This Is the *One* and Only Thing I’ll Use for DIY Hair Removal (2024)

One of the most beloved at-home IPL devices on the market, SmoothSkin delivers noticeable results, even after just one use. It uses a special sensor to not only detect your skin color to apply the correct amount of intensity but also to ensure the device is held properly against your skin. I personally love that it has three levels of comfort, so I can adjust accordingly for different parts of my body (like, going a lil lighter on my sensi bikini line versus my legs). While testing, I used the gentlest setting on my sensitive bikini area, and it was pretty much painless.

Cosmo's beauty editor Beth Gillette is a fan of SmoothSkin as well. "This was the first IPL device I ever tried, and it's still my absolute favorite," she says. "It's beyond easy to use and figure out—just shave, dry off, plug it in, and then zap it over your skin. It keeps my skin ultra smooth and has helped reduce some of the hair under my arms over the last year I've been using once or twice a week."

• Cordless? No
• Key features: Automatic skin tone sensor, three comfort levels
• Flashes: Unlimited
• Recommended usage: Once a week for 12 weeks

Glowing customer review: “This takes some time to work, but when it does it really does. I’m almost seven weeks into my treatments and my legs are basically bare! I used to have to shave 3 times a week, now I could probably go a week and a half! The pubic region and armpits are taking longer but my upper lip is also basically hairless at this point."

At-home laser hair removal doesn't have to be painful, and the Ulike Air 3 IPL device I've been using for the past few weeks is proof. It's equipped with a fancy-schmancy cooling system that helps it cool down my skin to reduce potential pain. Since I tried, I haven't experienced any burning sensations during treatments, even after minutes of continuous use on the highest setting. As a result, I feel far more confident zapping sensitive areas like my upper lip and bikini line.

While the Ulike Air 3 isn't cordless, it is incredibly sleek and compact. The handheld device comes housed in a handy little storage box where you can stash the cords, mini razor, and foldable protective sunglasses (which are low-key a serve). Though I'm yet to finish the full eight-week treatment cycle, I'm already thrilled by the hair reduction I'm seeing thus far—and that I won't be dealing with bumps and razor burn all swimsuit szn.

• Cordless? No
• Key features: Three intensity levels, automatic and manual modes, comes with protective eyewear
• Flashes: Unlimited
• Recommended usage: 3 treatments per week for 3 weeks followed by 1 treatment every 2 weeks for 4-8 weeks

Glowing customer review: "Dare I say this is one of the best Amazon purchases I have made thus far? This IPL laser works like it says it does! My chin, arms and armpit hairs are pretty much non-existent, and my leg hair and bikini line are 75 percent thinner and grow much slower now. I think for the price point, this is a gem of a laser."

This Iliminage Touch permanent hair reduction device combines IPL with radiofrequency waves to reduce hair growth long-term. And unlike many other options, it’s built to be safe for every skin tone. It’s also said to be great for tougher-to-maneuver areas like the face.

“The system comes with the hair reduction head, a shaver head for trimming down treatment areas before treating, as well as a precision adapter for targeting smaller areas,” Dr. Mraz Robinson says. “It’s a comprehensive system that is safe for treating all skin tones.”

While the device is on the pricier end, it boasts unlimited pulses, so you can use it for years without needing to replace it.

• Cordless: No
• Key features: Three energy levels; comes with a precision adaptor, epilator attachment, and goggles
• Flashes: Unlimited
• Recommended usage: Once a week for 7 weeks

Glowing customer review: "I have had this product for several weeks and I've already noticed a reduction in the thickness of my leg hair. It does hurt for a brief moment, but it is worth it for the long-term smooth legs.”

If you have absolutely no threshold for pain, this is the IPL device for you. It uses cooling technology to keep the head at a comfortable temp so the pinching sensation that often comes with each pulse is totally mitigated. The JOVS Venus Pro also has a rotating head that moves 180 degrees, so it’s sure to reach every area, no matter how small or angled. Also cool: It has a skin rejuvenation mode that helps boost collagen and elastin production, resulting in smoother, firmer skin with continued use.

• Cordless? No
• Key features: 6 different intensity modes; comes with five different hair removal heads to choose from
• Flashes: Unlimited
• Recommended usage: Three times a week for 2 weeks and then twice a week for 4 more weeks

Glowing customer review: “I like that this IPL hair reduction device is useable on darker skin tones and has an added skin rejuvenation mode. The touch display on the side for selecting the different body part modes is clear and the cooling feature makes the treatment relatively pain-free.”

This at-home device from XSOUL is not only one of the most effective IPL hair removal options out there, but it's also one of the most affordable. The budget-friendly device is suitable for all areas of the body and offers an auto mode for continuous flashes and a manual mode for ‘á la carte’ flashes.

• Cordless? No
• Key features: Five intensity levels; two modes (automatic and manual)
• Flashes: 999,999
• Recommended usage: Once a week for 8 weeks

Glowing customer review: “I was nervous about buying this because it seemed a little too good to be true, considering how low the price is for what you are getting and how good the reviews are,” one reviewer writes. “I'm happy to say that I've had this product one month and it has significantly reduced my unwanted hair.”

Don’t let the cute color and petite size of this IPL device fool you; it’s unexpectedly powerful. With noticeable results after just a few weeks, Lumi is pain-free, safe, gentle, and the size is perfect for treating smaller areas, like your face, bikini line, and armpits.

• Cordless? No
• Key features: Six intensity levels
• Flashes: 900,000
• Recommended usage: Once a week for 12 weeks

Glowing customer review: “I was worried about taking the plunge with a device like this since I've never used one of these before,” writes a tester, adding "but eight weeks in, I'm glad I did!”

The big claim to fame with this device from Braun is how quickly it can get the job done. The brand says it takes just 10 minutes to treat both legs, and many testers—myself included—agree. “The system also comes equipped with a variety of headpieces for treating larger areas like the legs and prevision beds for chin, face and bikini area,” Dr. Mraz Robinson explains. “And it’s cleared for use on all hair color and on skin tones ranging from light to medium dark.”

• Cordless? No
• Key features: Four attachment heads for various areas of the face and body; three sensitivity modes; 10 intensity levels that automatically adapt to your skin tone
• Flashes: 400,000
• Recommended usage: Once a week for 12 weeks

Glowing customer review: “This is a great hair removal kit that comes with everything you need to work on almost every part of your body. I love how quickly and efficiently it works too."

Kenzzi’s popular IPL device is said to be one of the fastest treatments around, and we’re betting that’s because it’s such a painless experience. With cooling technology to reduce the temperature of skin on the surface, flashes are completely tolerable, making treatment easy as can be.

• Cordless? No
• Key features: Glide mode with automatic flash function; 5 intensity levels
• Flashes: 500,000
• Recommended usage: Once a week for 12 weeks

Glowing customer review: “I'm really happy with this device so far, and if I keep seeing results, I'm going to be thrilled with the fact that I won't have to shave any more. My hair is grower back slower and finer and the device itself is basically painless to use too."

Like SmoothSkin’s other IPL devices, the Bare+ uses a built-in sensor to detect skin tone, but as a more compact device, it’s great for smaller treatment areas, especially the face. It’s super simple and has intuitive use, but because it’s smaller, it does take slightly longer to complete treatment.

• Cordless? No
• Key features: Smart skin sensor tailors each flash to your skin tone; emits 100 flashes per minute for a 10-minute full body treatment
• Flashes: Unlimited
• Recommended usage: Once a week for 12 weeks

Glowing customer review: “I'm new to at-home IPL hair removal and this device has made it SO easy to complete my treatments. It's simple, compact, and isn't as painful as some of the other hair removal methods I've tried."

The truth is it depends. For some, the convenience and affordability of an at-home IPL device makes it the best option around, and they may see all the results they need. For others, IPL may come up short when compared to in-office laser hair removal, especially since it’s a less intense treatment.

“There are several in-office lasers for permanently removing hair, which include alexandrite, IPL, diode and Nd: Yag,” Dr. Mraz Robinson explains. “The gold standard wavelengths for laser hair removal are Alexandrite and Nd: Yag, however, there are comparative studies illustrating that IPL can achieve similar results in specific patients.”

Think about how you'll use your device.

When determining which IPL device is best for you, Dr. Mraz Robinson recommends thinking about the way you’ll use it. “The top consideration should be the size and shape of the device based on the area(s) you’re looking to treat, the number of flashes, the power of the unit, and your skin type,” she notes.

Consider your skin tone.

“You also need to research if the device you’re considering is compatible with your skin tone," says Dr. Mraz Robinson. "Most are manufactured for lighter skin and patients with deeper skin tones can experience burning and scarring if they use the wrong device.” Lastly, she warns that if you have melasma, IPL is not for you, as the heat and light from the device can make discoloration significantly worse.

• Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the cofounder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT. Dr. Robinson offers a full range of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services with a particular focus on laser surgery.

Lauren Balsamo is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nearly a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories that range from the best retinol eye creams to the best lasers for acne scars. She’s an authority in all beauty categories but an expert when it comes to IPL hair removal devices. She regularly tests and analyzes new IPL devices, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new brands and technologies.

Gabby Shacknai is a New York City-based journalist with years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty and wellness stories. Gabby's IPL hair removal picks were based on market research, expert interviews, and her own testing experience

Sarah Maberry is a commerce writer for Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. Sarah's IPL device picks were based on market research, expert insights and her own experience testing at-home laser hair removal devices.