Sarah has spent over 8 years researching beauty devices, skincare ingredients and cosmetic safety standards. She specialises in at-home treatment devices and has reviewed hundreds of products for efficacy, safety documentation and value for UK consumers.
Professional laser hair removal costs £400+ per session and involves lengthy appointments. Home IPL devices offer the same light-based technology at reduced costs for at-home use.
We spent 16 weeks testing over 20 of the most popular IPL devices, evaluating them on effectiveness, comfort, value for money, build quality, and ease of use.
Our #1 Pick: Silk Pro 2.0 - 9.6/10
999,999 flashes: Longest lifespan on the market (30 years)
Results in 8 weeks: Visible hair reduction in weekly sessions
5-10 minute sessions: Full-body treatment, once weekly
Each device was tested over 16 weeks following manufacturer guidelines, with results documented weekly. Devices were scored on effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, build quality, and overall value for money. See our full methodology
Our reviews are editorially independent. We sourced 20+ IPL devices from major retailers and direct-to-consumer brands across the UK market.
90-day money-back guarantee|£13.33/treatment vs £100-300 at clinics
Why it's our #1
The Silk Pro 2.0 from Luxe topped our rankings - and it's easy to see why it's taken social media by storm. Developed alongside leading dermatologists, it packs 999,999 light pulses (enough for 30 years of use) into a device that costs less than a single professional session.
In our testing, just 8 painless weekly sessions were enough to stop unwanted hair growth. With adjustable power levels and a sliding mode, full-body treatments take as little as 5-10 minutes.
At its current 55% discount, it's the best value we've seen in at-home IPL.
Pros
999,999 light pulses - longest lifespan on the market
Visible results in just 8 weekly sessions
Quick 5-10 minute full-body sessions
Suitable for face, legs, arms, underarms & bikini line
After 16 weeks of testing, the Silk Pro 2.0 topped our rankings. Developed alongside leading dermatologists, it packs 999,999 light pulses (30 years of use) into a device that costs less than a single professional session. Just 8 painless weekly sessions were enough to stop unwanted hair growth in our testing.
Braun's Silk Expert Pro 5 is a solid performer from a trusted household name. Its standout feature is SensoAdapt - a skin tone sensor that automatically adjusts flash intensity for safety across different skin tones. It also includes a precision head for tricky areas like the upper lip and bikini line.
The main drawback? At £412, it costs four times more than our top pick, offers fewer flashes, and takes longer to show results.
The Lumea 9000 is Philips' flagship IPL device and the only cordless option in our top 5. It features an integrated UV filter for added skin protection and connects to a companion app that builds a personalised treatment plan.
Build quality is excellent, as you'd expect from Philips. However, it's also the most expensive device we tested at £469, and the app dependency feels unnecessary for what is ultimately a straightforward treatment process.
Ulike has made a name for itself with its sapphire cooling technology, which keeps the treatment window cool during flashing - making sessions noticeably more comfortable than most competitors.
The brand reports a 90% hair reduction rate, and the device has a sleek, modern look. Our concern is the lack of transparency around flash count and lifespan, and we found results varied more across different skin and hair types than with higher-ranked devices.
The no!no! Pro takes a different approach - it plucks hair at the root rather than relying purely on IPL light technology. At £179 it's relatively affordable, and it's simple enough for beginners.
However, it scored lowest in our testing by a significant margin. Sessions are slower, results take 16+ weeks to become noticeable, and the plucking mechanism can be uncomfortable on sensitive areas. For the price difference, our top pick offers a far better experience.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) targets the melanin in hair follicles with broad-spectrum light. The light energy is absorbed by the pigment, converted to heat, and damages the follicle to reduce future hair growth. Over multiple sessions, this leads to long-lasting hair reduction.
How long before I see results with the Silk Pro 2.0?
In our 16-week testing, visible hair reduction was noticeable after 8 weekly sessions. Most competitors required 12-16 weeks for comparable results.
Is IPL safe for all skin tones?
IPL works best on lighter skin with darker hair. The Silk Pro 2.0 includes a built-in skin sensor for safety. Most modern devices will not flash if the skin tone is outside the safe range.
What's the difference between Silk Pro 2.0 and the LUXE K?
Both are from LUXE and use IPL technology. The Silk Pro 2.0 has 999,999 flashes vs the LUXE K's 990,000. Both deliver excellent results - the Silk Pro 2.0 is currently better value at £89.99 vs £149.99.
Can I use it on my face?
Yes, most IPL devices can be used on the face below the cheekbone (upper lip, chin, jawline). Never use IPL near the eyes. The Silk Pro 2.0 is suitable for face, legs, arms, underarms and bikini line.
Do you deliver to Ireland?
Yes, the Silk Pro 2.0 delivers across the UK and Ireland. Delivery details are shown at checkout.
Our #1 pick, the Silk Pro 2.0, is currently 55% off. With nearly 1 million flashes and visible results in 8 weeks, it's the best value in at-home hair removal.
