I'm Trish, founder of Bondi Body. No: do not use IPL if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is a precaution, because IPL has not been tested in pregnancy, and it applies to both of our IPL devices.
Key facts
- Our position: do not use the Bondi Body V2 or the Bondi Body Mini if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Why: it is a precaution. IPL has not been tested in pregnancy.
- Meanwhile: shaving is a simple option. Ask your midwife or GP if you have questions.
- Products: V2 IPL, £249 (code GLOW40 gives £40 off), 600,000 flashes, 8 intensity levels. Mini IPL, £99, 400,000 flashes, 5 intensity levels.
- Who they suit: Works best on light to medium skin tones with darker hair. Not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI) or for light blonde, grey or red hair.
- Free UK delivery on orders over £100. 50-day money-back guarantee. 12-month warranty.
Why do you say no to IPL in pregnancy?
Because nobody has tested it. At-home IPL devices are not tested on pregnant women, so there is no evidence to tell you it is fine. Where there is no evidence, we would rather be cautious. That is the whole reason. I am not telling you IPL is known to cause harm in pregnancy; I am telling you it has not been tested, so we advise against it.
I am a salon owner, not a doctor, and this article is not medical advice. If you have any questions about what is suitable for you during pregnancy, your midwife or GP is the right person to ask.
Does that include breastfeeding?
Yes. Our guidance is the same: do not use IPL while breastfeeding. Again, this is a precaution because it has not been tested.
What if you used IPL before you knew you were pregnant?
Stop using it now, and mention it to your midwife or GP at your next appointment so they can answer any questions you have. They know your circumstances and I do not.
What can you use instead?
- Shaving. Quick, cheap and you can do it at home. It is also how you prepare skin for IPL, so you lose nothing by shaving in the meantime.
If you are not sure whether a hair removal method is right for you while pregnant, ask your midwife or GP.
Is IPL right for you afterwards?
That depends on your skin and hair. Works best on light to medium skin tones with darker hair. Not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI) or for light blonde, grey or red hair. You can check where you sit on our hair and skin tone chart. IPL gives long-lasting hair reduction with regular use, and results vary from person to person.
When the time comes, the Bondi Body V2 is our full-body device with 8 intensity levels and 600,000 flashes, and the Bondi Body Mini is the compact option for hair reduction only. The full list of who should not use IPL is in our IPL FAQs.
The short version
Do not use IPL if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is a precaution because it has not been tested in pregnancy. Shave in the meantime, and ask your midwife or GP about anything you are unsure of.
