8 Best Laser & IPL Hair Removal Devices for Smooth Skin, Based on Testing

✔️ FDA clearance: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a government agency that regulates the safety and efficacy of products on the market. When a laser or IPL hair removal device is FDA-cleared, it means that the agency has evaluated it and determined that it is safe and effective for consumer use. In other words, the device works as intended, and it will not cause harm if used as instructed. Look for hair removal devices with FDA clearance to ensure it meets these standards, as all of our picks above have.

✔️ Skin tones: First and foremost, figure out what skin tones it will work best on and if that includes yours. Derma-pathologist Gretchen Frieling, M.D., adds that users with lighter skin and darker hair will see the best results. Many machines won't be able to pick up lighter hair colors (blonde, gray, or red), or won't be able to differentiate dark hair from dark skin. However, some devices are an exception to this rule and work across a multitude of skin types.

✔️ Number of flashes: Flashes are the quick bursts of light that the lamp in a hair removal device produces to treat an area of skin. These lamps can burn out just like the standard light bulbs you use around your house. In some laser and IPL devices, the lamp can only produce a limited number of flashes until it burns out, at which point you would need to replace the cartridge or the device itself. So, the more flashes, the better. However, many of the newer devices come with unlimited flashes, which means you don't have to worry about the lamp burning out while you enjoy a lifetime of smooth skin.

If you are looking for a cordless device, consider battery life. "If you are trying to target a larger area it can take many pulses, so just be sure to look at the battery life before you begin," says Joie Tavernise, medical esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare. "Some only have a 30-minute battery life when it is fully charged."

✔️ Automatic light intensity adjustment: If you’re nervous about trying laser hair removal at home, shop for devices that automatically detect your skin tone and adjust the light intensity level. Otherwise, you’ll have to manually figure out what level is best for you by deciphering a skin tone chart in the instructions or by starting at the lowest level and working your way up.

✔️ Safety features: Some devices have sensors that won’t flash if your skin tone is too dark or if the device is not held properly against the skin. Additionally, IPL is a broad spectrum light, meaning it consists of a range of wavelengths, and this may include UV wavelengths that can damage your skin. Most IPL devices have a filter that blocks out the UV light, but always double-check for it.

✔️ Design and attachments: Treatment head attachments of different sizes make it easier to treat a wide range of body zones. Some devices with skin contact sensors won’t flash unless the treatment head has full contact with the skin, which can be tricky in small, curved areas like the ankles or chin. Small attachments help in those areas, and wider attachments help treat large areas like the legs quickly.

✔️ Clear instructions: Whether you’re new to laser hair removal or a seasoned expert, you should always read the included instructions before operating. Look for a product that has a great instruction booklet. You can often find the instructions online or watch a video tutorial before you make the purchase as well.

✔️ Cord length: Ensure the product has a long enough cord to provide for a flexible user experience. For maximum versatility, choose a device that's cordless.

✔️ Money back offers: If you’re new to laser or IPL and aren’t sure if it’s right for you, try a brand that offers customers a money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it or aren't getting the desired results, you can return it for a refund.

The main difference between professional and at-home tools is the intensity of their light sources and the nature of their light sources. As mentioned above, laser hair removal devices (both professional and those few available for at-home use) emit “a laser that corresponds to a single wavelength of light,” says Tavernise. Almost all at-home hair removal devices actually use IPL technology. "IPL stands for 'intense pulsed light' and uses broad-spectrum visible light."

While the results from IPL hair removal can last a long time, it is not permanent. “Now, we refer to it as laser hair reduction instead of laser hair removal, and the same applies to IPL,” says Dr. Baum. “In general, hormones and other factors can affect the laser and IPL results, and the hair may come back.” But for some of her patients, the results last years without any touch-ups.

“IPL works by emitting scattered wavelengths of light, unlike laser treatments which emit a specific wavelength,” Dr. Baum explains. Both are effective treatment options, however, there are pros and cons to both. While IPL hair removal is less expensive and available for at-home use, laser hair removal takes fewer treatment sessions to see results, and it works on all skin tones. When deciding which one is the better option for you, first consult with your dermatologist, then consider your needs and the kind of results you want to see.

"Lasers and IPL are both very powerful technologies that can be dangerous when used incorrectly, but for the most part these devices are safe," says Tavernise. At-home devices are made with significantly less power and the light is less concentrated than you will find in a professional setting. "This does not mean that there is zero chance that something can go wrong, but the odds of something happening are very low," she says.

Tavernise advises that the most important precaution to take is ensuring that your skin tone will react well to the treatment. "Those with a high amount of melanin and pigment in their skin have a higher risk of getting burned and scarring so it is crucial to check that the device will work with your skin tone." IPL removal typically does not work for dark skin tones (skin types 5 and 6 on the Fitzpatrick scale ) or light hair colors (blonde, red, or gray), and it’s possible to damage your skin if you use the device improperly. As such, Dr. Baum warns that those with skin types 5 and 6 on the Fitzpatrick scale should not undergo IPL treatments, and those with skin type 4 should be cautious.

The GH Beauty Lab advises to always follow the particular device's guidelines—and not do it more often than suggested—as each one may be slightly different and there is a risk of scarring if used improperly. Dr. Baum recommends doing a patch test before treating an entire area, but be mindful to only treat below your cheek line. If you’re not careful, you may see side effects, such as redness, skin discoloration, burning, and scarring.

One additional note before you start: “It's a good idea to talk to a doctor who specializes in dermatology prior to undertaking any home treatment approaches, particularly for individuals with a history of skin conditions or cancers," says Wizemann. "This precautionary measure should ensure your skin stays healthy.”

When using any IPL device, start with shaving before treatment (never wax, as that will fully remove the hair that the light targets). Dr. Baum also recommends avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment due to higher skin sensitivities.

Above all, always follow the product instructions with care, as each device works differently. With some devices, it is recommended to only treat once a week; for others, it might be twice a week. Be sure to do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for irritation or reactions before using it on larger areas.

As a general rule, "IPL devices can be used on facial hair below the cheekbones and on arms, underarms, legs, and the bikini line," explains Butler, who extensively vetted the recommendations in this roundup. "They should not be used on the eyebrows, nipples, genitals, around the anus or over tattoos, moles, or any dark spot on the skin." Most manuals also warn against using the devices over areas that have been injected with fillers or neurotoxins. "Be sure to read the manual to see all the warnings and instructions for your device before using," advises Butler.

"Most IPL devices I have reviewed advise against using them on the genitals and only advise use on the bikini line," says Butler. "However, the instruction manual of the Braun Skin i Expert is the first one I’ve seen that actually has instructions for how to use it in the pubic area for females only, which I believe to be an advantage of this product."

Butler notes that IPL hair removal devices can’t be used on every single place where pubic hair may be, as "it’s not advisable to use these on very sensitive areas like the labia minora or the anus." Skin is generally darker in those areas, so there is an increased risk of burns.

It depends on your skin type and hair color as well as the level of light intensity you use, but typically, you should see results after four weeks. Some users may even see results after one treatment session. After six to eight weeks, your hair should be almost completely gone, and you should only need a touch-up once per month.