I Tested the Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask for a Full Year—Here’s My Honest Review of the Skincare Device

Welcome to Retail Therapy by Prevention! In this series, our editors provide thoughtful, honest reviews of what we’ve been testing lately that we want you to know about—because we refuse to keep these game-changing finds all to ourselves. Whether you’re on a mission to find something specific or simply need a little retail therapy in the form of an impulse purchase, consider this your insider’s shopping guide to everything our team thinks is worth the buy.

Skincare technology used to be reserved for professional treatments. Now, high-tech devices have become a standard part of peoples’ at-home repertoires. These gadgets are an investment, with high price tags and consistent usage needed to experience the best results. Take it from me—a beauty editor with nearly a decade of testing experience under my belt. If you’re going to add one of these tools to your routine, it should be a red light mask. More specifically, the Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask.

I have tried nearly every LED light mask available, and after a year of testing the Shark CryoGlow, this tool stands out for its unique features, intuitive design, and surprisingly affordable price point (compared to similar models). But before you spend your hard-earned cash on this device, it’s important to understand how your skin could benefit from incorporating red light therapy into your routine.

“Red light masks, which expose the skin to safe wavelengths of light, have a number of excellent benefits,” shares Dendy Engelman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologic surgeon in New York City. “Low wavelength red light creates a biochemical effect in cells that helps them work more efficiently to repair damage, rejuvenate the skin, and address a multitude of concerns like aging, stretch marks, scars, hyperpigmentation, and acne.” She adds that “it’s a painless, no-downtime way to improve the function and appearance of skin over time.”

If you want rejuvenated, radiant skin (who doesn’t?) keep reading to discover why the Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask should be an essential part of your routine.

Cons

• Bulky; not very portable for travel
• Battery life could be better

The Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask is an FDA-cleared light therapy mask that utilizes three lightwave types—red, blue, and infrared—to address a variety of skin concerns, including signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), discoloration, hyperpigmentation, and acne.

Each light produces a different benefit, explains Dr. Engelman. “Red light helps reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, improve moisture retention, boost absorption of skincare products, and stimulate collagen production and cellular regeneration,” she says. “Blue light directly kills acne-causing bacteria, helps moderate oil production, and can also help calm eczema and psoriasis; while infrared light offers similar benefits to red light, but it penetrates the skin more deeply due to its longer wavelengths.”

But beyond the light capabilities, the under-eye cooling pads set this mask apart from other gadgets on the market. This cryo technology works by producing a steady chill on the delicate eye area to tighten, smooth, and brighten during each treatment.

The front of the Shark CryoGlow Mask

The inside of the Shark CryoGlow Mask

Much like any LED mask, the Shark CryoGlow should be used on a freshly cleansed face, prior to applying any serums or moisturizers. (Smoothing on your skincare before an LED treatment can reduce its effectiveness because the lights would have to penetrate through the serums to reach your skin.)

Once you place the mask over your head, you can adjust the straps for the most comfortable fit. From there, use the remote to turn on the device. You can select one of three treatments programmed into the mask: Better Aging, a six-minute red and infrared-focused option designed to minimize fine lines and firm skin; Skin Clearing, an eight-minute treatment that utilizes all three forms of light to target acne-causing bacteria and redness for an overall clearer complexion; and Skin Sustain, a quick four-minute session that incorporates blue, red, and infrared light to boost collagen production and radiance.

After selecting your preferred treatment, you can also set the coolness level for the under-eye cryo pads (or, you can turn off this feature, too). Additionally, you are able to use this feature on its own with the Under-Eye Revive Treatment, which gives you the option to enjoy five, 10, or 15 invigorating minutes of chill without light therapy.

When your session is complete, you can start another or power off the mask. The control’s screen highlights a ‘see you tomorrow!’ message that serves as a reminder that consistency is key, which is smart considering Dr. Engelman says that regular use of LED masks is imperative to see results. “You’re not going to notice immediate changes, but if you keep up with it, you will benefit from red light therapy over time.”

Choosing a routine

Example of a routine

LED masks have been a consistent part of my beauty routine for about three years. I’ve tried about a dozen masks in that time. However, when the Shark Cryoglow launched in February 2025, I immediately began testing it and have been loyal to the device ever since.

Like I’ve mentioned, the key to seeing results from light therapy is consistency. With that in mind I incorporated my sessions into my evening routine right before bed. I’m a habit stacker, so as I wear the mask I listen to nightly affirmations five nights a week. I toggle between the six- and eight-minute treatments, depending on acne flare ups. And overall, I’ve maintained regular usage over the past year, aside from when I travel because the mask isn’t the most compact and would take up way too much space in my carry on.

Overall, my skin is very clear and even, aside from occasional hormonal breakouts on my chin. Considering I’ve religiously used red light masks for a few years, I didn’t experience any significant changes in my skin—I’ve experienced a tiny boost in radiance thanks to this device that has resulted in others begging me to share my skin routine.

Me wearing the mask turned off

Me wearing the mask while it’s turned on

From the first treatment, I appreciated how the mask sits on my face. Rather than the LED lights being flush against my skin, the structured design of the mask creates some space. Not only is this more sanitary, but it also allows for the lightwaves to hit specific nooks and crannies of my face, like my nose and sides of my mouth. The tool is also extremely lightweight compared to other hard masks I’ve tested, making it very comfortable to wear.

When it comes to the actual treatment, the preprogrammed options are unmatched. I like how there’s something for everyone, regardless of skin concerns, and the length of each session is doable—there are four, six, and eight minute options—even for those who have busy schedules. The remote is also extremely intuitive to use, with a large digital screen and buttons that make it easy to toggle between the options. Another bonus: The remote saves my progress so I can see how many sessions of each treatment I’ve completed.

The one feature that makes this stand out from other LED masks, though, is the cryo eye therapy. As someone who doesn’t get nearly enough sleep, this innovation has been invaluable for making me look less puffy and more awake. Be warned that the icy sensation is strong—I still prefer level one (of three) even after consistent use.

There are two (minor) downsides of the mask. The first is its battery life. I have to charge it about once a week, and it takes around three hours to fully charge. All things considered, its battery life is pretty good when I compare it to other masks I’ve tried. The second is its bulkiness. This is probably the least portable-friendly mask around. I travel often and it disappoints me that I’m unable to make room for this in my suitcase.

Without red light therapy, I don’t think my skin would look so naturally radiant. An LED mask is one of those beauty tech tools that is one hundred percent worth the hype. That said, none have impressed me quite like the Shark Cryoglow.

The well thought-out technology, including the automated treatments and easy-to-use remote, make this one of the most comprehensive red light devices. Plus, the special features—specifically, the cryo under-eye pads—transform my sessions into a special skin treat rather than a chore. Considering those elements, the price is very impressive, too. At $349, this mask is less expensive than models that only offer the most basic light therapy. I’ve tested some that are double the price, and they don’t perform as well as the Shark Cryoglow. If you can commit to regular use, you should absolutely add this to your regimen because your glow will speak for itself.

Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell’s Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC’s hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.