Near-infrared light face masks
Many LED face masks pair red light with near-infrared (NIR), invisible light at longer wavelengths. This guide explains what NIR is, what the research does and doesn't show, and compares the 20 near-infrared masks in our UK directory.
Updated 1 Nov 2026. Research-based guide; Luma Index does not test masks.
What is near-infrared (NIR) light?
Near-infrared light sits just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, from roughly 700 nm upwards. You can't see it. A mask's NIR LEDs may look dim or appear off while they're working.
Most masks in our directory use NIR at 830, 850, 880, 940 nm. A few add a second, "deep" near-infrared band at around 1,064–1,072 nm.
Longer wavelengths generally travel further into skin than visible red light. That's why research and marketing often describe NIR as reaching "deeper" layers. How much light actually reaches those layers from a home mask depends on its output and fit, which most brands don't fully disclose.
How near-infrared compares with red light
| Red light | Near-infrared light | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical wavelength in masks | 630–660 nm | 830–850 nm (some add ~1,072 nm) |
| Visible? | Yes, glows red | No, or a faint glow |
| How far it travels into skin | Less deep | Deeper (longer wavelength) |
| Research on skin ageing | Most studied | Studied, usually combined with red |
Near-infrared masks sold in the UK
Every mask in our directory that lists near-infrared light. Listed A–Z by default; this isn't a ranking.
LED Mask Series 2
- Red 633 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
- Deep near-infrared 1072 nm
LED Mask Series 3
- Blue 415 nm
- Green 532 nm
- Amber/yellow 590 nm
- Red 633 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
- Deep near-infrared 1072 nm
DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
- Blue 415 nm
- Amber/yellow 605 nm
- Red 630 nm
- Deep red 660 nm
- Near-infrared 880 nm
FAQ 202
- Near-infrared 850 nm
- Red 650 nm
- Blue 465 nm
- Green 520 nm
- Amber/yellow 600 nm
- Amber/yellow 580 nm
- Blue 440 nm
- Blue 485 nm
GLOW Wireless
Limited manufacturer info
- Red 630 nm
- Near-infrared 850 nm
- Blue 460 nm
- Amber/yellow 610 nm
4D Laser Mask
- Red 660 nm
- Near-infrared 850 nm
- Near-infrared 940 nm
- Deep near-infrared 1064 nm
LED Multi Light Therapy Mask
Limited manufacturer info
- Red 633 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
- Deep near-infrared 1072 nm
- Blue 415 nm
- Green 532 nm
- Amber/yellow 590 nm
Spectrum Pro
- Green 525 nm
- Amber/yellow 590 nm
- Red 660 nm
- Near-infrared 850 nm
ClearSkin Renew Pro Facewear
- Red 630 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
- Blue 415 nm
LightMAX Supercharged 2.0
- Red 633 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
- Blue 415 nm
Contour Face
- Red 633 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
ReAura LED Face Mask
- Blue 415 nm
- Red 630 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
LumaLux Face Pro
Limited manufacturer info
- Red 630 nm
- Near-infrared 850 nm
- Deep near-infrared 1072 nm
- Blue 460 nm
- Green 520 nm
Artemis
- Blue 415 nm
- Red 630 nm
- Near-infrared 850 nm
CryoGlow
- Red 630 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
- Blue 415 nm
LED Face Mask Pro
- Red 633 nm
- Blue 465 nm
- Amber/yellow 605 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
- Deep near-infrared 1072 nm
Wavelength Pro 5-in-1
- Red 633 nm
- Deep red 655 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
- Blue 415 nm
Boost
- Red 633 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
TheraFace Mask Glo
- Red 633 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
- Blue 415 nm
ReGlow
- Red 630 nm
- Near-infrared 830 nm
- Amber/yellow 590 nm
- Blue 465 nm
"Key facts published" counts which of 12 basic facts the maker publishes (e.g. light output and how it was measured, warranty, safety warnings). It measures transparency, not effectiveness. How we label information.
Not shown: 1 mask in our directory without near-infrared (Silk'n LED Face Mask 100).
Compare up to four masks side by side
Wavelengths, light output, treatment time, warranty, evidence and more, with sources.
What the research does and doesn't show
Combined red + NIR has been tested
A double-blind, sham-controlled study (Lee et al., 2007; 76 people; clinic LED panels) reported wrinkle and elasticity improvements with 633 nm, 830 nm and both combined. A 2025 sham-controlled trial of a home 630 + 850 nm device reported more crow's-feet improvement than the sham after 12 weeks, though participants' own ratings didn't differ and the maker funded it.
Results are modest and take weeks
Where controlled studies found effects, they appeared after about 8–12 weeks of regular use. Most studies are small, and many are funded by device makers.
Little is known about specific masks
The strongest studies used research or clinic devices. None of the near-infrared masks in our directory has an independent, sham-controlled study of that exact mask. We found no controlled study of the ~1,072 nm "deep NIR" band in face masks.
How to choose a near-infrared mask
- Check the wavelengths are stated in nanometres. "Infrared" or "NIR" without a number is a gap. Most research uses around 830–850 nm.
- Look for light output (irradiance) and how it was measured. Output varies a lot between masks, and a figure without a measuring distance is hard to compare.
- Decide whether you want blue light. Blue is marketed for blemishes. Some experts advise caution with blue light for darker skin tones because of pigmentation. If you don't want it, filter for masks without it.
- Check treatment time and how often you'll realistically use it. Studies that found effects involved regular use over weeks.
- Read the safety warnings. Photosensitive conditions, light-sensitising medicines, eye conditions and pregnancy are common exclusions.
- Compare warranty, returns and running costs. Check whether the battery can be replaced and whether any features need an app or subscription.
Common questions
Why can't I see the near-infrared LEDs working?
Near-infrared is mostly invisible to the eye. A faint red glow is common. Check the manual for how the mask shows that NIR is on.
Is near-infrared better than red light?
Not necessarily. They behave differently in skin, and most masks combine them. Controlled studies don't show that one is clearly better for wrinkles.
Is near-infrared light safe for the eyes?
Manufacturers commonly warn against looking into the LEDs and list eye conditions as reasons not to use a mask. Few publish eye-safety test results. Follow the manual, and speak to an optometrist if you have an eye condition.
Does near-infrared heat the skin?
LED masks are designed to be low-power and non-thermal. Some feel slightly warm. Stop if your skin feels hot or uncomfortable.