Team Cosmo has pretty much tried every beauty device out there—from hair-growth promoting hats to facial gadgets. And of course, the hero tool of the beauty industry: LED masks. We're constantly testing all of the latest and greatest red-light therapy products, including the viral Shark CryoGlow Mask (not to flex, but we had our hands on them first, weeks ahead of the launch last year).
And even more than a year after Shark's foray into the skincare space, the multitasking LED device that fights acne, reduces inflammation, has anti-aging benefits, and helps depuff your under eyes is still one of, if not the best, options out there.
Keep reading for Cosmo beauty editors’ full review of the Shark CryoGlow Cooling & LED Face Mask, after a year of using it, along with the device's pros and cons and a breakdown of how LED masks work.
About the Shark CryoGlow Cooling & LED Face Mask:
The Shark CryoGlow Mask takes the classic LED mask that we know and love to the next level. It utilizes red and infrared light to smooth skin and promote collagen production, and it also features blue light which is believed to reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.
The device features three treatment modes—Better Aging, Skin Clearing, and Skin Sustain—which all blend the different light therapies for a well-rounded session that's tailored to your skin's concerns. And the best part? It also features a built-in cryotherapy setting delivers a cooling sensation under the eyes, which de-puffs as you undergo the light therapy. Yes, it is actually as amazing as it sounds.
- Colors: 4
- Treatment options: 3 + cryotherapy
- Number of light sources: 480
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
Team Cosmo's Shark CryoGlow Mask Review:
Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor
"Most LED masks I’ve tried before have been heavy, awkward, or simply uncomfortable. But the Shark mask is perfectly contoured to hover over the face without pressing against my skin, and the eye cushions are super thick, so I can actually scroll/read/see while using it. And fun fact: they’re designed after ski goggles for maximum comfort. At first, I was skeptical about missing out on light benefits for my dark circles, but masks that sit that close to my eyes always strain them anyway. The cryo setting, on the other hand, delivers immediate de-puffing results, and I’ll stick to my eye creams and serums for the delicate skin around my eyes.
I appreciate the mask’s techy features, too. It tracks all my sessions, so I can hold myself accountable (which I definitely need) and monitor my progress in real time. No more guessing how much time is left in each session—the remote has a digital timer. With three treatment modes, I can give my skin exactly what it needs on any given day, whether I’m tackling a breakout or just craving a classic treatment. And I’d be lost without my beloved cryo setting. You can choose from three cooling levels to make the metal under-eye pads seriously chilly for major de-puffing (I always go for the coldest). You can even do a standalone under-eye cryo session with no LED lights at all.
After a year of being pitched new red-light masks and trying a bunch of new launches, I can confidently say that none have come close to Shark's. It’s still the one sitting out in my bedroom, and whenever someone asks me for an LED mask recommendation, it’s always the CryoGlow from me."
Beth Gillette, beauty editor
I love this LED mask so much that I've given away every other one in my arsenal. Sure, I'll test new launches as they come, but I always go back to this.
Winner of both a Cosmo Acne Award and Holy Grail Award, this mask became a mainstay for me because it's just so easy to use. I have a tendency to try something, love it for a few days, and then leave it untouched in my bathroom for months on end. I just turn it on, attach it to my face, and go about my life for a few minutes. I don't even really have to think about it. And more consistent use means I actually see results over time, which only inspires me to keep using the device more.
What made me fall head over heels, you ask? First of all, I love how short the treatments are. Sure, the device is comfortable—I love an LED mask that doesn’t sit flush against my skin—but I don’t really wanna sit with a piece of equipment on my face all that long, let’s be real. The skin-clearing mode is only eight minutes, and that’s the longest option on the device, which is still fairly short compared to other masks I’ve used that require 10 to 15-minute cycles. The skin-clearing mode is perfect for my acne-prone skin because it cycles through blue light, red light, and infrared. Blue light is thought to help kill some acne-causing bacteria, (but more studies need to be conducted to definitively confirm its efficacy). Anecdotally, I’ve definitely noticed a difference. But I also really love combining red and infrared light. Red light is fantastic for bringing down inflammation and can help increase collagen production. Most other acne LED masks don’t offer this combo, which immediately stuck out to me as a massive plus for this tool.
And of course, the cooling effects are genius. My skin is perpetually inflamed, so I basically always wake up and immediately run an ice roller over my face. But this knocks out two steps in one. It really brings down the morning puffiness, especially combined with the red light from the mask."
Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large
"I can’t believe it’s already been a whole year on my CryoGlow journey. I must admit, at first I wasn’t the most diligent—at the very least I used it once a week and the on the higher end 5-6 times a week. Now, over the the last three months I hardly miss a day. It’s become a true staple and ritual in my skincare routine. Every night after washing my face and brushing my teeth, I throw on the mask.
I’ve learned enough about red light therapy to know that unless you use the devices almost every day you’re not going to see results. And baby, I’ve been seeing results! My skin’s texture way smoother than a year ago and I’ve been seeing my hyperpigmentation melt away. I've also been experiencing way fewer breakouts, and I credit that to the mask.
My goal is always to look and feel good without makeup and I can honestly say this device has helped me do that. Of course, I’m also loading my skin with efficacious topicals too— but my Cryoglow is an essential part of the master plan."
The pros and cons of the Shark CryoGlow Mask:
Pros:
- Three LED settings that combine different skin-loving treatments. So, if you have multiple skin concerns, you don't have to pick and choose which you want to address. And it has 160 individual light sources, so you know it's v effective.
- It's super comfortable. Typical LED masks sit directly on the face (which doesn't properly diffuse the light waves, btw) but this one is slightly elevated so you get an even distribution of LED benefits, and it's incredibly comfortable to wear.
- The remote is super high-tech and super easy to use. It keeps track of how many routines you've completed and how much time is left in each session. Plus, it's wireless so you don't need to be plugged into the wall while you wear the mask, unlike many others out there.
Cons:
- The battery life is on the shorter side so you might need to charge every few uses.
FAQs
Do LED masks really work?
When used consistently, red light therapy can help brighten, smooth, and firm the skin by stimulating collagen and improving overall texture. Meanwhile, blue light is believed to help minimize acne-causing bacteria, which in turn can help reduce breakouts. While the treatments won't deliver overnight results, continued use can lead to major improvements in skin health and overall appearance.
Plus, LED masks are much more effective than individual LED wands because they have evenly dispersed lights and stronger beams that target the entire face at once. There's a reason these treatment devices are beloved by derms and aestheticians alike.
What is cryotherapy?
While actual cryotherapy involves going into a below-freezing chamber for metabolic and energy benefits throughout the whole body, this mask simply uses cryotherapy-inspired technology to target the under-eyes. With a strong dose of coolness, the mask has three different temperature settings to de-puff and energize the eyes, making it ideal for combating morning inflammation.
Is the Shark CryoGlow Mask worth it?
In our expert beauty editor opinions, we all agree that this is the best LED mask we've ever used, even one year later. And for $350, it's one of the more inexpensive LED mask options out there given all the impressive features. (Other devices we loved in the past are unfortunately upwards of $500.) It also has more lights than most other masks on the market (in and above the $350 price range), thus providing a more powerful and effective treatment. For the price, comfort, ease of use, and number of different LED options, we wholeheartedly love and recommend this device for its skin-loving benefits.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she reports on the latest and greatest beauty launches. For this story, she, along with beauty editor Beth Gillette and beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson, have been using the device for over a year. With a combined experience of nearly 30 years in the beauty industry, we've seen our fair share of LED devices and can attest to the efficacy of Shark's CryoGlow Mask.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
