Does the £199 UKLash LED face mask really compete with more expensive models?

UKLash – the brand behind one of my favourite ever eyelash growth serums – has launched a red light therapy mask: news which peaked my interest when it landed in my inbox a couple of months back.

I've led on GLAMOUR's testing of the best LED face masks for the past five years – and they're one of a few skincare gadgets which I genuinely notice a difference when using. On the topic, I've interviewed countless experts; I've spoken on BBC Radio 4's Sliced Bread LED face masks special – and in turn, I've become rather fussy. I like to think I know what I'm talking about when it comes to red light therapy: what a good LED face mask looks like, and when a brand might be over-promising.

As is often the case when you test products for a living, I landed on a tried-and-trusted favourite a while back. I use it every night, after cleansing, without fail – and I'll wax lyrical to anyone who will listen about how good it is. That said, I'm always on the look-out for new launches that might offer some healthy competition… and if something is released at a more competitive price point? Even better.

Back to news of the UKLash LED face mask launch – or the UKSkin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask, as it's officially called. It promises smoother, firmer skin and a more balanced skin tone (as most do), by emitting red light at 630nm (nanometers) and near infrared light at 830nm. This is the clinically proven combination known to kickstart the cellular renewal process, as those in-the-know will recognise. That's a very good start. More impressively, you get the same wavelength emission offered by other models for under £200. Whew.

So, how did it compare? Was it really good enough for me to consider ditching my more-expensive fave? Ahead, read my honest UKLash LED face mask review.

UKSkin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask: at a glance

How I tested the UKSkin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask:

As a Shopping team, we pride ourselves on providing GLAMOUR readers with honest and detailed reviews of the products we test. What's the point, otherwise? We've been testing a variety of red light therapy devices for the past half-decade – from the Dr Dennis Gross LED face mask, to the CurrentBody LED face mask and Shark LED face mask. Scoring each on how well they lived up to their very steep claims.

When testing the UKLash face mask, I looked at the science-y things – like whether it emitted the right wavelengths of light to actually be effective, and how many bulbs it has – as well as the practicalities. Did it feel comfortable to wear? Turn off automatically after my treatment? Come with accessories like eye protection and a remote control?

I tested the UKSkin LED dual light pro-therapy face mask at home, using it instead of any other model, every evening. I used it alongside existing favourites in my skincare routine (the Elemis Pro-Collagen cleansing balm will never be made redundant) and took before and after photographs to compare results.

UKSkin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask: What's included in the box?

• The mask.
• The wired remote control.
• Two eye shields.
• An instruction manual.
• A USB charger.
• A velcro head strap.

UKSkin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask: Product deep dive

The UK Skin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy face mask comes in a sleek, white recyclable box. Most masks I've reviewed in the past have been white or metallic, so noticing that this iteration is turquoise was pleasing – if irrelevant to how well it works. It feels appealing to a younger audience, and it's really photogenic.

I also rated that the mask came fully charged, meaning you can kickstart your treatment from the moment the mask is delivered. Not all masks offer the same privilege.

My first step was to attach the eye shields – easily done – and then figure how the head strap attached to the mask. Initial concerns? The head strap looked very short, and while stretchy, I wasn't convinced it'd fit comfortably around my larger-than-average head. A problem for later, I decided.

I put my thought aside and began to consider the technology the brand – who have seen a 1,000% increase in sales year-over-year, FYI – have used.

When deciding which LED face mask to buy, it can be easy to become impressed by promises of countless coloured lights and high bulb-count. But actually, what we should be looking for is whether the mask emits clinically-proven wavelengths of light. In the same way you'd note concentration of vitamin C in a vitamin C serum, judging a mask on the wavelengths of light it emits is a good starting point in judging how effective it'll be.

The most clinically-proven wavelengths of light are 633 nanometers and 830 nanometers. These are proven to make a difference to the skin’s hydration, wrinkles and firmness over time. Impressively, despite this mask's sub-£200 price point, it harnesses the power of Red light at 630nm (nanometers), and Near Infrared Light at 830nm. While my other go-to mask harnesses the power of Deep Near-Infrared, too, this offering makes the UKSkin mask comparable to most other market-leading products.

Once I had ensured the wavelengths of light were competitive, I wanted to ensure that coverage was good, too. Good coverage across the entirety of your face can be achieved by a high number of bulbs, as well as good placement of the bulbs. Some masks even harness the power of patented pillow technology, which enhances the efficacy and distribution of high quality LED wavelengths to ensure complete and evenly-distributed skin coverage.

UKLash can't use patented pillow technology, so I decided to look at the number of LED bulbs they had landed on. The UKSkin mask features 112 medical-grade LEDs, which is slightly slower than I'd have liked to see for the most effective treatment. If you spend more money, you'll likely see a higher bulb count (my favourite boast upwards of 230).

That said, there was nothing else that I could spot that the mask didn't do. It has the same 10-minute treatment time which lots of competitors recommend, and again, the price point is really good.

Time to put the mask on.

As expected, I found the head strap a little too tight for me. I would've liked a little more give, alongside a cross-strap design. Generally, I find a duo of straps which cross at the back of the head to be better for keeping your mask in place – it ensures the single strap doesn't slip beneath the crown of your head.

The fact that the UKSkin strap slipped not only meant that the mask wasn't secure enough for me to comfortably move around in, but it also meant that the mask didn't sit flush to my chin. I know that LED masks need to sit flush against the skin to ensure that they actually deliver the results they have the potential to, so this was a bit of a concern for me.

Despite those niggles, there was lots I did really like. The remote is responsive and easy-to-use, the eye guards make the red light comfortable on my sensitive eyes, and actually, the fact that the mask only has one light treatment mode made it totally fool-proof. I only ever end up using one treatment mode in my other LED face mask, anyway.

Further, the battery life is very impressive: you can get 10 treatments out of a single charge – as is the fact that the charger comes with various adapters for international travel. I always like to take my LED face mask on holiday, but not all premium masks come with adapters to allow you to charge them while you're there.

Is the UKSkin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask safe for all skin types?

Yes, the UKSkin LED face mask is safe for all skin types, though the brand recommends that you should check the product manual if you have a particular skincare condition or concern which you'd like further instruction around. Always consult a dermatologist if you have questions based on your own skin type.

UKSkin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask: The verdict

LED face masks, generally speaking, need to be used every single day to ensure you notice a difference. Consistency is absolutely key here – and the fact that I've been consistent with other treatments for quite a long time meant that I was at a bit of an advantage when it came to seeing results. How much was delivered by UKSkin, and how much an improvement on the treatment I'd already been benefiting from?

The technology used – Red light at 630nm (nanometers), and Near Infrared Light at 830nm – means I'm confident the mask has potential to deliver results on someone who has never invested before. If you've got £400 to spend, I'd probably go for something which is better-fitting, to avoid risking a less-than-optimum treatment. But, if you're looking for a sub-£200 option and don't mind risking it on the fit, this is the best affordable mask I've seen come to market in a long time.

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