The market is saturated with red light therapy products, so even if you don’t choose one I personally recommend, keep these features in mind when shopping.

Wavelength: This is one of the most important specs for me. Red light in the 630 to 660nm and near-infrared 810 to 850nm ranges are the most clinically studied. Anything lower than this will not be as effective.

Irradiance: This spec is the power density of light delivered to your skin at a given distance. In general, look for 20 to 50 mW/cm2 for wearable masks and 50 to 100 mW/cm2 for panels used at greater distances.

FDA clearance or registration: FDA clearance requires a manufacturer to submit clinical studies demonstrating that the product is safe and effective. FDA registration, on the other hand, means the device has been presented and registered to the FDA. FDA clearance is a more rigorous process, so we prioritized products with it over those without.

Special features: While not necessary for red light therapy’s efficacy, look for features that make your treatment time more enjoyable. For example, some products on this list offer cryotherapy or flexible forms so you can use them on different body parts.