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Red Light Therapy Is a Superpower Against Fine Lines, Hyperpigmentation, Dullness, and More…
For the past year or so, I’ve seen everyone from celebs (Reese Witherspoon, Chase Stokes) to everyday gals like myself gushing about the benefits of red light therapy. The treatment is effective when used all over the body, but people seemed focused on facial red light therapy devices in particular.
I was intrigued, so I decided to investigate the legitimacy of red light therapy for myself… and, most importantly, determine which facial mask is the best on the market.
Step 1… Locate Top Brands
I spent days combing through articles, comment sections, and reviews until I narrowed the many red light therapy options down to two top contenders: the Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask. & LightBoost Topical Kit and the Omnilux Contour Face. Naturally, I had already established a few categories to evaluate and compare:
- Price
- Efficacy
- Quality
- Customer Experience
But before I dig into their differences, let me set up the origin stories for you…
Meet the Contestants
Omnilux was launched in 2003. Their technologies were first used at the UK Paterson Institute for Cancer Research to treat non-melanoma skin cancers and quickly became a favorite of dermatologists and clinicians. Shortly afterward, the Omnilux Contour Face was born to bring the cosmetic and therapeutic effects of red light therapy treatment into personal homes.
Solawave was founded in 2020 on the belief that science-backed skincare should be accessible to the average person outside the confines of (overpriced) salons and treatment centers. In short, everyone should have access to high-quality skincare. Solawave ran with that mission and has racked up the awards (28 and counting) ever since.
While both the Omnilux and Solawave masks are rechargeable, portable, and FDA-cleared, there are several differences between these two red light therapy titans. Let’s get into the comparison…
Category #1: Price (We’re All Thinking It)
I wish money was no object, but that’s simply not the case. I’ll get right down to it: the Omnilux Contour Face is $395 while Solawave’s Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask & LightBoost Topical Kit is $405. That’s a $10 difference, and because the Solawave mask comes with a cream formulated to strengthen your results, it feels like a small price to pay.
I also want to flag that even as the skincare enthusiast I am, I don’t typically go around dropping hundreds of dollars on products or treatments. During my red light therapy research period, I learned that salon and other professional treatments can cost up to $1,000s of dollars. In comparison, BOTH Omnilux and Solawave are much more affordable. That said, there can be only one winner…
Price Category Winner: Solawave
Category #2: Efficacy and Usability (Does It Really Work?)
Now, for the good stuff. I ordered both masks so that I could offer a first-hand account of my experience with each. The Omnilux Contour Face has two behind-the-head straps and a clunky handheld controller to turn it off and on, which may sound convenient but proved annoying. The bottom strap was difficult to secure and felt a bit overkill—it’s not like I was planning on a jog while I used the thing!
On the other hand, Solawave’s mask was much easier to handle. The remote was thin and small, and the mask only had one strap so it was easy to take on and off. It also automatically turns off after the 10-minute suggested treatment time, which I appreciated because I didn’t have to set a timer and/or worry about losing track of time altogether.
The paired LightBoost topical is intended for everyday use, which I appreciate because even when I don’t use the mask, I apply it and know that I’m taking steps toward the skin I’ve been dreaming of. I visited my sister after one full week of using the full Solawave system, and before “hello” she said my skin was glowing and asked what products and treatments I’d used.
My curiosity about red light therapy is fueled by the desire to improve my skin, so the fact that Solawave’s mask and topical made a noticeable difference meant the world to me. Though I did notice benefits from the Omnilux mask as well, receiving the compliment from my sister was enough to give Solawave the nod.
Efficacy Winner: Solawave
Category #3: Nitty-Gritty Details
Both the Solawave and Omnilux masks harness the power of red light and near-infrared light, unique but complementary therapies. The wavelengths generated by each are almost exactly the same, as are the technological details of the masks. Both have 66 LED Bulbs and are made with medical-grade silicone for flexible and hygienic mask-on-skin contact. In the end, this category was essentially a wash… (I’m as disappointed as you are).
Details Winner: TIED
Category #4: The Customer Experience
I’ve come to appreciate this category over time. How receptive a brand is when it comes to returns or questions is extremely important to me, as it ultimately helps me to determine whether I want to support their brand. TLDR; The customer experience tells me how much this company cares.
Solawave offers free shipping on orders over $20 (obviously not a problem if you’re buying the Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Mask) and Omnilux ships for free on orders over $100.
As for returns, Solawave has a 100% Money-Back Guarantee (and free returns) up to 60 days post-purchase, while Omnilux accepts returns only 30 days after purchase.
Both brands feature strong warranties, but a solid return policy is most important to me. I ultimately sided with Solawave on this one.
Customer Experience Winner: Solawave
And the (Red Light Therapy Mask) Award Goes To…
Picking a winner between the Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask and LightBoost Topical Kit and the Omnilux Contour Face was a tough call to say the least. Both made strong cases for themselves, and ultimately your final decision will come down to personal preference. For me, personally, the winner is Solawave.
Solawave’s price is right, but even more importantly, I felt more confident in the results. (As did everyone around me). Between the single back strap, sleek remote, and eye-framing cushions, the design felt more intuitive and user-friendly. Plus, their LightBoost Face & Neck Rich Cream is my new favorite skincare step.
Not to mention, the 60-day return policy is one of the best I’ve seen. From every angle, Solawave is true to their mission of broadening the accessibility of high-quality skincare—and they deliver above and beyond what I hoped for.
