Best home IPL laser hair removal round-up
Find your perfect match at-home device with this round-up of my favourite tried-&-tested at-home laser and IPL hair removal devices. Iโve tested each one thoroughly.
Tested & written by Laura Gladman
Laura Gladman writes expert reviews about at-home beauty technology. She’s tested and compared over 30 IPL and laser hair removal devices during 10 years of running Wearebodybeautiful.
How I select & test
You can trust my reviews because I thoroughly test each device to give you complete and honest feedback. You won’t find more detailed and informed reviews. Here’s why…
First, I carefully consider which devices to test. Itโs vital they are quality products that are safe and effective. Therefore, all the laser & IPL brands I test & recommend are:
Clinically proven
Studies show theyโre safe & effective so you can be confident they work.
Safety checked
They’re all CE & UKCA certified and/or FDA cleared.
Trusted brands
Only brands with a strong reputation, warranties & customer service
Next, I test the devices over several weeks and months. I review and rate each device against my 4-part scoring criteria so you can compare each for:
- quality & design
- ease of use
- effort & results
- and value for money
You can learn more about how I test and review here.
Can I use it?
If youโre new to IPL and Laser hair removal, there are a few important safety and expectation checks to make before you choose a device.
Key checks
- You are over 16 years old
- You match the safe skin tone guidance
- You match the hair colour guidance
- Youโre NOT pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- Youโve NOT recently sun tanned or used tanning creams
Where can I use it?
- Females use it from the cheekbones down
- Males from the neck & down
- Donโt use it on sun tanned skin, artificial tanned skin, the male beard, genitals, birthmarks, moles, tattoos, permanent make-up, active implants and more.
Medical history
Some medical conditions make you unsuitableย such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, sensitivity to light, skin cancer, chronic skin diseases, epilepsy, diabetes and more.
Medications
Some medications make you unsuitable such as painkillers, anticoagulation medications, medications which make you sensitive to light e.g. Retin A, isotretinoin Accutane and more.
Time & effort
It takes time and effort to see long-lasting results with at-home laser and IPL.
- There’s a start-up schedule, usually one session per week.
- It differs by device, but a full body session takes between 20 to 40 minutes.
- You must shave before your sessions.
- Monthly maintenance sessions then keep you smooth.
Overview of the top IPL & laser devices
These are my recommended at-home IPL and laser devices. There’s a quick comparison of each in the table below, followed by a concise review with pros and cons for each. I tested all the devices over several weekly sessions on my full legs, bikini line, underarms and face.
1. SmoothSkin Pure Adapt
Powerful, extra-easy & the fastest. Auto-match skin tone sensor. Fast & effortless flashes with one perfect-fit flash window. Pricey but excellent value.
Power 3 to 6 J/cm2
My speed test (full leg): 5.5 to 8 mins
US 100-day money-back guarantee
4.9 / 5
$$$
IPL
2. CurrentBody Skin Laser
Chunky but easy gun-shape diode laser. Powerful, fast & continuous flashes, no bright light or sting. Intensive high-effort start-up. Expensive.
Power 2 to 7 J/cm2
My speed test (full leg): 8 mins
90-day money-back guarantee
4.5 / 5
$$$$$
Diode Laser
3. Braun Skin iยทexpert (Pro 7 IPL)
Powerful, fast & easy, with a smart app that’s helpful for IPL newbies. Some tricky areas. You don’t need all the treatment heads. Very expensive.
Power 3 to 6 J/cm2
My speed test (full leg): 6.5 to 9 mins
UK & US 100-day money-back guarantee
4.5 / 5
$$$$$+
IPL
4. Philips Lumea 9000 series
Powerful, easy, comfy gun-shape, cordless option, targeted flash heads, helpful app. Low effort start-up. Slower sessions than rivals. Pricey.
Power 2.5 to 6.5 J/cm2
My speed test (full leg): 10 to 15 mins
UK 100-day money-back guarantee
4.4 / 5
$$$$
IPL
And now the best devices in more detailโฆ
1. SmoothSkin Pure Adapt
TOTAL SCORE:
4.9 / 5
Price range:
$$$
Itโs superb quality, intuitive, agile, powerful, fast & foolproof, with extra-easy flashes everywhere.
Pricey, but the best value premium IPL you can buy.
Safe on light to dark skin:
Works on dark hair:
Good to know:
Auto-matches IPL flashes to your skin tone
Clever flash window adapts to your curves so you donโt need extras!
2-year global warranty
US 100-day money-back guarantee
My test scores breakdown:
Quality & design
4.8 / 5
Ease of Use
5 / 5
Effort & results
4.8 / 5
Value for money
5 / 5
The Pure Adapt is the latest IPL device from SmoothSkin. It features the same advanced skin tone sensor tech as the previous Pure Fit but with an updated clever adaptive flash window so you donโt need any extra heads.
| labels | data |
|---|---|
| Released | April 2024 Cyden Ltd, United Kingdom. |
| Technology | Intense Pulsed Light |
| Standards | Clinically proven CE & UKCA certified FDA cleared (K233782) |
The Adapt stands out from rivals with classy muted sage-green, glossy grey and gold styling (itโs also available in Champagne and Slate Grey). The lightweight, ergonomic curvy shape fits comfortably between my fingers and thumb. I love the robust construction, tactile velvety-feel body, and simple controls on top. Thereโs only one flash window, a matching sage-green long and strong fixed power cord, and unlimited flashes from the IPL bulb so youโll never run out.
Itโs a superb quality device that comes in a simple, branded brown cardboard box. And I love that ALL the packaging inside and out is 100% recyclable โป๏ธ.
High score 4.8/5 for quality & design
The Adapt is one of the most powerful at-home IPLs with a power range of 3 to 6 J/cm2. So, if you have light skin (and use power mode), youโll get faster and longer lasting results than with less powerful rivals. If you have darker skin, the device auto-matches the lower and safe IPL intensities to your tone.
HOW TO USE
Start by shaving your treatment areas. Plug in the device, then place the flash window flush on your skin. Look for the white power bars, then press the flash button. Youโll see a bright flash and hear a little โpopโ. Move the head 1cm along your skin to the next position and flash. Keep the button pressed for continuous, gliding zaps over your skin, or use a stamping action for more precision.
The Adapt is the most simple and easy device Iโve tested. Thatโs because of the agile shape, foolproof auto-match sensor, new extra-easy adaptive flash window, and fast flash rate. These do all the hard work for you, like thisโฆ
The precise lightweight ergonomic shape gives a relaxed but secure grip so the device is comfy to zap around your body with no strain. And the angled handle keeps the power cord out of your way. Itโs clear to see what youโre zapping and the power bars on the side. These show white when you have close skin contact and when the auto-match sensor detects your skin tone.
And I love this clever auto-match skin tone sensor because sessions are much safer and straightforward than with other devices. The sensor scans your skin tone before every flash and adapts the IPL intensity to match. So, thereโs no guesswork choosing the right intensity. You can be certain youโre using the safest, highest IPL intensity for your skin tone even as you zap around body areas with a darker tone. Itโs foolproof.
Youโll only find this unique technology in SmoothSkin and Braun Pro IPL devices.
Now, most rival IPL devices have flat and rigid flash windows, and that makes it difficult to flash bony and uneven areas, like ankles, shins, knees, jawline and upper lip. So, I was keen to see what difference the new adaptive flash window makes. And I’m impressed.
The curved sensor wings on either side of the window fit over your body curves and bony bits, adjusting to hug your skin with complete contact. So, you get first-time flashes everywhere, even in those tricky areas. You donโt need extra treatment heads! The adaptive flash window does it all making sessions far easier and faster than ALL other IPL devices. Learn more in the full review.
The easiest & fastest IPL – top marks 5/5!
Along with the foolproof sensor, agile shape and extra-easy flashes, it also has a fast flash rate. So, it is easy to zap your whole body in one quick session. I also like the extra control of speed mode for large areas like legs, which flashes at the lowest (and fastest) IPL power level. This reduces your session time by several minutes, proving useful when you are short on time.
However, since speed mode uses less IPL energy, you might need more sessions to match the results of a higher IPL intensity. So, if you have time, use power or gentle mode during your start-up sessions. SmoothSkin suggests you can use speed mode for quicker top-up sessions.
During my tests, I found that in all modes, the flash rate slows down a little. So, in power mode, it performs a tad slower than advertised. However, the flashes are steady and predictable, so mastering the gliding motion is simple. And because there are no tricky areas to slow you down, the Adapt gives the quickest sessions of all the high-power IPLs (even those with the same flash rates).
| Advertised speed | My test average* |
|---|---|
10 mins full body session | 14 mins full body session (Speed mode) 20 mins full body session (Power mode) More test results |
| Flash rate: every 0.5 to 0.9 seconds (122 to 66 flashes per min) | Speed mode: 0.5 slowing to 0.9 seconds Power mode: 0.9 slowing to 1.2 seconds |
*Time per session taken from the average of 4 test sessions.
The cooling fan whirs throughout your session, but itโs not too loud. The flashes are bright, but less irritating than other IPL devices because the adaptive window stops light escaping out of the sides. They feel warm to hot in power mode, and can be unpleasant in sensitive areas. If it stings, use gentle mode. The flashes are a touch softer, enough to remove the zing!
I give the Pure Adapt a perfect score for ease of use because itโs so darn easy and fast. I see no room for improvement.
Now letโs check the effort needed to follow the treatment scheduleโฆ
The Adaptโs start-up schedule is typical for at-home IPL devices. Do up to 12 weekly sessions. Most see significant results after 6 sessions. Complete all 12 sessions for your best results, then switch to maintenance sessions every 1 or 2 months (or as you feel you need them).
Do all 12 sessions for best results (4.8/5)
Your top-ups are important to keep your skin smooth. When youโve completed several, you can space them out even further. Results vary by individual.
Should I buy it?
The Adapt is the best of the best.
I like that the Pure Adapt doesnโt have fancy packaging, storage cases or apps to add to your cost. Instead, you get superb long-lasting quality, and the safest, fastest, and easiest IPL option for home use. This product is also hundreds of dollars cheaper than the top rivals from Braun, Philips, and CurrentBody. I believe this provides exceptional value, the best value premium at-home IPL, with a long US 100-day money-back guarantee, too.
๐ If you want a cheaper alternative, try the Smoothskin Pure Fit. It’s almost as good and there are some excellent deals right now. The only difference is the styling and the Fit doesn’t have the clever adaptive flash window. Instead, it has a smaller attachment which fits over the fixed flash window.
Hereโs a quick recap of the pros & cons of the SmoothSkin Pure Adapt IPL hair removal device review:
Pros
- Superb quality
- Unlimited IPL flashes
- Lightweight, agile & comfy
- 100% recyclable packaging
- Long, flexible power cord
- Powerful IPL auto-adjusts to your skin tone, so itโs fool-proof & super-safe
- Gentle mode for stingy bits
- The fastest IPL sessions in power mode, and even faster in speed mode
- Extra-easy flashes everywhere with the adaptive window
- UKCA and CE certified, FDA cleared
- Clinically proven
- US 100-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Pricey (but itโs the best value of the premium IPLs!)
- Stings in sensitive areas (with power mode)
- Flash rate is slightly slower than advertised (in power mode)
- Take care not to obstruct the cooling air vents
Buy SmoothSkin Pure Adapt IPL
I earn a small commission when you shop via my links. Itโs how I make a living and keep Wearebodybeautiful reviews free for everyone. Thank you for your support!
๐ฌ๐ง UK
Buy from SmoothSkin UK:
Pure Adapt (all colours)
Buy from Amazon UK:
Pure Adapt Green
Pure Adapt Champagne
๐บ๐ธ United States
Buy from SmoothSkin.com
Pure Adapt (all colours)
Buy from Amazon.com
Pure Adapt Green
Pure Adapt Champagne
2. CurrentBody Skin Laser
TOTAL SCORE:
4.6 / 5
Price range:
$$$$$
It is excellent quality, powerful, very easy to flash, & gives one of the fastest sessions. No pain or bright flashes.
High effort start-up schedule, not as handy as rival devices, itโs heavy, and very expensive.ย
Safe on light to medium skin:
Works on dark hair:
Good to know:
Fast & easy powerful diode laser
Intensive start-up schedule means your longest lasting results with fewer top-ups
2-year global warranty
Worldwide 90-day money-back guarantee
My test scores breakdown:
Quality & design
4.7 / 5
Ease of Use
4.8 / 5
Effort & results
4.5 / 5
Value for money
4.2 / 5
This is the first CurrentBody device released in the light-based hair removal market. Unlike most rivals, itโs a diode laser with a large spot size (for fast coverage) and ice cooling tech for zing-free zappings!
| labels | data |
|---|---|
| Released | 2023 CurrentBody Ltd, UK. The Beauty Tech Group |
| Technology | Diode laser Unlimited pulses 810nm Up to 7 J/cm2 |
| Standards | Clinically proven CE & UKCA certified FDA Cleared (K230090) |
The rather chunky, angular shape is softened with fun, retro styling and metallic accents. Itโs straight-forward with simple controls, just one medium-size flash window, and a long power cord with 145cm of flexible slack. You get unlimited pulses from the laser and excellent materials and build, too. So, itโs a high score for this excellent quality and quirky design.
Excellent quality & quirky design (4.5/5)
This laser is a tad more powerful than rival IPLs, with a maximum fluence of 7 J/cm2 set over 6 increments. You can use any level on light to medium skin tones, so it feels comfy even on the highest power levels. And it promises you longer lasting results than less powerful rivals.
HOW TO USE
To start, shave your treatment areas. Manually select your intensity level and test your tone. Place the window flush on your skin and wait for the beep to finish. Lift or slide the laser 1 cm (the width of the window) and repeat. Thereโs no flash button to press. Cover your skin in zaps with as little overlap or missed bits as possible.
The laser is very easy to pulse against your skin. The cooling fan is a little noisy, and the beeps essential, so that you know when to move it. I like the zaps are automatic and you can control the pace by lifting it from your skin.ย
Very easy to use once youโve mastered your technique (4.7/5)
The medium-size laser aperture, responsive skin contact sensor, and quick flash rate means it covers your skin fast. You get a zap roughly every second (itโs the same at all 6 intensity levels). I can comfortably zap my whole body (legs, bikini line, tummy, underarms and face) in under 20 minutes. Itโs one of the quickest devices you can buy.
| Advertised speed | My test average* |
|---|---|
| 15 mins full body session | 19 mins full body session |
| Full leg: not given | Full leg: 8 mins |
*Time per session taken from the average of 4 test sessions.
However, I canโt give it a perfect score for ease of use because itโs less handy than rivals.
It takes a little practice to find your best technique, especially on your legs. Some angles are awkward because of the chunky shape. I recommend you place the aperture vertically on your skin and work in rings around your legs. Itโs more balanced and exact. Learn more helpful tips in the full review.
The laser pulses feel different from IPL flashes, even at a similar intensity. IPL flashes give a mild sunburn sensation or sting in your skin. But the cooling tip around this laser aperture stops your skin surface from overheating. Instead, thereโs only a fine warm pinprick sensation deeper in your skin.
Finally, letโs look at the effort required compared to the results.
The sessions may be easy and quick, but you need several in the first few weeks alone.
Most IPL devices are one session weekly. But with this laser, you must do 3 sessions per week (one every other day), for the first 3 weeks. Youโll see finer, slower growing, and fewer hairs during the first 4 weeks. Switch to weekly sessions until week 12. Most get smooth skin between 8 and 12 weeks. Keep going if you still have hairy patches.
Intensive start-up schedule means longer lasting results
Itโs intensive. But you must complete all 12 weeksโ worth of sessions to get your longest lasting results. Then, do top-ups as you need them. Results vary by individual.
Should I buy it?
The CurrentBody Skin Laser is an excellent choice, but itโs rather pricey. Youโll pay more than rivals precisely because itโs a unique home-use laser.
This buys you excellent quality and the quickest sessions. Also, if you don’t want annoying bright flashes, pain or unpleasant sensations, this is the one for you. There aren’t any comparable laser alternatives. You also get a reassuring long Worldwide 90-day money-back guarantee (and a voucher code below, too).
Hereโs a quick recap of the pros & cons of the CurrentBody Skin Laser hair removal device review:
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Unlimited zaps
- Non-stop mains power operation
- Long, flexible power cord
- One extra-easy flash window
- Easy-clean flat aperture
- Fast, automatic flashes
- No annoying bright light!
- No pain or sting
- Super quick sessions
- Clinically proven
- CE & UKCA certified, & FDA cleared
- Worldwide 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- A tad heavy
- Noisy cooling fan
- Hard to use if you canโt hear the beeps
- Slightly less handy than rivals
- 10-second auto-lock is a little frustrating
- More frequent start-up sessions than rival devices
- Itโs very expensive
Buy CurrentBody Skin Laser
I earn a small commission when you shop via my links. Itโs how I make a living and keep Wearebodybeautiful reviews free for everyone. Thank you for your support!
BODYLASER
Use this code to get 15% off the CurrentBody Skin Laser hair removal device!
๐ฌ๐ง UK
Buy from CurrentBody UK
๐บ๐ธ United States
Buy from CurrentBody US
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
Buy from CurrentBody CA
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
Buy from CurrentBody AU
๐ฉ๐ช Deutschland
Buy from CurrentBody DE
๐ณ๐ฑ Nederland
Buy from CurrentBody NL
๐ญ๐ฐ Hong Kong
Buy from CurrentBody HK
๐ธ๐ฌ Singapore
Buy from CurrentBody SG
๐ International
Buy from CurrentBody.com
3. Braun Skin i-expert (Pro 7 IPL)
TOTAL SCORE:
4.5 / 5
Price range:
$$$$$+
It is superb quality, powerful & foolproof, fast & handy, with a helpful smart app that guides you through each step.
Incredibly expensive in the UK, not all the treatment heads are helpful (& they cost more!), unsteady flashes takes concentration.
Safe on light to dark skin:
Works on dark hair:
Good to know:
Auto-matches IPL flashes to your skin tone
The smart app is excellent for IPL newbies
2-year global warranty
100-day money-back guarantee
My test scores breakdown:
Quality & design
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Effort & results
4.8 / 5
Value for money
3.5 / 5
This is the latest and flagship Pro IPL model from Braun. You get the same device performance as the previous Pro 5 model, but the Pro 7 connects to the new and helpful smart app. This walks you through every step of your sessions, from your sensitivity test to your top-ups. It works fine without the app, too.
| labels | data |
|---|---|
| Released | November 2023 Braun GmbH, Germany |
| Technology | Intense Pulsed Light |
| Standards | Clinically proven CE & UKCA certified FDA cleared (K230911) |
This white and rose-gold curvy compact handle-shape is elegant and very satisfying to hold. It has four interchangeable flash windows for different body areas and swish LEDs illuminate the simple controls on top. They change colour when connected to the app. You get a huge 400,000 flashes, and a long power cord thatโs fixed into the device for extra durability. Itโs superb quality, just what you expect from Braun. And packaging this kit in the sturdy vanity case reduces wasteful plastic packaging, too โป.
5/5 for superb quality & design
The Pro 7 is one of the most powerful IPL devices with a fluence range of 3 to 6Jcmยฒ. So, if you have lighter skin and use standard mode, the powerful IPL flashes give longer-lasting results than devices with less power. If you have darker skin, this device will auto-select a lower, safe match intensity for your skin tone.
HOW TO USE
First, shave your treatment areas. The app walks you through each step, but itโs simple without it too. Choose your treatment head, then place the window flat on your skin. Look for the white power bars, then press the flash button. Youโll see a bright white flash and hear a little โpopโ. Move to the next position by placing 1cm along from the first and flash. Keep the button pressed for continuous, gliding zaps over your skin. Or use a stamping action for more precision.
The precise curves and large flash button mean there are just two intuitive and comfy grips suited to different body areas. And, thanks to the clever blue skin sensors, itโs very easy to flash. Theyโre quick to sense your skin and also auto-match the intensity level to your skin tone, so itโs foolproof and faff-free. You can zap across your entire body with confidence because the flashes immediately adapt to any darker tones it detects.
Easy & one of the fastest sessions (4.5/5)
The app checks youโre using the right treatment head on your treatment area. However, I donโt find all of them helpful. The precision head is too small in the bikini/pubic area, and the wide head is just millimetres bigger than the medium head. Therefore, I prefer to use the medium head everywhere for fast, accurate and easy flashes.
The flashes are dazzling, and in extra sensitive mode, theyโre also rapid, so that can feel overwhelming. But itโs safe, and you get used to them. In standard mode, they feel warm to hot and quite unpleasant in sensitive areas. If itโs too uncomfortable, use sensitive mode to reduce the sting.
The handy design, easy and fast flashes, means quick sessions with the Pro 7 IPL. Itโs fastest in extra sensitive mode, but itโs still one of the best in standard mode, too.
| Advertised speed | My test average* |
|---|---|
15 mins full body session | 17 mins full body session (Extra sensitive mode โช๏ธ)ย 22 mins full body session (Standard mode โช๏ธโช๏ธโช๏ธ) More test results |
The app is a helpful tool, more so than other brand apps. And especially if youโre new to IPL or need a helping hand in the early stages. But it’s not vital because, with a quick read of the user manual, the Pro 7 IPL device is very easy and quick to use without it. Thereโs much more detail and feedback about the app in the full review.
The Pro 7 IPL scores highly for ease of use with just a little knocked off. Thatโs for the unhelpful treatment heads, and because ankles, shins and knees can be a little tricky to flash (these tips will help). Also, the flash rate is slightly slower than advertised, but more frustrating is the zaps are sometimes unsteady in standard and sensitive mode. This means you need a little extra concentration to keep pace with the flashes when gliding over larger areas.
Next, the effort required to get to smoothโฆ
Easy weekly sessions, typically about 8 until smooth (4.8/5)
The Pro 7 IPL start-up schedule is typical with weekly sessions. Do between 4 to 12, where most people see significant results after 6 sessions. Once your skin is smooth, you can switch from weekly to monthly maintenance sessions. In the app, you can plan and reschedule missed sessions. It even switches to your monthly top-up frequency once your skin is smooth.
Don’t forget your top-ups! If you stop, your hair will probably grow back. But once youโve done several of them, you can stay hair-free for months between top-ups.
Braun states the Braun Pro 7 is โtheir fastest way to 1.5 years of salon-like smooth skinโ. They donโt give any further information. But in the small print they state to achieve this, you must complete the full regimen (which is all 12 weekly sessions). Results vary by individual.
Should I buy it?
The Braun Skin i-expert is a top-choice IPL device. However, thereโs a hefty price tag attached (especially in the UK). This buys you superb reliable quality, foolproof technology, and a long money-back guarantee. But, compared to rivals (and the previous Pro 5 model with identical specification), the extra cash is simply for connection to the smart app.
So, if you donโt have the cash or donโt want the app, check out cheaper deals with the Pro 5 or the SmoothSkin Pure Adapt instead.
Hereโs a quick recap of the pros & cons of the Braun Skin i-expert Pro 7 IPL hair removal device review:
Pros
- Superb quality
- Foolproof & super-safe
- Position & zap simplicity
- Easy flashes in almost all areas
- Versatile medium-size flash window
- IPL adjusts to your skin tone before every flash
- Fast sessionsโone of the best
- Sensitive modes for stingy bits!
- Extra heads (if you need them)
- Sturdy vanity case for storage (& no plastic packaging!)
- App is helpful for newbies (but itโs easy without it too)
- Clinically proven
- UKCA & CE certification, & FDA-cleared
- 100-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Dazzling flashes (especially in extra sensitive mode)
- Takes a little practise on ankles, shins & knees
- Stings in sensitive areas (standard mode)
- Flash rate is slower than advertised
- Unsteady flash rate gliding in sensitive & standard modes
- Not all the treatment heads are helpful (plus you pay more for them!)
- Extremely expensive RRP in the UK (although some offers are about)
Buy Braun Pro 7 IPL
I earn a small commission when you shop via my links. Itโs how I make a living and keep Wearebodybeautiful reviews free for everyone. Thank you for your support!
You can learn more aboutย the differences between the Braun Skin i-expert models here.
๐ฌ๐ง UK
Buy from Amazon:
PL7249 (3x heads, facial trimmer)
PL7253 (3x heads)
Buy from Braun:
All Braun Pro 7 models
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
Buy from Shavershop:
PL7147 (2x heads)
๐บ๐ธ United States
Buy from Amazon:
PL7387 (4x heads)
PL7243 (3x heads)
PL7219 (2x heads, facial trimmer)
Buy from Braun:
PL7387 (4x heads)
4. Philips Lumea 9000 Series
TOTAL SCORE:
4.4 / 5
Price range:
$$$$
It’s superb quality, powerful, a comfy gun-shape, has precise easy-flash windows which target your hairs, cordless option, & a skin tone intensity match tool.
Slower sessions than rival devices, it’s heavy, and pricey.
Safe on light to dark skin:
Works on dark hair:
Good to know:
Unbeaten quality, precision & control
Low effort start-up schedule & proven long-lasting results (with top-ups)
2-year global warranty
UK 100-day money-back guarantee
My test scores breakdown:
Quality & design
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Effort & results
5 / 5
Value for money
3.7 / 5
This latest flagship IPL device from long-established Philips Lumea lives up to the brand’s strong reputation and premium quality standards.
| labels | data |
|---|---|
| Released | 2022 / 2023 Philips Consumer Lifestyle B.V., Netherlands |
| Technology | Intense Pulsed Light 450,000 flashes 565 to 1400nm 2.5 to 6.5 J/cm2 |
| Standards | Clinically proven CE & UKCA certified |
I love the distinctive styling, ergonomic gun-shape, and simple controls on top. Thereโs a durable and flexible 2-metre power cord, 450,000 flashes to last decades, and four interchangeable flash windows. This superb quality and design ensures the Lumea 9000 Series scores top marks.
Top marks for quality & design (5/5)
It also has the highest IPL power range available at 2.5 to 6.5 J/cm2. This is good if you have fair skin, because you can use these higher intensities and get faster and longer-lasting results than less powerful rivals. The lower intensities are safe for darker tones.
HOW TO USE
To start, shave your treatment areas. Use the SmartSkin feature or manually select your intensity level. Place the flash window flush on your skin and press the flash button. Youโll see a bright white flash and hear a little pop. Slide the device roughly the height of the flash window along your skin, and repeat. Keep the flash button pressed for continuous, slow-gliding zaps all over your skin.
The 9000 Series is a comfy and precise device, despite being large and heavy. Thatโs because the balanced angled gun-shape is easy to manoeuvre with an intuitive grip. And it has three more unique features, making it very easy to use.
First, the curved flash windows give closer skin contact for easier flashes, especially on legs. Each window also changes the IPL energy for better comfort and effect. I can vouch thereโs less sting on sensitive bits, but itโs hard to gauge how much more effective they are without any test data from Philips.
Easy & controlled sessions (4/5)
Second, it works both corded and cordless. However, the cordless flashes are slower, and the battery lasts just 30 mins. So, itโs practical for your face and small body areas only.
And third, the SmartSkin sensor takes the guesswork out of which intensity is safe for you. Scan your skin and choose the suggested intensity, and then adjust it manually if you like. No rival device has both types of controls.
There’s much more detail, photos & tips in the Lumea 9000 review.
The flashes, and so sessions, are fastest on the lower intensities. But the higher intensities give best results. And when zapping with these higher levels sessions take much longer. You can still zap your entire body in one 40-minute sitting. But there are faster options available. Therefore, this knocks a point off the score for ease of use.
| Advertised speed | My test average |
|---|---|
| 8.5 mins for both lower legs | 9 mins for both lower legs (Level 1 intensity) 12.5 mins for both lower legs (Level 5 intensity) More test results |
The flashes are warm to hot on the highest intensities, and can feel unpleasant in sensitive areas. At the hottest, theyโre like a mild and bearable sunburn sensation that fades fast. Turn it down a notch or two if it stings.
Next, it’s top marks for effort and results. The sessions may take slightly longer than rivals, but the start-up schedule is much easier to fit in. Other IPL devices require weekly sessions. But with the Lumea devices it’s less frequent with one session every 2 weeks.ย Do 4 sessions. This takes 6 weeks to complete, after which most people have hair-free skin. My tests match this guidance.
Clinically proven treatment schedule
Then switch to your maintenance schedule with a top-up every 4 to 6 weeks to stay hair-free. Philips have reassuring study evidence to show after 8 of these maintenance sessions, youโll get several months of hair-free skin before needing to do another.
Should I buy it?
Thereโs a premium price tag on the Philips flagship 9000 Series, but deals at around ยฃ400 and lower are now common. This is a solid investment which buys you superb quality, a comfy design, a cordless option, and proven long-lasting results. You get a long UK 100-day money-back guarantee, too.
However, sessions are slower than some more affordable rivals. So, if you donโt care about the cordless option, and want the fastest sessions, I recommend the SmoothSkin Pure Adapt instead.
Hereโs a quick summary of the Lumea 9000 Series pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros
- Superb quality & styling
- Comfy & precise gun-shape
- Steady, controlled flash rate
- Easy-to-flash windows
- Never run out of flashes
- Skin & eye safe
- Use corded for fast treatment on large areas
- Use cordless for tricky small areas or in your bathroom
- Low effort treatment schedule
- Helpful Lumea app
- Clinically proven
- CE & UKCA certified
- UK 100-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Heavier than rivals
- Wasteful plastic in packaging
- Not yet FDA-cleared in US
- Some rivals give faster sessions
- Itโs very expensive at full RRP
Buy Philips Lumea 9000 Series
I earn a small commission when you shop via my links. Itโs how I make a living and keep Wearebodybeautiful reviews free for everyone. Thank you for your support!
๐ฌ๐ง UK
Lumea 9000 & 9900 Series:ย
BRI951 (Body, face, bikini, underarm windows)
BRI955 (Body, face, precision windows)
BRI957 (Body, face, bikini, underarm windows)
Lumea 8000 Series:
This model has no cordless option. It works on mainspower only.
BRI948 (Body, face, bikini, underarm windows)
BRI944 (Body & face windows)
BRI949 (Body, face, bikini, underarm windows, & Trimmer)
BRI940 (Body window)
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
BRI957 (Body, face, bikini, underarm windows)
A quick overiewโฆ
About home IPL & Laser hair removal
This section gives you all the key information you need on your journey to silky-smooth & fuzz-free skin. You can learn a quick overview of how at-home IPL and laser hair removal works, how to stay safe, how to use it, what it’s like, and what results you can expect.
WHAT IS IT?
There are two types of intense light energy for hair removal; laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). Both zap one or several specific wavelengths of powerful light on your skin surface, which reach down to your hair follicles.
Lasers are a single wavelength with a beam focused on a small area.
IPL is the most common at-home technology. It flashes several specific wavelengths of light from a Xenon bulb onto a much larger surface area than a laser.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Dark hairs contain a pigment called melanin. This pigment absorbs photons from several wavelengths of intense light energy ranging from 600nm to 1100nm. The light energy converts to heat which damages key areas of your follicle. The damage stunts your hair growth. Science calls this process photo thermolysis and you can learn more about it all here.
However, your skin also contains melanin. Medium and dark skin tones have more melanin than fair tones, so your skin absorbs the energy as well as your hairs. Therefore, to protect darker skin, you must use less intense energy levels, or special devices designed for dark and black skin tones.
If you have light hair that’s light blond, red, grey or white, most at-home devices won’t work for you. But there are a couple of options that will work on fair hair.
Fitzpatrick skin tone chart
We use the Fitzpatrick skin tone guidance, with a scale of six tones, to show which are safe to use with each device.
Look for the chart on each review.
Hair colour chart
Laser / IPL devices are effective on dark hairs, black to dark blond. Most won’t work on fair hair, light blond, red, grey or white.
Look for the chart on each review.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
The hair follicle is a pocket in your skin which builds your hair shaft and controls your hair growth cycle. The aim is to damage key cells during the active Anagen stage to stop your hair growth cycle permanently.
First, the intense light energy heats all areas with melanin pigment. And the heat created here is enough to damage the hair growth controlling cells next to themโฆ
A good dose of heat damages the Matrix keratinocytes in the hair bulb. Your hairs then skip the growth stage, become stunted, and fall out (Catagen). Itโs typically fast & effective in at-home devices, so most see reduction results within a few sessions.
Less heat reaches the dermal papilla fibroblasts in the bulb and the epithelial stem cells in the hair bulge. But, complete all the start-up sessions and several top-ups, and the damage compounds. The cells eventually chemically breakdown, and so canโt trigger a new growth cycle in your follicle. The damage is irreversible for most people. This gives long-lasting hair removal. There’s more detail here.
EVIDENCE
Scientists discovered the hair reduction effects of intense light energy back in the 1970s. Manufacturers then researched and perfected the technology over the next 20 years. The first laser and IPL hair removal procedures were available to the public in the late 1990s. Since then, hundreds of robust clinical studies have led to improvements in patient safety, comfort and results.
At-home devices first came to market after 2003. They are much smaller, less powerful, and with simplified controls. But a few clinical studies show they are safe and they work.
The FDA indicates cleared at-home devices for the โremoval of unwanted hair.โ And โfor the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.โ
Learn even more detail in Laser & IPL hair removal 101.
Warnings & contraindications
Before you buy an at-home laser or IPL hair removal device you must double-check it’s safe and suitable for you. There are key checks to make, body areas to avoid, and reasons it may not be suitable for you dependong on your medical history and medications you may take.
Review the lists below and ALWAYS check the user manual for your chosen device as there may be more important information listed there.
Key checks
Before you buy a home use device, check:
- You match the safe skin tones & dark hair colours per device
- Youโre not pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- Youโve not recently sun tanned or used tanning creams
- Youโre an adult. Some brands say over 16 and others over 18
Do a skin sensitivity test according to the user manual before you do a full session.
Body areas to avoid
Don’t use the laser or IPL device on or around:
- Male beard
- Nipples, genitals or around the anus
- Ears or around eyes / eyebrows
- Dark brown or black spots such as birthmarks, moles or warts
- Varicose veins
- Damaged skin e.g. sunburns, cuts, open wounds or active infections, cold sores etc
- Tattoos or permanent make-up
- Active implants such as pacemaker, neurostimulator, insulin pump or over silicone implants
- Areas you use long-lasting deodorants
Medical history
DON’T USE IT if you have a medical history of:
- Sensitivity to light
- History of skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy in the past 3 months
- Surgery in treatment area in the last 3 weeks
- Chronic skin disease e.g. psoriasis or vitiligo
- A skin peel (within different time frames given)
- Conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart disease, history of keloid scars or poor wound healing, epilepsy with flashlight sensitivity, bleeding disorder, immunosuppressive disease including HIV or AIDS
Medications
DON’T USE IT if youโre taking or have recently taken these medications:
- Painkillers, which reduce sensitivity to heat
- Immunosuppressive medications
- Anticoagulation medications
- Medications which make you sensitive to light e.g. Retin A, isotretinoin Accutane or other topical retinoids
Always check your medication instruction leaflet to see if photosensitivity is a listed side effect.
What to expect
Here you can get a quick idea of what it’s like to use an at-home device from how to cover your skin, what it feels like, the typical treatment schedule and your effort needed, and when and what results you’ll see. It’s all informed by my extensive research and device tests.
How to do it
- Always shave first (unless there’s no hair left)
- Choose the intensity level to match your skin tone (some devices do this for you). High intensities are safe for light skin, and lower intensities for medium and darker skin tones.
- Place flush on your skin and flash. Cover your skin in flashes/pulses with minimal gaps or overlap.
- Tricky areas to reach are backs of legs, shoulders, back & extended bikini line. You may need a helpful assistant!
- Bony and uneven areas like ankles, shins, knees, jawline and upper lip, can be tricky areas to flash.
Look for my helpful tips & advice on each review, to learn how to best to use the device and get easy flashes.
What does it feel like?
The sensation depends on the intensity of the light energy.
- IPL flashes are bright, Try not to look directly at the flashes. Use it in a well lit room and try sunglasses if it’s too irritating.
- IPL flashes feel warm to hot, like a mild but bearable sunburn sensation.
- IPL flashes can feel unpleasant on sensitive areas. These differ by person. Turn down the intensity to lessent the sting.
- Diode laser energy is not visible so there are no bright flashes!
- Laser at a similar fluence to IPL devices (around 7 J/cm2) feels less heat in the skin, so there’s no sting.
- Sometimes you’ll smell burning hair!
- Hot, red, tingly or itchy skin is common but temporary
- Cover up and wear SPF15+ to avoid sun exposure before & after your sessions.
Schedule & effort
Typically 20 to 40 mins a full body session.
(This is determined by the flash rate and how easy the device is to move around and operate).
Follow a start-up schedule followed by less regular top-ups.
Start-up: One session weekly for most devices. For between 4 to 12 weeks.
Maintenance: Then, monthly top-ups, or as you need them.
Top-ups are essential. If you stop, your hair may grow back. Youโll need less frequent top-ups after you’ve done several months worth.
Results
See results from 2 to 3 sessions with softer, lighter, slower growing hairs.
Hair gradually becomes sparser.
After 5 to 6 sessions, most see light regrowth and large bald patches. Shaving is very easy, or you may not even need to!
Continue until smooth.
Maintain your smooth skin with monthly top-ups. After several top-ups, youโll stay smooth for many months.
Results vary. You may see:
- Totally smooth fuzz-free skin OR slow, fine & light regrowth so shaving is infrequent
- No more shaving rash or bumps
- Regrowth black dots disappear
- No more scratchy armpit or bikini line stubble
- Itchy and unsightly ingrown hairs quickly disappear
Related links:
Sign up
Get my latest reviews & articles by email.
Follow wearebodybeautiful