I ❤️ Solawave so much, I convinced them to sponsor this post.
I spent $400 on a mask that barely worked, then I tried this $299 mask that erased my forehead lines in 2 weeks.
My dermatologist has been recommending red light therapy to me for years. This is the one trend, she says, that actually holds up: quality red light therapy is a surefire way to reduce the appearance of fine lines, reduce inflammation, and smooth and even out skin tone.
Here’s the issue: I was never really ready to shell out hundreds of dollars for in-office treatments, especially not on the regular basis the therapy requires. So when I saw the potential for getting this technology, affordably, at home? I was very intrigued. There’s a lot there, but two devices in particular kept popping up on my feed: CurrentBody’s LED Red Light Therapy Mask and Solawave’s Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask.
Both FDA-cleared and clinically tested, these powerhouse masks promise the effects of thousands of dollars of professional treatment, from the comfort of your own home. I couldn’t decide, of course, so I did what any self-respecting beauty editor would do…
I bought them both and tested them out for weeks to see which one was worth keeping. Here’s what happened.
First, a Little Background on the Brands…
CurrentBody: Clinic Vibes, At-Home Version
CurrentBody started out as a retailer for salon-grade beauty tech and gradually built a name around bringing professional treatments into people’s homes. Their red light therapy mask is one of their flagship products and has become especially popular among skincare enthusiasts looking for anti-aging tools without the clinic visit.
The mask itself uses red and near-infrared light to help with collagen production and overall skin tone. It’s often seen in high-end facial treatments, but when it comes to the at-home version, it’s pretty no-frills. Effective, but minimal in scope with no supporting serums or bonus features. (And a steeper price point than most at nearly $400…)
Solawave has only been around since 2020, but in that time, it’s gone from under-the-radar newcomer to one of the most talked-about brands in skincare with:
- 4.7/5 stars from 726,000+ reviews.
- Featured products in Vogue, Forbes, Allure, Byrdie, and Harper’s Bazaar
- Glamour calling the brand’s tech “genius.”
- Men’s Health dubbing their wand “the holy grail of skincare devices.”
Solawave’s full-face option, the Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask, has quickly become a huge standout in their lineup. It uses both red and near-infrared light (the same combo seen in clinical devices) and comes paired with their LightBoost Topical, a serum formulated to amplify results and support longer-term skin health. This is the brand known for going above and beyond (for a fraction of the cost of competitors)… and the Wrinkle Retreat Mask is no different, it seems.
But which luxury red-light device actually earned a permanent spot in my routine? Let’s break it down.
Price: Solawave
Neither of these devices is exactly cheap, but there’s a meaningful difference in what you’re getting for your money. The CurrentBody mask retails for $380, and that’s just for the device. You’ll need to purchase any serums or topical treatments separately, which can add up fast. Very fast.
Solawave’s Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask costs $425, though it’s currently on sale for just $299. The big differentiator here is that Solawave’s mask comes with their iconic LightBoost face and neck serum, shown to boost the effects of light therapy with biomimetic peptides and “phyto stem cell extract,” whatever that is. Even at full price, you’re getting more in terms of value with Solawave.
With the Solawave sale price, though? Not even a contest. Hopefully it’s still active by the time you’re reading this.
First Impressions + Experience: Solawave
The CurrentBody mask is full-face, white, sleek, and has that “I just left a medspa” aesthetic. But when it came to using it day to day, it felt clunky. The Velcro strap never quite fit my head right, and the separate wired remote was fine, but not exactly seamless. I often found myself fumbling with the fit and mentally negotiating whether it was worth the hassle that day.
Solawave’s Wrinkle Retreat Mask was a different story. The mask was lightweight, the single strap was simple to secure and kept the mask firmly in place, and the compact remote was intuitive and easy to use. It also auto-shuts off after the 10-minute session, which sounds like a small thing, but ended up being really useful.
As a bonus, Solawave’s LightBoost serum became a staple in my routine all on its own. Even on days I didn’t mask, I found myself reaching for it just to add a little extra hydration and glow. For just the experience itself, gotta go with Solawave again in this category.
The Results: Solawave
I used each mask consistently for three to four weeks—three to four sessions per week, about 10 minutes each time. I was careful to keep the rest of my skincare routine the same so I could actually tell what was making the difference. Here’s what I learned:
With CurrentBody, the changes were modest. My skin tone looked slightly more even and maybe a bit firmer, but nothing dramatic. It was one of those “I think it’s doing something?” situations—but not quite enough to wow me.
Solawave, on the other hand, delivered visible results almost immediately. Within a week, my skin looked more refreshed and noticeably less puffy, especially around the eyes. Over time, I started to see a difference in the fine lines on my forehead and even my 11s, which have been hanging out uninvited for a while now. There was something about the combo of red light and Solawave’s kick-ass serum that felt more than the sum of its parts.
The Bottom Line: Go With What Works For You. I Know Which Mask I’ll Be Keeping.
CurrentBody isn’t a bad or ineffective product by any means. It does what it says, and for those who are purely focused on red light therapy in its most traditional form, it may check the right boxes. But for me, Solawave simply offered more. More convenience. More thoughtful design. More support for the treatment via skincare. And, most importantly, more visible results.
Solawave’s mission is about making professional-grade skincare more accessible, and it shows. It’s the kind of product that integrates into your life without requiring you to change it, and that’s what keeps me using it week after week. It’s worth mentioning that both products come with a 60-day money-back guarantee and free shipping, so you can try them out for youself if you’re on the fence.
