Draft record: not yet reviewed. Last researched 1 Nov 2026.

LED face mask

Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo

Company: Therabody UK Limited

A cordless rigid-shell mask covering the whole face, including mouth and nose, with red, red plus near-infrared and blue LEDs on a 12-minute cycle, and vibration motors in the head strap.

Light and dose

LightWavelengthLEDs
Red 633 nm —
Near-infrared 830 nm —
Blue 415 nm —
Total504

Sources differ: Cureus 2026 review lists TheraFace Mask Glo wavelengths as 'Not specified'; Therabody UK page publishes 415, 633 and 830 nm (manual gives none).

Light output (irradiance)

Not published

Not disclosed

Dose per session

Not published

Not yet checked

Notes on these figures

No irradiance given. Manual gives energy per 4-minute setting instead: red 12–14 J/cm²; red + IR setting red 12–14 J/cm² and infrared 9–11 J/cm²; blue 10–12 J/cm², described as 'generated across the entire device'. Measurement distance, method and whether skin-surface dose are NOT stated. Not converted to irradiance here.

Light-output figures come from the manufacturer. Independent checks are rare, even in published studies, so treat them as claims. Why

Using it

Treatment

Session length
12 minutes

Sources differ: Brand says '12 minutes a day'; its comparison chart and the Guardian say 4–12 min (single light type = 4 min).

Details

Pre-set 12-minute cycle = 4 min each of red, red + IR, blue. Pressing the LED button skips to the next light type, so a session can be shorter. Brand comparison chart says '4-12 minutes'. Vibration-only mode runs 12 min.

How often
Once a day, 6 days per week
Details

Manual: 'Recommended Use: 6 days per week'. Product page: '12 minutes a day', study 'Monday–Saturday'. No course length stated (study ran 12 weeks; claims say results 'in as little as 8 weeks').

Modes
Automatic 12-min cycle (red → red + IR → blue) or a single light type via the LED button; vibration on/off with 3 modes (Relax, Refresh, Relieve); vibration-only mode
Auto shut-off
Yes, when the 12-minute treatment ends

Design and power

Power
Built-in rechargeable battery, USB-C; cordless in use. Brand says use a USB-C adapter of at least 20 W (adapter not included)
Battery
Lithium polymer, 1200 mAh, 23 g; about 60 minutes of use (12-minute routine with vibration)
Details

Manual battery info is headed 'Device Battery Information - EU'. Elsewhere manual calls it a lithium-ion battery.

Charge time
— Not disclosed
Use while charging
No
Details

'Do not try to use the device while charging.'

Eye protection
Built-in silicone eye shield (manual: 'pre-installed eyeshield (assembled)'; UK page: 'removable protective eye shield')
Details

Manual warns the eye shields may cause redness around the eyes that should fade within 5–10 minutes.

Weight
514 g
Details

Dimensions 200 × 220 × 120 mm. Cordless, so no separate controller.

App needed
No
Details

Two buttons on the device; no app mentioned in manual or on UK page.

Subscription
No
Details

No app or paid features mentioned.

Replaceable battery
No
Details

Manual: do not disassemble or repair yourself; warranty void if batteries removed.

Values are as stated by Therabody unless marked otherwise.

How much Therabody publishes

10 of 12 key facts published

  • Wavelengths: published
  • LED count: published
  • Light output (irradiance): not published
  • How output was measured: not published
  • Treatment time: published
  • Warranty: published
  • Returns policy: published
  • User manual: published
  • Who should not use it: published
  • Safety standards declared: published
  • Published study of this device: published
  • UK company / contact: published

This counts what's disclosed. It doesn't measure how well the mask works.

What Therabody claims quoted, not verified

“Clinically proven to reduce under-eye wrinkles, fine lines and enhance radiance in as little as 8 weeks.”

“Backed by the largest clinical study of any LED mask on the market”

Context

Comparative claim; basis for 'largest' not given.

“87% of study participants reported their skin looks and feels smoother”

Context

Perception survey; page footnote says participants were compensated.

“Firms skin, enhances facial contour and helps reduce the appearance of sagging, loose skin”

“Improves skin tone evenness and texture”

“Blue light therapy (415 nm wavelength) fights blemish-causing bacteria and helps prevent new bacteria from growing.”

“Red and infrared LED light therapy (633, 830 nm wavelength) boosts your skin's natural collagen production”

“Blue Light is intended to treat mild to moderate inflammatory acne”

Context

US 510(k)-style indication; also in the international manual.

“The device is safe for use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick Types 1 - 6).”

Evidence

Studied: This exact mask Not peer-reviewed

Single-group, open-label (no masking), before-vs-after; no control or sham group · 115 enrolled, 104 completed participants

What it measured and its limits

Measured: Expert grading, VISIA-CR imaging, Cutometer and self-assessment. Brand reports group changes at 12 weeks e.g. radiance +25.4%, texture +22.9%, firmness (Cutometer) +14.3%, fine lines 4.0%, undereye wrinkles −3.1%; wrinkle depth not significant at group level

  • No control or sham group, so changes can't be separated from placebo, season or skincare changes
  • Sponsor-funded; summary written by Therabody staff; no full report or registry results published
  • Only one primary outcome registered (overall skin appearance); many outcomes reported, with some small effects
  • Mostly women
  • Light and vibration were used together, so effects can't be attributed to light alone
  • Registry summary gives age 39–64 but eligibility 35–65

Studied: An earlier model Not peer-reviewed

Single-group ('monadic') before-vs-after; no control or blinding described · 36 enrolled, 31 completed participants

What it measured and its limits
  • Studies the original TheraFace Mask (648 LEDs, different design), not the Mask Glo — don't use for Glo claims

Listed only so it isn't mistaken for Glo evidence; Therabody's Glo study page links to it.

General research on red light doesn't prove a particular mask gives the same results. Research overview

What reviewers say

Summaries in our own words. Luma Index hasn't tested this mask.

The Guardian (The Filter)

UK · 28 Oct 2026 · tested

Best LED mask for full facial coverage

  • Covers the whole face, including mouth and nose
  • Cordless with two simple buttons
  • Comfortable fit; strap vibration massage can be switched off
  • Steams up inside (no mouth or nose openings)
  • No countdown of time remaining
About this review

Added in the 27 Oct 2026 amendment. Lists 504 LEDs at 168 light points, three LED modes plus an automatic cycle, 4–12 min. Read by Luma Index from the full article text supplied by the site owner (version updated 28 Oct 2026; by Sarah Matthews). Article carries an affiliate disclosure.

Read the article ↗
Glamour UK (roundup)

UK · 7 Aug 2026 · tested

Most innovative LED face mask

  • Secure fit; raised panel puts LEDs closer around the eyes
  • Red, infrared and blue cycle in one 12-minute session
  • Lighter than the original TheraFace mask
  • Enclosed design limits airflow
  • Vibration less relaxing than the tester hoped
About this review

Tested by Fiona Embleton and Brigitt Earley. Lists 504 LEDs. Roundup by Sophie Cockett (Senior European Commerce Editor), with testers named per mask. Article carries an affiliate disclosure. Its testing criteria quote The Light Salon's founders, and CurrentBody's CEO is listed among its experts. URL taken from The Light Salon's press page; text supplied by the site owner.

Read the article ↗
British Vogue

UK · 29 Sept 2026 · tested

Best for dark spots and crow's feet

  • Entirely hands-free, with two buttons
  • Lightweight, with LEDs close to the skin
  • Much cheaper than the original TheraFace Mask (£299 vs £579)
  • Reviewer didn't find the vibration relaxing
  • Longer 12-minute session
About this review

Roundup by Ellie Davis (senior beauty shopping writer); the article says each mask was tested by its editors for at least one skin cycle. Some entries repeat brand claims and celebrity mentions, which we leave out. Article carries an affiliate disclosure. Text supplied by the site owner.

Read the article ↗
Women's Health UK

UK · 30 Oct 2026 · tested

Best LED mask with scalp massage

  • Scalp vibration massage, which can be switched off
  • Cordless and easy to use
  • Tester using it daily for 12 weeks reported less redness and a more even tone
  • Heavy at 514 g
  • No mouth opening, which can feel restrictive
About this review

Roundup by Florence Reeves-White, Jessica O'Donnell and Hattie Parish; each mask tested for at least a month. Article carries an affiliate disclosure. Text supplied by the site owner.

Read the article ↗
The Standard (ES Best)

UK · 12 Oct 2026 · tested

Best LED face mask for relaxation

  • Vibrating head strap gives a relaxing scalp massage
  • Skin looked brighter and tighter after sessions
  • No mouth opening; may feel claustrophobic
About this review

Rated 4/5 by the publication. Lists 504 LEDs, 12 minutes; price quoted £299 at Harrods. Roundup by Emma North (ES Best), each mask used consistently over several weeks. Article carries an affiliate disclosure. Text supplied by the site owner.

Read the article ↗
WIRED (US)

US · 11 Aug 2026 · tested

Honorable mention

  • Solid mask at a much lower price than the original TheraFace Mask
  • Vibration moved to the head straps; gave the tester headaches
About this review

Short entry. US buying guide by Boutayna Chokrane with several WIRED testers; prices in US dollars. Article carries an affiliate disclosure. Text supplied by the site owner.

Read the article ↗
Fortune

US · 4 Oct 2026 · tested

Best red light therapy mask with massage

  • 12-minute preset in three 4-minute colour steps, or single 4-minute colours
  • VibraWave scalp massage
  • Tester saw gradual improvement in radiance and texture over several weeks
About this review

Fortune score 4/5. Lists irradiance as '<300 mW/cm² for red/NIR, <100 mW/cm² for blue', which reads as an upper limit, not a measurement; Therabody doesn't publish a figure. Cites a 12-week, 104-person study (brand data, not seen by us). Price quoted $379.99. US buying guide by Christina Snyder; individual testers over several weeks, testing described as ongoing; 'Fortune score' out of 5. Article carries an affiliate disclosure; prices in US dollars. Text supplied by the site owner.

Read the article ↗

Safety and regulation

Who shouldn't use it Therabody's list

  • Epilepsy, seizures or cardiopathy (heart disease)
  • Not recommended with an electronic implant (e.g. pacemaker), cardiac arrhythmia, tumours/cancer or acute inflammatory disease
  • Pregnancy/nursing (manual: consult a physician before use)
  • Eye disorders, e.g. retinitis pigmentosa, ocular albinism, other congenital retinal disorders
  • Photo allergy or disorder (e.g. lupus, porphyria); extreme sensitivity to light
  • Medications that cause light sensitivity; medications for severe acne
  • Do not use infrared light if using retinol, other sun-sensitising products or benzoyl peroxide
  • Melasma or hyperpigmentation (especially if worsened by mild warmth)
  • Do not use over dark spots such as large freckles, birthmarks, moles or warts
  • Suspicious lesions or skin cancer; rash, open wounds, eczema, psoriasis, infection (other than mild-moderate acne)
  • Allergy to device materials (Lycra, TPE, silicone)
  • Vibration: uncontrolled hypertension, bleeding disorders or blood thinners, pacemaker/ICD or history of embolism, recent surgery or injury

Age: Not for use by anyone under 18

Regulatory status

UK
UKCA: Manual symbol table lists 'UKCA Mark for UK' on the rating label Manufacturer-stated
Details

Table text is garbled ('On rating label (Only in the EU)' sits next to it). UK product page says nothing about UKCA/CE. Ask for the UK declaration of conformity and which regulations it covers.

EU
CE / EMC: Manual lists a mark 'in accordance with Directive 2014/30/EU Electromagnetic Compatibility'; international edition says to scan a QR code for the Declaration of Conformity under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 Manufacturer-stated
Details

Only the EMC Directive is named; no medical-device or cosmetic-device regulation cited.

US
FDA 510(k) clearance: Manual: 'FDA-Cleared, Class 2 Medical Device, K230293' Conflicting information
Details

FDA database: K230293 is 'TheraFace Mask' (the original, sibling device), Therabody Inc., cleared 2023-06-09, product code OHS. No separate 510(k) for 'Mask Glo' found under applicant Therabody (openFDA search, 1 Nov 2026). Whether the Glo is covered by K230293 is not confirmed. US status only — not a UK approval. UK page makes no FDA claim.

UK
MHRA device registration Not yet checked
Details

Manual gives medical-sounding indications (wrinkles, 'mild to moderate inflammatory acne') but also says 'not intended to diagnose, mitigate, or treat diseases'. Classification needs further review. MHRA told the BBC on 5 Nov 2025 that 'there are currently no LED face masks currently registered'. Registration can be checked on the MHRA Public Access Registration Database (PARD); not yet checked for this model.

Safety standards declared (7)

IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2:2014, IEC 60601-1-11 (written 'IEC60601-11' in manual), CISPR 11 (Group 1, Class B), IEC 61000-3-2, IEC 61000-3-3, IP22

Declared in manual; test reports not published. IEC 60601-2-57 and IEC 62471 (photobiological safety) not listed — ask. Manual says 'Class III equipment with type BF applied part' (electrical safety class, not a medical-device class).

A conformity mark or US FDA clearance doesn't prove a device works. "Not published" doesn't mean unsafe. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take light-sensitising medicines, ask your GP or pharmacist first.

Ownership and where to buy

Ownership

Company
Therabody UK Limited, Portsoken House, 155-157 The Minories, London EC3N 1LJ
Warranty
24 months
Details

UK page: '2-year limited warranty'. Warranty terms: devices (UK/EMEA) 2 years; accessories 90 days; replacement only, 'No refunds'; authorised resellers only; from delivery date; may need proof of purchase. Batteries excluded unless a materials/workmanship defect. Statutory rights also apply.

Returns
30 days from receipt (must be received by Therabody within 30 days), 'like new' with all packaging and accessories. Therabody pays standard return shipping. Refund to original payment method in 10–15 business days after delivery. Retailer purchases go back to the retailer. Faulty items handled under warranty.
Details

Holiday extension: online purchases 1 Nov–31 Dec 2026 returnable until 31 Jan 2027. No hygiene/opened-item rule for face devices stated. Brand-site purchases only.

User manual
Yes
Details

Only the US manual is linked by Therabody (support site). No UK manual found (…-UK.pdf returns 404). An international EN/CZ/SK edition hosted by retailer Alza drops the FDA wording and adds an EU Declaration of Conformity QR code; otherwise the English text matches.

In the box

  • TheraFace Mask Glo
  • Removable protective eye shield
  • USB-C charging cable

Sources differ: UK page lists a removable eye shield as a separate item; manual lists device, USB-C cable and manual, eye shield pre-installed.

RetailerPriceCheckedLink
Therabody (UK) £299 1 Nov 2026 Visit
Space NK £299 1 Nov 2026 Visit
Boots £299 1 Nov 2026 Visit
John Lewis Check price 30 Apr 2026 Visit

Prices older than 14 days show "Check price". Amazon prices are not stored.

Other places sources disagree

  • Manual cites 'FDA-Cleared … K230293'; the FDA database lists K230293 as the original 'TheraFace Mask' (2023). No Glo-specific 510(k) found. Cureus table also marks Glo as 510(k) 'Yes'.

Open questions (13)

Facts we still need from Therabody
  • Irradiance (mW/cm²) per band, with measurement distance, points measured and instrument; how the J/cm² figures 'across the entire device' were measured
  • LED count per band (red / IR / blue) and how the 504 LEDs relate to the '168 light points' the Guardian reports
  • Wavelength tolerances (±nm), peak vs dominant; why wavelengths are not in the manual
  • Is the Mask Glo covered by 510(k) K230293 (cleared for the original TheraFace Mask), or does it have its own clearance?
  • UK declaration of conformity: which regulations does the UKCA marking cover? Is the product registered with MHRA?
  • IEC 62471 photobiological safety classification and IEC 60601-2-57 conformity
  • Full report of the 12-week Eurofins CRL study (NCT07054710) and whether results will be posted on ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Basis for 'largest clinical study of any LED mask on the market'
  • Is there a UK-specific manual? Only the US PDF is linked
  • Charge time from empty
  • Is the eye shield removable and supplied separately, or pre-installed?
  • Model number and GTIN for the UK unit
  • Authorised UK retailers list

Sources (15)

Everything this page is based on
  1. LED mask ads banned over acne and rosacea claims, BBC News. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  2. TheraFace Mask Glo LED Light Mask, Therabody UK. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  3. TheraFace Mask Glo — User Manual & Unit Warnings (US edition), Therabody, Inc.. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  4. TheraFace Mask Glo — User Manual & Unit Warnings (EN/CS/SK edition), Therabody, Inc., hosted by Alza.cz. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  5. Mask Glo — support article, Therabody (Gorgias help centre). Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  6. Precautions, Therabody UK. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  7. Warranty Terms (last updated 1 April 2024), Therabody UK. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  8. Return Policy, Therabody UK. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  9. The clinical findings behind TheraFace Mask Glo, Therabody. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  10. NCT07054710 — Efficacy and Consumer Perception of a Cosmetic Device, ClinicalTrials.gov. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  11. TheraFace Mask … 12-week clinical study (original Mask), Therabody. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  12. 510(k) Premarket Notification K230293 — TheraFace Mask, US FDA. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  13. TheraFace Mask Glo, Space NK. Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  14. The best LED face masks … tested, The Guardian (The Filter). Accessed 1 Nov 2026.
  15. What to Look for in Red Light Therapy: A Product Guide Backed by Science, Cureus 18(3): e105378 (PMC13085462). Accessed 1 Nov 2026.

Spotted an error? Request a correction. Last researched 1 Nov 2026.

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