If you are not very familiar with the pulsed light epilator scene, it can be difficult to choose from such a wide variety. However, it’s important to know what to look out for in order to make the right choice for your needs. In this review, we’ve put together 4 of the best IPL pulsed light epilators around to help you choose the best one. Are you ready to check them out? Let’s get to it!
[amazon box=”B08R1SSLVY, B07N1GCPC9, B08WK68Y3V, B08Q94XSGQ” grid=”4″]
What is an IPL epilator?
You might start by asking yourself what an IPL epilator is. If you’re still not convinced about switching to the world of IPL epilators, I’m going to introduce them to you below and I’m sure you’ll end up going to your nearest shop to buy one.
This domestic device allows permanent hair removal on any part of the body thanks to the emission of ‘pulses’ at high speed of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL, you know where the name comes from, right?), which is polychromatic and has a spectrum of between 500 and 1200 nm (nothing you need to know to understand how it works). This light attacks only the hair follicles, which are the roots of body hair, so bye-bye hair, hello free legs!
These are the best IPL epilators with pulsed light
Philips and Braun have become two of the best IPL epilators in their own right, which is why they own the top 4 for 2022 – check them out below, and decide which one is the best fit for you!
1) Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137
We start with one of Braun’s models in the Silk Expert Pro 5 range, but with a few differences from the next one. This epilator achieves a total of 400,000 pulses over its lifetime. Not bad, although its performance is a little simpler.
Here we find one of Braun’s strengths, the SensoAdapt sensor, thanks to which the epilator adapts to your skin tone in every area of your body. In total, there are about 10 intensity levels. And in about 12 weeks, around 74% of hair will be reduced.
According to the brand itself, it improves the energy consumption of the Silk Expert Pro 3 epilator by 30% and is 50% faster. And if we talk about accessories, the PL5137 model is equipped with a normal head, a precision head, a Venus blade and a pouch. In other words, it has one head less than the PL5347.
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2) Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL 5347
We continue to review one of Braun’s most popular models, and with good reason. In this case, the results are visible in 4 weeks, and it clearly improves the performance in terms of light pulses, as it emits a total of 400,000. This means you can shave your legs in just 5 minutes.
According to Braun, a hair reduction of 74% is achieved after 12 weeks and the results last for 6 months. In addition, thanks to its SensoAdapt sensor, the epilator adapts the intensity to your skin tone in 10 intensity levels.
It is worth noting that this Braun model has been reduced in size by 25%, making it much more compact, lighter and easier to transport and take anywhere. As for the accessories, in this case we find a wide head and two precision heads, as well as a Venus blade and a case.
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3) Philips Lumea Advanced IPL
Why do so many women trust this Philips IPL epilator? Pay attention to all its features, because they are the ones that make it the best rated in shops like Amazon. Customers rave about the long-lasting smoothness it ensures on your body, applying gentle pulses of light to the root of the hair. Repeated treatments will prevent growth and leave your skin as soft as you want it to be, without having to go to a specialised centre.
Experts have been able to prove through studies that its effectiveness is enormous: at least 85% hair reduction in just 3 days (the first 4 must be done every 2 weeks). For this, the Philips Lumea Advanced IPL epilator allows you to choose between 5 intensity levels depending on your skin tone. In addition, it emits up to 250,000 pulses of light, equivalent to about 20 years of life.
It is equipped with three attachments for body, face and bikini line epilation. And to further optimise the potential of this epilator, you can sync it with the Philips Lumea IPL app and follow a specific routine and instructions.
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4) Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series
The fourth model we looked at is another one from Philips Lumea, in this case, the 9000 series. In this case, the brand specifies that 92% hair reduction is achieved in 3 sessions, improving on the effectiveness of the Philips Lumea IPL Advanced. And, like its two rivals, the results also last about 6 months.
This epilator emits up to 450000 pulses of light, which guarantees a very high efficacy. And unlike the previous Philips model, this one features SenseIQ technology, which recognises your skin tone and adjusts the intensity of the epilation to your skin tone at all times.
In addition, it is wireless, which allows you to use it anywhere and without the need to connect it to the mains, with four accessories, a head for the body, face, bikini line and underarms. So, its equipment is very complete so that you don’t leave a single hair on your body.
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What are the main differences?
As you’ve seen, there are some similarities between them, but there are also some important differences that will guide your decision. Below, we summarise some of the main ones:
- Pulse efficiency: This feature is essential for two main aspects. Firstly, it defines the speed of hair removal, since the more pulses of light emitted per second, the more action is exerted on the hair. Secondly, it also tells you about the product’s lifespan. The more light pulses it has, the longer it will last.
- Accessories: You know that accessories can also help you choose when in doubt. IPL epilators can be equipped with different attachments, mostly heads, to epilate different parts of the body.
- Recognition sensors: With the exception of the first model reviewed, the following three models have a specific technology that identifies the skin tone and adjusts the intensity accordingly. Still, Braun offers 10 intensity levels, 5 more than Philips.
- Hair reduction: Most epilators advertise hair reduction results within 3 to 4 weeks. However, not all epilators offer the same percentage of hair reduction. Philips is slightly ahead in this respect.
- Price: Another key factor in the choice is the price, which is different for the four models. In general, the most advanced epilators are around 450-550 euros, while the simplest ones can be bought for 250-300 euros.
The 4 best IPL IPL epilators on the market in 2022 – our conclusion
Having checked the performance of the four models from the two leading brands in this market, it’s time to choose the one that best suits your needs. What we can assure you is that both Philips and Braun offer a good guarantee of quality in this type of product, as well as having a very wide range of products in their catalogue. However, our recommendation is Braun Silk Expert Pro 5.
After testing the most comprehensive epilators from both brands, we find Braun’s performance really hard to beat. Although the Philips Lumea Series 9000 comes pretty close, the Silk Expert Pro 5 is a notch above. On the other hand, we love the SensoAdapt technology, which monitors your skin tone in real time and moves between 10 intensity levels. For people with fair skin, this is essential.
It’s true that, when it comes to accessories, Philips is more complete, and that can be a plus if you’re someone who travels a lot and needs to carry an epilator to remove hair from all parts of your body. But, as we always say, it’s a very personal decision. And in this case, ours is in favour of Braun.
These are the most popular pulsed light IPL epilators
Before we finish, let us show you the list of the best-selling IPL epilators on Amazon:
[amazon bestseller = “IPL epilators” items = “5”]