Red Light Therapy Devices for Fuller, Smoother Lips This Spring
They earned the kiss of approval from dermatologists and our beauty editor.
Reviewed by Brian UnderwoodBeauty Director
Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
Spring is my no-fail reset season, but my lips didn’t quite get the memo. Despite my seasonal wardrobe switch-up, my lips are still stuck in January. They’re dry, flaky, and showing vertical lines that my favorite lipsticks only made worse. “The lips experience constant external trauma and weathering from the elements—so they absolutely deserve targeted care,” says dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD. To help refresh my pout, the doctors I chatted with recommend I turn to red light therapy for lips.
I’ve spent eight years testing and reviewing red light therapy tools, including LED face masks (hi, CurrentBody Skin!), eye masks, and even hair growth devices. We’re in a red light therapy renaissance, but bathing my lips in light-emitting diodes (LED) was new to me, yet it makes total sense. Most LED face masks don’t cover my lips—unless they’re TheraBody—but red light therapy tools for lips work similarly to traditional devices. Red light therapy stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen, may help decrease inflammation, and support circulation, explains Dr. Koberts. Since lip skin is thinner and lacks oil glands, visible changes in the area—including subtle plumping—may be easier to notice, she continues. Sign me up!
Best Red Light Therapy Devices for Lips
- Best Overall: CurrentBody Skin LED Lip Mask
- Best Budget: Fxtiaa LED Face Light Therapy Panel
- Best Under $100: reVive Light Therapy Lux Lip Care LED Lip Plumping Device
- Developed by a Dermatologist: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro LED Device
- Best for Plumping:Solaris Laboratories NY LED Lip Volume Pro
- Best Full Face Mask:TheraBody TheraFace Mask
What to Consider
There are three main factors to consider when shopping for a red light therapy tool for your lips: coverage, treatment time, and wavelengths.
Coverage
Lip-Specific Devices
Most of these devices are specifically for the lips. They’re compact and travel-friendly, and cost less than traditional LED face masks. Some cover only the lips, while others cover the surrounding mouth area with red light therapy. Another bonus? These smaller devices pack a powerful punch by having a high density of bulbs concentrated on just your lips.
Larger LED Panels and Masks
On the flip side, there are larger devices that can cover your entire face in one go, such as the TheraBody and Fxtiaa. They are preferable if you don’t already own an LED face mask with a mouth opening, or if you want to streamline your routine (and save cash!) with a single device. These devices can also treat wrinkles, redness, and, in some cases, acne-causing bacteria if they’re equipped with blue light.
However, the biggest downside with these devices is the LED bulbs are spread across the entire mask instead of focused only on your pout. For example, the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro features 56 red lights just for your mouth area. While the Fxtiaa is equipped with 287 lights, and the splurge-worthy TheraBody features 648 LED lights across its device. I counted and the TheraBody emits over 60 lights across the lips and smile line area. However, at nearly $650 compared to the sub-$150 price tag of the Dr. Dennis Gross version with nearly the same amount of lights, TheraBody is an investment. While it’s one the WH beauty team and dermatologists suggest, if the upfront cost is a factor then focus on lip-specific devices.
Treatment Time
Next up is treatment time. If you’re anything like me, then you’re probably a little impatient. But this factor has less to do with visible results and more to do with comfort. As a quick reminder from the dermatologists I spoke with, it takes at least four weeks for results to appear. TBH, most people won’t see full results for 10-12 weeks. Remember, it’s a steady race versus a sprint.
Still, the reason this factor is key is that you’ve got to hold the LED lip device's mouthpiece for 3 to 10 minutes. If this sounds uncomfortable, I totally understand. I thought it would be an off-putting experience, but I got the hang of it on my third try with the CurrentBody Skin model. If it still sounds a tad awkward to use, then choose Dr. Dennis Gross, which has a detachable mouthpiece. You’ll just need to hold up the device to your lips for the full three-minute treatment.
Wavelengths
Dr. Kobert and fellow board-certified dermatologists Nicole Ruth, DO, and Dara Spearman, MD, all agree that wavelength is king. They’re measured in nanometers (nm), and different wavelengths emit different colors, targeting specific concerns. The pros I spoke with prefer red LED lights in the 633-670 nm range for collagen and elastin production and improved circulation. While near-infrared wavelengths that range from 800 to 880nm offer deeper circulation.
How We Chose
I carefully vetted these devices based on their overall value, including brand recognition, pricing, features, treatment time, and wavelengths. Special consideration was given to LED lip devices that cover the entire face, like TheraBody and Fxtiaa. After researching dozens of devices, I trimmed my list before presenting it to each dermatologist and requesting their honest feedback. After chatting with the pros, I further refined the list down to these six devices and put some to the test for several weeks, with CurrentBody Skin taking the best overall title. Ultimately, these are the devices I feel confident recommending, and dermatologists I spoke with agree.
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Quick 3-minute daily commitment
- Equipped with 4 wavelengths: red, deep red, infrared, and amber light
- Made with body-safe silicone
- Includes a storage bag for travel
Cons
- Initially awkward to hold
I’m a long-term CurrentBody Skin fan. I’ve been reviewing the brand’s suite of skincare tools since 2022, and I consistently experience the most visible results with their products. And CurrentBody Skin’s FDA-cleared LED device continues to elevate the red light therapy game.
A combination of four LED wavelengths—amber, red, deep red, and near-infrared—helps me achieve a subtly plumper pout. After a month of testing, I noticed my lip and smile lines softening. By weeks six to eight, I felt confident enough in my results to skip using the device on the weekends. And at week 12, I was fully satisfied with their poutier appearance, further cementing CurrentBody Skin’s place as my best overall pick.
It’s also straightforward to use. After cleansing my face, I insert the silicone-covered mouthpiece, and keep it steady until the device powers down. The three-minute process looks odd and uncomfy, but I got used to holding it in place during my third session. After my treatment wraps, I slather on lip balm for extra moisture.
With a low time commitment, ease of use, and visible results, I’d gladly reorder this one if TSA ever mistakenly snatched it from carry-on bag. It’s also a favorite of Dr. Ruth, who appreciates the combination of multiple wavelengths, compact design, and overall effectiveness.
Read more: Can You Use Too Much Hand Cream? Dermatologists Weigh in
Features at a Glance
| Coverage | Lip only |
| Treatment Time | 3-minutes daily for 8 weeks |
| Wavelengths | Amber (605nm), red (633nm), deep red (660nm), and near-infrared (830nm) |
Pros
- Works for the face and body
- Hands-free
- 7 LED lights
Cons
- Longest treatment time, but less weekly sessions
You don't have to splurge to enjoy red light therapy benefits for your lips. Arguably, the best part of using a panel is that you can utilize it on your entire face and body, like your hands, chest, and back. Its large size is a huge plus for treating body acne and crepey skin.
Unlike similar devices, this red light therapy tool boasts 287 rows of light diodes for ample coverage. The flexible design is similar to something you might see at your local dermatologist's office. Just gently bump the ends, then lay them under the device for 10 to 20 minutes. It also emits six other LED lights—yellow, green, blue, red, cyan, purple, and white—which is why dermatologist and dermatopathologist Dr. Amy Spizuoco, DO, FAOCD, previously highlighted it as a solid pick in our guide to the best red light therapy tools.
You only need to use it two or three times per week to see a difference. It’s a much smaller commitment than the usual three to five times weekly upkeep of the other featured LED lip devices.
The only downside is that each treatment requires a 10-minute commitment every other day. Given that you can use it from head to toe and it costs less than other featured devices that target only your lips, this budget buy is well worth trying.
Features at a Glance
| Coverage | Full face, chest, back, hands |
| Treatment Time | 10-20 min. |
| Wavelengths | 640 nm (red), 532 nm (green), 423 nm (blue), 690 nm (purple), 490 nm (cyan), 583 nm (yellow), 510 nm (white) |
Pros
- Powers down after 3 minutes
- Comfy to hold
Cons
- Not transparent about specific nm wavelengths
When you’re tight on cash but want a lip-specific device instead of a large panel, consider this one from reVive Light Therapy. The mouthpiece features a smooth, curved tip that feels comfortable in your mouth. It’s also lightweight to hold, making it one of the comfiest options on this list. This feature is especially helpful because it requires three minutes of daily upkeep.
With regular use, you’ll notice steady improvement over time. This red light therapy tool requires only short sessions and features an automatic shutdown. Plus, it takes 10 weeks for results to fully manifest, which falls within the normal timeframe of LED lip devices.
The one caveat: reVive doesn’t specify the number of bulbs of exact wavelengths used on its site. That said, the brand claims it’s equipped with deep red, red, and amber LED lights, but as Dr. Kobets puts it, “that transparency matters for consistency and reproducibility.” But hey, since you’re paying under $100 and the online reviews are pretty solid, can you really complain?
Features at a Glance
| Coverage | Lip only |
| Treatment Time | 3-minutes, daily use |
| Wavelengths | Deep red, red, and amber LEDs, but exact nm wavelengths aren't transparent |
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Can be used 2 ways
Cons
- You can purchase the optional travel case for $30
Prefer to use an LED lip device created by a dermatologist? Reach for this one by Dr. Dennis Gross, maker of TikTok’s favorite LED face mask. It’s equipped with 56 red LED lights that penetrate into the delicate skin to bolster collagen production and firm skin on and around the lips.
Dr. Spearman appreciates that it’s an FDA-cleared LED device supported by clinical studies with good results. Her patients are also big fans who have noticed a mild plumping effect with added volume to their lips.
There are two ways to use this device: with and without the mouthpiece. If you opt for the latter, then you’ll need to detach the tray and hold the device against your mouth during each treatment. It’s a helpful solution if you don’t feel comfy holding the mouthpiece for a few minutes. Regardless of which method you choose, the LED lip device automatically powers down after each three-minute session.
One thing to keep in mind: your new device comes with a travel bag, but if you prefer something more stylish, then you’ll have to pay $30 for the cute LipWare Pro Lip Case with a zipper closure.
Features at a Glance
| Coverage | Lip only |
| Treatment Time | 3 minutes daily |
| Wavelengths | Lip only |
Pros
- Multiple wavelengths
- Wireless
Cons
- Longer treatment time
Sure, all of these devices can help enhance your lips in a subtle way, but Solaris has an advantage: multiple wavelengths. Specifically, the trifecta of red (630nm), deep red (660 nm), and infrared (840 nm) wavelengths.
Dr. Spearman points to the blend of red and deep red LEDs as standout capabilities since they smooth fine lines and enhance the natural lip color, while infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper to support firmness, elasticity, and volume.
The only downside? You’ve gotta commit to 10 minutes five times a week, rather than the minimal 3-minute daily treatments required by my other suggestions. Given the great price and multiple wavelengths, I’m still confident recommending this LED lip device despite its longer upkeep schedule.
Features at a Glance
| Coverage | Lip only |
| Treatment Time | 10 minutes, 3-5 times weekly |
| Wavelengths | Red (630nm), deep red (660 nm), infrared (840 nm) |
Pros
- Women's Health Beauty Award winner
- Cordless
- Long battery life of 120 minutes for LED Light Mode and 60 minutes for Vibration Mode
Cons
- Most expensive model
Yes, this face mask looks reminiscent of the one worn by Michael Myers or Jason, but it's worth it to look like a horror movie villain for a moment. TheraBody is ideal when I’m short on time—offering three- and nine-minute treatments—but want positive skin improvements with zero downtime.
Dr. Ruth recommends it for reducing fine-lines and improving texture on your entire face, rather than just your lips. Dr. Koberts likes that TheraBody doesn’t sit directly on your skin, which reduces sweating.
I’ve been using this LED face mask on and off since it launched in 2023, and it’s one of my favorites for a comfortable fit and multifunctionality. Thanks to a combination of red and infrared lights, the fine lines around my mouth are less noticeable within a month of using this device. But above all, I like that it’s the sole red light therapy tool I’ve tried that provides massaging vibration therapy for instant stress relief around my brows, eyes, and scalp.
Truly, the only downside with this device is the nearly $650 price tag. However, it's a hardshell mask that's easy to clean, features multiple wavelengths and modalities, and covers my entire face. While it requires an upfront investment, my Therabody face mask still looks relatively new after nearly three years of use. It also boasts a 120-minute long battery life—a must for someone like me who always waits until the absolute last minute to recharge my tech.
Features at a Glance
| Coverage | Entire face |
| Treatment Time | 3 and 9-minutes daily |
| Wavelengths | Red (633nm), infrared (830nm), Blue (415 nm) |
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Kseniya Kobets, MD, MHS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in New York.
- Dr. Nicole Ruth, DO, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York.
- Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Indiana.
How does red light therapy work on the thin, delicate skin of our lips?
Red light therapy works on lip skin the same way it does on the rest of the face, but the epidermis (thin outer layer of skin) and rich blood supply of the lips can make changes more noticeable.
“Red and near-infrared wavelengths are absorbed by chromophores in the mitochondria—particularly cytochrome c oxidase—which increases ATP production and alters cell signaling, leading to enhanced fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, and improved tissue repair,” explains Dr. Ruth.
At the same time, it can promote vasodilation (blood vessels to widen) and better microcirculation, which is why lips may appear healthier-looking after consistent use, even though the treatment is non-thermal and doesn’t burn or ablate the surface, she continues.
Does LED light therapy work on lip filler?
The short answer: Yes. Allow Dr. Ruth to explain: At-home devices have relatively lower power levels, so they won’t dissolve or melt hyaluronic acid filler.
“There’s no evidence that properly used LED light therapy interferes with filler structure and its effects, like improved microcirculation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced collagen support in surrounding tissues,” she says. “Consider it support, not a way to boost filler longevity beyond what we know it can do.”
Timing is also key. Dr. Ruth advises waiting until any post-injection bruising or irritation has resolved—often within a week or two—before restarting LED.
Is an LED lip mask safe for me?
Truthfully, the answer depends on your medical history.
If you’re dealing with active lip eczema, perioral dermatitis, or severely compromised barrier around the mouth then you should be cautious with lip LED devices, according to Dr. Ruth. The occlusive design, slight warmth, and friction of a mouthpiece or mask can aggravate already inflamed skin, even though the light itself is non-thermal, she continues.
Now if you have photosensitive conditions, like lupus or certain porphyrias, a history of cold sores, taking photosensitizing medications, or have a history of skin cancer on or very close to your lips then consult with you dermatologist before using at-home red light therapy, suggests Dr. Ruth. Additionally, if you have certain eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts then you should not use LED light, adds Dr. Spearman.
More Beauty Products We Tried And Love
Best Hand Cream | Best At Home Laser Hair Removal | Best Red Light Therapy Tools | Best LED Face Mask | Best Moisturizer For Mature Skin | Best Wrinkle Cream | Best At Home Waxing Kit | Best Body Wash For Women | Best Moisturizer For Mature Skin | Best Hair Brush | Best Microcurrent Device
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.
Derm-Approved Face Washes That Editors Actually Use
Hilary Duff Drops Reebok Activewear at Walmart
Shop Kerry Washington’s Exact Vuori Cover Look
The 9 Best Cooling Sheets, Tested by Editors
