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Ulike Air3 vs. 5MinSkin Handset: Which IPL  Should You Buy?

By Viktoria
Updated: April 10, 2025
Ulike

Buying an IPL device these days requires careful consideration. It’s not just about the many alternatives available, which can confuse; it’s because some are clearly ahead of others in many regards. Besides, many of these devices aren’t cheap, and one negative experience with a subpar product is enough for anyone to write IPL off.

But if you know what to consider before making a purchase, you wouldn’t agree less that IPL is the best at-home hair removal technology at this time. That is why, before comparing the two IPL devices in this article, we would first look at the most important things to consider when purchasing an IPL hair removal gadget.

5 Things That Matter When Choosing an IPL Device to Purchase

1.    Safety

What is probably more important when using a device on your skin than safety? It won’t sound pleasant to burn yourself or experience an electric shock while using a device meant to help remove body hair. Yes, IPLs are not carcinogenic, but they can cause skin burns, mild pain, and eye defects if necessary safety precautions are not in place.

As such, it’s critical to check for notable clearances from regulatory agencies like the FDA, CE, and others. For a product to carry the cleared or clearance of these bodies, it must have met certain stringent requirements for safety. Added to this, you may also want to check if your proposed IPL device has cooling technology to relieve discomfort. That’s because lights from these devices produce heat when they reach your hair follicles. And unless there is a provision for cooling, this heat energy can be discomforting.

2.    Efficiency

If an IPL device is safe to use but doesn’t offer the results it advertises, it’s a sheer waste of money and valuable time. Frankly speaking, there are many devices out there that simply waste people’s time, either because they do not remove hairs as promised or they take longer than required. As it goes, anyone embarking on a hair removal journey wants results as quickly as possible. Therefore, if an IPL device will take forever to achieve this, it’s not worth it.

Consequently, you must check out parameters like the maximum energy of the IPL device you plan to buy and the time it takes to remove your unwanted hair. I must mention here that IPLs generally don’t produce results in a day or week; you may have to wait for at least three weeks to start noticing a significant decrease in your hair volume and quantity. If you rely on manufacturers’ self-testimony or ad, you may not know the truth in this matter. Instead, read online reviews from public platforms, and you’ll know how the device you want to buy performs.

3.    Comfort

It may not sound like comfort is a big deal until you have to use an IPL device on your legs or arms. As these body parts are extensive, you will have to spend more time on them. If the device is, therefore, a handful, you can strain your hands or develop fatigue just because you want to get rid of body hair. Part of the comfort is the inclusion of all needed accessories like a packing bag and safety goggles. If these things aren’t included, using an IPL gadget can be a hassle.

In view of this, confirm that your IPL is matte-finished and ergonomic. Typically, the ones with curved or wand-land handles tend to be more comfortable to handle than the short, wide ones. You should also check for details such as digital display, intensity levels, and energy modes. The presence of these things shows that the producer put in all it takes to make the device seamless.

4.    Customer Service

I’ve heard and seen many buyers dismiss this point and later regret it. To some, once a device is efficient and safe, it doesn’t matter who sells it. Of course, after-sales services are critical, especially in the unfortunate event that the product malfunctions or gets broken in transit. If you select a brand that does not have a human face, the frustration can be killing.

Customer service considerations include warranties, money-back guarantees, shipping details, refund policies, and responsiveness to queries. Established brands with a global presence often have a customer-centric attitude that enables them to factor in these things.

5.    Price

Premium IPL devices are not cheap. However, it costs differently, depending on the brand and time of the year. In using price to determine whether an IPL device is worth your consideration, you need to factor in the technology the producer is putting forward, including accessories, and brand name. Some accessories like goggles and precision caps are sacrosanct to the proper functioning of your IPL handset. However, their inclusion may also mean that you will pay more.

Therefore, in trying to pay less, you should be wary of packages that may even make you pay more. Targeting festive seasons like Black Fridays and Christmas can be an ingenious way to enjoy mind-blowing discounts from some shops.

Ulike Sapphire Air3 vs. 4MinSkin: Which IPL should You Buy?

Ulike and 5minskin are among the famous options you will come across when shopping online. They have come a long way and offer really great products. However, your decision of which to buy should not be based on sentiments. Consider the following parameters to make your choice.

Results Timeline: Ulike Air3 is Better

Results Timeline Ulike Air3 is Better

Nobody wants to wait forever to get a result for their hair removal procedures. With the Ulike Sapphire Air3 IPL Hair Removal Handset, the waiting time is only two weeks to experience a 64% hair reduction. Your hair length also reduces by 88.9% within the same period. That’s made possible because of the impressive 21J maximum energy output of this device, which quickly sets at naught the hair follicles and keeps the hair counts and length down. Depending on your hair’s thickness and type, you may be 100% hair-free with this gadget in just eight weeks.

5minSkin equally delivers fast results almost at par with Ulike Air3. However, it takes – on average – six weeks to produce the result which Ulike delivers in four weeks. The recommended usage is once a week for twelve weeks before the hairs will be completely gone. However, many users report that they had to wait longer than these to achieve hairlessness.

Reviews: “I used this machine (Ulike Air3) as instructed for one month, and my armpit hair is almost gone. Only a few hair roots remain, and I don’t need to shave every week like before. This product really works well.” – Skylar S.

Regulatory Clearance: Ulike is Better

Regulatory Clearance Ulike is BetterUlike Sapphire Air3 and 5minSkin are both FDA-cleared, but Ulike is several steps ahead with its over 30 other certifications and dermatologist recommendations. As such, if there is any IPL device you should trust over every other, it is Ulike Air3. It’s impossible to maneuver more than 30 internationally renowned bodies, including the FDA, without being detected if flawed.

In fairness to 5minSkin, the device also earns a few certifications and endorsements apart from its FDA clearance. However, those are not up to half the endorsements and certifications that Ulike Air3 parades. Of course, the many endorsements and certifications of Ulike affirm that the manufacturers have done due diligence to the device.

Reviews: “Ulike IPL prioritizes effectiveness and safety to offer a reliable and comfortable hair removal experience” – Dr. Davin Lim, a dermatologist

Skin Safe Technology: Ulike Air3 is Better

Again, Ulike Air3 sets the pace in the area of skin safety. The lasers do not burn the skin, nor do you experience a tingling sensation during treatment. It comes armed with a UV filter and eye goggles that protect your eyes when using the device on the face. The dual air duct heat dissipation of this IPL handset also keeps it cool and skin-friendly while you flash in those lights.

5minSkin makes almost the same claim, but it doesn’t have ice-cooling tech and a UV ray filter, making it unfit to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ulike Air 3 in this area. Nevertheless, it’s generally safe to use, and not many users complain that it affects their skin negatively.

Reviews: “Unlike other devices notorious for burning users’ skin, Ulike Air3 is exceptionally cooler, ensuring an almost nearly painless and practical hair removal process.” – Elle

Price: 5minSkin is Better

Price 5minSkin is BetterWhile 5minSkin sells for $179, Ulike Air3 is sold for $329. This price difference is above $100 and is enough to motivate any rational buyer to look the way of 5minSkin. But considering the technology and design that went into making Ulike, the price may be worth it. You can get about a $60 price cut as a first-timer at checkout.

Reviews: “I was amazed at the result I got after just a few weeks of usage. Initially, I thought that because of the affordable price tag, it would be subpar, but, alas! My armpits and legs are super smooth! Thank you, 5minSkin.” – Jennifer

Ice-Cooling Technology: Ulike Air3 is Better

Ice-Cooling Technology Ulike Air3 is Better

One of the outstanding features of the Ulike IPL handset is the Sapphire ice-cooling technology it offers. Generally, IPLs can be slightly discomforting due to the heat sensation it produces. However, with this patented technology, Ulike is able to keep users’ skin temperature at 58°F, eliminating pain, itches, or heat sensations.

Unfortunately, 5minSkin does not have this technology. It only relies on its five intensity levels and energy modes to regulate light flashing. However, these are not enough to guarantee nearly painlessness, especially for sensitive skinners.

Reviews: “This Ulike Air3 IPL is just a universe different from the first IPL I used. Because of my nasty experience, I begged my husband to first try it on his skin. He assured me that everything was fine, and that was how I started using this device. Very cool, fast, and efficient. I strongly recommend this IPL for anyone who wants a nearly painless and efficient at-home hair removal.” – Whitney

Money-Back Policy & Warranty: Ulike Air3 is Better

Money-Back Policy & Warranty Ulike Air3 is Better

Talking about customer-centric policies, Ulike Air3 takes the lead. First, with regard to its return policy, Ulike allows users who haven’t experienced complete hairlessness even after three months to return the device and get their money back. What company receives a product back after three months of staying with customers? Ulike sets a record in this regard. Also, it offers a two-year warranty on all its IPL gadgets, testifying to the immense confidence it has in the engineering and technology that produced the IPL handset.

5minSkin also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is an excellent offer. Under this arrangement, you can get a full refund if you haven’t witnessed a significant reduction in your hair volume and quantity. However, there is no warranty on the product, and that is why it trails Ulike in this consideration.

Reviews: “This is my first time of using this product, and I’m wowed at the premium packaging. I already had the mind of returning the package if I didn’t get the result I desired in a month. Amazingly, I started noticing that the hairs on my armpits are reducing after just two weeks! The cap is amazingly cool too and I felt no discomfort – NO DISCOMFORT. What a brilliant concept from Ulike!” – Sara

Ulike Air3 vs. 5minSkin: Comparison Table

Parameters Ulike Air3 IPL 5minSkin Winner
Price $329 $179 5minSkin
FDA Clearance Yes Yes A tie
Results Timeline Visible results in 2 weeks Noticeable results in 2-4 weeks Ulike Air3
Money-Back Guarantee 90 days 30 days Ulike Air3
Warranty 2 years None Ulike Air3
What’s in the Box Ulike Air3 IPL Handset, case, power cord, UV protection glasses, razor, and an adapter 5minSkin IPL Handset, instruction booklet, Charging accessories, eyes protector Ulike Air3
Ice-Cooling Technology Yes No Ulike Air3
Full-Body Treatment Yes Yes A tie
Time for Full-Body Treatment 12 minutes for full body treatment 10 minutes 5minSkin
Lifespan Flashes 850,000 500,000 Ulike Air3

 

Conclusion

Ulike Air3 is a masterpiece and a revolutionary gadget that is redefining the powers of IPL. The hair removal tool is clearly ahead of 5minSkin, although the former isn’t also a terrible device. Apart from the price, which is even comparatively cheaper than similar products, nothing more draws a person’s attention to 5minSkin than Ulike Air3. As such, to answer the question this article poses, buy Ulike Sapphire Air3 IPL device ahead of 5minSkin. It’s better and more loaded than the former.

Viktoria
Viktoria
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