At the New York Post, I’m lucky enough to review an assortment of beauty products. I can tell you, not everything is worth the money (especially in this economy!), but Shark has really created a blueprint for the beauty industry to follow.
First, its FlexStyle beat the Dyson (for me). Then, I tried the FacialPro Glow that saved me time on the weekends by allowing me to perform an almost professional-level facial from home.
Obviously, Shark doesn’t bite in my book. If anything, I’ve taken quite a few bites out of the brand, so when I heard about the Shark CryoGlow LED mask, I knew I had to try it.
What makes the Shark LED Red Light Therapy Mask different?
What makes the Shark CryoGlow LED mask different is that it’s not just another red/blue light device.
While it does offer multi-wavelength LED therapy (red, blue and infrared), it also has under-eye cryo technology that depuffs and soothes the skin. This offers a physical, spa-like cooling element, which most masks simply don’t have.
Pros:
- Multi-treatment in one device
- Clinically backed and FDA-cleared
- Physically soothing
- Depuffing effect
Cons:
- Somewhat bulkier than other masks
The Shark CryoGlow offers multiple therapies or “treatments” to address physical signs of aging, all of which can be controlled by its built-in remote. Its Better Aging Treatment only takes 6 minutes and uses red and Infrared LEDs to stimulate collagen and firm, while its Skin Clearing Treatment targets acne through blue light therapy. Those looking to improve overall skin texture and health will love the Skin Sustain Treatment, which uses all three light therapies and only takes 4 minutes to complete, but the real showstopper of the device is its InstaChill Cold Technology to target the under-eye area to tighten. This technology relies on the Peltier effect to actively pull heat away from the skin. So, instead of just feeling cool like a gel patch, it creates continuous, controlled cooling under your eyes.
“The Shark CryoGlow is the only LED mask in the US combining high-energy LEDs, deep-penetrating infrared and under-eye cooling,” Julie Bailey Blanch, VP of haircare and skincare marketing at Shark, exclusively shared with Post Wanted. “Since its launch in January 2025, it has become the No. 1 skincare facial device in the U.S.”
Key features: Red, blue and deep infrared light, 3 adjustable chill levels, 4 dermatologist-optimized treatments, Clinically tested results at home, FDA-cleared | Optimal testing time: 12 weeks (longer preferred)
My review
I’ll admit it: despite testing LED face masks, I’ve always had a slightly suspicious relationship with them. My skin is dry, sensitive, and frankly, a bit dramatic, so anything that promises “anti-aging” without irritation always sounds too good to be true.
Over the last few months, I’ve gone full beauty minimalist — I purged my entire stash, started reading ingredient lists like a PhD candidate cramming for finals and swore off harsh actives and unnecessary fragrance. My routine is less experimental these days and borderline boring. Introducing a device back into my life felt like a risk. Still, given my trust in Sharks’ products, I was willing to test it out. If irritation happened, I could always stop using it.
First impressions
The Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask, like most red light therapy masks, was easy to operate. After charging it for 3 hours, I was able to give it a try. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly comfortable. Unlike some devices, which can leave you feeling claustrophobic after a few minutes, breathing wasn’t an issue here, though I will say this isn’t exactly the time to start doing jumping jacks. I did manage to do some light chores, even if I felt ridiculous.
Set-up
The remote control deserves its own little moment of appreciation as it’s intuitive, beginner-friendly, and removes any guesswork by walking you through how to use the mask and the various treatments that are offered. Turn the device on and then follow the prompts. You don’t have to memorize complicated settings or wonder if you’re doing it “right.”
One of my absolute favorite features is the built-in cooling sensation under the eyes. This is where the “CryoGlow” name comes in. The cooling isn’t aggressive or shocking; it’s gentle, soothing and incredibly refreshing, especially after a long day staring at screens. As someone prone to puffiness and dark circles, this felt like a two-in-one solution I didn’t know I needed.
I committed to the Skin-Clearing Treatment for 41 days straight, which is both a testament to my dedication and the fact that this mask is actually easy to use. The only break I took was a three-day vacation, during which I seriously considered buying the travel case because, yes, I missed it that much. Consistency is key with LED therapy, and this mask makes it almost effortless to stick to a routine.
Testing the mask on a 20-something and a 50-something
Because I love a controlled experiment (and also a second opinion), I recruited my best friend’s mom, Cindy Balestrieri, to test the mask alongside me. She’s the kind of woman who knows good skin and isn’t easily impressed, so I figured if she noticed a difference, it would mean something.
Within a few weeks, she casually dropped a bombshell: she felt like she didn’t even want Botox anymore. I nearly dropped my cleanser.
Balestrieri tested the mask for the same length of time that I did, and her skin genuinely looked smoother, brighter and more lifted, with that elusive “glow” that usually requires either perfect lighting or a really good facial. Meanwhile, my own skin started reflecting that same lit-from-within effect: calmer, more even-toned and noticeably happier.
“Since I’ve started using the LED mask, I’ve noticed that my forehead lines have diminished significantly. My under-eye area is firmer and my face, in general, looks more toned. Also, when I apply foundation, the creases are less visible. I really feel the mask has helped me feel that glow again.”
Cindy Balestrieri, second product tester
Testing the Shark CryoGlow LED mask across two age groups revealed how differently the same device can perform depending on skin needs — and how its standout cooling feature helps both demographics. In my 20s, I found the experience more preventative than corrective.
The red and infrared LED settings felt like a long-term investment rather than an instant fix, but the under-eye cooling was immediately noticeable. It worked like a built-in cold compress, quickly reducing morning puffiness and giving a more awake look after late nights. I don’t have fine lines to target — not surprising at my age! — but the combination of light therapy and cooling made the routine feel more elevated than typical skincare.
On a 50-something tester, the results were more visible. Before using the mask, Cindy’s fine lines and under-eye bags were more pronounced. Along with being soothing, the cooling feature helped her under eyes appear less puffy and the consistent LED exposure made her lines look softer and less obvious.
For me, the biggest difference was in how the device addressed fatigue: the cooling under the eyes offered immediate relief, while the LED treatments contributed to a gradual improvement in skin tone and texture.
Omnilux vs. Shark LED Mask: How it compares to its competitors
Of course, no beauty device exists in a vacuum, and the Shark CryoGlow has some serious competition. Here’s how it compares to competitors, based on our testing:
- Omnilux, for example, is often considered the gold standard in LED masks, with a strong clinical backing and a loyal following. Its design is more flexible and closer to the skin, which some users prefer, but it lacks the cooling feature that makes the Shark feel so luxurious.
- Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s LED mask is another heavy hitter, known for its combination of red and blue light therapies and sleek design. It’s effective and well-loved, but it comes with a higher price tag and doesn’t quite match the comfort level or user-friendly interface of the Shark’s remote system.
- CurrentBody’s LED mask is a favorite among skincare enthusiasts who prioritize clinical-grade technology at home. It’s lightweight and delivers solid results, but again, it leans more clinical than experiential — there’s no added sensory element like cooling, which makes the Shark feel more like a self-care ritual than a treatment.
- Therabody is a brand better known for its recovery tools but is increasingly making waves in the skincare space. Its LED mask is high-tech and well-designed, but it feels more like a gadget than a pampering experience, whereas the Shark strikes a balance between performance and indulgence.
Is it worth it? The verdict is in
After 41 days, I can’t claim that my skin has undergone a miraculous transformation that defies all biology, but I can say this: it looks better, feels healthier, and reacts less. For someone with sensitive skin who’s constantly walking the line between “glowing” and “irritated,” that’s a win.
Add in the fact that my best friend’s mom is rethinking her Botox appointments, and it’s hard not to be impressed. At the end of the day, LED masks offer a gentle, non-invasive option that fits into even a simplified routine to target skin concerns, and the Shark CryoGlow delivers results.
An FAQ on the Shark CryoGlow
Ahead, I interviewed the Shark team to answer some commonly asked questions about the Shark CryoGlow:
Who can benefit from using the mask?
“Shark CryoGlow is safe for all skin types and is suitable for anyone looking to clear and prevent ongoing breakouts, minimize fine lines and wrinkles and support overall skin health,” Blanch shared.
How do you clean the mask?
After the mask is powered off, Blanch instructs to wipe it clean with a damp cloth after each use, avoiding chemical or alcohol cleaners. Let dry completely before storing, too.
How long do you use the mask to see results?
Within four weeks, the Shark CryoGlow has been clinically tested to reduce acne and breakouts and deliver more luminous and radiant skin, according to Blanch. “In just eight weeks of daily use, you’ll see an improvement in fine lines and skin firmness,” she noted.
FYI, she pulled this data from a 12-week study with 119 subjects and a one-time daily use in Skin Clearing Treatment Mode. Individual results may vary.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t be using the mask?
“CryoGlow was developed and engineered to be suitable for anyone 18 years or older,” Blanch said. “If you have pre-existing skin conditions or questions, please refer to the contraindications or a medical professional.”
How we tested
After nearly 50 days of straight testing, here’s the criteria we followed when assessing the Shark CryoGlow LED mask:
- Mode effectiveness by age group: I tested the mask in Skin Clearing Mode, while Balestrieri used Better Age Mode, allowing us to evaluate how well each setting targets age-specific concerns like breakouts versus fine lines.
- Ease of use: We assessed how simple it was to switch between Skin Clearing Mode and Better Age Mode, ensuring both of us could quickly select the right setting for our needs.
- Comfort during wear: While I focused on acne treatment and Cindy on anti-aging benefits, we both evaluated whether the mask felt comfortable and wearable for the full session.
- Visible results over time: I monitored improvements in skin clarity using Skin Clearing Mode, while Cindy tracked changes in firmness and smoothness with Better Age Mode.
- Consistency and reliability: We tested whether repeated use in our respective modes delivered dependable, predictable results aligned with our different skincare goals.
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
