Not Into LED Face Masks? Shark’s CryoGlow Will Make You a Believer

By now, most of us are familiar with the futuristic glow of LED face masks—those sci-fi-looking devices that promise better skin by way of red and blue light-emitting diodes. The Shark CryoGlow Mask, however, combines that glow with cryotherapy, a treatment that still carries an air of mystery for the everyday self-care enthusiast. Traditionally reserved for high-end spas, cryotherapy is steadily moving into at-home beauty realm, and Shark Beauty’s CryoGlow LED Mask is leading the way.

While LED face masks are already trending in both the U.S. and the U.K.—with cosigns from celebrity fans and Vogue’s very own—the CryoGlow stands out in a crowded category. But what exactly sets the device apart from the wave of LED light therapy tools already on shelves?

Ahead, we unpack the technology behind Shark Beauty’s CryoGlow LED Mask, explore how it blends cooling therapy with light treatment, and share practical tips on how to weave it seamlessly into your routine. Consider this your go-to guide for understanding not just what it does, but if this mask is worth the hype (spoiler: it is).

Shark Beauty

CryoGlow LED Face Mask

$350

SHARK

• What It Is: The Shark CryoGlow stands out in the beauty tech space for blending red, blue, and near-infrared light with refreshing under-eye cooling, tackling everything from fine lines to breakouts in just a few minutes. Its silicone design sits comfortably on the face, while quick preset modes make treatments simple to fit into daily life. Not to mention, the high-tech remote control makes it easy to toggle between treatment modes and achieve your skin-care goals.
• Device Type: LED face mask, with multiple treatment presets and cooling technology to target different skin-care concerns.
• Target Treatment Area: Full face and under-eye region (the device includes a dedicated “Under-Eye Revive” mode).
• Treatment Time: Timing varies depending on which treatment mode is selected: Better Aging mode (red, infrared)—6 minutes; Skin Clearing mode (blue infrared and red LEDs)—8 minutes; Glow Enhancement mode (red, blue infrared LEDs)—4 minutes, and Under-Eye Revive (cooling)—5 to 15 minutes.
• Specs: FDA-cleared; multiple light wavelengths (red 630 nm, blue (830 nm, and near-infrared 830 nm); 2 year warranty

Shark Beauty’s CryoGlow mask works in minutes thanks to the power pairing of cold therapy and LED light. The built-in under-eye cooling pads deliver a refresh, especially on mornings when puffiness takes over. “Cold therapy helps constrict blood vessels, which reduces puffiness and swelling, particularly valuable for the delicate under-eye area, where fluid retention is common. It also provides a soothing effect that can calm irritation or redness,” board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Afrooz explains to Vogue.

Danielle Lessing, Shark’s global SVP of product development, adds that the mask’s three temperature-controlled modes are designed to “soothe, tighten, and refresh the under-eye area, promoting a more rejuvenated appearance.” And while the cooling effect is a welcome perk, the CryoGlow’s real power comes from its integrated LED light therapy. Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria to help keep breakouts at bay, while red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper to stimulate collagen, improve circulation, and promote skin repair. “These effects can minimize fine lines, improve elasticity, and support overall rejuvenation,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. In other words: fewer breakouts, smoother texture, and a brighter, firmer look over time.

Used consistently, the CryoGlow can even boost circulation and support lymphatic drainage, leaving skin looking fresher and more awake. It’s not a magic wand for sagging, but as a daily treatment, it delivers a mix of instant cooling relief and long-term skin benefits—making it one of the more compelling tools in an ever-crowded LED mask lineup.

Use the CryoGlow LED mask only on clean, dry skin. Slide it onto your face, secure the straps, and choose your desired treatment via the device’s high-tech remote display. Once your session ends, you can either start another program or let the mask shut off automatically. You’re free to tweak the cooling intensity mid-treatment if you like.

Consistency is key: choose the treatment that best addresses your skin concerns and stick with it. Shark recommends using a single LED routine once daily for eight weeks (such as Better Ageing or Skin Clearing), then transitioning to the Skin Sustain mode for ongoing maintenance. Meanwhile, the under-eye cooling caps give ice rollers a run for their money—these can be snapped on whenever for a de-puffing boost. When your treatment time is done, slather on your serums and moisturizers.

According to the brand, the Shark Beauty’s CryoGlow face mask is FDA-approved. Dr. Spearman backs it up, noting that the clinical data and FDA-clearance for the CryoGlow support its ability to improve skin clarity, reduce acne, and enhance texture over time.

I’ll admit it upfront: I’ve never been the type to care for red light therapy masks. It’s not that I doubt their effectiveness—science is science—but the idea of adding another step to my routine usually feels like more trouble than it’s worth. I tend to skip skin-care devices that require dedication or long setup times, and LED masks have always fallen into that category.

The CryoGlow, however, completely won me over. For someone with acne-prone skin, the blue light treatment on the Skin Clearing setting has become my not-so-secret weapon, zapping breakouts and calming inflammation in between trips to my facialist. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much of a visible difference it makes—my skin looks clearer, calmer, and somehow more even after just two weeks of consistent use. Even my roommate, who shares my acne woes, has started sneaking sessions whenever she can, and seeing her get just as hooked made me realize this isn’t one of those beauty gadgets that ends up gathering dust. It’s the rare device that’s not a chore to use—we both love the high-tech remote that counts down the minutes of each treatment—and the visible results actually make you want to reach for it again and again.

That said, I’m less enthusiastic about the under-eye cooling attachments. With a rounder face prone to puffiness—thanks in part to an autoimmune condition—I’ve noticed the clip-ons can leave a faint indentation after an eight-minute session (kind of like the marks socks leave on your legs when you’ve been retaining water). It’s a minor quirk, but one worth noting if you’re sensitive to pressure around the eyes.

All things considered, the CryoGlow has earned a spot in my blemish-busting skin-care arsenal—the visible improvements and the ease of use make it worth the extra effort. For anyone like me—tired, easily distracted, and acne-prone—this mask proves that some devices are truly worth carving out the time for.

Anyone can benefit from CryoGlow’s LED and cold therapy, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. Dr. Afrooz emphasizes that LED masks are best viewed as a supportive tool within an overall skincare routine, rather than a transformative solution. “Multiple studies on LED therapy show improvements in acne, mild inflammation, and early signs of photoaging. Consistency is key: these devices work best when used regularly over time, not as a single treatment,” he explains. “An at-home LED mask won’t replace in-office treatments or surgical procedures, but it can be an excellent complement to a broader skin health regimen.”

Lessing points out that the Shark CryoGlow is one of the only masks on the market to combine under-eye cooling, acne-clearing, and anti-aging benefits in a single device. “The mask’s advanced design features 160 tri-wick LEDs—480 light sources in total—strategically placed to deliver full coverage, deep penetration, and even treatment without hotspots or gaps,” she explains. With that level of innovation packed into one mask, it’s hard to argue against the value, making the CryoGlow a worthy investment despite its higher price tag.

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• Dr. Paul Afrooz, MD, is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon practicing in Miami, Florida.
• Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who specializes in melanoma and skin-cancer care.
• Danielle Lessing is the SVP of Global Product Development at Shark.