Philips Lumea 9900 Pro adds voice-guided IPL

Philips has added voice guidance to its Lumea IPL hair removal device. The new Lumea 9900 Pro, which the company claims is a first-of-its-kind 'talking IPL,' is central to the Dutch tech giant's plan to build its beauty division into a 1 billion euro business.

The device functions as a beauty coach, providing step-by-step audio instructions and visual guides. It uses SmartSkin Sensor technology to detect skin tone for optimal, personalized settings. Philips says the innovation is designed to transform at-home hair removal from an uncertain process into a personalized self-care routine.

Real-time motion guidance detects where and how the tool is placed on the skin. The device then gives audio feedback. This can include instructions to move treatments closer together or further apart. It can also offer praise when the placement is correct.

Technology and Performance

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, works by applying gentle light pulses to the hair root. This sends the hair into a resting growth phase. Philips claims the Lumea 9900 Pro delivers greater than 80% hair reduction after just two treatments. The company states it can provide five years of smooth skin with minimal maintenance of just one session per month after an initial treatment phase.

The device and its app provide progress reports and reminders for the next session. Philips says this helps users understand results and stay motivated. According to Dominique Oh, Global Beauty & Grooming Leader at Philips, the company has taken everything learned from decades of light-based technology research and transformed it into an intelligent product that works with you, not against you.

A Strategic Beauty Launch

The launch of the Lumea 9900 Pro is the biggest for the Lumea franchise since Philips introduced at-home IPL 15 years ago. It comes as the company targets 1 billion euros in annual beauty sales. Wonsook Ko, Global Category Leader for Beauty at Philips, told Cosmetics Business that while Philips is the market leader, the category is still small. Many women have not heard of IPL or have not made a purchasing decision.

Ko stated the beauty category is booming and remains an investment area for Philips despite broader company restructuring. The Lumea 9900 Pro launch will be the first coordinated introduction across both European and US markets. Philips launched Lumea IPL in the US in August 2025 after gaining FDA approval as a medical device and has worked closely with Amazon there. Ko said US performance has absolutely exceeded expectations.

Building Consumer Confidence

The new voice feature is aimed at expanding uptake among consumers familiar with but hesitant about IPL technology. According to Ko, awareness and use of IPL is increasing, but still many consumers hesitate to get into this area. Ko said this device is a perfect answer, in the company's view, to really give that confidence to consumers.

Ko explained the device tells users they are doing a great job or corrects mistakes. It guides them back to a process that guarantees a perfect outcome. Philips is confident it will satisfy consumers who know about IPL but are unsure about trying it. The company's ambition for its beauty business is built on the significant growth potential it sees ahead.