If you’ve been tired of constant shaving, painful waxing, or dealing with razor bumps that never seem to go away, you really should consider grabbing the 5minskin IPL hair removal device. I’ve used it myself, and it has genuinely changed how I handle unwanted hair at home—it’s quick, mostly painless, and delivers noticeable results without endless salon visits. In this honest review, I’ll share everything from my real experience to the good, the bad, and how it stacks up against competitors, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
My Experience With 5Minskin
5Minskin Hair Removal

I first picked up the 5minskin device after seeing some ads and reading mixed but mostly positive chatter online.
I was skeptical because I’ve tried other at-home IPL gadgets before, and results were always meh—either too weak or irritating on my sensitive skin.
But I decided to give this one a shot since it promised quick 5-minute sessions and painless treatment, which sounded perfect for my busy schedule.
The unboxing was straightforward. The handset arrived well-packaged with the device, a power adapter, safety glasses, and a basic manual.
It’s lightweight and ergonomic, fitting nicely in my hand without feeling cheap. The head has a decent-sized flash window, and there are intensity levels you can adjust—starting low is smart if you’re new to this.
I started with my legs because that’s where hair grows back fastest for me. I shaved the area first (as instructed—no waxing or plucking beforehand), then plugged in the device and set it to level 1. The first session felt like a warm snap on the skin, not painful at all, more like a quick rubber band flick but gentler.
There’s a slight smell of singed hair sometimes, which is normal for IPL as it targets the follicle. I did full legs in about 15-20 minutes, not the advertised 5, but maybe because I was being thorough and going over sections twice.
I committed to the schedule: twice a week for the first month, then once a week. By week three, I noticed my hair growing back finer and sparser. Shaving felt different—less stubble, and patches where hair was slower to return.
Underarms were next; those sessions were quicker, maybe 5-7 minutes total. The armpits are sensitive, but I barely felt discomfort after the first couple uses.
Bikini line was trickier—I used the lowest setting and went slow to avoid any mishaps. No burns or redness, which was a huge win compared to past devices that left me blotchy.
Around week six, the real magic happened. My legs stayed smooth for days longer than usual, and I could skip shaving for almost two weeks without it looking prickly.
Hair on my arms, which is lighter, thinned out noticeably too. I have medium skin tone and dark hair, so it worked well on the contrast.
For facial hair (upper lip and chin), I was cautious but used it gently—results there were slower but still visible reduction after consistent use.
One thing that stood out was how user-friendly it is. No complicated app or Bluetooth nonsense—just plug, adjust level, and flash.
The auto-glide on some modes helps cover areas faster. I did hit a plateau around month three where progress slowed, but sticking to maintenance sessions kept things under control.
Overall, after four months, I’m down to maybe one shave every couple of weeks, and the hair is much finer.
It’s not 100% permanent for me yet, but it’s the closest I’ve gotten at home without professional treatments.
The confidence boost from smoother skin without daily effort has been huge—you know that feeling when you can just throw on shorts without worrying? That’s what this gave me. I wish I’d started sooner, honestly.
Also read: My Thoughts on Oyo Hair Removal
Pros Of 5Minskin

- Painless And Gentle On Skin : The treatment feels warm but never hurts much, even on sensitive spots like underarms or bikini area, thanks to the adjustable levels and built-in cooling in some models.
- Quick Sessions For Busy Schedules : You can treat smaller areas in just minutes, and full body doesn’t take forever once you get the hang of it—perfect when life is hectic.
- Noticeable Hair Reduction Over Time : Many users, including me, see finer, sparser regrowth after a few weeks, with up to significant thinning that makes daily grooming way easier.
- Suitable For Various Body Areas : It works on legs, arms, underarms, face, and bikini without needing separate attachments, giving you versatility in one device.
- Affordable Long-Term Investment : Compared to salon sessions that add up fast, this pays for itself after a handful of uses, and the flashes last long enough for years of treatment.
- Easy To Use At Home : No steep instructions or tech setup—just charge or plug in, select intensity, and go, with safety features like skin tone sensors on some versions.
- Minimal Side Effects : I experienced almost no redness or irritation after the initial sessions, which is better than shaving rash or wax burns I’ve dealt with before.
- Boosts Confidence Quickly : Seeing real changes motivates you to keep going, and smoother skin without constant upkeep feels liberating.
Cons Of 5Minskin
- Results Take Consistency And Patience : You need to stick to the schedule for weeks or months to see major changes—it’s not instant like waxing, so if you’re impatient, it might frustrate you.
- Not Fully Permanent For Everyone : Hair reduction is strong, but some regrowth can happen over time, requiring occasional touch-ups, especially on hormonal areas.
- Smaller Flash Window On Some Models : Covering large areas like full legs takes longer than devices with bigger heads, so sessions stretch beyond the quick 5-minute claim for bigger zones.
- Limited Effectiveness On Light Hair : It works best on dark hair with light skin due to melanin targeting—if your hair is blonde, red, or gray, results might be weaker.
- Initial Investment Feels High : The upfront cost can seem steep if you’re comparing to cheap razors, though it saves money long-term.
- Requires Shaving Before Use : You have to shave the area each time, which some find annoying if they hate razors.
- Occasional Mixed Durability Reports : A few users mention the device malfunctioning after months, though customer service often replaces it.
- Not Ideal For Very Dark Skin Tones : Safety features help, but IPL risks are higher on deeper tones without proper caution.
Maintenance Tips For 5Minskin

- Stick To The Recommended Schedule : Start with twice-weekly sessions for the first 4-8 weeks, then drop to once a week or every two weeks—consistency is key to building up those results, so mark your calendar and treat it like any other routine.
- Always Shave Before Treatment : Never wax, pluck, or thread beforehand because IPL needs the hair root intact—shaving leaves the follicle but removes surface hair for better light penetration and safer flashes.
- Clean The Device Regularly : Wipe the flash window with a soft cloth after each use to remove any residue—buildup can reduce effectiveness or cause uneven flashes, so make it a habit right after you’re done.
- Use The Right Intensity Level : Begin on low and increase only if comfortable—higher isn’t always better if it causes discomfort, and starting slow helps your skin adjust without irritation.
- Protect Your Eyes : Wear the provided safety glasses every time—IPL light is intense, and even accidental flashes can be risky, so don’t skip this step no matter how rushed you are.
- Moisturize After Sessions : Apply a gentle, fragrance-free lotion post-treatment to soothe skin and prevent dryness—avoid harsh products or sun exposure right after to keep things calm.
- Avoid Sun Exposure Before And After : Stay out of direct sun or tanning beds for a week before and after sessions—tanned skin increases burn risk, so use sunscreen diligently if you’re outdoors.
- Store It Properly : Keep the device in a cool, dry place away from humidity—proper storage extends its life and prevents any internal issues from moisture.
- Track Your Progress : Take photos every few weeks to see changes—it’s motivating when you compare smoothness over time, and helps you adjust your routine if needed.
- Do Maintenance Flashes Long-Term : Once hair is reduced, flash every 1-2 months to keep follicles dormant— this prevents major regrowth and maintains that smooth feeling indefinitely.
Read more: My Thoughts on Auures Hair Removal
Comparison With Other Brands
When I compare 5minskin to popular options like Ulike, I notice clear differences in speed and comfort. Ulike devices often feature stronger cooling tech that makes flashes feel almost icy, which some people prefer for zero sensation during use. 5minskin is gentler in its warmth but lacks that intense cooling, so if you hate any feeling at all, Ulike might edge it out.
In terms of treatment time, Ulike tends to cover areas faster with larger flash windows and higher flash rates, cutting down full-body sessions significantly. 5minskin takes a bit longer on big zones, but its simpler design without extra bells and whistles makes it straightforward for beginners who don’t want complexity.
Results-wise, both deliver solid hair reduction, but Ulike often gets praise for quicker visible changes in reviews—some see major thinning in just weeks. 5minskin takes a steadier approach, with my own progress building more gradually but still reliably over time. If you want fast gratification, Ulike pulls ahead.
Price is another factor. 5minskin usually comes in at a more budget-friendly point, making it accessible without sacrificing core IPL function. Ulike models, especially premium ones, cost more but include extras like app integration or more intensity modes. For value, 5minskin wins if you’re not chasing luxury features.
Build quality feels comparable, though some Ulike versions have a sleeker, more modern look. 5minskin is practical and durable in my hands, with fewer complaints about overheating. Both are safe for home use with skin sensors, but always patch test.
Ultimately, if portability and ease matter most to you, 5minskin fits perfectly. For those prioritizing top-tier cooling and speed, Ulike might suit better. I chose 5minskin for its balance of affordability and results, and it hasn’t let me down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, it can work on pubic hair as long as the hair is dark enough for the IPL to target. Use the lowest setting and go slowly in the bikini area—many users report good reduction there with consistent use, but avoid if skin is very sensitive or tanned.
Professional diode or Alexandrite lasers in clinics tend to be the most effective for permanent reduction across skin tones and hair types. At-home IPL devices like 5minskin are great for maintenance but generally less powerful than in-office treatments.
It depends on your priorities. 5minskin is often more affordable and simple to use, with solid results for many. Ulike frequently wins on faster sessions, better cooling, and quicker visible changes, so if speed and comfort are key, Ulike might feel superior—but 5minskin holds its own for value.
In the end, if you’re ready to say goodbye to endless shaving and want smoother skin with minimal hassle, 5minskin is absolutely worth trying. My experience shows it’s effective, easy, and life-changing when used right. Give it a consistent go—you might just wonder why you waited so long.