Laser and IPL hair removal (mostly over-the-counter; 1 record says prescription use)
Records FDA files under its code for light-based over-the-counter hair removal: handheld laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices. One record's quoted indications say the device is for prescription use; that entry carries a Prescription badge.
165 records from 2006 to 2026, filed by 83 companies. 111 device names as filed say IPL or intense pulsed light and 4 say laser. We quote the indications for use for 106 of them from FDA's PDFs.
What FDA's code OHT covers
FDA device name
“Light Based Over-The-Counter Hair Removal”
FDA definition
“Over-the-counter device uses thermal energy to kill hair follicles for hair removal.”
Physical state
“Use of thermal energy”
Technical method
“Use of thermal energy to kill hair follicles for hair removal”
Target area
“The device generally targets skin (including dermis, epidermis), underlying soft tissue and hair follicles.”
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810: “Laser surgical instrument for use in general and plastic surgery and in dermatology.” This regulation covers laser and light instruments for general and plastic surgery and dermatology broadly; the product code is what narrows it to over-the-counter use.
Each record is one FDA decision about the device named in it, for the use in its indications statement. The company that filed may be the brand on the box or the manufacturer that makes it for the brand.
Records are grouped by FDA product code; a record's own indications can be narrower, broader or different from the group name, so read each one. We quote an indications statement only when it comes from a text page of FDA's PDF (not a scan) and every word checks out; otherwise the entry says why and links the PDF, which is the authority.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 5.
“Ice Cooling IPL Hair Removal Device with sapphire treatment window is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“Ice Cooling IPL Hair Removal Device with sapphire treatment window is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the long-lasting reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The IPL Hair Removal Device is an over-the-counter device indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long term, stable reduction in the amount of hair regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“Philips Lumea IPL is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair for a single user. It is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“IPL Home Use Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
“Ice Cooling IPL Hair Removal Device with sapphire treatment window is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The statement's clinical classification text (such as Norwood-Hamilton or Ludwig-Savin ranges) doesn't read cleanly, so we don't quote it rather than guess at a correction. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
“The IPL Hair Removal Device is an over-the-counter device indicated for the removal of unwanted hair such as but not limited to small areas such as underarm and facial hair below the chin line and large areas such as legs. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long term, stable reduction in the amount of hair regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“Ice Cooling IPL Hair Removal Device with sapphire treatment window is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“Ice Cooling IPL Hair Removal Device with sapphire treatment window is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“Hand-held Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“IPL400 device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6, 9, and 12 months after the completion of the treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
“IPL Hair Removal Device is an over-the-counter device intended for removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“Ice Cooling IPL Hair Removal Device with sapphire treatment window is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“Philips Lumea IPL is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair for a single user. It is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“Ice Cooling IPL Hair Removal Device with sapphire treatment window is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The SmoothSkin Pure Switch is intended for the removal of unwanted hair. The SmoothSkin Pure Switch is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
“Ice Cooling IPL Hair Removal Device with sapphire treatment window is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
“The Ice Cooling IPL Home Use Hair Removal Device is an over-the-counter device indicated for the removal of unwanted hair such as but not limited to small areas such as underarm and facial hair below the chin line and large areas such as legs. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long term, stable reduction in the amount of hair regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 6.
“Ice Cooling IPL Hair Removal Device with sapphire treatment window is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
“The Home use hair removal device is an over-the-counter device intended for removal of unwanted hair such as but not limited to small areas such as underarm and facial hair below the chin line and large areas such as legs, in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes I-V.”
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9, and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 4.
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The IPL Hair Removal Device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“IPL Home Use Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“IVYLASER Handhold Hair Removal Machine is an over-the-counter device intended for adjunctive use with shaving for hair removal sustained with periodic treatments. IVYLASER is also intended for permanent hair reduction defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9, and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime .”
“The IPL Hair Removal device (Model: Skin Expert Pro IPL 008, Skin Expert Pro IPL 008S) is an Over the Counter device intended for the removal of unwanted body hair.”
“Hand-held IPL device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The Braun Skin i.expert Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The Braun Skin i.expert is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“Diode Laser Hair Removal is an over-the-counter device intended for adjunctive use with shaving for hair removal sustained with periodic treatments. Diode Laser Hair Removal is also intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth defined as a long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9, and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) System (Model: T023K, T023A, T023B, T023C, T023D, T023E, T021K, T021A, T001A, T001B, T001M, T001N, T011C, T016K) is an over-the-counter device intended for the removal of unwanted body hair.”
“Light based hair removal device is an over-the-counter device intended for removal of unwanted hair such as but not limited to small areas such as underarm and facial hair below the chin line and large areas such as legs, excluding patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes VI.”
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The IPL Hair Removal is an over-the-counter device intended for removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
“IPL Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
“The IPL Hair Removal Device OBT-02 Version is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime. The device is used for adults.”
Not quoted here. The statement contains words we couldn't confirm (a typo, run-together words or a reading error), and we don't correct FDA's text. Read FDA's PDF, page 5.
“The Home Use IPL Beauty Device is an over-the-counter device intended for removal of unwanted hair such as but not limited to small areas such as underarm and facial hair below the chin line and large areas such as legs.”
Not quoted here. The statement contains words we couldn't confirm (a typo, run-together words or a reading error), and we don't correct FDA's text. Read FDA's PDF, page 3.
“The SmoothSkin BARE+ Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The SmoothSkin BARE+ is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The Sensilight Pro device is an over-the-counter device intended for the removal of unwanted body and/or facial hair. Sensilight Pro is also intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as a long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured 6,9,and 12 months after the completion of treatment regimen.”
“The BRAUN Silk.expert Pro 5 Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The BRAUN Silk.expert Pro 5 is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The BRAUN Silk.expert Pro 3 Hair Removal Device is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The BRAUN Silk.expert Pro 3 is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The IPL Salon Hair Reduction System (Model: F60001) is an over the Counter device intended for the removal of unwanted body and/or facial hair in adults. It is also intended for permanent reduction in unwanted hair. Permanent hair reduction is defined as the long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6. 9. and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen.”
Source discrepancy: this statement names “F60001”, which doesn't appear in the device name in FDA's database. Both are shown exactly as FDA's records have them.
“The IPL Hair Removal Device Joy Version is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The device is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime. The device is used for adults with Fitzpatrick skin types I – IV.”
“Light based hair removal device is an over-the-counter device intended for removal of unwanted hair such as but not limited to small areas such as underarm and facial hair below the chin line and large areas such as legs, excluding patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes VI.”
“Home Use IPL Beauty Device is an over-the-counter device intended for removal of unwanted hair such as but not limited to small areas such as underarm and facial hair below the chin line and large areas such as legs.”
“The Home Use Hair Removal Device is an over-the-counter device intended for removal of unwanted hair from small areas such as, but not limited to, underarm and facial hair below the chin line and large areas such as legs, in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes I-V.”
“HEE HR Mini is an over-the-counter device intended for the removal of unwanted hair. The HEE HR Mini is also intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as a long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9, and 12 months after the completion of treatment regimen.”
“The PerfectSmooth is an over-the-counter device intended for removal of unwanted hair such as but not limited to small areas such as underarm and facial hair below the chin line and large areas such as legs.”
“The Handheld Diode Laser for Hair Removal is an over-the-counter device intended for adjunctive use with shaving for hair removal sustained with periodic treatments. Handheld Diode Laser for Hair Removal is also intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth defined as a long-term, stable reduction in hair counts following a treatment regime. permanent hair reduction is defined as long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured out to 6, 9, and 12 months after the completion of the treatment regimen.”
“The iPulse SmoothSkin Gold Hair Removal System is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The iPulse Smoothskin Gold is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The iPulse SmoothSkin Gold Hair Removal System is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The iPulse Smoothskin Gold is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The iPulse SmoothSkin Gold Hair Removal System is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair. The iPulse Smoothskin Gold is also indicated for the permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime.”
“The Wellquest NuBrilliance Pulsed Light Hair Removal system device is an over-the-counter device intended for the removal of unwanted hair. The NuBrilliance Pulsed Light Hair Removal System is also intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as a long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9,a nd 12 months after the completion of the treatment regimen.”
“The sensiLight™/sensiLight™ Plus device is an over-the-counter device intended for the removal of unwanted hair. The sensiLight™/sensiLight™ Plus is also intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth, defined as a long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9, and 12 months after the completion of treatment regimen.”
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 8.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 5.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 1.
Not quoted here. The page with this statement is a scanned image whose text was machine-read, so we can't vouch for it word for word. Read FDA's PDF, page 2.