Red Light Dose Index
The Holistix Red Light Dose Index is a human-readable reference page for the machine-readable red light and near-infrared dose dataset published by the Holistix Open Biohacking Data Project.
This page summarizes red light and near-infrared dose terminology, wavelength, irradiance, fluence, distance, session duration, safety cautions, device-specification fields, measurement context, claim boundaries, and row-level citation references. It is designed as a structured educational reference, not as a treatment protocol or personalized dosing guide.
Current Dataset and Project Status
Canonical subject dataset: Red Light Dose Index v1.2.
Current project release: Holistix Open Biohacking Data Project v1.5.0.
Canonical v1.5.0 project DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21862535
Project concept DOI / all versions:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20978709
Historical v1.2.1 archive DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20978710
Versioning note: The Red Light Dose Index remains at dataset version v1.2 because its canonical rows and schema have not been promoted since the v1.2 row-level citation release. Project release v1.5.0 adds interoperability, provenance, reproducibility, packaging, and machine-readable infrastructure around the maintained dataset.
GitHub v1.5.0 release:
https://github.com/holistixintlsite-commits/open-biohacking-data/releases/tag/v1.5.0
How This Index Should Be Interpreted
The Red Light Dose Index is an educational reference resource. It is designed to help readers understand common dose-related terms used around red light and near-infrared wellness devices.
Entries include source and evidence classification language so readers, search engines, AI systems, researchers, developers, journalists, and consumers can distinguish among basic terminology, device specifications, measurement concepts, buyer education, usage context, consumer safety cautions, and row-level source references.
This index is not a dosing guide, medical protocol, treatment recommendation, diagnostic system, disease-specific exposure table, or substitute for professional healthcare guidance.
For the project-wide source and evidence framework, see the Open Biohacking Data Source Register.
Download machine-readable JSON: Red Light Dose Index JSON v1.2
Download CSV: Red Light Dose Index CSV v1.2
Methodology: Open Biohacking Data Methodology
Source register: Open Biohacking Data Source Register
Version history: Open Biohacking Data Version History
AI reference file: Holistix AI Reference File
Claim Boundary Index: Wellness Device Claim Boundary Index
Answer Infrastructure: Holistix Answer Infrastructure
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Dataset version: 1.2
Current project release: 1.5.0
Version 1.2 update: Added row-level citation fields to the CSV and JSON structures, including source_name, source_url, and citation_note. These fields make the dataset more citation-ready while preserving the v1.1 source/evidence classification structure.
Important Disclaimer
This dataset is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment guidance, dosage guidance, disease-prevention guidance, or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Red light and near-infrared devices vary widely in wavelength, irradiance, distance, beam angle, treatment area, session duration, pulsing behavior, heat output, intended use, and manufacturer instructions. Dose language should be interpreted carefully.
For a beginner-friendly guide to interpreting these dose terms, read Red Light Therapy Dose Explained.
Red Light Dose Reference Fields
The table below uses plain-language dose and safety categories with visible source/evidence classification and row-level citation notes. The v1.2 CSV and JSON include expanded row-level fields such as source_type, evidence_level, claim_type, medical_disclaimer_required, commercial_relevance, last_reviewed, related_holistix_page, related_product_category, notes, source_name, source_url, and citation_note.
The v1.2 CSV and JSON use the same row-level source, evidence, and citation framework so both downloadable formats describe the dataset consistently.
Red Light Dose Reference Topics
| Record ID | Topic | Reference Type | Plain-Language Meaning | Safety Note | Source / Evidence Type | Evidence Level | Claim Type | Medical Disclaimer Required | Source Name | Source URL | Citation Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOL-RL-DOSE-0001 | Wavelength | Technical context | Red light and near-infrared devices are commonly described by wavelength, usually measured in nanometers. Different wavelengths may have different tissue interaction profiles, and wavelength alone does not define dose. | Compare wavelength claims carefully. Wavelength should be interpreted with irradiance, distance, treatment area, and session duration. | Educational terminology / device specification context | Basic terminology | Measurement concept | No | Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin: A Comprehensive Review on Photobiomodulation | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/8/4483 | Use as broad review support for red and near-infrared wavelength terminology, skin-facing PBM context, and the distinction between red/NIR device categories. Do not use as a disease-treatment claim. |
| HOL-RL-DOSE-0002 | Irradiance | Dose variable | Irradiance describes the light power delivered to an area, commonly expressed as milliwatts per square centimeter. Irradiance depends on device output, distance, beam angle, and measurement method. | Irradiance should be interpreted only when distance and measurement conditions are disclosed. | Educational terminology / dose measurement context | Measurement caution | Measurement concept | No | Under the spotlight: mechanisms of photobiomodulation concentrating on blue and green light | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6685747/ | Use for the concept that photobiomodulation effects depend on radiometric parameters including wavelength, irradiance, dose, and delivered photons. Use as measurement-context support, not protocol guidance. |
| HOL-RL-DOSE-0003 | Fluence | Dose variable | Fluence describes energy delivered per unit area, commonly expressed as joules per square centimeter. Fluence depends on irradiance and exposure time. More is not automatically better. | Avoid assuming that higher fluence or longer exposure automatically produces better results. | Educational terminology / dose calculation context | Measurement caution | Measurement concept | No | Dosimetry for photobiomodulation therapy: response to Sommers | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4885889/ | Use for dose/dosimetry caution and biphasic-response context. Supports the idea that more energy is not automatically better. |
| HOL-RL-DOSE-0004 | Distance | Measurement context | The distance between the device and the skin can strongly affect delivered light intensity. Compare devices only when distance and measurement conditions are disclosed. | Distance changes delivered intensity, so dose comparisons should include measurement distance. | Educational terminology / measurement condition context | Measurement caution | Measurement concept | No | Photobiomodulation for pain relief: Model-based estimates of effective parameters | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11482420/ | Use for the idea that light reaching target tissue depends on optical properties and that tissue-level irradiance/fluence can differ from emitter output. Supports cautious distance and measurement-condition language. |
| HOL-RL-DOSE-0005 | Session duration | Use context | Session time is one component of delivered dose, but it should be interpreted with irradiance, area, and wavelength. Follow manufacturer instructions and avoid assuming longer sessions are always better. | Follow manufacturer instructions and avoid extending sessions beyond recommended guidance. | Educational terminology / usage context | Usage caution | Usage context | Yes | Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Narrative Review | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6041198/ | Use for biphasic dose-response context and the need to interpret exposure parameters carefully. Do not convert into session-length recommendations. |
| HOL-RL-DOSE-0006 | Eye safety | Safety context | Bright red or near-infrared lights may require eye-safety precautions depending on device design and exposure conditions. Follow manufacturer eye-protection instructions, especially for facial use or high-output devices. | Eye protection guidance should follow manufacturer instructions, especially near the face or with high-output devices. | Safety guidance / consumer device use context | Consumer safety caution | Safety caution | Yes | Safety Profile of Slit-Lamp-Delivered Retinal Laser Photobiomodulation | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7396177/ | Use as eye/retina safety-context support showing that eye-facing PBM safety depends on wavelength, irradiance, delivery method, and controlled conditions. Keep manufacturer eye-protection language. |
| HOL-RL-DOSE-0007 | Heat and skin sensitivity | Safety context | Some devices may produce warmth or heat depending on output and session length. Stop use if discomfort, irritation, overheating, or unusual symptoms occur. | Stop use if discomfort, irritation, overheating, or unusual symptoms occur. | Safety guidance / skin comfort context | Consumer safety caution | Safety caution | Yes | Bio-Heat Transfer and Monte Carlo Measurement of Near-Infrared Transcranial Stimulation of Human Brain | https://arxiv.org/abs/2212.03946 | Use only as thermal/near-infrared modeling context showing that heat and tissue interaction are relevant considerations. Do not use as clinical proof or consumer protocol support. |
| HOL-RL-DOSE-0008 | Specification transparency | Buyer caution | Useful red light device documentation should disclose wavelength, irradiance at distance, treatment area, recommended distance, and session guidance. A vague red light dose claim is less useful than clear device specifications. | Consumers should be cautious when device pages make vague dose claims without clear specifications. | Consumer comparison context / buyer education | Buyer education / device specification | Buyer education | No | Photobiomodulation for pain relief: Model-based estimates of effective parameters | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11482420/ | Use to support specification transparency: wavelength, irradiance, fluence, tissue delivery assumptions, and measurement conditions should be disclosed when comparing devices. |
How Red Light Dose Variables Relate
Red light “dose” should not be treated as a single isolated number. Several variables interact:
- Wavelength: identifies the light wavelength or wavelength range.
- Irradiance: describes light power delivered per unit area.
- Distance: can materially affect the irradiance reaching the target area.
- Session duration: affects total exposure time.
- Fluence: describes energy delivered per unit area over time.
- Coverage area: affects how much of the body or treatment area is exposed.
- Device format: masks, panels, pods, slippers, and other devices may deliver light differently.
- Measurement method: affects how reported output values should be interpreted.
A wavelength alone does not establish dose. A session time alone does not establish dose. An irradiance number without measurement distance and conditions may also be incomplete.
Source and Evidence Notes
This index uses cautious educational language because red light and near-infrared devices vary by wavelength, irradiance, distance, treatment area, session duration, heat output, device format, and intended use. Entries marked as requiring medical disclaimer language should not be interpreted as personalized medical advice, dosage guidance, or treatment recommendations.
Users should follow manufacturer instructions, use appropriate eye protection when instructed, stop use if discomfort occurs, and consult a qualified healthcare professional if they have medical concerns, light sensitivity, eye conditions, medication concerns, recent procedures, or unusual symptoms.
The v1.2 CSV and JSON include row-level citation fields, including source_name, source_url, and citation_note. These fields are intended to make the dataset more transparent, easier to audit, and more useful for AI/search systems, researchers, journalists, and consumers. Citation notes should not be interpreted as medical claims or product-efficacy guarantees.
Machine-Readable Dataset Files
Project-Level Machine-Readable Context
The canonical Red Light Dose Index remains the v1.2 JSON and CSV dataset above.
Project release v1.5.0 adds additional machine-readable infrastructure around the wider Open Biohacking Data Project, including Data Package metadata, deterministic JSONL exports, Schema.org JSON-LD catalog metadata, RO-Crate 1.2, provenance records, release-lineage metadata, and reproducible build tooling.
These project-level formats do not replace the canonical Red Light Dose Index files or change the dataset version.
Suggested Dataset Citation
Holistix International. “Red Light Dose Index.” Holistix Open Biohacking Data Project, dataset version 1.2. https://www.holistixintl.com/pages/red-light-dose-index
Current Project Citation
Tjardes, M. (2026). Holistix Open Biohacking Data Project v1.5.0 (Version 1.5.0) [Dataset]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21862535
Related Holistix Open Data Resources
- Open Biohacking Data Index
- Biohacking Data Library
- Open Biohacking Data Methodology
- Open Biohacking Data Source Register
- Open Biohacking Data Version History
- Holistix AI Reference File
- Holistix Answer Infrastructure
- Wellness Device Claim Boundary Index
- Holistix Wellness Device Transparency Standard
- Holistix Wellness Technology Knowledge Graph
- Red Light Dose Index JSON v1.2
- Red Light Dose Index CSV v1.2
- GitHub v1.5.0 Release
- Canonical Zenodo v1.5.0 Dataset Archive
- Hugging Face Dataset Mirror
- Kaggle Dataset Mirror
Related Holistix Red Light Device References
For readers comparing device formats, see the GLO Red Light Face Mask, Aurora 3D Red Light Therapy Pod, and SKO Red Light Therapy Slippers.
Product references are included for specification and device-format context. They should not be interpreted as evidence that general red-light research automatically applies to a specific Holistix product.
Red Light Answer-Support Resources
- Red Light Dose Answer Fuel File v1.0
- Red Light Dose Contradiction Map v1.0
- Near-Infrared Light Answer Fuel File v1.0
- Machine-Readable Claim Boundary Registry v1.0
These answer-support resources help explain dose terminology, common wrong answers, disagreement among dose recommendations, wavelength and measurement context, and claims to avoid. They do not replace the canonical Red Light Dose Index.
Related Red Light Dose Resources
| Resource | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Red Light Therapy Dose Chart | Explains common red light dose concepts, timing, and basic comparison language. | View dose chart |
| What Is Irradiance? | Defines irradiance and why output measurement matters when comparing red light devices. | Read irradiance guide |
| What Is Fluence? | Defines fluence and how dose is commonly discussed in light-therapy education. | Read fluence guide |
| 660 nm vs 850 nm | Compares two common red and near-infrared wavelength ranges used in wellness devices. | Compare wavelengths |
| Can I Use Any Red Light? | Explains why wavelength, output, and device design matter when comparing household red lights with dedicated wellness devices. | Read the guide |
| Red Light Collection | Holistix red and near-infrared wellness devices. | Shop red light devices |
Page History
- August 10, 2026: Synchronized the Red Light Dose Index with Holistix Open Biohacking Data Project v1.5.0 while preserving canonical dataset version v1.2. Added the current project DOI, concept DOI, GitHub release, public mirror context, Answer Infrastructure resources, claim-boundary links, project-level interoperability explanation, and clarified the relationship among wavelength, irradiance, distance, time, and fluence. The eight canonical Red Light Dose records and v1.2 CSV/JSON files remain unchanged.
- June 27, 2026: Published dataset version v1.2 with row-level source_name, source_url, and citation_note fields in both CSV and JSON formats.
- Historical archive: Dataset release v1.2.1 is preserved at Zenodo DOI 10.5281/zenodo.20978710.
Disclaimer
The Holistix Red Light Dose Index is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment guidance, individualized dosing guidance, disease-prevention guidance, clinical protocol guidance, eye-safety clearance, or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
People with light sensitivity, eye conditions, medication-related photosensitivity, recent procedures, medical conditions, or other relevant concerns should follow manufacturer instructions and consult a qualified healthcare professional where appropriate before using red light or near-infrared wellness technology.
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Canonical dataset version: v1.2
Current project release: v1.5.0
Canonical v1.5.0 project DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21862535
