Ulike Air 3 review: ice-cold hair removal with IPL
9/6/2026
Translation: Megan Cornish
Pictures: Anna Sandner
IPL devices promise permanently smooth skin, but the heat they generate takes some getting used to. The Ulike Air 3 tackles this issue head-on, promising virtually painless hair removal thanks to active ice cooling.
IPL devices promise permanently smooth skin, but sometimes you have to quite literally push through the pain to get it. The heat the process generates often makes products tricky to use in sensitive areas. This is where the Ulike Air 3 comes in with its Sapphire Ice Cooling technology, which uses a strong cooling contact surface to minimise discomfort. It sounds fancy, but does it actually work? I put it to the test and examined how practical the Air 3 is for everyday use and how it compares to the competition.
Cool competition for established brands
Shoppers in Europe looking for IPL devices usually go for established brands such as Braun, Philips or Beurer. Now, an international industry leader from China – Ulike – is entering the local market. The Air 3 combines high performance with a minimalist design, forgoing bulky batteries in favour of a slim case with a permanently attached cable.
Four weeks, three areas
I tested the Ulike Air 3 for four weeks, treating my legs, bikini line and face. I use it three times a week for the first two weeks, then twice a week. This is relatively frequent, but it’s in line with the manufacturer’s instructions for the initial phase. My fair skin and dark hair’s ideal for IPL treatment.
Straight out of the box, I like the simple design – the compact device is comfortable to hold. That said, one of the main criticisms immediately catches my eye – the Air 3 isn’t cordless. But I can also immediately see the upside: because it doesn’t have a heavy battery, it’s relatively light, so my arm doesn’t get tired, even during longer sessions. There’s plenty of power, the rapid auto-glide mode gets the job done really quickly.
Ulike keeps the accessories minimalist as well. There are no extra attachments or other parts – just a small wet razor and protective goggles to shield your eyes from the light pulses. I quite like that. It means I can get started without being unsure of anything.
Active cooling for pain reduction
I’m particularly curious about the Air 3’s core feature: Sapphire Ice Cooling. While IPL treatment is far more pleasant than epilating, the heat generated by the light pulses can still be painful. So, I can easily imagine it being more comfortable if the device cools my skin at the same time. Nevertheless, I’m initially sceptical of the «pain-free» claim.
When you switch it on, the internal cooling fan immediately kicks in with an audible whir. And I’m surprised. It actually feels cooler immediately. The cooling surface around the light window stays noticeably icy throughout the entire session. And lo and behold, the cold does an amazing job of relieving the brief sting of the pulse. I don’t feel the light pulses at all, not even in my usually very sensitive bikini line. In my opinion, this is a clear comfort advantage over uncooled competitors that lowers the barrier to regular use. Testing it has taken no effort at all, so I easily completed the four-week schedule.
Being cable-tethered and other compromises
As I’ve already mentioned, there are a few negatives. The Air 3 has to be constantly plugged in for its cooling and high light pulse intensity. This restricts freedom of movement in the bathroom compared to a battery-powered model, and the cable occasionally gets in the way. The cooling fan also makes a clearly audible whirring noise.
The biggest technical compromise, though, is the lack of automatic skin tone identification. More expensive competing models scan the skin before each light pulse and adjust the intensity completely automatically. The Ulike Air 3 doesn’t have a sensor for this. Instead, you have to compare your skin and hair type beforehand using the chart provided and set the intensity manually. This works, but avoiding irritation is more your responsibility – especially if your skin’s tanned. That said, the cooling function does reduce the risk of superficial burns and redness. Only the recently released, more expensive premium model – the Ulike Air 10 Pro – features smart sensors like this that recognise skin tone.
The protective goggles provided – designed to shield your eyes from the intense scattered light – are definitely useful. However, they mean I need a well-lit area to work in. Otherwise, I can’t see what I’m doing or where I’ve already treated because of the dark lenses.
Good results
After four weeks of use, I’m satisfied with the results. Of course, IPL requires patience, and to be permanently hair-free, I’ll need to keep doing it (albeit much less frequently). But from the second week onwards, hair growth seemed to slow down slightly, and after the trial month, visibly fewer hairs grew back. In some areas, my skin’s now completely hair-free. Plus, I experienced no skin irritation or redness whatsoever.
In a nutshell
Impressive hair removal focused on a pain-free experience
The Ulike Air 3’s a compact, powerful IPL device whose active cooling system particularly impressed in testing. The icy contact surface significantly minimises the heat and discomfort of the light pulses, even in sensitive areas. This lowers the barrier to regular use. At the same time, the Air 3’s very comfortable to hold and boasts a high pulse rate, comparable to premium models.
The minimalist design does mean a few compromises, though: the device isn’t cordless, you can hear the integrated fan, and – most importantly – there’s no automatic skin sensor. You have to manually adjust the light intensity beforehand, based on your skin tone. However, if you don’t mind this and a virtually painless experience is important to you, the Air 3’s extremely effective and offers excellent value for money.
Pro
- Fair value for money in the context of the market
- Fast pulse = fast process
- Easy and intuitive to use
- Compact, ergonomic design
- Effective cooling significantly reduces pain
Contra
- Has to stay plugged in
- No automatic skin sensor
Anna Sandner
Senior Editor
Anna.Sandner@galaxus.deScience editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always the outdoors - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
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