Choosing an LED mask can feel overwhelming. With new masks hitting the market every month, each boasting 'unique' features and big promises (without the proof to back them up), it’s hard to know which one is right for you. One new mask that people are talking about is the Shark CryoGlow. We asked the CurrentBody Product Engineering Team to put the Shark mask to the test, and compare it to our CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2*.
In this review, we’ll explore what makes an LED light therapy mask truly effective and compare how these two devices measure up in technology, design and features.
Shark vs. CurrentBody At A Glance:
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CurrentBody Skin LED Face Mask: Series 2
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Shark CryoGlow
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LED Wavelengths
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Red 633nm Near-infrared 830nm Deep near-infrared 1072nm (Precise wavelengths give more significant results) |
Blue 415nm Red & Infrared 630-830nm |
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Mask Shape & Material
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Lightweight, flexible silicone moulds to every face shape. | Heavy, rigid, hard plastic shape that does not fit smaller faces well. |
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Distance from Skin
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In direct contact with the skin | 1–2cm away from the skin, losing up to 90% of power |
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Coverage
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Best fit for full face & chin coverage | Reduced coverage due to chill pads, silicone eye shields, and forehead padding |
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Noise Level
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Silent | Loud fan |
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FDA Status
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FDA-cleared | Not FDA-cleared |
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Global Reach
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Global | UK-only |
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Category Experience
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Home-use device pioneers since 2009 | Entered LED category 2024 |
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Ease of Transport
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Portable and travel-friendly. | Due to size/weight, not easy to travel with. |
A Deeper Dive into LED Effectiveness
When it comes to achieving brighter, younger-looking skin, flashy features don’t make a difference, and they can even reduce the effectiveness. Instead, effectiveness depends on three critical pillars of LED technology:
1. Coverage - Full, Even Light and Close Contact
“Coverage is about more than just size—it’s about how evenly the light reaches your skin and how closely it sits to your face,” explains the team.
The CurrentBody Mask ensures even light distribution across the treatment area, including critical spots like the forehead, under-eyes and chin. Its flexible silicone design moulds snugly to the face, delivering full-face and chin coverage for a consistent, effective treatment.
In contrast, Shark’s hard rigid plastic design includes padding around the forehead and eyes, as well as chill pads under the eyes. While these features might feel good, it means there is no LED light reaching the eyes or the top of the forehead - two areas where signs of ageing are most prominent.
And distance from the skin matters too:
- The CurrentBody Mask flexible silicone means it sits snugly against the skin, maximising absorption and effectiveness.
- Shark’s mask, due to the new cooling pads and silicone padding, sits up to 2cm away from your face, which means up to 90% of the light power is lost before it reaches the skin.
“The closer the contact, the better the absorption,” says our engineers. “Any gap in coverage, whether from padding or distance, compromises the effectiveness of the treatment.”
2. Precision - The Right Wavelengths
“The right wavelengths are the foundation of LED therapy,” says one of our engineers. “Not just any wavelength will work—you need the exact ones proven in the clinic studies to penetrate the skin at the right depths.”
The CurrentBody Skin LED Mask was designed using three highly precise wavelengths: 633nm (red light), 830nm (near-infrared light), and 1072nm (deep near-infrared light). These wavelengths are individually tested to ensure maximum precision and consistent results.
“Masks that achieve precise, consistent wavelengths will always deliver better results,” our engineers explain. “It’s impossible to reach this level of precision without testing every single LED.”
In contrast, Shark’s mask uses broader wavelength ranges (630–830nm) for their anti-ageing treatments, and don’t include the deep near-infrared light. While these can still provide benefits, their lack of precision may lead to less predictable results.
3. Balanced Power Over Time: Gentle, Consistent Results
“With LED light therapy, more power isn’t always better,” our engineers point out. Research shows that low-level light therapy (LLLT) works best at a lower power for a longer time, and too much power can actually damage the skin.
The CurrentBody Skin LED Mask Series 2 is calibrated to deliver 30mW/cm² across a 10 minute treatment—a balanced power density that promotes gradual, natural improvements over time. In contrast, Shark’s CryoGlow mask operates at 128mW/cm², which may sound impressive, but risks damaging the skin.
“Think of it like watering a plant. Too much water at once can cause damage, but a steady, balanced flow over time helps it grow. The same goes for your skin with LED therapy.”
Power is often used as a buzzword in marketing, but real results come from balanced power paired with the other pillars—precision and coverage. Devices optimised for these three factors consistently outperform those that focus solely on power.
Key Takeaways
After comparing the two masks, let’s dive into the key features of each and how they relate to the three pillars of effective LED therapy.
+ Distance and LED Absorption: CurrentBody’s mask sits directly against the skin, ensuring maximum light absorption. Shark’s mask, sitting 1–2cm away, loses up to 90% of its power before reaching the skin.
+ Coverage & Fit: CurrentBody provides full-face and chin coverage with flexible silicone for a snug fit. Shark CryGlow’s design limits coverage due to padding, cooling pads and rigid shape.
+ Wavelengths: The CurrentBody Skin Series 2 Mask uses three highly precise, clinically proven wavelengths (633nm, 830nm, and 1072nm) while Shark uses broader, less precise ranges across its anti-ageing lights.
+ Global Reach: CurrentBody, founders of the original flexible LED mask, is available in 20 countries worldwide both online and through prestigious retailers like Harrods. With over 2,000 reviews across the LED Light Therapy range, CurrentBody is trusted by 700,000 customers, including celebrities and skincare professionals. Shark, as a newcomer to LED technology, is currently limited to UK distribution. Being new to the market, its technology has not yet been widely reviewed or evaluated by industry leaders.
Secondary Features
Shark’s CryoGlow mask does include some unique features:
+ Under-Eye Cooling Pads: designed to soothe puffiness and refresh tired eyes during treatments.
+ Modern Remote with LED display: The modern LED display makes it easy to navigate through the different treatments.
+ Modern Design: A sleek, futuristic aesthetic
However, as our engineers have explained, while these features make this mask a bit ‘different’, it’s important to remember that they don’t enhance LED performance.
Plus, these built-in features might not be for everyone. The under-eye cooling technology and hard design make the mask heavy (and noisy), and some of our engineers found the eye cooling slightly uncomfortable, which can make it a less relaxing experience.
Final Thoughts
For effective anti-ageing results - such as reduced wrinkles, smoothed fine lines, brighter skin, balanced tone and improved texture - choose a mask that prioritises close contact with the skin, full coverage and precise wavelengths.
*Note: This blog compares the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2 vs Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling + LED Anti-Ageing & Blemish Repair Mask. CurrentBody Skin sells a range of LED masks.
