We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
9 best IPL devices for quick and easy hair removal, tried and tested in 2026
At-home hair removal just got easierđ
As much as we love the convenience of a good shaver, the best IPL hair removal devices can help you avoid razor rash, shaving cuts and will stunt hair growth â all without leaving the comfort of your bedroom.
TBH, weâre happy to take a very relaxed approach to hair removal â after all, body hair is entirely natural and there are plenty of other beauty buys (lash serum, anyone?) weâre keen to spend our coin on. But if you are considering de-fluffing your bod this summer, itâs worth looking into IPL.
Before we get into the details, letâs address the elephant in the room. Albeit being significantly cheaper than an in-clinic treatments, the best at-home IPL hair removal machines can still come with triple-figure price tags. So while the initial purchase may sting, know that investing is the most financially-sensible decision for the long run.
Best IPL devices in 2026, at a glance
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
What is an IPL device and how does it work
First up, what exactly is IPL? Well, IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Itâs a form of light therapy, and is one of the most advanced ways to get rid of unwanted body hair. âIPL hair removal is designed to help break the cycle of hair growth by targeting the hair root or follicle,â explains Emily Buckwell, Product Expert at CurrentBody.com. âLight energy is transferred through the skinâs surface and absorbed by the melanin present in the hair shaft.â
Once absorbed, this light energy is converted to heat energy below the surface of the skin, which disables the hair follicle, preventing further growth. The treated hairs fall out naturally over the course of a few days (up to two weeks for some people).
How to find the best IPL device for you
If youâve started your search into the best at-home IPL devices, youâve likely seen how many options there are to consider â and not one size fits all. Below, weâve outlined a few key considerations to ensure you find the right device for you:
Hair compatibility: The most crucial step is to find the right device that suits your skin type and hair colour. Because IPL devices rely on pigment to work, theyâre most effective on blonde, brown and black hair. They wonât be as effective on white, grey, red or very light blonde hair.
Skin tone compatibility: Many IPL devices are designed for light-medium skin tones (the contrast between dark hair and light skin allows the device to distinguish the follicle easily). However, newer models are more inclusive to a range of skin tones so always check the brandâs compatibility chart before purchasing.
Treatment location: If you want to use the IPL device on large treatment zones â like legs or arms â look for a device with a wide treatment window. For your face or bikini line, opt for a device with more precise attachments designed for sensitive areas.
Intensity settings: Itâs worth picking a device with a range of intensity settings. Sensitive areas (like the bikini line or underarms) may feel more comfortable on a lower setting, while larger areas (such as the legs) can tolerate higher intensities.
Below, see the best IPL devices to try in 2026 â tried and tested by the Cosmo beauty team
Braun Smart IPL Skin i·Expert, at Home Hair Removal
Why we love it: Giving you a full-body treatment in roughly 10 minutes, Braunâs i·expert IPL, is one of the brand's most advanced gadgets to ensure that hair removal is as quick ân easy as possible.
Not only does it have a need for speed, it also delivers accurate, head-to-toe smoothness that lasts. So, if youâre strapped for time, this oneâs for you. Whatâs really special about this machine is that it comes with 10 levels of intensity that automatically adjust to every skin tone variation of your body.
This ensures precise and thorough results while protecting even the most delicate patches of skin â even on the pubic area. You can also connect it to a mobile app that provides you with your own personalised treatment. With each use, the app learns how you remove hair and tracks your progress, guiding you to the best results.
Key Specifications:
| Best for: | Full-body treatment |
|---|---|
| Suitable for dark skin/light hair? | No |
| Treatment time: | 10 minutes |
| Cordless | No |
| What's in the box: | 1x Braun IPL with standard head,1x Venus razor1x pouch,1x precision head,1x large head,1x face mini shaver |
| Flashes | 400,000 |
Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series
Why we love it: Weâve all got places to be and people to see, making this speedy option a top choice. With Philipsâ Lumea 9000 Series, not only will you be hair-free before that episode of Gossip Girl finishes, but you also won't need to IPL again for months to come.
The Lumea 9000 Series is designed with three attachments which can be interchanged depending on where youâre using the tool: the flat design can be used on the face, the curved inward attachment is for your body and the curved outward attachment is for those hard-to-reach areas.
But, what gives this 9000 Series the upper hand compared to the first Philips offering on our list, is that this device is cord-free, which means you can IPL whenever and wherever.
Philips is so sure youâll love this gadget that you can get a full 100-day money-back guarantee if you don't immediately become best friends.
Key specifications
| Best for: | Long-lasting results |
|---|---|
| Suitable for dark skin/light hair? | No |
| Treatment time: | 15 minutes |
| Power | Mains |
| Cordless | Yes |
| What's in the box? | Storage pouch, four attachment heads |
| Flashes | >450,000 |
Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset
Why we love it: âThis has to be one of the most stylish, chic-looking IPL machines I have laid my eyes on. Not only that (bc itâs whatâs on the inside that counts, people), it does a stellar job at reducing hair in only a matter of weeks. Plus, you only have to do three treatments per week to see results, so it will seamlessly fit into your weekly beauty maintenance routine.
The device can be used on the armpits, legs, face, and bikini area, delivering 98% hair reduction in only four weeks. However, stick with it for around six weeks and you will see full results, such as lighter hair and slower hair growth.
Itâs also a very fuss-free tool to use, with a full treatment taking 24 minutes. Whether youâre using the tool on your bikini line or legs, the IPL machine automatically flashes so you donât need to use a manual button â just make sure to wear the goggles to protect your eyes.
Of course, you may find the sensitivity of your skin change depending on where you use the machine â such as your bikini line â but all in all itâs a very pain-less and comfortable way to remove body hair,â â Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Key Specifications:
| Best for: | Ease of use |
|---|---|
| Suitable for dark skin/light hair? | No |
| Treatment time: | 24 minutes |
| Cordless: | No |
| What's in the box? | IPL device, protective goggles and a razor |
| Flashes: | Not specified |
Silk'n 7 IPL Hair Removal Device
Silk'n 7 IPL Hair Removal Device
Why we love it: The biggest downfall of IPL devices is that most are only suited to those with fair-to-medium skin tones and medium-to-dark hair colours. Unlike the rest, the biggest appeal of the Silkân 7 is that it comes with a colour sensor, so the treatment can be used on a variety of skin tones and hair colours. Even if you notice the hairs on your arms are lighter than those on your legs, this clever feature will automatically adjust itself to ensure a safe and pain-free treatment.
Thatâs not all; the Silkân 7 comes with three attachments for use on various parts of your body, a swivel head to IPL those hard-to-reach areas, and built-in eye protection to prevent the device flashing when not in contact with your skin.
It may be one of the spendier options in this edit, but if youâre looking for a tool to suit a variety of skin tones and hair colours, this is the one.
Key Specifications:
| Best for: | All skin types and hairs |
|---|---|
| Suitable for dark skin/light hair: | Yes |
| Treatment time: | Seven minutes |
| Cordless: | Yes |
| Whatâs in the box? | Three attachments, razor, adapter, extension cable, cleaning cloth, beauty case, user manual |
| Flashes: | 600,000 |
Philips Lumea IPL 8000 Series Prestige
Philips Lumea IPL 8000 Series Prestige
Why we love it: Philip's Lumea 8000 Series is like the Tesla of the IPL world â it literally looks like it comes from the year 3000. Which is apt, because it's one of the most high-tech tools around for speedy and accurate hair removal. And because this was developed with dermatologists, itâs a great (and gentle) option to consider if you have sensitive skin.
Switching to the IPL lifestyle means waiting on results, but this device promises them in as little as four treatments, so you can be as smooth as a dolphin in no time.
There are five light intensities and two treatment modes, which ensures accurate and long-lasting hair removal. It also comes with an in-built skin sensor that automatically selects the right setting for you, so you donât have to worry about messing it up.
Another super-cool feature is that the device hooks up to the Philips app, so you can track your treatment schedule and watch 1:1 IPL tutorials.
Key specifications
| Best for: | Sensitive skin |
|---|---|
| Suitable for dark skin/light hair? | No |
| Treatment time: | 15-25 minutes |
| Cordless | No |
| What's in the box? | Travel pouch and two attachments for body and face |
| Flashes | 450,000 flashes |
Sensica SENSILIGHT PRO IPL Hair Removal Device
Why we love it: Our one bugbear with IPL devices? The consistent clicking you have to do in order for it to zap skin â but this device has solved the conundrum by featuring a glide mode, which allows you to roll over the skin without needing to repeatedly press the button.
If thatâs not enough, our testers also saw a difference within four weeks and as time went on it became even more effective at halting regrowth, and made the hair that did come back sparser. itâs cordless, super-fast and comes with unlimited flashes: an all-round winner.
Key specifications
| Best for: | Cordless design |
|---|---|
| Suitable for dark skin/light hair? | No |
| Treatment time: | 15 minutes |
| Cordless | Yes |
| Flashes | 300,000 |
Silk'n Infinity Permanent Hair Removal Device
Silk'n Infinity Permanent Hair Removal Device
Why we love it: Its dinky size makes this IPL device ideal for travel - or for those of us that donât have the arm muscles of Madonna. It does a thorough job and the in-built skin sensor will automatically check skin compatibility to find the correct light setting for you. Smart, right?
Even smarter: if youâre worried about forgetting a treatment, you can connect this one to its corresponding app via Bluetooth, which will set up a reminder in your calendar - kinda like a personal assistant for your body hair.
Key specifications
| Best for: | Travel |
|---|---|
| Suitable for dark skin/light hair? | Yes |
| Treatment time: | 20-30 minutes |
| Cordless | No |
| What's in the box? | Zip up pouch |
| Flashes | 400,000 |
Braun IPL Silk·Expert Mini PL1014
Braun IPL Silk·Expert Mini PL1014
Why we love it: Letâs face it, weâre starting to get rather screwed over by the amount of hand luggage we're allowed to take on a plane đ. So, if your next trip is looming but youâre limited to packing space, this is the holiday-primed gadget you need to know about.
The mini IPL can squeeze into the smallest of spaces but comes equipped with a handy travel pouch to keep it protected. As for the gadget, it cleverly adjusts to your skin tone to ensure precise and fast results, without causing redness.
And because theyâre just handy to have for those last-minute dry shaves (we've all been there), the kit also comes with a Venus razor.
Key specifications
| Best for: | Small spaces |
|---|---|
| Suitable for dark skin/light hair? | No |
| Treatment time: | 13 minutes |
| Power | Mains |
| Cordless | No |
| What's in the box? | Travel pouch and Venus razor |
| Flashes | 300,000 |
Foreo Peach 2 IPL Hair Removal Device + Cooling Prep Gel
Foreo Peach 2 IPL Hair Removal Device + Cooling Prep Gel
Why we love it: Leave this gadget on your nightstand and people will think you're up to another kind of self-care đ. Sex toy jokes aside, Foreoâs Peach 2 Device is not only a smooth operator but has a need for speed too.
The treatment zone is three times larger compared to other devices on the market, meaning you can cover more surface area in less time. As for the zapping power, it has a *very* fast speed of 120 flashes per minute, so busy bodies this one's for you.
Quite cleverly, you can also switch between two settings depending on which area of your body you're treating. Yes, it's not just a pretty face.
Key Specifications
| Best for: | Bikini line |
|---|---|
| Suitable for dark skin/light hair? | No |
| Treatment time: | 10 minutes |
| Cordless | Yes |
| What's in the box? | 4 plug adaptors and a cleaning cloth |
Are IPL devices worth it?
It depends: if youâre tired of constantly shaving or booking regular salon appointments, 100%. Though if you donât mind picking up a manual razor, then they may not be the investment for you.
Because, lets be real, although IPL devices (in the long-run) are cheaper than salon appointments, they are an investment. The initial cost sting, but they will reduce hair growth over time, leaving hair finer, softer and slower to grow back.
Just one note: itâs important to set realistic expectations. An at-home device wonât work as effectively as a professional laser, so results take longer and regular maintenance sessions are needed. But if youâre in it for the convenience, theyâre certainly worth a shot.
IPL vs laser hair removal â which is better?
IPL often gets grouped together with laser hair removal, but the two are actually fairly different.
ChloĂ© Fallon, Beauty Marketing Manager at Philips, explains that: âlaser hair removal uses a monochromatic laser light, whereas IPL uses a broad spectrum pulse of light. Professional laser treatment is high-energy and focuses on selected areas.â Simply put, laser uses a single, concentrated light, whereas IPL uses a broader spectrum. âThere are many names given to laser hair removal, but it is important to understand that IPL is not laser,â she adds.
So, why are the two so commonly confused? It's really to do with the results: both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle and can provide smooth skin in the long term.
Does IPL remove hair permanently?
âEven with laser treatment there is no guarantee of permanent hair removal completely,â confirms ChloĂ©. Currently, the only way to get rid of hair permanently is through a treatment called electrolysis.
IPL treatments can significantly reduce the number of hairs that grow back, while also making any regrowth finer and lighter. However, because hair grows in different cycles an IPL wonât permanent remove hair â ongoing maintenance sessions will be needed to keep hairs at bay.
What skin types can use IPL?
Itâs important to remember that IPL is not a suitable treatment for every skin type and tone.âIPL is only effective on naturally dark blonde, brown and black hair and on skin tones from very pale to dark brown,â says ChloĂ©. âThis is because there needs to be enough of a contrast between the skin and hair colour for the device to pick up the hair follicle. IPL will also not work on white, grey and ginger hair.â
Furthermore, certain skin tones are not compatible with IPL treatments. Darker skin (five or higher on the Fitzpatrick scale) should steer clear of IPL hair removal, as the higher amounts of melanin in the skin will be picked up by the light, potentially causing damage.
In short, the most suitable candidates for IPL will have pale-to-medium skin tones and dark, contrasting hair. If youâre unsure, thereâs no need to worry, as many of todayâs best IPL devices come with in-built safety features to alleviate any guesswork.
How to use an at-home IPL device:
Of course, every IPL device will come with its own bible-sized booklet of instructions and yes, you must read it in full.
Generally speaking, though, you'll need to shave with a razor beforehand, then simply press your device onto the skin where it will deliver a flash of light. As for the pain? Itâs not so bad: think of a quick elastic-band flick and you're in the right territory.
Thereâs usually a treatment phase of up to 12 weeks, which youâll need to commit to properly, and then top-ups roughly once a month thereafter.
How do we test IPL devices?
We donât need to tell you that shopping for an IPL device is a spenny investment â the triple-figure price tags speak for themselves. Donât say we donât treat you, but weâve sifted through the shelves to put the top models to the test.
To find the best IPL machines, we examined everything from ease of use and value for money, to the number of attachments and how quickly we saw results. Every device was used according to the instructions provided and we even enlisted the help of fellow beauty journalists to test some of the models â we can only get through so many! Ahead, see the best ones that came out on top.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harperâs Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need â whether thatâs a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Womenâs Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through Londonâs Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
What we're shopping: Zara's on-trend check jacket
Short sleeve cardigans are late-summerâs on-trend top
Beauty advent calendars already launching for 2026
Check shirts are late summer's most stylish layer
