We’ve tested the best under-eye red light therapy devices—discover our recommendations for devices that may be worth committing to
Under-eye imperfections, such as dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines, are among the hardest to treat, requiring consistent and long-term solutions. This is why so many people turn to at-home red light therapy as an adjunct to professional treatments.
Red light therapy has been researched for its potential to promote collagen production and increase blood circulation, which may help address certain skin concerns. While it won’t magically reverse all signs of aging, it can make a great addition to your skincare routine.
When it comes to the under-eye area, smaller devices like eye masks or patches are often a better fit than full face masks. They provide more LEDs around the eyes to target the area, and their lightweight design makes them comfortable for daily use.
If you’re ready to give red light therapy a try, check out our guide to discover the top under-eye devices that are easy to use and worth committing to.
How we tested under-eye red light therapy devices
Our testing of under-eye red light therapy devices is a thorough process. During it, we compare each device’s features with what users are looking for, and by using our expertise, we help you find the device best suited for you.
Over several weeks of testing the under-eye red light therapy devices, we focused on comfort around the eyes. We also used the devices during evening routines, while lying in bed, or multitasking, to see how seamlessly they fit into a routine. Most importantly, we checked product websites for safety guarantees so your at-home sessions are safe.
Quick picks: Best under-eye red light therapy devices
iRESTORE Illumina Eye Mask: Best for fine lines
CurrentBody LED Eye Mask: Best for dark circles
Omnilux Mini Eye Brightener: Best for puffiness
Solawave Radiant Renewal Eye Recovery Pro: Best for comfort
Swirise Red Light Therapy for Eyes: Best budget option
Under-eye red light therapy devices compared
Use the table below to compare key differences and find your perfect device in no time.
| Device | Type | Wavelength | Session time | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iRESTORE Illumina Eye Mask | Eye mask | 633nm (red) and 830nm (IR) | 5 min | $249 | Fine lines |
| CurrentBody LED Eye Mask | Eye mask | 605nm (amber), 630nm (red), 660nm (deep red), and 830nm (NIR) | 3 min | $249.99 | Dark circles |
| Omnilux Mini Eye Brightener | Eye patch | 633nm (red) and 830nm (NIR) | 10 min | $80.75 | Puffiness |
| Solawave Radiant Renewal Eye Recovery Pro | Eye mask | 605nm (amber), 630nm (red), 660nm (deep red), and 830nm (NIR) | 3 min | $249 | Comfort |
| Swirise Red Light Therapy for Eyes | Eye mask | 605nm (amber), 630nm (red), 660nm (deep red), and 810nm (IR) | 3 min | $119 | Beginners and budget-conscious users |
iRESTORE Illumina Eye Mask
Best for: Fine lines
- Wavelength: 633nm (red) and 830nm (IR)
- Device type: Eye mask
- Session time: 5 minutes
- Price: $249
Featuring 180 medical-grade LEDs, the iRESTORE Illumina Eye Mask is the most powerful LED eye mask on this list. According to the brand, this power translates to brighter, smoother, and firmer skin around the eyes.
What we appreciate most is its design for maximum coverage, targeting essential areas like frown lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet at the outer corners. You can also easily customize your sessions using three modes: the full eye area, the sides and under-eyes only, or the browline and upper eyes only.
However, despite it being powerful, the brand recommends daily use, which might not be a realistic upkeep for some people.
Still, with FDA clearance and nearly twice the LEDs of its competitors, this mask is well-suited for people looking for a medical-grade device and who are willing to commit to a daily regimen.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful | Daily use |
| Customizable | |
| Provider claims compliance with FDA standards |
CurrentBody LED Eye Mask
Best for: Dark circles
- Wavelength: 605nm (amber), 630nm (red), 660nm (deep red), and 830nm (NIR)
- Device type: Eye mask
- Session time: 3 minutes
- Price: $249.99
CurrentBody LED Eye Mask is a sleek and easy-to-use LED device that features 4 different wavelengths to help boost blood circulation for a well-rested look.
While it doesn’t have the highest number of LEDs on this list, it remains quite powerful, keeping sessions to just 3 minutes. It also comes with protective eye goggles and a convenient charging station, making it safer and easier to fit into your daily routine.
On the downside, some users report that its design is not the most comfortable, as the mask doesn’t always sit comfortably flush to the face.
Still, featuring powerful light and 4 wavelengths, CurrentBody LED Eye Mask may be a great fit for you if you’re looking for a high-quality red light device to add to your skincare routine.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful | Recommended to use almost daily |
| 4 different wavelengths | |
| Short session time |
Omnilux Mini Eye Brightener
Best for: Brightening and depuffing
- Wavelength: 633nm (red) and 830nm (NIR)
- Device type: Eye patch
- Session time: 10 minutes
- Price: 1 pack $80.75, 2 pack $140.25
Omnilux Mini Eye Brightener stands out in this list due to its unique design, which pairs LED light therapy with eye patches infused with hydrating and brightening skincare ingredients. The mini LED device fits right over the patch to help these ingredients deeply hydrate, depuff, and brighten the skin.
The patches that come with the device are sticky to hold the device securely to your face. You can stick it under your eyes, on crows’ feet, or even on your smile lines—wherever you want to soften the look of fine lines.
The downside is that the patches are single-use, so you will need to buy refills once they run out. Or you can use the device without them by simply holding it against your face or lying back, though you’ll have to stay put during your session.
Despite this, the device is more compact and affordable compared to full face masks, ideal for people whose main goal is to depuff their under-eyes due to added skincare benefits.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Small coverage area |
| Portable | Refills cost extra |
| Added skincare benefits |
Solawave Radiant Renewal Eye Recovery Pro
Best for: Comfort
- Wavelength: 605nm (amber), 630nm (red), 660nm (deep red), and 830nm (near-infrared)
- Device type: Eye mask
- Session time: 3 minutes
- Price: $249
Solawave Radiant Renewal Eye Recovery Pro delivers 360° coverage of the eye area to potentially reduce dark circles and fine lines. It also features four different wavelengths of light therapy, including yellow light, which has been shown to help rejuvenate the skin.
We found this mask to be the most comfortable option on this list since it doesn’t have the hard shell elements that others do. Instead, it’s made entirely of flexible, medical-grade silicone that easily wraps around the contours of your face.
However, some users noted a relatively short battery life of 30 minutes. That said, a full charge should still last through 10 treatments.
Even with a shorter battery life, the mask is very comfortable, making it a great choice for anyone who prioritizes a flush fit and multiple wavelengths during their red light therapy sessions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4 wavelengths | Short battery life |
| Comfortable silicone material | |
| Short sessions |
Swirise Red Light Therapy for Eyes
Best for: Beginners or users on a budget
- Wavelength: 605nm (amber), 630nm (red), 660nm (deep red), and 810nm (infrared)
- Device type: Eye mask
- Session time: 3 minutes
- Price: $119
Swirise Red Light Therapy for Eyes is a budget-friendly alternative that features 4 different wavelengths to help promote collagen production and potentially reduce fine lines around the eyes.
Even though it’s the most affordable mask on this list, it doesn’t compromise on safety. The provider claims compliance with FDA standards, which means it should be safe to use at home.
However, the lower price comes with a slight dip in comfort. Because of its hard-shell design, it doesn’t sit as close to the skin as softer silicone masks.
That said, it’s a great option for beginners looking to get into red light therapy without compromising on safety or session quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Hard-shell design |
| 4 wavelengths | |
| FDA-cleared, according to brand’s website |
What is under-eye red light therapy, and how does it work?
Under-eye red light therapy delivers red and near-infrared light to the skin, which might have the potential to boost cellular energy. This may enhance collagen production and blood circulation to help reduce fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.
Because the skin under the eyes is incredibly thin and sensitive, it’s highly prone to wrinkles and dark pigmentation as we age. As a gentle, non-invasive treatment, red light therapy has become a popular way to safely target these stubborn concerns.
What wavelength is best for under-eye treatment?
The best wavelengths for under-eye treatment are 630–660nm (red) and 810–850nm (near-infrared). The evidence on the effects of the combination of these wavelengths is rapidly emerging, with research showing red light at 630–660nm and near-infrared at 810–850nm working together to combat skin aging.
Because of these potential benefits, most reputable at-home devices use these exact or close wavelengths.
Does red light therapy help with dark circles and wrinkles?
Some evidence shows that with time and consistency, red light therapy may gradually improve lines around the eyes (“crow’s feet”) by primarily boosting collagen production.
Other research has suggested it may also brighten dark circles. The same study also suggested a positive effect on undereye bags, pigmentation, and redness, but more research is needed. It’s important to note that, as causes for dark circles may vary, it might not be the right choice for every case.
How to choose the right under-eye device
The right under-eye device entirely depends on the individual. Here’s what to consider before making a purchase:
Main goal
Finding a single device that hits all of your goals—wrinkles, puffiness, and brightness—is tricky. Therefore, before buying, we recommend identifying your main goal. If your focus is on fine lines, look for a device that prioritizes collagen production. If you’re looking to brighten undereyes, look for devices that prioritize improving blood circulation. For depuffing, an additional cooling or vibrating element is beneficial.
Device type
There are quite a few under-eye device types to choose from, including masks, patches, and wands. Patches and masks are excellent for those who like to complete their sessions while multitasking or on the go, as they securely attach to your face for hands-free sessions. Meanwhile, wands are more suited for people who like to take their time pampering themselves, since they have to be manually moved across the face.
Comfort
Since under-eye skin is so delicate, comfort should be a top priority. A heavy or uncomfortable device can pinch the very area you’re trying to improve. Plus, if a device is not comfortable, you’ll be less likely to use it consistently. For the eye area, we recommend looking for medical-grade silicone or lightweight materials.
Session time
Some devices require three minutes of use, while others take ten minutes or more. Choose a device with a session time that feels easily integratable into your routine. Consistency is key with any red light therapy device, so your pick should fit into your routine seamlessly.
Wavelength
The under-eye device you choose should stick to the 630–660nm (red) and 810–850nm (near-infrared) ranges, as they’re the most researched for potential skin rejuvenating benefits. If a brand uses shorter or longer wavelengths or doesn’t specify them at all, it may not be the right or a trustworthy device.
Budget
A solid under-eye device doesn’t have to break your bank, but a suspiciously cheap one may not help you achieve the effect you’re looking for. It’s best to set a budget that feels comfortable for you while allowing for a trustworthy, FDA-cleared device that is more likely to be both safe and potentially effective.
FDA clearance
FDA clearance shows that the device was allowed on the market because it is similar to other products already for sale. This means the device you’re looking into is only as safe as other similar products on the market.
During clearance, the FDA doesn’t test devices, it only reviews the documentation provided by the brand. This does mean that the brand had to prove that its product is safe, but it’s not a safety certification or approval.
Are under-eye red light devices safe?
Red light therapy is generally considered to be a safe treatment in the short term for the under-eyes as long as you adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Exceeding such guidelines can result in overexposure, which may lead to discomfort for some users.
It’s important to note that, as red light therapy is still an emerging treatment, potential benefits as well as risks are not completely clear. To note, some people are recommended not to use red light therapy due to insufficient evidence about their safety or a higher risk of side effects, so if you plan on giving red light therapy a go, remember to consult your healthcare provider first. They’ll help you decide if red light therapy is worth giving a shot for your individual needs and will evaluate whether it’s safe in your individual case.
For safe use at home, remember that you should never stare directly into the LEDs, just as you would avoid looking at any bright light source. To ensure the utmost safety, keep your eyes closed during the treatment or use protective goggles. Many devices include them, but they can also be purchased separately.
Eye safety is crucial, so make sure to prioritize reputable, medical-grade devices and follow the brand’s safety recommendations.
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Resources:
- Arch Dermatol Res. Outstanding user-reported satisfaction for light-emitting diodes under-eye rejuvenation
- Lasers Med Sci. Efficacy and safety of 570/590 Nm yellow light combined with red light and infrared LED in treating facial skin photoaging: A Single-Center, randomized Controlled, exploratory study
- J Drugs Dermatol. Combined 633-nm and 830-nm LED treatment of photoaging skin
- Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. Light therapy: Is it safe for the eyes?
- Medicine (Baltimore). Clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of home-use LED and IRED mask for crow’s feet: A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study
- SageJournals. A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase
