Why we’re here
Beauty-device shopping comes with a lot of labels. Mask & Wand brings device names and regulatory records together and turns them into one honest pick for you. Adam Savoy owns this independent site.
What “FDA cleared” means
A 510(k) substantial-equivalence decision relates to a particular device and intended use. It does not establish that one device works better than another. “FDA approved” refers to a different regulatory pathway and is not interchangeable with “FDA cleared.” What clearance means
How we match devices
We fetch the FDA’s public classification and 510(k) datasets. First we verify each product code’s device description and regulation. We then link a curated retail model only when the fetched record names that model or another cited source establishes the connection. An applicant or brand alone is not enough to transfer clearance between models.
Some FDA records use OEM names. We leave those retail mappings unverified until the connection is evidenced. An unverified match does not mean a device lacks clearance.
Product-code scope
OHS: light-based wrinkle devices; OHT: light-based hair removal; OLP: OTC acne light devices; NFO: aesthetic electrical stimulators; PAY: OTC RF devices. Technology labels are browsing categories, not promises about a record’s exact operating mode. The full classification review includes excluded candidates and reasons.
The FDA browser includes all fetched substantially-equivalent 510(k) records in these codes, including professional devices. Non-510(k) records such as De Novo decisions are excluded. It is not an exhaustive list of all beauty devices or all regulatory pathways.
Prices, specs, and comparisons
Prices and technical specs require a fetched source URL and retrieval date. Missing facts read “Not yet verified.” Manufacturer research is still pending in this preview, so prices and technical specs are mostly unlisted. Device-type pages are alphabetical listings, not effectiveness rankings. Comparisons use the same factual fields and make no medical or performance claims.
Refreshes and corrections
The FDA refresh script retrieves every available page for the included codes, with rate limiting, bounded retries, and failure-safe replacement. A weekly workflow is included; it must be explicitly enabled before any hosted runs. FDA data may lag current records. Check the linked FDA record and manufacturer instructions before making a decision.
How the quiz picks · Classification review (JSON) · FDA snapshot (JSON)