The right serum can amplify your results. Here is what to use to hydrate, firm, and glow—without irritation.
Light therapy is gentle, but it works best on a clean canvas or with water-based conducting agents. Avoid heavy oils or active retinoids immediately before your session. Pair these with a top-rated device from our Best LED Masks list.
| Category | Hydrating | Hydrating | Peptide | Peptide | Barrier-Repair | Barrier-Repair | Sensitive-Skin | Sensitive-Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Four molecular weights of HA | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Peptides + hyaluronic acid | Concentrated peptides | Hyaluronic acid, cica | Pro-vitamin B5, TRP-Regulin | Niacinamide, neurosensine | Multi-molecular HA, botanicals |
| Skin Type | All, especially dry/dehydrated | All, especially normal to dry | All, especially dull or ageing | All, especially mature skin | Dry, sensitive, barrier-compromised | Sensitive, reactive | Sensitive or reactive | All, especially sensitive |
| Price | £18 | £45 | £24 | £50 | £19.75 | £37 | £38 | £25 |
| Retailers | Space NK, Cult Beauty | Medik8, Cult Beauty | John Lewis, The Light Salon | Dermacaredirect, Omnilux | Dermatica | LookFantastic, Boots | Boots, Amazon UK | Neo Elegance, Project E Beauty |
Four molecular weights of HA | £18
A masterclass in hydration. This serum combines four different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to penetrate multiple layers of the skin, ensuring deep, lasting moisture that feels weightless under your LED mask.
Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | £45
This premium serum delivers an instant plumping effect. Its fast-absorbing texture makes it a perfect pre-LED step, enhancing that post-treatment glow while keeping the skin barrier calm and resilient.
Peptides + hyaluronic acid | £24
Formulated specifically by LED experts, this serum supports collagen production and hydration simultaneously. It is designed to work in harmony with your mask to tackle dullness and signs of ageing.
Concentrated peptides | £50
A potent concentrate created to complement medical-grade LED treatments. It focuses on firmness and elasticity, helping to maximise the rejuvenating effects of red light therapy on mature skin.
Hyaluronic acid, cica | £19.75
A gentle powerhouse that strengthens the skin barrier while calming redness. Its invisible finish makes it an excellent, fuss-free option to layer before your LED session.
Pro-vitamin B5, TRP-Regulin | £37
Ideal for skin that feels fragile or reactive. This restorative serum uses postbiotics to soothe and protect, creating a safe, calm environment for your skin to receive light therapy.
Niacinamide, neurosensine | £38
A hero for reactive skin, this serum reduces redness and reinforces the barrier immediately. Its minimalist formula is safe and soothing, making it a trusted companion for LED users with sensitivity.
Multi-molecular HA, botanicals | £25
Lightweight and calming, this serum offers straightforward hydration with botanical extracts. It is a safe, friendly option for keeping sensitive skin balanced and hydrated during light therapy.
SPF is designed to block light. Wearing it during your session will render the LED mask useless. Always apply SPF *after*.
Thick oils create a barrier on the skin, reflecting the light rather than letting it penetrate. Save oils for your last step.
Clear, water-based serums (gels or liquids) are ideal if you want to apply something *before* LED, as they don't block light. However, using LED on clean, dry skin is often the most effective method, followed by your serums.
Vitamin C can degrade under light or cause sensitivity. It’s safer and more effective to apply Vitamin C serum *after* your morning LED session, followed by sunscreen.
Unlike microcurrent devices, LED masks do not require a conductive gel. Any specific 'LED-activated' serums are optional boosters, not requirements.
Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide are excellent companions to red light. They support hydration and collagen production, amplifying the anti-ageing benefits of the mask.