LED Face Mask Buying Guide (2026): LX300 vs. LX500 vs. 7-Color 5D

Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the American Wellness Authority care team

Quick answer: Choose the LX300 if you want an FDA 510(k) Class II cleared mask with blue, red, and near-infrared light for wrinkles and inflammatory acne. Choose the LX500 if you want an FDA 510(k) Class II cleared mask with 5 cleared light modes for more treatment flexibility. Choose the 7-Color 5D mask if you want the most LEDs (288) and a soft silicone fit — note that the 5D is a multi-wavelength LED wellness device, not FDA cleared.

American Wellness Authority makes three LED light therapy masks. They look similar on a shelf, but they're built for different buyers and have different regulatory status. This guide breaks down the real differences.

FDA status — the most important difference

This is what most LED mask buying guides skip.

• LX300: FDA 510(k) Class II cleared for the face. Cleared indications: treatment of full face wrinkles (red 630nm + near-infrared 850nm) and treatment of mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne (blue 415nm or mixed protocol).
• LX500: FDA 510(k) Class II cleared for the face. Five cleared light modes: red, yellow, and red+near-infrared for wrinkles; blue or mixed Red+Blue+Infrared for inflammatory acne.
• 7-Color 5D mask: Multi-wavelength LED wellness device. Not FDA cleared as a medical device. Use for general skincare routines.

The LX300 and LX500 are cleared medical devices for specific dermatological indications. The 5D is a wellness LED mask with more colors and LEDs, but it doesn't carry FDA clearance.

At a glance

*The LX300 includes a complementary neck piece accessory. The neck piece is NOT part of the FDA 510(k) clearance, which covers the face only.

Who each mask is for

LX300 — the FDA-cleared all-rounder ($199.99)

If you want the assurance of FDA 510(k) Class II clearance for both wrinkles and inflammatory acne, this is the one. The LX300 is cleared for full face wrinkles (red 630nm + near-infrared 850nm) and mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne (blue 415nm or mixed protocol). The cleared protocol is 10 minutes per session, 3-4 sessions per week. It includes a complementary neck piece accessory (not part of the FDA clearance — the clearance covers face only).

LX500 — 5 cleared modes for treatment flexibility ($279.99)

Also FDA 510(k) Class II cleared for the face, the LX500 carries five distinct cleared modes: red light, yellow light, and red+near-infrared for full face wrinkles; blue or mixed Red+Blue+Infrared for mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne. Choose this if you want more options within a cleared device — same 10-minute, 3-4x/week protocol.

7-Color 5D mask — the spec leader ($289.99)

With 288 LEDs and a flexible silicone body, this mask contours closely to the face and packs in the most LEDs and color options of any AWA mask. Important: the 5D is a multi-wavelength LED wellness device, NOT an FDA cleared medical device. Choose this if you want maximum LEDs and silicone comfort and don't need the medical-grade FDA clearance.

How to decide in 10 seconds

• "I want an FDA cleared mask for wrinkles and acne." → LX300
• "I want an FDA cleared mask with more treatment options." → LX500
• "I want the most LEDs and a soft silicone fit — medical clearance not required." → 7-Color 5D
• "I also want to treat my body, not just my face." → Consider a panel like the FX500 instead.

Getting the most from any LED mask

• Clean, bare, dry skin before each session.
• 10 minutes per session, 3–4 sessions per week per the FDA cleared protocol for LX300/LX500.
• Apply serums after, not before — let the light reach your skin directly.
• Consistency over weeks is what produces visible change; FDA cleared protocol shows results in 4–12 weeks of consistent use.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the LX300 and LX500?
The LX300 is $199.99 and the LX500 is $279.99, both FDA 510(k) Class II cleared face masks. The LX300 has 3 cleared wavelengths (blue 415nm, red 630nm, near-infrared 850nm) and includes a complementary neck piece accessory. The LX500 has 5 cleared light modes (red, yellow, red+IR for wrinkles; blue, mixed for acne) without a neck piece. Both protocols are 10 minutes, 3–4 sessions per week.

Is the 7-Color 5D mask worth the extra $10?
If you value the most LEDs (288) and a flexible silicone fit, yes — but note that the 5D is a wellness device, not FDA cleared. The LX300 and LX500 are FDA 510(k) Class II cleared medical devices at the same or lower price.

Are these masks safe to use daily?
LED light therapy is generally well tolerated, but the FDA cleared protocol for the LX300 and LX500 is 10 minutes per session, 3–4 sessions per week. Always use included eye protection and follow the manual. Stop and consult a professional if you experience irritation.

Do LED masks really work?
For the LX300 and LX500, both are FDA 510(k) Class II cleared for full face wrinkles and mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne. Results from the cleared protocol typically appear in 4–12 weeks of consistent use. The 5D is a wellness device without FDA clearance — research on LED light for skin is promising but results vary.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. The LX300 and LX500 are FDA 510(k) Class II cleared for specific indications described above; results are not guaranteed. The 5D mask is a wellness device, not FDA cleared. If you have a diagnosed skin condition or take photosensitizing medication, consult a dermatologist before use.