Like most, I knew UKLash for its eyelash growth serum, but earlier this year, the brand branched into red light therapy too. The UKLash LED face mask (full name, the UKLash LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask) has been praised as being one of the most affordable LED face masks on the market — and even more so now there's 20% for Black Friday.
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I've been leading on Glamour's testing of the best LED face masks for over five years – namely because they're one of a few skincare gadgets which I genuinely notice a difference when using. I've interviewed countless experts on their efficacy and spoken on BBC Radio 4's Sliced Bread LED face masks special – and in turn, I've become rather fussy.
From red light therapy for hair regrowth to anti-ageing, I like to think I know what I'm talking about when it comes to red light therapy. What a good LED face mask looks like, what a bad one looks like – and when a brand might be over-promising.
As is often the case when you test products for a living, I landed on a tried-and-trusted favourite sometime in March 2020. I use it every night, after cleansing, without fail – and I'll wax lyrical to anyone who will listen about how good it is. That said, I'm always on the lookout for new launches that might offer some healthy competition and counteract my winter dullness.
But does the UKLash LED face mask actually work? It promises smoother, firmer skin and a more balanced skin tone (as most do), by emitting red light at 630nm (nanometers) and near infrared light at 830nm. This is the clinically proven combination known to kickstart the cellular renewal process, as those in the know will recognise.
So, how did it compare? Was it really good enough for me to consider ditching my more-expensive fave? Ahead, read my honest UKLash LED face mask review, as well as answers to common FAQs and more of the best Black Friday beauty deals to shop now.
Best LED Black Friday deals to shop now:
- CurrentBody LED Face & Neck Kit: Series 2, WAS £759.98, NOW £679.99
- CurrentBody LED Face & Hair Kit, WAS £1,049.48, NOW £945.99
- Dr Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Spectralite LipWare Pro Device, WAS £149 NOW £104.30
- Silk'n Lumilips LED Lip Mask, WAS £79 NOW £55.30
UKLash LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask, at a glance
| Price: | £199 at full-price, but currently 20% for Black Friday. Available at UKLash.com and Sephora. |
| Make type: | Flexible. |
| Body part: | Face. |
| Made from: | Body-safe silicone. |
| Treatment time: | 10 minutes per day, 3-5 times per week, for 6 weeks. |
| Wireless? | Yes. |
| Charger type: | USB. |
| Eye protection included? | Yes. |
| Wavelengths of light used: | Red light at 630nm (nanometers), and Near Infrared Light at 830nm. |
| Tested by: | Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Editor, Europe. |
| Pros: | Very competitive price point for the technology used. Technology is comparable to that used by other leading competitors. Comes with eye shields. Is great for travel. Battery life is excellent. |
| Cons: | Head strap is too tight. Single head strap caused slip during treatment. Doesn't have a blue light treatment option. Only one light treatment mode. |
How I tested the UKLash LED Face Mask & why you can trust me:
It has been my job to test beauty products for eight years now – from hair masks and hair dryers to hyaluronic acid serums, microcurrent devices, PEMF mats and beauty advent calendars. You name it, I've tried it.
During my time at Glamour – and in roles prior – I've spoken to a wealth of dermatologists, makeup artists, hair stylists and beauty experts – in turn, making me an expert in all things skincare, hair care and makeup. I've got a lot more knowledge on the best new releases than your average beauty fanatic does.
If we're talking about light therapy devices specifically, I tested the UKLash LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask over the course of a few months, tracking changes in my skin. I've also tested competing devices (including the Dr Dennis Gross LED face mask, CurrentBody LED face mask, and the Shark LED face mask) to ensure this review is thorough and accurate. I also looked at the science-y things — whether it emitted the right wavelengths of light to actually be effective, and how many bulbs it has — as well as the practicalities. Did it feel comfortable to wear? Turn off automatically after my treatment? Come with accessories like eye protection and a remote control?
I tested the UKSkin LED dual light pro-therapy face mask at home, using it instead of any other model, every evening. I used it alongside existing favourites in my skincare routine (the Elemis Pro-Collagen cleansing balm will never be made redundant) and took before and after photographs to compare results.
For context, I have a combination skin type – luckily not struggling too much with blemishes, except for during certain weeks in my cycle – and used the mask consistently over the course of a year. I didn't change anything else in my skincare routine before VS during the testing period, to ensure benefits I noted could largely be attributed to this treatment.
UKLash LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask: What's included in the box?
- The mask.
- The wired remote control.
- Two eye shields.
- An instruction manual.
- A USB charger.
- A velcro head strap.
UKLash LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask: Product deep dive
The UK Skin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy face mask comes in a sleek, recyclable box. Most masks I've reviewed in the past have been white or metallic, so noticing that this iteration is turquoise was pleasing – if irrelevant to how well it works. It feels appealing to a younger audience, and it's really photogenic.
I also rated that the mask came fully charged, meaning you can kickstart your treatment from the moment the mask is delivered. Not all masks offer the same privilege.
My first step was to attach the eye shields – easily done – and then figure out how the head strap attached to the mask. Initial concerns? The head strap looked very short, and while stretchy, I wasn't convinced it'd fit comfortably around my larger-than-average head. A problem for later, I decided.
Sky-high eyelashes, pending.
I put my thoughts aside and began to consider the technology the brand – which has seen a 1,000% increase in sales year-over-year, FYI – has used.
When deciding which LED face mask to buy, it can be easy to become impressed by promises of countless coloured lights and high bulb count. But actually, what we should be looking for is whether the mask emits clinically-proven wavelengths of light. In the same way you'd note the concentration of vitamin C in a vitamin C serum, judging a mask on the wavelengths of light it emits is a good starting point in judging how effective it'll be.
The most clinically-proven wavelengths of light are 633 nanometers and 830 nanometers. These are proven to make a difference to the skin’s hydration, wrinkles and firmness over time. Impressively, despite this mask's sub-£200 price point, it harnesses the power of Red light at 630nm (nanometers), and Near Infrared Light at 830nm. While my other go-to mask harnesses the power of Deep Near-Infrared, too, this offering makes the UKSkin mask comparable to most other market-leading products.
Once I had ensured the wavelengths of light were competitive, I wanted to ensure that coverage was good, too. Good coverage across the entirety of your face can be achieved by a high number of bulbs, as well as good placement of the bulbs. Some masks even harness the power of patented pillow technology, which enhances the efficacy and distribution of high-quality LED wavelengths to ensure complete and evenly distributed skin coverage.
UKLash can't use patented pillow technology, so I decided to look at the number of LED bulbs they had landed on. The UKSkin mask features 112 medical-grade LEDs, which is slightly slower than I'd have liked to see for the most effective treatment. If you spend more money, you'll likely see a higher bulb count (my favourite boasts upwards of 230).
That said, there was nothing else that I could spot that the mask didn't do. It has the same 10-minute treatment time, which lots of competitors recommend, and again, the price point is really good.
Time to put the mask on.
How to use the UKLash LED Face Mask:
As expected, I found the head strap a little too tight for me. I would've liked a little more give, alongside a cross-strap design. Generally, I find a duo of straps which cross at the back of the head to be better for keeping your mask in place – it ensures the single strap doesn't slip beneath the crown of your head.
The fact that the UKSkin strap slipped not only meant that the mask wasn't secure enough for me to comfortably move around in, but it also meant that the mask didn't sit flush to my chin. I know that LED masks need to sit flush against the skin to ensure that they actually deliver the results they have the potential to, so this was a bit of a concern for me.
Despite those niggles, there was a lot I did really like. The remote is responsive and easy to use, the eye guards make the red light comfortable on my sensitive eyes, and actually, the fact that the mask only has one light treatment mode made it totally fool-proof. I only ever end up using one treatment mode in my other LED face mask, anyway.
Further, the battery life is very impressive: you can get 10 treatments out of a single charge – as is the fact that the charger comes with various adapters for international travel. I always like to take my LED face mask on holiday, but not all premium masks come with adapters to allow you to charge them while you're there.
Is the UKLash LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask safe for all skin types?
Yes, the UKSkin LED face mask is safe for all skin types, though the brand recommends that you should check the product manual if you have a particular skincare condition or concern for which you'd like further instruction. Always consult a dermatologist if you have questions based on your own skin type.
UKLash LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask: The verdict
LED face masks, generally speaking, need to be used every single day to ensure you notice a difference. Consistency is absolutely key here – and the fact that I've been consistent with other treatments for quite a long time meant that I was at a bit of an advantage when it came to seeing results. How much was delivered by UKSkin, and how much was an improvement on the treatment I'd already been benefiting from?
The technology used – Red light at 630nm (nanometers), and Near Infrared Light at 830nm – means I'm confident the mask has the potential to deliver results for someone who has never invested before. If you've got £400 to spend, I'd probably go for something which is better-fitting, to avoid risking a less-than-optimum treatment. But, if you're looking for a sub-£200 option and don't mind risking it on the fit, this is the best affordable mask I've seen come to market in a long time.
More UKLash Black Friday deals to shop now:
Shop the best Black Friday deals and the best Black Friday beauty deals here.
