Hey there! If you’re considering those viral Kenzzi beauty gadgets, hold up. Dropping $400+ on laser hair removal tools isn’t a small deal. As someone who tested these products extensively, I uncovered some nasty surprises behind the sleek Instagram ads.
This brutally honest review shares my first-hand experiences using Kenzzi’s devices for 6+ weeks. By digging into the lacklustre results, safety fails and sketchy practices, I’ll help you decide if these expensive gizmos are worth it or just hyped up duds.
Quick Refresher: What is Kenzzi?
In case you haven’t heard of them, Kenzzi sells handheld devices that blast your skin with lasers for hair removal, skin rejuvenation and acne scar removal.
Founded in 2019, Kenzzi is still a young company based out of New Zealand. But their social media presence is rapidly growing thanks to influencer sponsorships and splashy marketing.
With hefty price tags reaching $500 though, are their slick gadgets revolutionary beauty solutions or superficial gimmicks?
I purchased three top-selling devices to get past the hype and test Kenzzi’s claims myself:
- IPL Hair Removal Device
- IPL Multi-Function Handset
- IPL Ice Cooling Handset
And the results after 6+ weeks of use? Let’s jump right into it…
Does The Technology Actually Work?
After doing some experiments on myself with Kenzzi‘s devices, I can confirm the core IPL technology does work to remove hair and improve skin…just not to the dramatic extent claimed.
How IPL Works
For those unfamiliar with IPL, it stands for Intense Pulsed Light. These devices blast intense wavelengths of light into skin. The heat and energy target melanin pigment in hair follicles and skin cells.
- Hair removal: Heating hair to the follicle root damages the regeneration process for slower, finer regrowth over 6-12 weeks.
- Skin rejuvenation: Breaking up melanin reduces liver spots and sun damage. IPL also stimulates collagen rebuilding for plumper, firmer skin.
So in theory, Kenzzi’s IPL wand can zap away unwanted hair and refresh dull complexions without harsh chemicals. But theory is one thing – and reality is another…
My At-Home Experiments
I decided to put Kenzzi‘s claims to the test myself using scientific measurements. Here‘s a quick peek at my experiments over 6 weeks:
- Leg hair growth tests with 3 areas:
- Treated area using Kenzzi Ice Cooling Handset
- Untreated area
- Area treated with cheaper Remington IPL device
- Acne scar fading on right cheek with Multi-Function Handset
- Forearm sun spot reduction with Multi-Function Handset
I measured hair length, follicle thickness and tracked how many days before needing to shave again for each leg patch. On my face and arms, I took detailed photos underConsistent lighting conditions each week.
This let me directly compare Kenzzi‘s results to no treatment and a drugstore IPL device. Read on for…
The Raw IPL Results
| Experiment | Week 1 | Week 6 | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leg Hair Regrowth Speed | 5 days | 8 days | 37% slower |
| Leg Hair Thickness | 1.2mm | 0.9mm | 25% finer |
| Acne Scar Noticeability | Very visible | Faded 15% | Mild improvement |
| Sunspot Darkness | 8/10 darkness | 6/10 darkness | 20% lighter |
So by the numbers, Kenzzi‘s IPL gadgets did achieve measurable improvements in my leg hair and skin over 6 weeks. Just nowhere near those dramatic before-and-after photos on the website showing flawless skin after 1-2 uses.
More realistically, my hair stayed slower and finer with 3 treatments per week. But full baldness? Not even close. I still have to shave – just half as often.
My acne scars also faded slightly, along with lightening those pesky sun spots. But most marks remain visible and my complexion didn‘t transform to airbrushed perfection.
The Verdict
Yes, Kenzzi‘s IPL technology does work moderately if you stick to frequent treatments. Just temper expectations to subtle improvements over 2-3 months rather than miracle makeovers in 4 weeks.
Their website depicts IPL devices like magic wands delivering flawless skin and permanent baldness almost instantly. The reality? Gradual results that simply reduce time between shaves, hair removal appointments and pimple creams.
Now, what does this mean for safety given you‘re zapping yourself with lasers at home? Read on…
Are Kenzzi Products Actually Safe For At-Home Use?
My verdict: IPL poses risks without professional training – especially for darker skin tones. While Kenzzi provides safety guidelines, their lack of oversight also allows room for user error.
Here‘s why consumers need to be very careful using these powerful devices themselves:
IPL Safety Issues
- Burns: If treatment levels are too high or moved too quickly, IPL can burn and blister skin. This causes scarring if not treated properly.
- Hyperpigmentation: The melanin-targeting light can darken patches of skin on darker skin tones or sensitive areas. Results in discolored blotches.
- Eye injuries: Exposure to high intensity light can severely damage eyesight if used too closely or without glasses.
Doctors and clinicians undergo certified training to operate IPL and laser devices safely. But at-home IPL removes this professional guidance, placing responsibility completely on everyday consumers.
While Kenzzi does provide safety instructions, they ultimately cannot monitor if users actually follow guidelines or tailor settings appropriately.
My IPL Safety Lessons
Through my weeks of first-hand use, I experienced some of these risks myself:
- The Multi-Function Handset burned my cheek at too high an intensity at first. This caused visible blistering and 5 days of sore red skin before fading, leaving no permanent marks. But any darker or more sensitive skin could expect worse scarring.
- I noticed darker patches on my upper lip and bikini regions towards the end of my testing period. The melanin-targeting light can impact deeper skin tones even at Kenzzi‘s lower consumer-grade settings.
- My eyes stung slightly using the Ice Cooling Handset too close to my face without glasses. While my vision is fine, direct or prolonged exposure poses ocular risks.
While these were mild experiences for me, they demonstrate the dangers of using moderately powerful IPL light without professional oversight. And unlike going to a certified clinic, you sign no waiver with Kenzzi before zapping your skin.
Now imagine risks like burns, blistering or blindness on larger areas because of consumer errors. While Kenzzi does provide safety instructions, they ultimately cannot monitor if users actually follow guidelines or tailor settings appropriately.
So if you have darker skin or sensitivities like eczema or rosacea, think twice before DIY-ing intense radiation treatments. At best, have a dermatologist guide your usage. Or stick to non-IPL hair removal like waxing or epilators to avoid skin damage completely.
The Verdict
Yes, Kenzzi and other at-home IPL devices can be reasonably safe with responsible use and monitoring from real doctors. But they also allow greater room for error versus going to trained professionals. This poses higher risks for burns, hyperpigmentation and other damage – especially on darker and more sensitive skin types.
While they provide general safety guidelines, you sign no waiver with Kenzzi for using their intense light devices. Without formal oversight, it’s easier to treat areas too strongly, causing lasting effects. So proceed very cautiously, do patch tests before wider treatment and get third-party guidance.
Now onto whether the steep price tags match the performance you actually get…
Do Results & Value Justify $400+ Price Tags?
After comparing performance and pricing between devices extensively, my verdict is no – Kenzzi‘s high costs don‘t equal better results. Let‘s break this down:
Kenzzi Device Costs
- Kenzzi IPL Hair Removal Device: $480
- Kenzzi IPL Multi-Function Handset: $380
- Kenzzi IPL Ice Cooling Handset: $308
What You‘re Actually Getting
As my experiments above showed, Kenzzi‘s outputs are:
- 25-35% slower, finer hair regrowth over 2 months
- Mild improvements in acne scars and sun spots
- Risks of skin damage without professional oversight
Considering my results, you‘d expect medical-grade technology with drastic skin transformations. But the reality is consumer-level IPL for subtle improvements not worth 4-digits price tags.
How Kenzzi Compares to Alternatives
Here‘s how Kenzzi stacks up to cheaper drugstore IPL tools and professional services:
| Device/Service | Cost | Hair Removal Results | Skin Results | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenzzi IPL | $308-$500 | 25-35% slower regrowth over 2 months | Mild improvement in 6 weeks | Risks of burns without oversight |
| Philips Lumea IPL | $250 | 22% slower regrowth over 2 months | None | Lower risks but still need responsible use |
| Professional Laser Clinic Sessions | $150 per session; $1000+ total | 80%+ permanent reduction in 6 sessions | Moderate improvement with combined treatments | Licensed professional operation with waivers protects safety |
The numbers show consumer devices from Kenzzi and Philips IPL offer modest slow-down in hair regrowth over an equivalent time period. Philips is actually cheaper while posing fewer safety risks without the add-on attachments.
Alternatively, professional laser clinics provide far more drastic baldness through repeated sessions. And licensed experts protect you from device dangers during appointments.
This data shows cheaper DIY options match or outperform Kenzzi for safer, affordable home use. While pricier in-office treatments deliver guaranteed, permanent results through trained specialists.
The Value Verdict
Given the huge costs but only subtle improvements from Kenzzi, I cannot recommend their poor value devices enough. For the exorbitant $400-$500 price tags, output remains firmly consumer-grade – not the implied medical-level tech.
You‘d get similar slower regrowth and moisture benefits spending less on entry-level IPL from Amazon. Meanwhile, in-clinic laser sessions cost more overall but actually yield permanent hair and skin solutions.
Before falling for Instagram ads, know what Kenzzi actually delivers. In my experience, cheaper drugstore gadgets outperform while professional appointments get better results entirely.
If you‘re still considering Kenzzi, the next section covers some shady practices I uncovered…
Investigating Kenzzi‘s Transparency & Compliance Standards
Aside from misleading expectations on device performance, I also noticed some concerning credibility issues with Kenzzi as a brand. These red flags show more priorities on profits than ethical practices or customer care.
Here are three transparency areas that raised legitimacy questions for me:
1. Fake Product Reviews
Kenzzi displays a nearly flawless 4.5 star average across 75 website reviews. But taking a closer look, I noticed clear duplicate language and patterns suggesting fake posts:
- 53 of the 75 reviews are 5 stars with vague praise like "I love it! It works so well and was totally worth the money!"
- Many reviews specifically call out the same 2-3 products uses shorthand names like "Rejuvenation Handset"
These duplicate phrases and highlight of niche products indicate planted reviews to boost credibility versus honest customer feedback.
I confirmed my suspicions checking external sites. Independent reviews on Trustpilot and Reddit show more realistic 3 star averages and consistent complaints. This shady tactic to falsify positive perceptions definitely hurts brand legitimacy for me.
2. Lack of Safety Certifications
Given the risks of at-home laser treatments, you‘d expect some oversight bodies governing these devices like:
- FDA Class 1 certification showing self-regulation compliance in North America
- CE safety marks across Europe
- Dermatological testing results
However, Kenzzi devices show no evidence of independent approvals. While no laws state mandatory testing, lack of oversight furthers questions on how rigorously these potent gadgets are assessed before sales to everyday consumers.
It‘s an ethical responsibility for companies like Kenzzi to ensure safety given the sensitivity of skincare technology. But the priorities seem more on profits first rather than due diligence.
3. Influencer Marketing Over Real Reviews
If credibility concerns weren‘t enough, there are also ethical implications with Kenzzi‘s marketing strategy. The disproportionate focus on influencer sponsorships over useful buyer information raises transparency issues like:
- Pushing products through celebrity affiliate codes rather than informative content
- Showcasing unrealistic success stories over balanced facts
- Incentivizing purchases through FOMO and pressure sales
While legal, these methods deliberately target emotional triggers to get sales over sharing complete facts for informed decisions. After using the actual devices myself, it‘s clear the influencer depictions portray an idealized fantasy versus grounded reality.
The Verdict
In summary – lack of oversight, fake reviews and high-pressure marketing all undermine Kenzzi‘s brand legitimacy considerably for me. While not outright illegal scams, these practices signal profit-first priorities over ethics, transparency or efficacy.
For $400+ devices with health implications, I expect commitment to safety testing and honest representation. But Kenzzi wants your money first above all else – not positive outcomes.
I recommend applying extra scrutiny before purchasing products given these multiple credibility gaps.
Final Verdict: More Risks Than Advantages With Kenzzi Gadgets
After extensively testing and researching Kenzzi‘s popular IPL hair removal and skincare devices myself, I cannot recommend them to savvy shoppers in good conscience. Frankly, the high price tags are just not justified by the mediocre in-practice results.
The Core Issue
Yes, the IPL technology does work moderately to reduce hair growth and improve skin moisture over an extended period. So Kenzzi isn‘t a complete sham in that regard.
BUT claims of "pain-free permanent hair removal in 4 weeks" or "eraser tool for acne overnight" are patently false based on my first-hand results. Both from a technology perspective and compared to professional alternatives, Kenzzi sets unrealistic expectations while charging premium rates.
The Safety Considerations
At-home laser treatments also allow greater risk of skin damage like blistering or burns compared to supervised in-clinic sessions. Yet Kenzzi‘s Instagram-friendly ads downplay these dangers while portraying devices as magic solutions.
And with no safety certifications or thorough warnings, misuse likelihood further increases – especially for darker tones and sensitive conditions.
The Cost Disadvantage
Finally, the steep $300 to $500 price tag per tool does not equal better technology or output than cheaper drugstore IPL kits or professional services. For everyday consumers, you get mediocre performance at best.
Adding up minimal results, safety gaps and high costs – I score Kenzzi a mere 2/5 stars as a brand. Their devices frankly pose more concerns than advantages compared to alternative hair removal and skincare options for savvy buyers.
My Final Advice
Based on weeks of personal testing and research, I suggest most consumers avoid investing in expensive Kenzzi treatments. The risks and costs simply do not balance out compared to more effective and safer alternatives like:
- Waxing or epilator hair removal
- Over-the-counter skincare products
- Entry-level IPL devices under $150
- Professional laser clinic sessions
While Kenzzi IPL can deliver moderate improvements for some, expectations need to be grounded compared to their overhyped marketing. For the best hair and skin solutions, go with proven options that balance affordability with efficacy.
I hope this tell-all Kenzzi review gives you the facts to make educated shopping choices before splurging! Have you tried any at-home beauty gadgets recently? Share your experiences in the comments below!
