We include links to products we think are useful for our readers. If you click and buy a product through one of the affiliate links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Please read our disclosure.
If you’ve been curious about those glowing LED face masks all over your social feed, you’re not alone. I decided to take the plunge on the NovaaLab Novaa Glow Therapy Mask, an at-home light therapy mask that promises to do everything from smoothing wrinkles to zapping acne. After several weeks of use, I’m ready to share my experience. In this review, I’ll walk you through the mask’s features, my personal results (the good and the not-so-good), and how it stacks up against other popular red light therapy (RLT) masks like Hooga, Omnilux, and Dr. Dennis Gross’s LED mask.
Spoiler: I was drawn to the NovaaLab Glow Mask because it uniquely combines red + infrared light therapy with other colors in one device, and I loved the idea of a multi-tasking mask. I’ve now made it a part of my self-care routine, and I have quite a bit to say about what it’s like using it (ever wondered if those things get hot or if they actually work?). Let’s dive in with a quick overview of what this mask is and does.
What We Think of the NovaaLab Glow Therapy Mask
NovaaLab’s Glow Therapy Mask is a flexible, silicone LED face mask that wraps around your face, secured by adjustable straps.
Unlike some simpler LED masks that only have one or two colors, this one comes loaded with six light therapy modes.
Features and How It Works
All together, the mask contains 108 LED bulbs beneath the surface, and each is a 4-in-1 chip (able to emit multiple wavelengths) for a total of 432 mini lights covering your face. When you put it on, it kind of looks like something out of a sci-fi movie – your face glows red or blue (depending on the mode) and it’s definitely bright! The design includes a silicone shield around the eye area so that the lights don’t shine directly into your eyes. In the box, NovaaLab also provides little stick-on eye pad covers – they’re optional, but can give extra comfort especially during blue light sessions which are brightest.
The mask is cordless and rechargeable. It connects to a small controller (about the size of a deck of cards) that you charge via USB. This controller lets you select the mode and duration. I typically set a 10-minute timer (the recommended session length is 10 to 20 minutes). There’s a handy feature I discovered: if the heat from the infrared feels like it’s building up too much, you can enable a pulsing mode – the lights will blink on/off rapidly, which actually reduces the heating while still delivering the therapy. (Cool tech fact: pulsing gives the skin brief rest intervals and can help those who find continuous infrared a bit warm.)
Build quality: The mask is made of a soft, medical-grade silicone. It’s flexible – you can bend it slightly to fit your face shape. There are two straps (one around the back of the head, one over the crown) that you can adjust so the mask sits snugly. The entire unit feels well-made; it’s not flimsy or plasticky. However, it does have some weight (all those LEDs and the battery controller add up). I’ll talk about comfort in the next section, but let’s just say you’ll know you’re wearing it – this isn’t like a paper sheet mask; it’s a gadget.
Safety: The NovaaLab mask is FDA-cleared as a class II medical device for skin care, meaning it meets certain safety standards. It also has built-in safety in that it will auto-shut off after the time is up (so you don’t overdo a session). The wavelengths used (red, NIR, blue, yellow) are all within safe ranges for skin exposure. Just be mindful to either close your eyes or wear the provided eye stickers during use, especially on blue mode, to protect your vision. The mask is designed to block most light from the eyes, and I haven’t experienced any eye discomfort as long as I follow that practice.
In summary, the feature set of the NovaaLab Glow Mask is impressive: it’s like getting several devices in one. You have flexibility to tailor the treatment – e.g. I sometimes do 10 minutes of Blue, then when it auto-shuts, I’ll switch to 10 minutes of Red. You can mix modes in one session (the controller remembers each mode’s time setting). It’s this versatility that really drew me in, because I have both occasional breakouts and the fine lines of ahem approaching my late 30s. With NovaaLab’s mask, I can address both.
Personal Experience (Usage and Results)
I started using the NovaaLab mask about a month ago, and I’ve been pretty consistent – 5 times a week for 10–15 minutes per session (mostly in the evenings). Let me break down my experience:
Setup and Routine: The first time I used it, I did feel a bit like Iron Man charging up – once I selected the red light mode, my entire face glowed red. It was bright, but with my eyes closed (and the silicone cushioning the eye area) I was fine. The mask felt secure on my head. It’s a little heavy, yes, but the straps keep it in place. I personally find it most comfortable to lie down on the couch or bed while wearing it. If I’m upright and moving, the mask can slip a bit or just feel weighty. Lying down not only solves that, it also turns the treatment into forced relaxation time – which I now really look forward to! I often play calm music or a podcast and call it my “me-time light therapy session.”
Comfort: The mask is well-designed comfort-wise. The silicone is soft and doesn’t irritate my skin. I have fairly sensitive skin, and I was pleased that there was no redness or imprint lines left after use (the mask doesn’t press super hard, it just rests). I did try using the provided sticky eye shield pads – they’re like little disposable stickers that go over your eyes. I’ll be honest: I didn’t love them. They adhere a bit too well (ouch to remove) and felt unnecessary given the mask’s own eye blocking design. So I stopped using those after the first week. Now I simply keep my eyes closed under the mask and that’s worked perfectly with no issues. If I need to peek (like to check the controller or if someone calls me), I can see a tiny bit out the bottom or top, but the light is intense, so I usually just don’t look directly. Some users mentioned discomfort with the eye pieces; my take is skip them if you find them annoying – just don’t stare into the LEDs, and you’ll be fine.
Heat factor: Does it get hot? This was one of my concerns starting out. With red light only, I feel just a gentle warmth after about 5 minutes – it’s actually soothing. The infrared (IR) mode I feel a bit more, because IR light penetrates deeper. The first time I did a combined Red+IR 15-minute session, I noticed my face was warm to the touch, but never burning. It was like a cozy warmth, not a sweat-inducing heat. Still, to play it safe, I now often use the pulsing mode for IR sessions. With pulsing on, I honestly barely feel any heat at all, yet I’m still getting the benefits. After each session, there’s a slight flush to my skin (increased circulation will do that), but it subsides within 10-15 minutes, leaving a nice post-facial glow. I haven’t experienced any redness beyond that or any irritation.
Immediate effects: Right after a session, my skin feels plump and slightly warm. There’s definitely a temporary glow – like the kind you have after a good workout or a sauna (but without the sweat). My skin also feels a tad tighter immediately after, almost as if the warmth causes a subtle tightening of pores. These immediate effects are pleasant, though of course temporary.
Results after a month: Now the big question – did it actually improve my skin? For me, the answer is yes, gradually. Around the two-week mark, I started noticing that my complexion looked more even and radiant. I specifically loved how some persistent redness on my cheeks (mild rosacea) had calmed down a bit (I credit the combo of red and yellow light modes for this). I also had a cluster of old acne marks along my jaw, and they seem to be fading faster than they normally would. In the last month, I only got one surprise pimple, and as an experiment I zapped it with the blue light mode for a couple of nights – it genuinely seemed to shrink quicker than my usual blemishes. Could be coincidence, but I’ll take it!
On the anti-aging side, I have a fine line on my forehead and some around the eyes. I don’t expect those to vanish in a month (LED therapy isn’t an overnight miracle; it often takes 8-12 weeks for significant collagen changes). However, I do think my skin’s texture has improved, it feels smoother to touch and makeup is going on more evenly. Also – and this is a little hard to quantify – my face just feels healthier. Even on days I’m tired, my skin isn’t as dull as it used to be. There’s a subtle “lit from within” look that I’ve never had in winter months before. Close friends have commented that I’m looking “refreshed”, they didn’t know I was using the mask, but something is different enough that they noticed.
User Error and Learning Curve: I’ll admit, the very first time I used the mask I didn’t read the instructions super closely. I went for a full 20-minute session on day one. In hindsight, I probably should have eased in (maybe 10 minutes to start). I say this because my face felt a bit overstimulated after that first long session – not burnt, but I was quite flushed. After that, I scaled down to 10-minute sessions for the first week, then increased to 15. That worked much better for me. So my tip: start slow, see how your skin reacts, and then increase duration or frequency. More isn’t always better with light therapy; consistency is what counts.
Any downsides I noticed? A couple of minor things:
The mask needs to be charged via the controller, and the battery life is decent but not huge. I get about 4-5 sessions before I need to plug it in. Not a big deal, just something to remember (I once went to start a session and the battery was dead – oops! Now I charge it every few days proactively).
As mentioned, you can’t do much else while masking except relax. If you try to be up and about, it’s awkward. I attempted to watch TV with it on, but the eye covers block your vision and the light leaks around would bother my family. So, this device forces you to disconnect for a bit. Honestly, this can be a good thing – I treat it as meditation time. But if you’re super busy and hoped to multitask, know that you really can’t. You’ll look like a glowing ghost and probably scare your pet (I learned this when my dog first saw me in it – poor thing! Now he’s used to “red light mommy,” haha).
The last point: maintenance. The mask is very easy to clean (just wipe with a damp cloth or alcohol-free wipe after use, since it sits on your skin). However, the silicone can attract lint or dust, so I keep it in a clean drawer. Not much of a downside, but I figured I’d note it – don’t leave it out collecting dust, since you’ll then put it on your face.
Novaalab vs. Top Competitors
There are quite a few LED masks on the market now, so how does the NovaaLab Glow Therapy Mask stack up against some of its competitors? I’ll compare it with Hooga’s Red Light Face Mask, Dr. Dennis Gross’s SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, and Omnilux Contour (plus touch on others like CurrentBody briefly). These are masks I researched heavily before choosing NovaaLab – and I’ve had a chance to try a friend’s Dr. Gross mask and demo a Hooga, so I have some context.
NovaaLab Glow vs. Hooga Red Light Mask
Hooga is a brand known for affordable red light therapy panels, and they have a Hooga LED face mask that’s a bit of a budget-friendly rival to NovaaLab. Both Novaa and Hooga masks are made of flexible silicone and are cordless/rechargeable – big pluses for both in comfort and convenience. The Hooga mask is actually a bit cheaper (around $170 for the face-only, and they offer a face+neck combo for about $239). However, Hooga’s mask is limited to Red and Near-Infrared wavelengths (specifically 630 nm, 660 nm red and 850 nm NIR). It has 66 LED chips (each triple-chip) on the face, whereas Novaa has 108 quad-chip LEDs. In practice, Hooga’s irradiance (light output) is similar to Novaa’s – both are quite powerful (Hooga cites ~50 mW/cm² at the surface, Novaa doesn’t publish but seems effective).
The key difference is NovaaLab offers more colors/modes. Hooga’s mask is really an anti-aging device – it’s great for boosting collagen and general rejuvenation, but it doesn’t have Blue or Yellow lights for acne or calming. NovaaLab’s mask covers those, making it more of an all-in-one device. On the flip side, if you only care about red/IR for wrinkles and you want to save some money, Hooga is a solid choice (and the fact they have an optional neck piece is a nice touch – I do wish NovaaLab had a neck add-on).
In terms of design and comfort: Both are silicone and fairly comfortable. I found Hooga’s to be slightly lighter in weight than Novaa’s (just by holding them), which might be due to fewer LEDs. Hooga’s has an adjustable brightness and timer, which Novaa’s lacks (Novaa is just preset intensity and 10-min increments timer). However, I didn’t feel the need to adjust brightness on Novaa – it’s already tuned to an effective level. Hooga’s mask, when I tried it for a short session, felt similar on the skin – gentle warmth from red light. It doesn’t have a blue light mode to compare that experience.
Bottom line: If you’re looking at Hooga vs NovaaLab:
NovaaLab Glow Mask – better if you want versatility (acne + anti-aging in one), don’t mind paying a bit more for extra modes, and like the idea of a well-established brand in home RLT.
Hooga Mask – great for a budget-conscious choice focused on anti-aging. It’s simpler (just red/NIR), but effective and even comes with a neck option. Also, Hooga offers a 1-year warranty and 60-day trial similar to Novaa’s policies, so both stand behind their products.
Personally, I went with NovaaLab for the multi-wavelength capability and have been happy, but I can see Hooga being a good alternative for someone primarily targeting wrinkles or general skin health without acne concerns.
NovaaLab Glow vs. Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask
Dr. Dennis Gross’s SpectraLite FaceWare Pro is one of the most famous LED masks out there – often seen on Instagram with its white hard-shell design. I had the opportunity to use one for a week (borrowed from a friend) before I bought the NovaaLab mask, so I have some direct comparison here.
Firstly, the price: Dr. Gross’s mask retails around $455 (sometimes $430-450 depending on sales). It’s almost double the cost of NovaaLab’s ($249). For that price, Dr. Gross’s device gives you Red and Blue light (and an option to use both together). It has about 100 red LEDs and 62 blue LEDs. There is no infrared on the SpectraLite mask – which is a notable exclusion if you care about deeper tissue treatment. The sessions with Dr. Gross’s mask are quick: just 3 minutes. It’s designed as a rigid mask that you wear like a visor on your face. It has a strap and is somewhat flexible at the bridge but not pliable like silicone.
My experience with Dr. Gross’s mask: It’s very convenient time-wise. The 3-minute treatment is nice if you’re in a hurry – you literally press it on and it auto-runs for 3 minutes (the idea being you do it daily for results). I did feel that 3 minutes is a short time; coming from using NovaaLab, which I usually do for 10+ minutes, I wonder if the dosage of light is lower with Dr. Gross or if they just decided on a minimal viable dose. Hard to compare efficacy in a week, but I didn’t notice any changes in that short period (and I wouldn’t expect to – any mask needs a few weeks).
Comfort: Here’s where I prefer NovaaLab. The Dr. Gross mask, being a solid plastic, was actually heavier on my face and it left slight indent lines on my cheeks/nose because it has to sit firmly to be close to the skin. It also has cut-outs for eyes, nose, and mouth – which means a lot of light leakage. When it’s on, the entire room glows red. I had to shut my eyes tight (there’s no cushioned eye cover like Novaa has). It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s less relaxing. You can’t really move with it either – it will slip if you tilt your head forward, because it’s not strapped super tightly (if you tighten too much it’s uncomfortable). So I basically had to lie down with that one too, despite it being hard shell.
Effectiveness: Dr. Gross’s device is clinically tested and has great reviews for improving skin over 8-10 weeks. I suspect it works well for many. It’s FDA-cleared as well. However, you are limited to red (for anti-aging) and blue (for acne) – you cannot target pigmentation or additional collagen boost with infrared. NovaaLab’s mask gave me noticeably more options, and I actually find the near-infrared mode on Novaa makes my skin feel plumper (something I didn’t get from the Dr. Gross mask, possibly due to the lack of IR).
Ease of use: One advantage of Dr. Gross – it’s shorter sessions and maybe slightly more travel-friendly because it’s a fixed shape you can just toss in a bag (no separate controller device dangling). Novaa’s is floppy silicone with a wired controller – still portable, but a bit more to manage. That said, Novaa’s flexibility means it can treat other areas (I’ve laid it on my neck or back of hands sometimes). With the SpectraLite, you really can only use it on your face as intended (my friend strictly said “don’t try to bend it!”).
Verdict: The Dr. Dennis Gross mask is a high-quality, dermatologist-brand device that I think is effective but overpriced for what it offers. You pay a premium for the name and the clinical backing. It has a luxe feel and is super quick to use, so if someone values speed and has the money, it’s not a bad choice.
However, NovaaLab’s Glow Mask actually offers more bang for the buck: you get infrared, more total LEDs, longer treatment (which may or may not be a pro), and a soft mask that I found more comfortable. For less than half the price, Novaa covers most of the same bases (and then some). The only thing I envy from the Dr. Gross mask is the hands-free 3-minute routine; but I’ve adapted to making NovaaLab’s 10 minutes my relaxation time, which works for me.
NovaaLab Glow vs. Omnilux Contour/CurrentBody Skin LED Mask
I’m grouping Omnilux Contour and CurrentBody Skin masks together because they’re quite similar. Omnilux is a professional brand (their tech is used in clinics), and their at-home Contour mask is around $395. It uses red and near-infrared light (no blue). CurrentBody’s mask (~$279) is often considered a dupe of Omnilux – also red + NIR. Both are flexible silicon masks with straps, much like NovaaLab’s design. They have fewer total LEDs (Omnilux has 132 LEDs, CurrentBody 100 LEDs) and their treatment time is about 10 minutes per session. Neither has multiple colors or modes beyond the built-in combo of red/infrared.
Where Omnilux excels is in its clinical validation – they’ve done studies showing significant wrinkle reduction, etc., and it’s a trusted name if you go to dermatologists. The downside is you’d need a separate device if you also want blue light for acne (Omnilux sells a different mask called Clear for acne, and CurrentBody doesn’t offer blue in their mask). That means to get equivalent functionality of Novaa’s one mask, you’d have to buy two different Omnilux devices, which is obviously very costly.
Comparing my experience: I did try a CurrentBody mask at a trade show – it felt and looked almost identical to NovaaLab’s in form factor (silicone, strap, etc.). The red light felt the same intensity. It doesn’t have a remote; it has a built-in controller/battery pack like Hooga’s does. I remember it being comfortable, and since it only has red/IR, the light wasn’t as blinding – you still should close eyes, but it was all red glow. The results people get from Omnilux/CurrentBody are reportedly excellent for anti-aging. So if you only care about anti-aging and have no acne or pigmentation issues, those devices will serve you well. However, for me, NovaaLab’s ability to fight pimples one day (blue mode) and do anti-aging the next (red/IR) – or even in the same session – is a huge advantage.
Cost-wise, NovaaLab is much cheaper than Omnilux and a bit cheaper than CurrentBody, while offering more features than both. It’s like the middle ground: more modes like high-end Dr. Gross (which has blue/red) but with the flexibility and power of Omnilux’s design. One could argue Omnilux might have a slight edge in LED quality or proven results, but honestly I suspect they’re very comparable in output.
Hooga vs Novaa vs Omnilux vs Dr. Gross – quick summary:
Hooga Mask: Lowest price, red/NIR only, flexible and effective for basic needs, good value.
Dr. Dennis Gross Mask: Highest price, hard shell, red/blue only, super quick daily use, prestige brand.
Omnilux Contour/CurrentBody: High price, flexible like Novaa, red/NIR only, medically backed (esp. Omnilux), great for anti-aging.
NovaaLab Glow Mask: Mid price, flexible silicone, multi-color (red, IR, blue, yellow) = most versatile, well-rounded for anti-aging and acne, with solid performance specs.
NovaaLab differentiates itself by basically combining the functions of multiple devices in one. It may not have the absolute pedigree of Omnilux’s clinical trials or the fame of Dr. Gross’s brand, but in practical use, I’ve found it to deliver real results. Considering what you pay, I genuinely feel NovaaLab gives you more for your money if you have diverse skin concerns.
Novaalab Glow Therapy Mask: Pros and Cons
After using the NovaaLab Glow Therapy Mask for a month and researching alternatives, here’s my distilled list of pros and cons:
Pros:
Multi-Purpose LED Modes: Treats a variety of skin issues in one device (wrinkles, acne, redness, dullness) thanks to 6 different light settings. I love not needing separate gadgets for different concerns.
Effective Results: Noticeable improvement in skin brightness and tone; helps calm breakouts and gives a post-treatment “glow.” Backed by proper wavelengths (630nm red, 830nm NIR, etc.) that studies show are effective.
Comfortable Design: Flexible silicone mask fits well and feels soft on the skin. The adjustable straps keep it in place. No painful pressure points – I often forget I’m wearing it if I’m listening to music.
Gentle Warmth (No Overheating): The mask gets warm but not intolerably hot. Plus, the pulsing mode prevents any heat buildup from infrared. It feels soothing, almost like a warm towel.
Hands-Free & Cordless: Rechargeable battery means you aren’t tethered to a wall during use. I can move around a bit or just lie anywhere, rather than being stuck next to an outlet.
Easy to Use: One-button controller operation and auto shut-off timer. It’s literally as simple as strapping it on and hitting start. Cleaning is just a quick wipe-down.
Great Value vs Competitors: At around $249 (often on sale for less), it’s more affordable than many big-name masks that offer fewer light options. Essentially you’re getting the functionality of two or three different therapy devices in one.
Generous Trial/Return Policy: NovaaLab offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. This gives peace of mind to try it consistently and see if it works for you. (Not many devices allow returns after use – this is a big plus in my book.)
Warranty Support: It comes with a 1-year warranty. Knowing that, I felt comfortable investing in it, and I’ve seen that the company does send replacements if something malfunctions.
Cons:
Must Be Stationary: The mask is a bit heavy on the face, so you really need to be lying down or reclined during treatment. You can’t multitask (no walking around or doing chores), which might be inconvenient for some. I personally turned this into a pro (forced relaxation!), but not everyone will love that.
Face-Only Coverage: It’s designed for the face and doesn’t extend to the neck or chest. You can treat those areas by repositioning the mask (I sometimes hold it over my neck for a few minutes), but it’s not as convenient as having a dedicated neck piece. I wish NovaaLab would offer an add-on or a larger mask for neck/décolletage.
Eyes Take Adjustment: The LED lights are very bright. Even though there’s an eye area shield, the initial flash of light when you power it on can be startling. Some people might find it uncomfortable on the eyes, especially in blue mode. Using the included eye pads or a pair of tanning goggles (or just keeping eyes firmly shut) is necessary. It’s a minor hassle but worth noting.
Potential Tech Issues: A few users (and one personal friend) have had issues with the remote/controller battery not holding charge or failing after some months. I haven’t experienced this, but it’s something to be aware of. Quality seems generally good, but like any electronic, there’s a small risk of defects. The good news is customer service has been responsive in those cases, but dealing with an exchange is still an inconvenience.
No Adjustable Intensity: You can’t control the brightness or power of the LEDs – it’s one setting. For 99% of people this is fine (the output is optimized already). But if you are extremely light-sensitive and wanted to start on a very low intensity, that isn’t an option. (You can do shorter sessions though, or pulse mode, to effectively reduce the dose.)
Price vs. Simpler Devices: While I believe it’s great value for what it offers, ~$250 is still a considerable investment. There are very cheap LED masks out there on Amazon for $100 or less. However, I often question their efficacy and safety. With NovaaLab, you pay a bit more for guaranteed wavelengths and a robust build – but budget shoppers might feel the pinch.
Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons for me. The cons are mostly about usage logistics and a few “nice-to-have” improvements. None of them were deal-breakers. I’ve accepted the trade-off that I have to relax during use (not a bad thing, really) and that I must take care of my new high-tech mask like the beauty device it is.
Final Word on NovaaLab Glow Therapy Mask
After doing my homework and now seeing the results first-hand, I can confidently say the NovaaLab Glow Therapy Mask has lived up to its reputation. It’s a powerful at-home tool for skin health that merges anti-aging and anti-acne technologies in one comfortable mask.
NovaaLab stands out by checking so many boxes: red and infrared for rejuvenation, blue for breakouts, an easy wearable design, and a reasonable price point for the feature set.
My personal journey with the mask has been rewarding. It’s not an overnight magic wand, but with patience and regular use I’ve seen real improvements. Equally important, the routine of using the mask has carved out a little self-care ritual in my busy life. I actually look forward to unwinding under its gentle warm light in the evenings.
Is it perfect? Not quite – no device is. If you’re the type who can’t sit still for 10 minutes or who expects instant dramatic changes, you might find it tedious or subtle. But if you understand that skincare (like gym workouts) yields results over time and you’re willing to be consistent, this mask can be a game-changer in your regimen. The science behind it is solid, and NovaaLab has made clinical therapy wavelengths accessible at home in a user-friendly way.
Compared to other masks I evaluated, I’m happy I chose NovaaLab. It strikes a great balance of performance and value. I didn’t have to compromise – I got the versatility of a salon’s multi-light machine in a mask I can wear on my couch. Plus, knowing it’s FDA-cleared and backed by lots of positive user reviews gave me confidence in its legitimacy (and my experience corroborates those positive reviews).
In conclusion, I would recommend the NovaaLab Glow Therapy Mask to anyone who has a mix of skincare goals – like softening fine lines and keeping acne in check – or to those who simply want to boost their skin’s radiance in a gentle, non-chemical way. It’s especially great if you’re curious about red light therapy and want an all-in-one starter device that you won’t outgrow. Just remember to be patient and enjoy the process. For me, it’s been both a skin-improving treatment and a relaxing ritual. And hey, there’s something undeniably cool about looking like a lit-up superhero for a few minutes a day if it means healthier skin on the other side!
Verdict: The NovaaLab Glow Mask delivers on its promises and brings the spa experience home. My skin is happier for it, and I’m a happy (glowing) customer.
