Braun IPL Review: Can It Replace Salon Lasers?

In partnership with Braun

Hair removal gets old fast. You shave. It grows back in two days. You wax. It hurts and costs a fortune. Laser sounds great until you see the price tag, and the appointment schedule. Most people just end up stuck in the same loop. Razor, repeat.

Braun has been making grooming tools for over 100 years. The company was founded in 1921 and is now part of Procter & Gamble. Electric shavers, epilators, and trimmers have been their lane for decades. IPL came later, but it fits. Instead of selling salon visits, Braun built devices you plug in at home and use once a week. 

Their pitch is simple: long-term hair reduction without the clinic. The devices automatically read your skin tone and adjust their power settings. Ten intensity levels. A sensor that checks your skin before every flash. FDA cleared. Dermatologist tested. Some models fire up to 400,000 flashes, which they say can last for years. The higher-end version even connects to an app and tracks coverage so you don’t miss spots. Not every IPL device does that.

So the big question… Does it actually work? And if it does, which one makes sense for you? The Skin i·expert or the Silk·expert Pro 5?

Let’s get into it.

Highlights

• Braun has been making grooming tools since 1921 and is now owned by Procter & Gamble.
• The brand focuses on at-home hair removal devices designed for long-term reduction, not quick, temporary fixes.
• Braun IPL devices are FDA-cleared and tested by dermatologists and gynecologists.
• The Skin i·expert and Silk·expert Pro 5 are their main IPL models in the US.
• Both devices use a built-in skin-tone sensor that automatically adjusts power before each flash.
• Treatments are designed to be used once a week for 4 to 12 weeks, then as needed for maintenance.
• Braun claims up to 95 percent hair reduction in one month when following the recommended schedule.
• Full-body sessions are advertised at around 10 minutes for areas such as the legs, underarms, bikini line, and upper lip.
• Higher-end models connect to the Braun app for step-by-step guidance and coverage tracking.
• Some versions provide up to 400,000 flashes, which the brand says can equal years of full-body treatments.

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Braun IPL Review

Braun’s IPL lineup centers on at-home devices built for long-term hair reduction. The brand has been making grooming tools since 1921 and now operates under Procter & Gamble, with a strong presence in electric shavers and epilators, before moving into light-based hair removal.

In this section, we’ll break down what defines Braun’s IPL range, the core features shared across models, and the main devices currently available, so you can see how they compare before we get into performance and results.

Brand Features

A century in grooming hardware

Braun has been building grooming devices since 1921, long before at-home IPL was even a thing, and that background shows in how solid and tool-like these machines feel.

Medical clearance and safety standards

Current Braun IPL devices are FDA cleared and tested by dermatologists and gynecologists, which puts them in a different category than many low-cost light devices sold online.

Smart skin tone reading before every flash

Each model continuously checks your skin tone and automatically adjusts power, and it will refuse to fire if the tone falls outside the supported range.

Precision control over intensity

Users can choose from 10 energy levels plus three treatment modes, including a sensitive setting for areas like the upper lip or bikini line where comfort matters more than speed.

High flash capacity built for years of use

Select models deliver up to 400,000 flashes, a number Braun ties to years of full-body sessions when following the recommended schedule.

Consistent power through corded design

Braun keeps these devices plugged in only, which means the energy output stays stable from the first flash to the last, unlike some battery units that fade.

App-guided treatments on premium models

The Skin i·expert connects to a companion app that guides session timing and tracks coverage, helping you avoid missed patches, while the Pro 5 keeps the process more manual but uses the same core light system.

Featured Products

Skin i·expert Smart IPL (PL7387) Review

Braun’s Skin i·expert is an at-home light-based hair-reduction device designed to replace the constant cycle of shaving and waxing. It’s corded, handheld, and built for full-body use. You plug it in, shave first, and then glide it across the skin once a week during the initial phase. That’s the routine.

What makes this version different from basic IPL devices is the built-in intelligence. The device reads your skin tone before each flash and automatically adjusts the intensity. If the tone falls outside the safe range, it simply won’t fire. You still have control, though. There are 10 intensity levels and three modes, including a sensitive setting for areas like the upper lip or bikini line.

The standout feature here is the app connection. The Skin i·expert pairs with Braun’s companion app, which walks you through sessions and tracks coverage in real time. The idea is to help prevent missed patches, especially on larger areas like legs. Not everyone will care about that, but for someone new to IPL, the guidance lowers the guesswork.

Braun claims up to 95% hair reduction in one month when used as directed, with visible results starting early in treatment. The brand also states a permanent reduction in regrowth over time. As always, results vary by hair color, skin tone, and consistency of use. Darker hair on lighter skin tends to respond best.

Silk·expert Pro 5 IPL (PL5347) Review

Silk·expert Pro 5 is Braun’s core at-home IPL device for long-term hair reduction. It’s corded, handheld, and built for full-body use. The routine is simple: shave first, then treat once per week during the initial phase. After 4–12 weeks, most people move into maintenance sessions as needed.

The device uses Braun’s SkinPro (SensoAdapt™) system, which reads your skin tone continuously and adjusts intensity before each flash. If your skin tone is outside the supported range, the device will not activate. You also get 10 intensity levels and a sensitive mode for smaller or delicate areas such as the upper lip or bikini line.

Braun states visible results can appear in as little as 2 sessions, with up to 95% hair reduction in 1 month when following the recommended schedule. The brand also references a permanent reduction in hair regrowth over time. Results vary based on skin tone, hair color, and consistency. Darker hair typically responds best because the light targets pigment.

Speed is one of the main selling points. Braun advertises full-body treatments in about 10 minutes for areas like the upper and lower legs, underarms, bikini line, and upper lip. Since the device is corded, power output remains steady throughout the session.

Braun IPL Review: What Do Customers Think?

Spending this much on an at-home device usually makes people cautious. Hair removal is personal, and nobody wants to gamble on something that doesn’t work. So the real test is not the brand claims. It’s what actual users report after a few weeks or months of use.

Across both the Skin i·expert and the Silk·expert Pro 5, the general tone of reviews leans positive. Many users report a noticeable reduction in regrowth within the first month, especially on the legs, underarms, chin, and chest. Several mention that consistency matters, but once they stick to the weekly schedule, results become visible.

For the Skin i·expert, users often highlight how much regrowth slowed down, even for people dealing with stubborn hair patterns. One review states, “The hair has reduced so much already, far more than I expected.” Another shares, “I’ve missed sessions here and there but I am still seeing slowness of growth and smoothness.” 

Some reviewers dealing with hormonal hair growth also report satisfaction. The tone in those reviews tends to sound relieved, not exaggerated. Fewer touch-ups. Less daily maintenance. That comes up repeatedly.

Silk·expert Pro 5 reviews follow a similar pattern. The speed of visible change is mentioned often. One user wrote, “I used 3 weeks on my chest and could see a lot of results.” Another said, “I have to use it once a month for certain areas but it’s so quick and easy I don’t mind. Way better than shaving or waxing.” That monthly maintenance comment appears frequently in different forms.

Longer-term users describe a more dramatic reduction over time. A review reads, “I’ve been using it for about 9 weeks and my legs and pits are completely hairless.” 

Overall, positive feedback centers around three main points: noticeable reduction in regrowth, convenience compared to salon laser or waxing, and ease of use at home. People appreciate not scheduling appointments and not constantly buying razors.

Is Braun IPL Legit?

Yes, Braun IPL is legitimate. The brand has been building grooming devices since 1921 and now operates under Procter & Gamble, which adds manufacturing scale and regulatory oversight. Their IPL devices are FDA cleared, tested by dermatologists and gynecologists, and designed with built-in skin tone sensors that prevent unsafe flashes. The flash counts, structured treatment schedules, and published clinical references show this is a regulated consumer medical device category.

Is Braun IPL Worth It?

Yes. Braun IPL is absolutely worth it.

Braun brings more than a product into this space. The brand carries over a century of grooming expertise, backed by Procter & Gamble, into a category that requires precision and trust. Their IPL devices are FDA-cleared, tested by dermatologists and gynecologists, and built with an intelligent skin-tone sensor that adjusts power before every flash. That level of built-in protection and control reflects serious engineering, not guesswork.

Results are structured and realistic. One session per week for the first 4 to 12 weeks aligns with hair growth, which is why users report a steady reduction over time. Regrowth slows. Hair becomes finer. Maintenance shifts from constant upkeep to occasional touch-ups. The routine becomes lighter, not heavier.

The hardware supports that long-term shift. Select models provide up to 400,000 flashes, which Braun associates with years of full-body treatments when used as directed. Corded power keeps output consistent from start to finish. Ten intensity levels and multiple comfort modes give users full control over areas like the legs, underarms, bikini line, and face. The Skin i·expert adds guided sessions and coverage tracking through its companion app, creating a more structured experience for those who want it.

Braun IPL stands as a confident, well-built option in at-home hair reduction. The system is clear. The technology is controlled. The results reward consistency. For someone ready to commit to a structured plan, it delivers long-term payoff.

Braun IPL Discounts and Promotions

Braun has a dedicated “Offers and Promotions” section on its official website where select products are marked down for a limited time. The discounts are shown clearly as original price versus current sale price. No guessing. No hidden math.

For IPL specifically, several models are currently listed with direct price reductions:

• Skin i·expert Smart IPL, PL7387 is priced at $499.99, reduced from $599.99.
• Silk·expert Pro 5 IPL, PL5347 is listed at $369.99, down from $469.99.
• Silk·expert Pro 5 IPL, PL5157 is priced at $349.99, reduced from $419.99.
• Silk·Expert Pro 3 IPL, IPL3020 is shown at $199.99, marked down from $249.99 (currently listed as out of stock).

These are direct brand discounts, not third-party reseller pricing. The markdowns are displayed on Braun’s own product pages under the promotions section.

Financing options are also shown at checkout through Affirm, with examples like monthly payments and up to 0% APR depending on eligibility. That option appears directly under the product pricing on the site.

Where Can I Buy Braun IPL?

Braun IPL devices are available directly through the official Braun website. Buying from the brand site gives access to current promotions listed under the “Offers and Promotions” section, along with model comparisons, attachment details, and financing options through Affirm for eligible buyers.

Braun IPL models are also sold through major retailers, including Amazon and other large online stores, depending on the specific SKU. Availability may vary by model, especially between versions such as PL7387, PL5347, and PL5157, so it’s helpful to double-check the exact product number before purchasing.

For buyers who want the latest pricing, bundled attachments, or limited-time discounts, the official Braun site is usually the first place to check.

FAQs

How often should Braun IPL be used?

Braun recommends using the device once per week for the first 4–12 weeks. After that initial phase, most users switch to maintenance sessions as needed, depending on regrowth.

Does Braun IPL provide permanent hair removal?

Braun describes the result as a permanent reduction in hair regrowth. That means many hairs grow back more slowly and finer over time, especially with consistent use.

Is Braun IPL safe to use at home?

Yes. Braun IPL devices are FDA-cleared and tested by dermatologists and gynecologists. Each device includes a built-in skin tone sensor that checks your skin before every flash and will not activate outside the supported range.

Does it hurt?

Most users describe the feeling as a mild warmth or light snap against the skin. The devices include 10 intensity levels and a sensitive mode so users can adjust comfort depending on the area.

How do I contact Braun?

Braun offers customer support through its official website and by phone.

You can browse the Help Center for answers about products, troubleshooting, shipping, returns, and device service. There is also a Contact Us page where you can submit inquiries directly online. If you need repairs, the site includes a Find a Service Center tool to locate authorized service providers.

For phone support, Braun can be reached at:

(800) 272-8611

Customer service hours are:
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST, Monday – Friday
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST, Monday – Friday

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