The Shark CryoGlow LED face mask, tested over nearly two years with more than 100 light therapy treatments, proved effective for managing breakouts and refreshing puffy undereyes, though its weight and noisy cooling pads mean it is not suitable for everyone. The mask, priced at £299.99 at full cost, is positioned in the middle of the LED mask market.
Testing process and mask features
Sarah Matthews, a consumer journalist specialising in health and beauty reviews, tested the CryoGlow alongside 14 other LED masks. For each, she assessed comfort for daily treatments, eye guard effectiveness, LED count and brightness, and simplicity of controls. She noted skin appearance before and after two months of daily treatments, trying all settings, including undereye cooling, for at least four nights each.
The CryoGlow, launched in 2024 as Shark's first skincare device, features 160 LEDs across three wavelengths: red light for skin healing and collagen production, near-infrared for deeper penetration, and blue light to reduce acne-causing bacteria. Blue light can cause hyperpigmentation on darker skin tones, so caution is advised.
Treatment modes and battery life
The mask offers three pre-programmed LED settings: a six-minute anti-ageing mode combining red and near-infrared light, an eight-minute Blemish Repair mode starting with blue and near-infrared followed by red light, and a four-minute Skin Sustain mode combining all light types. It is the only LED mask with cooling pads under the eyes, offering three temperature levels for five to 15-minute sessions.
Battery life varied significantly: 17 treatments with LED therapy alone, but only seven when cooling pads were used at full power. The mask weighs 537g, heavier than flexible silicone masks, with padding at the forehead, nose, and brow bone to distribute weight.
Performance and drawbacks
In testing, the Blemish Repair mode reduced breakouts after eight weeks, with any new spots healing in days rather than a week. The Skin Sustain mode maintained clear skin, and the Better Ageing setting produced more even skin with less pigmentation. The cooling pads soothed puffy undereyes, though similar results could come from a cold compress.
However, the mask's weight caused the cooling pads to dig into delicate undereye skin, making it uncomfortable to lie down. The cooling pads also have fans that create a constant whirring sound, distracting during treatment, and the dial to control them is easily knocked accidentally. The undereye area does not receive LED treatment due to the cooling pad positioning.
Warranty and final verdict
The device comes with a two-year warranty if registered online within 28 days, covering repair or replacement. Shark offers troubleshooting advice online and a customer service helpline (0800 862 0453). The warranty service was tested when a faulty mask was replaced within a week.
The CryoGlow is recommended for those wanting an effective multi-concern LED mask without extra, less-researched light settings, and for those with puffy undereyes. However, it lacks deep near-infrared light for more powerful anti-ageing, a feature found in cheaper alternatives like the £265 Silk'n LED face mask Pro. The mask is not suitable for those who want to lie down during treatment or are sensitive to noise. The writer has since switched to the CurrentBody Multi Light Therapy mask, which is lighter, more comfortable, and has deeper-penetrating light.
