8 Best IPL Hair Removal Devices for Smooth Skin
These at-home hair removers get rid of hair permanently over time.
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Women have been removing unwanted body and facial hair as part of their regular beauty routines for ages. Shaving with razors and waxing are popular methods, but it doesn’t take long before those pesky hairs grow back. Laser hair removal is another, more long-term, albeit expensive solution, but you may be unable (or too shy) to visit a professional. If you struggle with any of these hairy dilemmas, you may want to try at-home IPL hair removal.
With so many different IPL hair removal devices on the market, you'll want to choose one that'll give you the best and safest results. The IPL hair removal devices on this list are all FDA-cleared and include favorites tested by Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists as well as recommendations from dermatologists.
Our top picks:
Many studies show that IPL (a.k.a. intense pulsed light) is effective for long-term hair growth reduction. But how does IPL hair removal work? IPL is a broad-spectrum light that targets melanin, the pigment on the hair follicle, "destroying the root and stopping its regrowth,” says Bertha Baum, M.D., a dermatologist in Boca Raton and Hallandale, Florida. "With regular use of these at-home devices, the treatment can be efficacious and safe."
As a general rule, "IPL devices can be used on facial hair below the cheekbones and on arms, underarms, legs and the bikini line," shares GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara 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.
Once you zap away your hair, you'll want to keep your skin smooth and glowing — check out our guide to getting the smoothest skin ever. We also answer your questions about laser hair removal for men if you are considering the procedure.
Tatiana Velasco is a New York City-based beauty writer who joined Good Housekeeping in 2020 as a Beauty Intern and continues to produce stories for the brand as a freelancer. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism at New York University where she also worked as a writer and editor for the student newspaper, Washington Square News. She is passionate about skincare, hair care, health and fitness. When she’s not researching and sampling beauty products, you can find her working out at the gym, hiking on the Appalachian Trail or relaxing with a good book.
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
Chiara (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she conducts hands-on testing of health and beauty products. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Columbia University. Before joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims.
Birnur (she/her) led the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2007 to 2023. In addition to overseeing product testing and GH Seal applications, she conducted our annual Beauty Awards selection process and was an active leader in GH’s green initiatives, including the Sustainable Innovation Awards and Raise the Green Bar Summit. In addition to earning M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, she also has a professional certificate in sustainability management from Columbia University.
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