clinical trials found that wrinkle depth was reduced by 36% in just four weeks, while collagen fibres increased in just two weeks. Impressive, no? We noticed a brighter, healthier-looking complexion almost immediately after using it.

Read our MZ Skin LED 2.0 LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask review

Best red light therapy device for the eyes

This hands-free light therapy device is specifically built to target the eye area – including crow’s feet, "eleven" lines and general loss of elasticity in the skin around the eyes – all of which come with age. It's ideal for those with general skin texture and laxity concerns as well as anyone dealing with dark circles, dullness or fine lines in general. If your goal is to supplement the results of the best eye cream with a bit of tech, commit to daily use of this device and we're sure you'll see a noticeable difference within a matter weeks.

In a 10-week clinical study of daily use, 97% of subjects saw a visible improvement. We can get on board with those odds! The adjustable strap that stretches around the back of the head ensures this device is comfortable for a head of any size. As with all beauty routines and products, the more consistent you are with use, the better your results will be. With just two weeks of daily use, we noticed the eye area looked brighter, smoother and somewhat firmer – leaving us impressed.

Read our full Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite Eyecare Max Pro review

Best red light therapy device for acne

Due to hormonal changes and external stressors, acne can be a problem at any stage of life. But it doesn’t ever seem to get any less frustrating, despite following a skincare routine for acne to a T. Instead of investing in another topical acne treatment, consider a red light therapy device that is specifically designed to target both existing acne and new blemishes that threaten to pop up.

One such device is the LightStim for Acne, our top red light therapy device pick for acne-prone skin. Utilising multiple wavelengths of red light, this one uses a mix of blue light, to combat acne-causing bacteria, and red light, to soothe redness and inflammation. The three-minute built-in timer will let you know when your session is up to ensure you reap the benefits without going overboard. After testing this device for one week, we can say we saw a marked improvement in the appearance of dark spots and existing blemishes.

Best red light therapy device for dryness

Using ultra-fast heating, cooling, pulsations and full-spectrum LED lights, the famous Foreo UFO 2 Smart Mask is a multi-tasking wonder. It starts by warming and prepping the skin, then cools and lifts to add firmness and reduce puffiness. We found this combination of temperatures felt both relaxing and refreshing and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences we had throughout the testing process.

Using the FOREO For You app, we synced the mask to our phone using a unique barcode to activate the red light therapy. Talk about futuristic skincare. The best part? This device means that every last drop of essence was applied directly to our faces rather than ending up on our hands. Skincare fans of all ages have taken the leap and purchased this more expensive red light therapy mask because it actually delivers on its promises. Great for those of us who seek skincare for dry skin, our skin felt plumper after just four weeks of use.

Best handheld red light therapy device

While this red light therapy device is one of the more affordable options on the market, it doesn't scrimp on results and still truly delivers. Simple and chic, this millennial pink tool features three different colour modes to tackle various skincare concerns. Blue is ideal for targeting blemishes, while green can calm inflammation and improve the appearance of pigmentation. Then there’s red, the ultimate collagen-boosting light to soften fine lines. To select or change the colour mode, you simply press the pink button positioned on the handle.

As with many of the other devices listed here, this tool allows you to customise your experience for a more bespoke treatment. For example, if you want to soften fine lines on your forehead, apply the red light for three minutes. Chin breaking out? Opt for the blue light and, again, hold it there for three minutes. We found that this device does require a little more arm work than a face mask design (there’s no sitting back and relaxing here), but the results speak for themselves. We noticed a big improvement in the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation in just three weeks.

Read our full Skin Gym Revilit LED Therapy Tool review

The best red light therapy device with comfortable wear

The Omnilux Contour Face is another very convenient LED mask. Its wireless design and 10-minute timer meant that our reviewer could go about working from home or doing chores while wearing it. It utilises two types of light – red and near-infrared – to target fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and redness in the skin.

Beauty contributor Lucy Partington, who reviewed this tool, notes that it's comfortable, lightweight and on the affordable side, as LED masks go. "I like that it’s wireless, completely hands-free to use and that the head straps are adjustable meaning it feels secure when it’s on," she said in her review. "Throughout the time I used the mask, I didn’t notice any immediate results (it’s important to note that, as with most skincare, it can take a while to notice any improvement so it’s important to be patient) but over time, I noticed an improvement in overall brightness and how healthy my skin looked and felt."

Read our full Omnilux Contour Face review

How we tested these red light therapy devices

Many brands now offer red light therapy devices and we tested dozens of them for this guide. It's worth noting that even the best at-home red light therapy devices won't be as powerful as professional LED treatments that use light therapy for acne or collagen-boosting, for example, but they can still make a difference to your skin. Each one was tested everyday (or as close to that as recommended by the brand) for a few weeks and our testers made their judgments based on the following factors.

• Design: There are so many different types of tool available, so consider whether you want something all-encompassing like a mask, or a device that you're able to spot-treat with.
• Comfort: Particularly with masks, comfort is an aspect to consider. While some of more rigid masks might boast superior technology - like our top Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Skincare Spectralite Faceware Pro pick, they can be a lot less comfortable to wear than something more flexible, like the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask.
• Colours of LED offered: With LED, different colours garner different results, and while here we've tested just red light tools, there are some models, like the Skin Gym Revilit LED Therapy Tool and Omnilux Contour Face, that come with different colour options to target issues like acne, redness or skin sensitivity.
• Variety of treatment options: While most of the tools that we've tested focus on the efficacy of the red light therapy, some of the devices, like the FOREO UFO 2, do come with other functions - so it's worth considering whether these would come in use to your routine, as it can save you on splashing out on other products.
• Ease of use: With different formats and features, some tools will be easier than others to set up and use. If you tend to struggle with tech or want to opt for the most comfortable find, consider what type of format would be best for you.
• Results on skin tone, texture and clarity
• Price and value for money

We assessed their skin after each use for any post-treatment reactions, kept an eye on this throughout the trial for cumulative results and, later, compared how our skin had changed overall once the testing period finished. The devices that we ranked most highly (and that feature in this guide) were the ones that slotted easily into our daily regime without taking up too much time or effort. They were also comfortable and user-friendly and boasted several functions that really delivered results, similar to those used in a professional salon setting.

How do I choose a good red light therapy device?

With so many brilliant tools out there, it can seem hard to select one, but learning what to know before buying a red light therapy tool and considering a few different factors should help you make your decision. "For at-home LED devices, you should look for a device that incorporates red and blue LED and sits flush to the face – this allows the LED to penetrate the skin," says board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Dennis Gross. Below are some more key terms and features to look out for when shopping for a red light therapy device.

• Wrinkle-reducing: If one of your main skincare concerns is fine line and wrinkle reduction, be sure to keep an eye out for a device that is designed to target wrinkles in particular.
• Plumping: Seeking a more youthful, glowing appearance overall? Look for a device that addresses ageing skin concerns with red and yellow light specifically.
• Acne or blemish solutions: Blemish-fighting red light therapy devices are often designed to combat acne-causing bacteria and soothe any existing redness and inflammation.
• Pigmentation: Some devices are specifically designed to reduce the look of uneven skin tone and pigmentation.

Gross also emphasizes the importance of light wavelengths. "The key is to maximise energy, allowing the surface of the skin to be touched by the lights," he explains. "415nm is the most effective wavelength for blue light, successfully targeting and killing mild to moderate acne-causing bacteria."

"For red LED, look for a device that is in the spectral range of 600-1300nm (red and infrared)," he continues. "These wavelengths stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation and diminish hyperpigmentation."

- Our expert panel

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Emma Stoddart

Emma has worked in the beauty industry for eight years for some of the UK’s top women’s titles, including Net-A-Porter, Stylist and Grazia. During that time she has tested hundreds of beauty products and tools, and kept up-to-date with all the latest innovations in beauty tech.

Emma has contributed to woman&home since 2020, and as the brand's contributing red light therapy expert, she knows everything there is to know about how to choose the best tool for your needs.

Expert advice from

Expert advice from

Dr Maryam Zamani

Dr Maryam Zamani is a world-renowned Oculoplastic Surgeon and Facial Aesthetics Doctor, who has shared expertise on the benefits of using red light therapy and how to best choose a tool for you.

Expert advice from

Expert advice from

Dr Dennis Gross

Dr Dennis Gross is a world-famous Dermatologist, who has shared expertise on the benefits of using red light therapy and how to best choose a tool for you.

Your red light therapy device FAQs, answered

What is red light therapy?

Skin professionals have been utilising red light (as well as other wavelengths, including blue and yellow LED) in salons and clinics for years. But what is red light therapy, specifically, how does light therapy work, and what are the actual benefits of red light therapy to your skin?

"LED light therapy encourages wound healing, boosts collagen production and kills P-acne bacteria, addressing a multitude of concerns," explains Genevieve Knodell, aesthetic practitioner at Stratum Dermatology Clinic. "It's great for skin prep, before or after any procedure to accelerate healing by stimulating collagen and elastin, suppressing melanocyte activity and providing anti-inflammatory benefits that will repair and strengthen the skin."

Does red light therapy work at home?

Most experts agree that at-home red light therapy can be an effective skincare treatment, although masks and wands designed to be used away from a clinic setting, understandably, will not be as powerful as in-clinic devices. This is for safety reasons, as very high-strength LED should only be used in the hands of professionals, but there are indicators of an effective and hardworking home device you can look out for and as long as you know how to use an LED face mask, it can work wonders doing it at home.

"To ensure you are using a high-quality [tool], look for a medical-grade device that has clinical studies that clearly show [its] effectiveness," Dr. Gross advises. "There are strict regulations for the strength of red LED at-home devices, however, some are more effective than others. Ultimately, you want the device to lay flat on the skin surface without heat or risk of burning."

Is red light therapy safe?

Experts maintain that red light therapy is generally considered safe for use, aside from those who have reported blistering and burning from faulty units or exceeding the recommended usage time. Eye protection is also recommended when using a facial red light therapy device as an additional precaution.

LŪMMco-founder Ryan McCarthy concurs: "LED light therapy has been around for decades, used for a wide array of cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. At this time, there are no known adverse side effects of the use of LED light therapy. Each product is different; you should always read the instruction manual thoroughly before use. If you have any further questions, contact the brand directly and consult your physician."

"Unlike harmful UV rays used in tanning beds that can burn and damage skin, LED light therapy uses a safe, lower intensity, non-UV infrared light," adds McCarthy. However, he does note that it is not recommended to use red light therapy if you're pregnant.

How many minutes a day should you do red light therapy?

There's no hard and fast recommendation for the frequency of red light therapy use, although most devices recommend once daily, for around 15 minutes, for best results. Several devices will also automatically turn off after a certain amount of time. We strongly encourage checking and following the specific instructions for your chosen device and adhering to the recommended usage. If you see a dermatologist, take your device to them for assessment before trying it and follow their advice on usage.

Can you overdo red light therapy?

Like most beauty treatments, however gentle, it is possible to overdo red light therapy. Side effects of overuse may include inflammation and tissue damage. Dr. Tom Ingegno, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and owner of Charm City Integrative Health in Baltimore, says that, in most cases, 20 minutes of red light therapy (RLT) per day should be sufficient. "Of course, always consult with your primary care doctor before electing to start any new treatment to find what'll work best for you."

However, as Ingegno reminds us, red light "Is a relatively low-risk therapy. It is important to remember that RLT is on the opposite end of the light spectrum and does not have the same issues as heavy amounts of UV light." Thus, the likelihood of any severe side effects is slim, but you'll still want to be careful.