Ulike vs. Braun IPL Review 

About Ulike

Body hair is natural, but it isn’t always welcome. Ulike gives you the option to remove what you like in the comfort of your own home. Its pain-free IPL device uses patented Sapphire Cooling Technology and UV protection to keep skin cool and comfortable. 

The Ulike Air3 is a clinically proven hair removal device that promises long-term results and a variety of treatment strengths on your schedule. Results come in as little as three weeks. 

Ulike has been developing IPL hair removal products for over 10 years, which is probably why their latest IPL device is so dialed in and has landed features in Pop Sugar and InStyle. You’ll find all of its details in the coming sections of this Ulike vs. Braun IPL review.

About Braun

Braun is an older company, founded in Germany in 1921 by Max Braun. It has a stellar reputation for making quality products, and its IPL devices are no exception. Said to be reliable, effective, and easy to use, they offer the Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL and the i-Expert Smart IPL devices, though the former is by far the more popular.

Packed with smart features and an ergonomic design, this classic hair removal device is a favorite of media outlets like Women’s Health and Byrdie.

Ulike and Braun’s IPL devices are similar but also quite different. Understanding their unique qualities, value, and feedback can help you make a more informed decision and find the right device. I’ll tell all in this Ulike vs. Braun IPL review. 

Let’s get into it.

What To Consider

There’s a ton to go over in this Ulike vs. Braun IPL review, and in the coming sections, I go deep into the technology, results, design, value, promotions, feedback, and more. Before we get into it, take a quick peek at these important factors below. They’ll be your introduction to which product is a better fit for you.

• Who Is It For?
  • IPL devices are a great option for anyone with a lighter skin tone and darker hair. It is not safe for dark complexions and will not be as effective on blonde hair. If you fit this description, and you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or laser, IPL could be a good fit.
• Features
  • Ulike: Sapphire cooling technology ensures a pain-free experience. Flat head reduces buildup and increases efficiency. Multiple treatment modes. Built-in UV protection.
  • Braun: Multiple treatment modes for sensitive skin. Multiple treatment heads for large and small areas. Skin reading technology for guess-free treatments.
• Design
  • Ulike: Range of colors, easy to hold device. Modern look.
  • Braun: Ergonomic handle is easy to hold. White and gold or white and champagne colors.
• Value
  • Ulike: Lower cost, includes safety goggles. 90-day guarantee, 2-year warranty.
  • Braun: Higher cost, includes carrying case. 100-day guarantee, 2-year warranty.

What Is IPL?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of this Ulike vs. Braun IPL review, it’s important to understand what IPL is. The acronym has been floating around the social and pop media scene for a few years now accompanied by amazing results and happy customers. 

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a technology used by medical and cosmetic professionals for various skin treatments. One of the popular treatments this tech is known for is hair removal. It’s said to be just as effective, if not more effective, than laser treatment. Plus, it can be completed in the comfort of your own home and you’ll enjoy longer periods in between sessions than shaving. 

What’s more, IPL is said to reduce hair growth and thin hair follicles, meaning that you may see a reduction of hair long term. Results can appear in as little as three weeks with proper use. 

The IPL Process

1. Light passes through the skin’s surface where melanin in the hair follicle absorbs it.
2. Light is converted into heat, disabling the hair follicle and resulting in thinner regrowth
3. You continue to use the device and hair can stop growing altogether

Results will always vary, so remember that. Also, it’s encouraged that you look at suitability charts, such as the one offered by Ulike to determine whether or not IPL is right for your skin and hair.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: How Do They Work?

Ulike and Braun have harnessed the power of IPL and packaged it into attractive, easy-to-use, and effective home treatment devices. Both of them run on electricity, which means you will have to plug them in. Thankfully, both companies were generous and made sure their cords were a decent length. 

Here’s how you can expect your journey with Ulike to go:

• Ulike recommends cleaning and shaving the treatment area. This will ensure you target the root of the hair follicle. Dry your skin completely.
• You should never use the device on super sensitive skin such as around your eyes and the inner parts of your bikini area. 
• Put on the safety goggles included in your order.
• Connect the power cord, press ON, and select your preferred level of treatment.
• Place the light outlet on the skin you wish to treat and move it vertically over your skin.
• Use the device 3 times a week for the first month, after, you can use it once every 1-2 weeks as needed.

Braun’s process is carried out like this:

• Remove all visible hair and pat your skin dry.
• Select the standard or precision head depending on the area you are treating.
• Plug in the IPL device
• Put the nozzle in full contact with your skin to ensure it works correctly. If the light flashes white, the device will work for your skin tone. If it doesn’t flash, it won’t or you do not have the device flush against your skin.
• Use gliding mode for larger body areas or use the gentle or extra gentle mode for sensitive areas.
• Wipe the nozzle clean after every use.
• Treat once a week for 4-12 weeks, then adjust needs every 1-2 months. 

The process is slightly different with Ulike and Braun, and it seems as if Ulike’s is slightly less complicated. However, Braun offers different heads for precision, though Ulike does not include a head that needs to be wiped clean because of the way its built-in head is shaped.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: Technology

It’s all in the details in this section of my Ulike vs. Braun IPL review. Let’s check out how each of these brands makes their devices and what that means for your results.

The Ulike IPL devices are known for their skin protection. They use Sapphire crystal technology to retain a 65°F contact temperature on your skin—even after 30 minutes. For reference, Ulike is the only company that adapts Sapphire Ice-Cooling patent technology to provide painless treatments. 

With a treatment head that fits flush against your skin, you’ll experience less residue buildup and more efficient hair removal. What’s more, you’ll get built-in UV protection thanks to the 1mm UV filter. Enjoy results in as little as three weeks 3 weeks and 3 power modes to customize your treatment.

On the other hand, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL boasts long-lasting hair reduction in 4 weeks. Using advanced IPL technology, it promises up to 6 months of smooth skin from the comfort of your home. How does it work?

The Skin Pro 2.0 sensor automatically adapts to your skin tone, helping you find the right balance for your skin. With sensitive modes, if you have sensitive skin, you won’t have to worry about pain. The Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL flashes up to 125 times per minute which means more precision. 

In some Braun Silk expert Pro 5 reviews, I did see mention that users experienced a burning feeling after treatment, though it went away in about an hour. This may be because it does not have the same cooling technology the Ulike Air3 has. With that said, I do like Braun’s inclusion of the Skin Pro 2.0 sensor to help you find the right level of treatment for your unique skin.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: Results

We’re kicking things up a notch in this Ulike vs. Braun IPL review and diving head-first into the results of each device. Let’s start with Ulike.

I love that Ulike has stats on their website that come from a 28-day clinical trial from SGS Laboratory. Here’s what they saw:

• 90% saw a reduction in hair density
• 89% saw a reduction in hair length
• 64% saw hair count reduction

It’s worth mentioning that the majority of Ulike’s results will take place after your first month, but these results alone are quite promising. Also, in the feedback, users report a reduction in all three of these factors. Ulike states that IPL is not a permanent treatment, but it is a solution for long-term reduction in hair growth. Maintenance requires 1-2 treatments per month after you begin to see significant hair loss.

Switching over to Braun, this company does not have a clinical trial nor does it mention much about what to expect when using the device. They do suggest treating weekly and then adjusting to your needs. In the first 4-8 weeks you should see your hairs grow in thinner and less. Once you get your desired results, cut back to treatments every 1-2 months.

The feedback for Braun’s IPL devices is promising—even though the company does not have clinical results. Customers are pleased with its efficacy overall.

It’s kind of difficult to compare results when Braun does not have a clinical study. However, that doesn’t mean its IPL device isn’t still effective. In fact, it’s very effective, called the best IPL device by Women’s Health in 2023.

You should note that whether you choose Ulike or Braun, IPL isn’t for everyone. It’s designed for people with lighter skin tones and darker hair. It will not be as effective on blonde hair nor is it safe for people with dark skin.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: Design

The way a product looks is quite important. It can be the determining factor of why you choose one over another, however, looks aren’t everything. Let’s compare them between brands in this section of my Ulike vs. Braun IPL review.

The Ulike Air3 comes in purple, pink, and white and has a sleek modern look. Customers say it’s easy to use.

Braun has two different models. The i-expert Smart IPL comes in champagne and white while the Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL comes in white and gold. These devices have an ergonomic shape to them which makes them easy to hold.

In comparison, Braun’s IPL devices are a bit larger than Ulike’s and have a less modern look. I’m a fan of more compact devices as they’re easy to store and travel with.

I really like the modern design of Ulike’s devices, though I understand why Braun would design theirs with an easy-to-grip handle.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: Price & Value

While price is the cost of an item, value is what you get for that cost. This section of my Ulike vs. Braun IPL review will look at both and what that means for you. Here’s a look at the price of Ulike’s IPL devices:

• Ulike Air3: $329 – on sale for $259 with promo

When you order, you’ll also get a charging base and cable, safety glasses, and a razor. Free shipping is available for US customers. You’ll get a 90-day guarantee and a 2-year warranty—essentially everything you need to use the device and feel secure that it will work.

Braun offers the following products:

• Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL: $378
• I-expert Smart IPL: $450

These are the base prices, you can add additional heads for extra. With all of the devices, you’ll get a free app, a carrying pouch, a Venus razor, and 3 smart heads. You’ll also get a 100-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty, as well as free US shipping. 

The price for Ulike’s IPL device is much lower than Braun’s. And as you can see from what’s included with the set, you don’t get anything more (aside from 10 extra days on the guarantee) for the higher price. Ulike includes safety goggles while Braun includes a carrying pounch. 

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: What Do Customers Think?

There’s ample feedback for both of these companies online. I checked out a few different sources to get an overarching view of each brand’s strengths as told by customers. You’ll see a list of star ratings from sources below followed by common sentiments written by shoppers.

• Ulike.com: 4.6/5 stars, 570 reviews
• Amazon: 4.2/5 stars, 1,911 reviews
• Trustpilot: 4.2/5 stars, 117 reviews
• Current Body Canada: 4.6/5 stars, 25 reviews

Now for the feedback: 

• Slows down the growth rate of hair
• Awesome accessories/features
• Absolutely no pain
• Better than other IPL devices on the market
• Easy to use

Braun has great ratings around the web as well. Here’s what I found:

• Amazon: 4.3/5 stars, 6,020 reviews
• Braun: 4.2/5 stars, 578 reviews
• BestBuy: 4.6/5 stars, 101 reviews
• Current Body Canada: 4.8/5 stars, 789 reviews

As for the common feedback, here’s what shoppers had to say about the Braun IPL devices:

• Effective, long-lasting results
• No pain
• No rash or ingrown hairs
• Device is easy to use
• Fast treatment times

To be honest, the feedback for both of these brands is quite similar. Braun has been around for longer and is a more established company, however, that doesn’t always equate to better quality products. Looking at the star ratings for Ulike tells me that their devices are just as loved, though not as well known. 

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: Promotions & Discounts

If so far in this Ulike vs. Braun IPL review these brands are matched, this is the section that may cause you to choose one over the other. Why? Because saving money is important, but more so, getting a great deal on a high-value product is an opportunity you may not want to miss. 

Ulike is offering the following promotions right now:

• Spin to win: Get a free Air3, $80-$120 off, UV Sterilizer, or Skin Moisturizer when spinning the wheel in the pop-up
• Subscribe to the newsletter: Get a chance to win a free device or $80 off when you sign up for the Ulike newsletter.
• Heroes discount: Get $85 off when registering as a first responder, nurse, or teacher
• Student discount: Get a discount through Student Beans
• Powerful dea:l Get $70 off your preferred device with code UPOWER
• Free Standard US shipping

On the other hand, Braun is offering:

• Free US shipping
• IPL discount: $50 off i-expert Smart IPL device
• Subscribe to the newsletter: 10% off when you join the mailing list

If this section were a competition, it would be clear which company would take home the gold medal. However, it’s not, and your choices may be motivated by other factors rather than discounts. 

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: Shipping, Returns & Warranty

This is the last part of my Ulike vs. Braun IPL review, but it’s one of the most important as it will cover shipping, returns, and the warranty of each device. 

• Ulike Shipping: Ulike offers international shipping as well as standard and express shipping for US destinations. Standard shipping is free, express costs $15, and international shipping varies. 
• Ulike Return Policy: As for their return policy, you’ll have 90 days to decide if the device is right for you. If it’s not, just let them know via email and they’ll issue a refund once you send back the device. To ensure their generous return policy isn’t abused, they ask that users follow the recommended usage instructions and use the device for at least one month before asking for a refund. 

They also recommend extending your trial to the full 90 days to see the full effects of using the IPL device. Be sure to check out the suitability chart before purchasing as IPL isn’t effective for every skin and hair type.

• Ulike Warranty: Ulike offers a 2-year limited warranty on their devices. It covers issues that arise from defects in materials and workmanship, not from accidents, misuse, abuse, or neglect.

Now, let’s take a look at Braun’s policies.

• Braun Shipping: You will receive your Braun IPL in 5-8 business days via standard delivery. They ship within the 48 contiguous states only, but you may be able to find the products in local stores.
• Braun Return Policy: Braun will only accept returns from their us.braun.com or shop.braun.com websites. The item must be unopened in its original packaging with all of its accessories. You have 30 days from the date of shipment to return it. 

Braun also offers a 100-day money-back guarantee on their products. You’ll need proof of purchase and to ship your items back in their original packaging.

• Braun Warranty: There is a 2-year warranty on Braun IPL devices. It covers defects in faulty materials and workmanship. 

Ulike and Braun offer similar money-back guarantees and warranties, but their shipping policies are much different. While both companies offer free US shipping, Braun does not ship outside of the contiguous states.

Who Will You Choose?

You got a complete look at each of the brands and their IPL devices in this Ulike vs. Braun IPL review, which one looks more appealing? Choices will, of course, differ from person to person, but let’s go over the details of each again quickly for easy reference.

Ulike’s Air3 has been studied in a clinical trial with proven results. It comes in a modern design in a range of colors and has multiple treatment modes for the right strength for your hair and skin. Ulike also features Sapphire cooling technology for a painless experience, as well as UV protection and a flat head for effective treatments.

Ulike’s IPL device costs less and comes with a boatload of offers. It has great feedback, though less feedback overall than Braun.

On the flipside, we have Braun. Their two different IPL models have received much praise for their efficacy. With an ergonomic shape, these classic devices come in white and gold or champagne colors and have multiple treatment tips for large and small areas. It also has a Smart Pro 2.0 sensor that detects your skin tone and sets the treatment level automatically.

Braun’s devices are more expensive. They have fewer discounts but a large amount of excellent feedback.

Which one will you choose? Modern, painless, and streamlined or classic, smart, and big-budget?

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