Well, it happened. We heard so much discourse about the competing skincare brands that we had no choice but to compare them side-by-side.
By reviewing products drowning in industry hype, our team brings those *truly* deserving of praise to the surface. Our goal is always to support our readers in making informed and quality lifestyle purchases!
The Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask & LightBoost Serum Kit and the Current Body LED Light Therapy Face Mask (Series 1) are exactly the type of talked-about industry leaders we seek out. We finally put them to the test.
Our evaluation is structured around the following 4 categories:
- Value
- Features
- Comfort
- Results
To gather as much data as possible, we had three editors use each mask for two weeks and document the experience along the way. Before swapping brands, they waited a full month to “reset.” At the end, we synthesized their findings.
Before we get into differences, we’ll lay out the similarities.
Leveling the Playing Field
First thing’s first. Here’s what our contestants have in common:
- FDA-Cleared
- HSA/FSA Eligible
- Wireless & Rechargable
- 10-Min Treatment Time
- Protective Eyewear Included
- 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Celebrity Endorsements
Now, for the good stuff…
Value: Solawave
The Elephant in the Room ($)
We’ll come right out and say it: the CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask (Series 1) is $379.99 and Solawave’s Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask & LightBoost Serum Kit is $425.
Obviously, there’s a $45 price difference at play here. That’s why we had to account for what each mask came with…
What’s Included
The CurrentBody mask comes with a USB-C charging cable, user manual, eye inserts, controller, and storage bag.
Solawave’s mask kit comes with the aforementioned components as well as two adjustable, detachable head straps and a giant pump of their best-selling LightBoost Face & Neck Serum ($56 value).
Plus, we were able to snag the kit on a rare 35% off Mother’s Day Sale so we paid only $276.26 for the full duo—lower than the asking price of either mask.
Warranty
CurrentBody’s 2-year warranty (double the length of Solawave’s) was an attractive feature, even though ideally we’d never have to use it. That said, we appreciated the low free shipping cap on Solawave orders: just a $20 minimum, as opposed to $150 at CurrentBody.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, we had to hand this category to Solawave. Despite a shorter warranty, their red light therapy kit further legitimized itself (and its price) with the inclusion of a high-powered LightBoost serum. The discount didn’t hurt, either!
Category Winner: Solawave
Features: Tied
Materials
Both masks are made with silicone. That said, only Solawave’s silicone is medical-grade, which means it was produced and purified in compliance with healthcare industry standards. Good to know, especially in light of its prolonged skin contact…
Light Power
When it comes to the red light itself, the Solawave and CurrentBody masks are neck-and-neck… or should we say, face-and-face? Both brands combine 132 Red and Near-Infrared LED light bulbs with essentially the same measurements in nanometers (nm):
Given that their light measurements are essentially tied, we let both sides share this category.
Category Winner: Tied
Comfort: Solawave
Eye Protection
While both CurrentBody and Solawave include optional protective eyewear with their masks, the former features full-coverage goggles (think retro tanning bed) while the latter includes rimmed inserts for the eyeholes built into the mask.
Our testers found both pros and cons in either situation. Some liked to read or watch a show while wearing the mask, which became impossible with their eyes covered. That said, because the 10-min treatment time is so short, CurrentBody’s goggles are a nice (if forced) reason to take that time for you and your skincare alone.
Coverage
A few of our testers expressed confusion at the split nose design on the CurrentBody Mask. At a multi-hundred-dollar price point, maximizing coverage should be pretty key, right? The sliver of exposed skin created by this two-piece flap wasn’t overly large, but still… it was nonexistent on the Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Mask. We promised to be thorough, didn’t we?
Fit
When it came to fit, we received a lot of feedback. Testers agreed unanimously that the part-rubber part-elasticized fabric band on the CurrentBody mask hit too low on the head, and for that reason, it slipped often. (The rubber also pulled on some testers’ hair).
Solawave’s mask had a completely fabric strap, which preserved both (a) strands and (b) patience.
Despite the fact that both masks are adjustable, the awkward design of the CurrentBody strap was such that no level of adjustment could save the experience. Solawave took this category, too.
Category Winner: Solawave
Results: Solawave
Skin Concerns
The CurrentBody and Solawave masks are designed for individuals seeking the same set of anti-aging skincare goals: tighter, smoother, and brighter skin. Both masks (and their respective brands) claim to help even skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and lift the skin.
Changes We Observed
Remember that bottle of LightBoost Face & Neck Serum? This is where it shines… literally.
Our editors were unanimously impressed with the silky consistency of the serum, which was formulated with the sole purpose of enhancing the results of red light therapy. Editors reported less texture and softened fine lines, and one said she felt an extra glow after just one week of serum and mask use.
While both masks elicited the slow, subtle build of firmer and brighter skin, applying the LightBoost Face & Neck Serum was a simple and effective way to strengthen results.
Because Solawave’s LightBoost topicals are intended for everyday use, two editors incorporated the serum into their everyday skinare routine while using the mask. “It was rewarding to chip away at my skincare goals even on off-days when I wasn’t using the mask,” One reviewer wrote.
In fact, two of our three editors received compliments on their skin from friends during the Solawave trial period (as opposed to only one during the CurrentBody run).
Solawave’s commitment to results by way of cutting-edge skincare topicals edged them ahead of CurrentBody for this category.
Category Winner: Solawave
In Summary? We’re Team Solawave, All the Way
With roughly the same average ratings in customer reviews (4.6/5 and 4.7/5 stars, respectively) Solawave and CurrentBody set similarly high precedents for themselves. Although they shared a range of classifications (FDA cleared, HSA/FSA eligible) and specifications (light power, treatment time) the two red light therapy experiences were not created equal.
Chief among our reason for picking Solawave’s Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask & LightBoost Serum Kit—aside from their sleek, industry-leading design and value—was the LightBoost Face & Neck Serum.
Not only did the high-powered topical carry our $ further, but it increased the efficacy of results.
Solawave’s dedication to customers is exemplified by the decision to create result-boosting topicals for all red light therapy enthusiasts. That’s right—if you already own the CurrentBody LED Light Terapy Face Mask, you can still enjoy the supercharging benefits of Solawave’s LightBoost skincare. To us, this says it all. Regardless of where your light therapy loyalties may lie, Solawave is loyal to one vision only: dreamy, satisfied skin.