If I had a penny for every time someone told me they didn't believe in the best LED face masks, I’d be a lot richer than I am now. It’s a frustration I feel deeply, especially since I test these products for a living, but I do understand the skepticism. However, it’s products like the Shark CryoGlow that are set to change this perception.
When Shark Beauty announced its entry into the skincare market, I was both impressed and excited. The Shark CryoGlow has been developed for all skin tones, textures and genders, and it’s also the UK’s first LED face mask to incorporate cold therapy technology. It came with a slightly higher price tag that other models, so I was also eager to find out whether this was justified or not.
I couldn’t wait to dive into testing, and around eight weeks later, the results are in...
Shark CryoGlow review: price and availability
The Shark CryoGlow LED face mask has an RRP of £299.99 ($349.99) and can be purchased from a number of selected retailers, including Boots, John Lewis and Shark Beauty itself.
When the Shark CryoGlow was first launched, the only colourway available was the Blue Frost. However, the brand has since introduced a second option, Lilac Chill, adding even more frosty flair to the lineup.
Now, its price point might initially seem steep, but for those familiar with LED face masks will know it’s well within reason given the CryoGlow’s range of features. Medically-certified LED face masks typically start at around £120 to £150 (or $150 to $170), and at that price, you’re usually getting just a few basic light modes and a less durable design.
Shark CryoGlow: unboxing and set up
Inside the box, I found the LED face mask itself, complete with adjustable straps and silicone eye shields already attached. I was pleasantly surprised to see a protective storage bag and optional clip-on chill pads, which added a premium touch and enhanced the overall experience with thoughtful extras.
Alongside the mask, the package included a remote control with an LCD screen, a USB-C charging cable with a plug, and a user guide. Every component felt high in quality, and all I had to do was connect the mask to the remote control and it was ready to use.
Shark CryoGlow review: design and features
The Shark CryoGlow sets itself apart from other LED face masks on the market, and this is mostly due to its streamlined, user-friendly design. Rather than offering multiple coloured light settings to cycle through manually, the CryoGlow simplifies the experience by tailoring to specific skincare concerns through three distinct modes. Each mode is designed to address different skin types and goals, making it incredibly intuitive to use.
First of all, there's Blemish Repair (8 minutes) which targets blemishes and uneven skin texture, promoting clearer, smoother skin over time. There's also Better Ageing (6 minutes) which focuses on reducing fine lines and wrinkles whilst enhancing the skin's natural glow. Finally, there's Skin Sustain (4 minutes) which maintains the results of an 8-week cycle of either Blemish Repair or Better Ageing, helping you preserve your skin’s progress with minimal effort.
One standout feature of the CryoGlow is its Under-Eye Cooling, something I've never seen before in an LED face mask. Powered by Shark’s innovative InstaChill Cold Technology, this feature soothes and de-puffs the under-eye area to reduce signs of fatigue and stress. The cooling can be used alone or in combination with any of the light therapy modes, and there are three intensity levels to choose from. However, if you're sensitive to cold, the cooling function can be completely switched off.
The remote control is also incredibly impressive, and again, unlike any other model on the market. It features a sleek LCD screen that guides you through each treatment option and displays the remaining time for your session – another feature that is surprisingly rare. I also liked that you could clip it on to your top or dressing gown instead of having to carry it around with you.
The remote also tracks the total number of sessions you've completed, providing a helpful way to monitor your usage over time. However, it’s worth noting that it only displays the cumulative number of sessions, and doesn’t log how many treatments you’ve completed in a week or whether you've skipped any.
Shark CryoGlow review: performance
I had a highly successful experience testing the Shark CryoGlow, and I can confidently say that it visibly improved my skin in just about four weeks. Before diving into the specifics of the performance, I should mention the battery life. It took around three hours for a full charge, and I was able to get approximately eight or nine treatments from that single charge. Whilst this might not seem like a lot, I’ve yet to come across an LED face mask that offers exceptionally long battery life, so this is fairly standard for models in today’s market.
For my testing, I focused primarily on the Blemish Repair and Under-Eye Cooling modes, as these were the areas that needed the most attention. I was immediately impressed by how short the treatment times are, which made it easy to fit into my schedule without sacrificing other tasks. The mask itself is also comfortable to wear – it's not overly heavy and the adjustable straps ensured it didn’t dig into my skin.
The only downside I noticed was the noise – the mask emits a faint whirring sound whilst in use. Whilst it’s not unbearable and you can still hear your surroundings, it is noticeable, especially compared to other LED face masks that are completely silent.
I started noticing visible improvements in my skin after just two weeks, with a noticeable reduction in spots and a more radiant glow. After about another week, I was thrilled to see that several blemish marks from scarring on my cheeks had almost completely disappeared, and the glow also remained consistent. Whilst I occasionally incorporated the Better Ageing mode into my routine, I (very thankfully) don’t have many fine lines at the moment, so I didn’t see significant changes in that area.
The Under-Eye Cooling mode quickly became my favourite feature, and I honestly can’t go a day without using it now. I found that the second intensity level was my sweet spot, and my go-to move became using the mask in the morning to de-puff my eyes before applying makeup. It’s such a game-changer to see a feature in an LED face mask that delivers instant results, unlike the gradual effects of light therapy.
After about seven weeks of using the CryoGlow, I switched to Skin Sustain, which has effectively maintained the impressive results I achieved during the first six weeks. If my skin is having an off day, I’ll add a quick Blemish Repair session to give it an extra boost, but for the most part, it’s been amazing to see my progress stay consistent without any setbacks.
For anyone who’s skeptical about LED face masks, I can confidently say that consistency is key. The results are only as effective as your commitment to using the mask regularly, and the Shark CryoGlow truly proves this in a considerably short amount of time.
Shark CryoGlow review: verdict
I’m beyond impressed with the Shark CryoGlow LED face mask, and I can confidently say it’s my favourite mask I’ve tested so far. The way the lighting modes are automatically tailored to different skincare concerns is incredibly convenient, and the innovative Under-Eye Cooling feature is something I never knew I needed. The mask is comfortable to wear, and the treatment sessions are impressively short, making it easy to stick to a consistent routine. Whilst it’s a bit noisy during use, it’s something you quickly forget as the results start to show.
Shark CryoGlow review: alternatives to consider
I'd say the most similar model to the CryoGlow at the moment is the Therabody TheraFace Mask. Like the CryoGlow, it offers three different LED light settings to address various skincare concerns, and it additionally features built-in vibration massage therapy to help relieve tension. However, the TheraFace mask is less comfortable to wear, and with a price tag of £549/$599, it’s significantly more expensive.
Another alterntaive is the Omnilux Clear, and our tester found that it reduced inflammation and calmed acne effectively. It’s also less expensive, but larger noses may find it slightly more uncomfortable.
