Thinking about buying an IPL hair removal device? Here’s what you need to know about SmoothSkin versus leading competitors.

Let’s be real for a second: trying to pick the right IPL hair removal device can feel a bit like online dating. Everything sounds good on paper, everyone swears they’re “clinically proven,” and you’re left wondering who’s actually the real deal. 

So, if you’re caught in the comparison game - scrolling through pages, reading reviews, watching influencers zap their legs in time-lapse videos, you’re not alone. 

This guide is here to help you cut through the confusion and figure out if SmoothSkin Pure Adapt is right for you. Spoiler alert: if you value results, safety, and your time... you’ll want to keep reading. 

Wait, what even is IPL?  

Before we dive into the comparisons, let’s quickly cover the basics. Because we’re not here to throw jargon at you. 

In short, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a light-based technology that stops unwanted hair growth. It uses light energy, that converts into heat energy, and targets the melanin in your hair follicle, disabling growth at the root.  

IPL gives you salon-quality results all from the comfort of home (yes, even in your PJs whilst binge-watching Netflix). The good news? It’s also costs less than you think.   

What to consider when researching IPL hair removal? 

If you’re here, it’s probably because you’ve seen IPL hair removal pop-up your feed. That may be us, or other leading competitors in the space such as the Ulike Air 10 and Air 3 devices.  

We know from talking to women like you, that there’s a few things that are important to you, because they’re important to us too. After all, we’ve also been through the struggle of trying to find a hair removal method that lasts longer than a day or two.  

In fact, we’ve got a lot of credentials behind us, including being the first to launch an IPL hair removal device over 15 years ago in the UK. We’ve driven a lot of the world’s firsts in the world of IPL, pushing the innovation forward. In fact, we were the first to launch an FDA-cleared device in the US.   

From what you’ve told us, you value:  

1. The time it takes to see results (and how long they last)
2. How long it takes to do it 
3. How easy it is to use
4. How safe it is for your skin
5. Comfort on your skin 

Below, we’ll compare our latest IPL device, Pure Adapt, to Ulike’s top 2 IPL devices on the above points. We only use comparative, objective data available on the website for direct comparisons.

1. When do you see results? And how long do they last?

SmoothSkin Pure Adapt 

• Visible results in 2 treatments 

• Clinically proven to reduce on average 52% of hair after 2 uses 

• Only 1 flash is needed on even the most stubborn hair 

• Enjoy up to 1 year of smooth skin 

Ulike Air 10 / Air 3 

• Visible results in 6-8 treatments (2 weeks, based on the recommended 3-4 treatments per week)  

• Multi-flash flashes 4 times on one treatment area 

• Long-lasting smooth skin 

✨ Summer-skin, faster. SmoothSkin helps you get smooth, silky skin quicker—with fewer sessions. 

Both photos show 1 week of hair growth. We are proudly photoshop free. Individual results may vary.  

2. Treatment frequency: because who wants to spend any more time on hair removal than we have to?

SmoothSkin Pure Adapt 

• Just 1 treatment a week for 12 weeks. That’s it.  

• A full body session takes 10 minutes, with lower legs taking 5 minutes, and smaller areas such as underarms taking less than a minute.  

Ulike Air 10 / Air 3 

• Recommends 3 to 4 treatments a week.  

• On average 10 minutes per session. 

 ✨ SmoothSkin wins on convenience. If we wanted to remove hair 3-4 times a week, we’d stick with shaving.  

3. Skin and eye safety features – for peace of mind, and ease of use 

SmoothSkin Pure Adapt 

• Backed by over 5500 clinical treatments on multiple skin tones and body areas. Proven to be safe and effective. 

• Patented Auto Skin Tone Sensor for fool-proof treatments. Pure Adapt reads your unique skin tone at over 80x a second, and auto-adjusts power, giving you safe and effective treatments always. 

• Safe for eyes – along with being manufactured to the latest eye safety standards and regulations, SmoothSkin Pure Adapt has a sophisticated skin contact sensor, meaning it will only flash when in full contact with your skin, preventing any accidental flashes.  

 Ulike Devices 

• Requires eye protection for every use  

• No published clinical data on safety  

Safe enough for your eyes = safe enough for everywhere else.  

4. How easy is it to use?

Make difficult spots light work with Pure Adapt.  

SmoothSkin Pure Adapt 

• The only IPL with Adapt Plus Technology – a contour head that moves with the curves of your body for easier, faster treatments 

• That means fewer missed spots and better coverage on knees, underarms, and bikini line. 

Ulike Devices 

• Flat treatment head = harder to reach and adapt to curves. 

• More awkward angling, more patchy results. 

Your body’s not flat. Your IPL shouldn’t be either. 

5.Pricing

• Pure Adapt RRP - $379 (currently on offer for $299) *

• Ulike Air 10 RRP - $399 (currently on offer for $339)*

• Ulike Air 3 RRP - $329 (currently on offer for $239)*

Looking for something that delivers great results, but more entry-level? We have solutions to suit every budget from $149. Shop here.  

*Prices correct as of 04/16/2025  

To summarize

Ready to Ditch the Razor? 

Ready to spend less time and effort on short-term methods that leave your skin irritated and itchy, and more time enjoying the freedom of SmoothSkin?  

Shop our most effective, and recommended IPL hair removal solution today, backed by our 100-day money back guarantee. Explore Pure Adapt Now