Shark CryoGlow LED face mask review: “a no-fuss device that actually works”

Price on writing: £265 | Buy now from Amazon 

My verdict

Ever since the launch of Shark’s CryoGlow LED face mask in late 2024, this innovative piece of beauty tech has grown rapidly in popularity. My social feeds are filled with images and reels of influencers, celebrities and regular ol’ Joes wearing the mask to help them achieve their skincare goals. And since I’m the type of person who has massive FOMO, I of course needed to try it out for myself.

Sure, it can seem a little gimmicky - a mask that makes you look like you’re Hannibal during use is a novelty to wear, I’ll admit. But underneath its hard exterior and serial killer-esque appearance is a piece of beauty tech that has been designed to actually work. 

Recent years have seen LED face masks flood the market, though, so why is Shark’s so different? It’s simple, really. The masks’ cooling under-eye pads and pre-programmed modes removes any guesswork when using this thing. All you need do is switch it on, select your program and let it do its thing. There’s no figuring it out, there’s no wondering whether you’ve selected the right light for your skin’s needs. And with the built-in cooling technology and padded eyes, it’s super comfortable to wear. Despite its bulky design, it’s not heavy and easily fits on anybody’s head (I tried it on DH’s massive one, and he wore it comfortably, too). 

While the price tag might make you wince a little - it’s actually not the dearest in our best LED face masks roundup. The fact it targets multiple concerns (while remaining incredibly user friendly) in one device actually makes it a great investment. Especially so if you’re juggling fine lines, blemishes and tired eyes. 

This particular LED face mask has four treatment modes that are well thought-out (and a lot clearer as to their intended purpose than other masks I’ve also tried, like FOREO’s FAQ 201). The Better Ageing programme aims to firm and smooth, the Blemish Repair targets breakouts - without the need for harsh products - and the Skin Sustain mode is great if you’re in need of a glow boost before you start your day. The fourth is Under Eye Revive which is the under-eye cooling mode, which IMO, is the cherry on top. I can confirm, it actually does help soothe puffiness and makes the whole experience of using the Shark CryoGlow feel luxurious. 

There’s no denying that an LED face mask like this is a commitment, both financially and time-wise, but if you’re serious about improving your skin at home and you’re wanting a device that can multitask, this is a clear winner IMO.

How I’ve tested

I’ve been personally testing the Shark CryoGlow LED face mask for the last three months, using it on a daily basis in the morning and in the evening. Shark’s advice for optimal results is to follow the same routine every day for eight weeks. 

During the morning rush, I use the mask’s under-eye cooling setting for five minutes to remove any puffiness from my eyes after showering and before skincare and makeup. It’s a nice chance to take five minutes of peace before the chaos of the breakfast and school run routine. 

Then, once our two DC are in bed, I’ve been settling in on the sofa at night to binge-watch my TV programmes with the mask on - rotating through the three preset routines: Better Ageing, Blemish Repair and Skin Sustain. Once done, if I feel like I still look like a zombie straight out of The Walking Dead, I’ll do another blast of the under-eye cooling (usually for 10 minutes, but you can also choose 15 minutes). 

How does it work and what skin concerns does it target? 

Now, I may be Mumsnet’s resident beauty expert - but what I do know are things that I’ve learnt on the job. If you were to ask me what LED lights target what skin issue, I wouldn’t be able to tell you off the top of my head, I’ll admit. 

Figuring out how long you should use red light or blue light for certain skin conditions baffles me - and so, you can appreciate my delight at discovering that the Shark CryoGlow has preset modes you simply select. 

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No faffing with how long to use a certain light, no worries over using it too little or too much, and certainly no figuring out exactly what light you need to use for what purpose. This particular LED face mask removes all guesswork. 

Which is great if you're new to LED light therapy like I was, but not so great if you need more tailored solutions for your skin. Admittedly, Shark’s mask is a sort of one-size-fits-all solution but as we all know, our body’s largest organ tends to have a mind of its own due to a lot of reasons we can’t control - especially on our faces. 

With that said, it’s certainly one of the easiest masks to use IMO - especially when compared to the FOREO FAQ 201 I tested, which required a bit more figuring out.

The four preset modes of the Shark CryoGlow LED face mask are: 

• Under Eye Revive, which is powered by insta-chill cold technology, has two active points of cooling to help soothe, depuff and tighten under eyes.

• Better Ageing, uses red LEDS and infrared lights to target fine lines (Shark themselves claim that users have seen a reduction in wrinkles in four weeks… More on this from me later). 

• Blemish Repair, a three-phase mode that combines blue LEDs and infrared lights, finished with red LEDs. This mode aims to improve blemishes and skin roughness. 

• And finally, Skin Sustain. This mode uses red, blue and infrared light simultaneously and aims to brighten and maintain your results after an eight week cycle. 

One downside I've found is that due to the mask's design with the under eye pads, this actually means no LED lights are directly targeting your under eye area. And so, you might need another device if you want a more targeted treatment for this area of your face (SmoothSkin do some good ones specifically for this).

Now, as I’ve mentioned, I’ve been using the mask for three months and so have exceeded that eight week target mentioned above. 

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For me, my main skin issues are redness, pigmentation and blemishes. After living in the desert for almost seven years, I have sun damage, too, and honestly - applying SPF on a daily basis has never been a strength of mine (I know, I know). Add hormones to all of that and on a monthly basis I’m left looking a bit more Freddy Kreuger than Barbie. 

It’s easy enough for me to write about it, but the proof is in the pudding, so instead, here are some before and after pictures that show you the results I’ve had with using the Shark CryoGlow LED face mask.

At the beginning of using the Shark CryoGlow LED face mask, my skin had lots of redness and blemishes

After just four weeks, results could already be seen - with brown spots lightening and blemishes disappearing

After eight weeks of consistent use, scarring has reduced, brown spots are not as prominent and fine lines aren't as deep

What's included and how comfortable is it to wear?

I was sent the blue frost mask to test, which I like as blue is my favourite colour. There was no charging stand included, though, which I intend to purchase myself separately as it looks like it’d be a very nice (and convenient) addition to my cluttered dresser vanity table. You can, however, purchase a bundle of the mask with the charging stand directly from Shark. 

If you were to buy just the mask (and not the charging stand), in the box you will find: 

• The Shark CryoGlow LED face mask with under-eye cooling

• Remote control, which is attached to the mask via a wire

• A USB-C charging cable and plug head (a nice surprise given most electronics these days don’t include an actual plug for you!) 

• Adjustable straps for the top and back of your head

• Extra clip-on chill pads for a better fit if needed

Compared to other masks like FOREO’s FAQ 201 and the SENSSE LED face mask, Shark’s is admittedly, very big. It’s bulky in design, looks like the sort of mask Halloween’s Jason Voorhees would wear and is large to store - hence why I think the charging stand (RRP £50) is worth purchasing.

Despite that, it’s actually very comfortable to wear. It’s not as heavy as it looks, the adjustable straps mean you can tailor the fit to your head size and shape, and it doesn’t cause your neck to tire during use.

Ease of use and time commitment

It’s very easy to use, as I’ve explained above. In fact, it’s the easiest mask I’ve tried so far. After you complete a full charge before first use, you’re ready to go. Select your desired preset mode, get comfortable and away you go. 

Now, for the first few weeks I was turning the under-eye cooling on during all three routines. However, I quickly realised that doing so actually drains the battery faster. I found I was having to charge it every other night. 

More recently, though, I’ve been completing the routines on an evening without the cooling turned on, instead choosing to have one last blast before taking the mask off, which appears to be prolonging the battery life. 

The Under Eye Revive setting has three options to choose from: five minutes, 10 minutes and 15 minutes. The former is great on a morning when you want a quick refresh before facing the day, the latter even better when you’re winding down on an evening and have time to spare. 

The remaining three modes vary in length. Better Ageing lasts six minutes, Blemish Repair lasts eight minutes and Skin Sustain is only four minutes. 

So, if you’re following the same routine each night, you’d be spending upwards of 20 minutes with the mask on if you complete all four modes. 

Safety concerns and potential side effects

I’m a huge fan of this mask and certainly recommend it but I do have one niggle, and that’s visibility. 

This mask by Shark is just under an inch thick and so your view is disrupted during use. Great if you intend to only use it while sitting on the sofa or laid up in bed - not so great if you’re in the kitchen or walking down the stairs (Yes, I fell down the stairs wearing the mask. Yes, I’m daft and lack common sense sometimes). 

So all those TikTok videos of influencers wearing this mask while making their morning brew while the sun glistens through the window - take them with a pinch of salt.

Sure, the remote control is attached by a wire and can be clipped onto your trousers for hands-free wearing, but I don’t recommend wearing it while you do any tasks that require your peripheral vision. 

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Simply put: while I personally feel it’s one of the best LED face masks available, it is very much a mask you want to sit down, relax and enjoy. If you're in need of one to do it's job while you're on the go, I'd take a look at FOREO's FAQ 201.

In terms of side effects, there are potential ones that you may experience - but these aren’t restricted to just the Shark CryoGlow and apply to using LED face masks in general. These include: 

• Increased inflammation, redness and rashes

• Blistering and skin damage with prolonged exposure

• Eye damage if protective eyewear isn’t used properly (Shark’s includes eye shields) 

• Shouldn’t be used if taking Accutane for acne or experiencing skin rashes

With that said, side effects are rare when using LED light therapy. And I’ve personally yet to experience any throughout three months of testing this mask and others before it. 

The good news is that the Shark CryoGlow is designed with safety in mind: the protective eye shields are built in (with clip-ons included for a better fit if needed), and the preset treatment sessions help to prevent overexposure. 

How does it compare to similar masks?

There’s a variety of different LED face masks available out there, ranging from the affordable to the extortionately priced (looking at you, Déesse Pro). Here are three from our best LED face masks roundup that I’ll compare to Shark’s own version.

CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2, £400

CurrentBody’s entry to the LED face mask table takes a more conservative approach. It has a 30mW/cm² power output compared to Shark's punchy 128mW/cm² - think gentle vs. get-things-done - and has a flexible silicone design compared to Shark’s sturdier frame. 

The Series 2 also promises serious collagen-boosting results with 30% wrinkle reduction thanks to its clinical-grade wavelengths - but I have to say, Shark’s preset mods are just so much easier to navigate. The Veritace® testing card is a nice touch for tracking your own results, but honestly, I'd miss Shark's cooling technology.

SENSSE Professional LED Face Mask, £140 

At this price, SENSSE is one of the better budget LED face masks IMO, as it has 270 high-intensity LEDs and an impressive week-long battery life. But here’s the thing, comfort does matter, and SENSSE’s sticky internal materials during longer sessions made testing this mask a little uncomfortable for our tester, Christine. 

The SENSSE mask offers four wavelengths including amber and purple combinations, which does sound fancy, but Shark’s no-fuss preset approach removes any guesswork. 

FOREO FAQ 201, £449

Undeniably a luxury option, FOREO’s FAQ 201 LED face mask has a completely wireless design as the controls are built into the forehead. Very sleek compared to Shark’s tethered remote (which, I’ll be honest, can get in the way). 

FOREO’s ultra-light transparent silicone feels like a second skin, making Shark’s hard-shell design seem clunky in comparison. With 600 light points, the coverage is superior too.

But here's where I think FOREO falls short - the app connectivity is pretty disappointing with limited functionality, while Shark's preset modes just work without any faff. Plus, FOREO completely lacks any cooling technology, and once you've experienced Shark's under-eye treatment, it's hard to go back.

What Mumsnet users say

Is it worth the price?

Following three months of testing, I personally feel the Shark CryoGlow is absolutely worth its £300 - and here’s why: 

• It’s actually more affordable than many other competitors our team have tested so far that feature in our best LED face masks roundup. Including CurrentBody and FOREO.

• The preset modes eliminate guesswork, making it genuinely user-friendly.

• You’re getting multiple treatments in one device (anti-ageing, blemish control, brightness and cooling). 

• The under-eye cooling technology is unique and adds a luxe vibe to the whole experience. 

• The mask has 480 LEDs with 128mW/cm² power output (which is stronger than others). 

• And finally, it’s comfortable to wear. 

There are considerations to be had, though. Even if it is priced lower than other LED face masks on the market, at £300, it is still a considered purchase for many. It’s not prohibitively expensive, though. The bulky design and battery drain are minor drawbacks - and even then, the battery drain can be managed. 

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Who would benefit from this mask? 

Someone dealing with multiple skin concerns (fine lines, blemishes, puffiness) who wants a no-fuss, effective device, the Shark CryoGlow seems to hit the sweet spot of performance, ease of use and relative affordability in the LED mask market. 

Durability and maintenance 

Its sturdy design makes it feel very durable. It's been dropped a couple of times by accident (like off the sofa or when my child's picked it up) and has sustained no damage, although I'd advise against this. 

The hard-shell construction is clearly built to last, though, which is reassuring given the price point. Unlike some of the more delicate silicone masks I've tested, this feels like it could withstand regular use without showing wear and tear. The adjustable straps have maintained their elasticity throughout three months of daily use, and the LED bulbs show no signs of dimming.

The USB-C charging port has remained secure despite frequent plugging and unplugging, and the wired remote control has held up well to being clipped on and off clothing. The under-eye cooling pads can be easily replaced if needed, which is a thoughtful touch for long-term use.

One minor maintenance note: the silicone eye shields do attract dust and need regular cleaning to maintain hygiene, but this takes seconds with a damp cloth. The mask's design overall makes it very easy to wipe down thoroughly and there are no hard-to-reach crevices where bacteria could build up.

So IMO, for a device you'll hopefully be using for years, the build quality feels appropriate for the investment.

My testing criteria

Every product we review at Mumsnet is assessed against four core criteria that apply across all our testing: Performance (does it actually do what it promises?), quality and durability (is it well made, built to last?), ease of us (is it straightforward to operate without a PhD?) and value for money (does the price tag match what you're getting?). Each of these scores out of 15 points.

Then, we allocate product specific criteria. For LED face masks, this includes looking at the light therapy technology itself and whether it uses the right colours of light for different skin problems and spreads them evenly across your face. We also assess safety features, the item's design and comfort and also the available treatment programs and how clear the mask is to use. Each of these specific criteria score out of 10 points.

All scores are then combined for a total out of 100, with products scoring 80 or above earning our coveted five-star rating.

With all that said, here's our the Shark CryoGlow LED face mask performs against our testing criteria:

Performance: 13/15

• Visible results after just four weeks of use (blemishes clearing, brown spots lightening)

• Addresses multiple skin concerns: redness, pigmentation, blemishes and puffiness

• Under-eye cooling provides immediate, noticeable relief for tired, puffy eyes

• Fine lines appear less deep after eight weeks of use

• No LED lights directly in the under-eye area means this zone requires a separate device for targeted treatment

• Battery drains quickly when using cooling feature extensively, requiring frequent recharging

Quality and durability:14/15

• Sturdy hard-shell construction feels premium and built to last

• Has survived accidental drops without sustaining any damage

• All 480 LED bulbs have remained bright, with no dimming

• Easy to clean with no hard-to-reach crevices

• Bulk design which makes storage less convenient (though charging stand available separately)

Ease of use: 15/15

• The easiest LED mask tested compared to all competitors

• Preset modes completely eliminate guesswork about wavelengths and treatment times

• No need to understand LED therapy science or figure out which lights to use

• Comfortable padded eyes prevent discomfort during sessions

• Perfect for beginners with no prior LED therapy experience

• Clear, straightforward controls with no confusing app connectivity required

Value for money: 14/15

• Significantly cheaper than CurrentBody (£400) and FOREO (£449)

• Delivers multiple treatments in one device (anti-aging, blemishes, brightness, cooling)

• Powerful 128mW/cm² output exceeds many competitors at higher price points

• Unique under-eye cooling technology not found in most other masks

• 480 LEDs provide comprehensive coverage

• Still a considered purchase at £300 for budget-conscious consumers (though not prohibitively expensive)

Light therapy technology: 9/10

• Uses red LEDs specifically for anti-aging, fine lines and collagen production

• Blue LEDs target acne-causing bacteria for blemish control

• Deep infrared light penetrates deeper skin layers for enhanced effectiveness

• 480 LEDs provide even, comprehensive coverage across the entire face

• Strong 128mW/cm² power output ensures effective treatment intensity

• No LED lights directly in the under-eye area due to cooling pad design, limiting treatment coverage in this specific zone

Safety features and certifications: 9/10

• Built-in silicone eye shields provide automatic eye protection without separate goggles

• Extra clip-on eye pads included for improved fit and protection

• Preset timers automatically control session length (four to eight minutes per mode)

• Automatic shut-off prevents overexposure and potential skin damage

• Reduced peripheral vision creates potential safety hazard when moving around (user fell down stairs while wearing it)

Design and comfort: 8/10

• Surprisingly lightweight despite bulky appearance - doesn't cause neck strain

• Comfortable to wear for extended sessions (20+ minutes)

• Padded eyes prevent pressure points and discomfort

• Easy to wipe clean in seconds with damp cloth

• Best used while stationary (sitting or lying down) rather than multi-tasking

Treatment programs: 9/10

• Clear usage instructions: follow same routine daily for eight weeks for optimal results

• Four preset modes with specific purposes clearly explained (Better Ageing, Blemish Repair, Skin Sustain, Under-Eye Revive)

• Session lengths (four to eight minutes) align with established LED therapy protocols and research

• Remote tracks sessions to help users maintain consistency

Overall score: 91/100

Final verdict 

After three months of daily testing, the Shark CryoGlow LED face mask has proven itself as a standout device that genuinely delivers results, in my opinion.

With an RRP of £300 (but you can find deals that bring it down to £265 from retailers like Amazon and Boots), it offers exceptional value compared to pricier competitors while providing multiple targeted treatments in one foolproof package. 

The unique under-eye cooling technology, combined with visible improvements in skin texture and tone, makes this a clear winner for anyone serious about at-home skincare. So, if you're juggling multiple skin concerns and want a no-fuss device that actually works, the Shark CryoGlow is an investment worth making - just make sure you don't climb the stairs while wearing it.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to give yourself some selfcare and TLC. Which is why she’s on a mission to find only the best beauty products out there. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a PTA meeting, in her local coffee shop or walking two dogs up and down country lanes.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

All prices are correct at time of publication.

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