PSA: The Best Teeth Whitening Products We Tested Are Up to 48% Off Right Now (2025)

Experts Say

"Peroxide-based whitening gels of any concentration, including those over the counter and in the dental office, have the same method of action. They dissolve into the enamel (without damage) and break down the tough stains built up inside." — Dr. Aodhan Docherty, cosmetic dentist and teeth whitening technology researcher

Our Top Picks

The 2001 launch of Crest Whitestrips was a tipping point for at-home whitening. The original product is still a mainstay, but there are now several enhanced versions worth considering. 3DWhitestrips Sensitive was our favorite of the three whitening strips we tried. The effective yet gentle hydrogen peroxide strips whiten your teeth over the course of two weeks, a process that we found painless — both in terms of ease and actual sensations — on sensitive teeth and reactive gums.

We liked the straightforward process and appreciated how the individually wrapped strips can be stashed in your bag for on-the-go use. Since this kit lives up to its claims as a pain-free teeth whitening solution, we think the price is worth it. Overall, this product does the trick and provides a nice bright refresh to your smile.

Type: Strips | Active Ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Duration Per Use: 30 minutes

Opalescence Go comes with 10 single-use trays pre-filled with hydrogen peroxide gel, which you're supposed to wear for 30 to 60 minutes each. Unfortunately, they're not very comfortable and might make your mouth overproduce saliva. We were only able to keep them in for about 8 minutes the first time but extended the sessions as our teeth became acclimated.

While we wouldn't recommend this kit for beginners or folks with sensitive teeth, the trays definitely produce noticeable results. After each use, our teeth lightened a full shade. And if you can wear the trays for the full recommended time, the effects will likely be even more dramatic.

Type: Trays | Active Ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Duration Per Use: 30–60 minutes

"Blue light LED teeth whitening is used by many dentists for professional treatments," says Docherty. And this user-friendly kit from iSmile was a hit during testing. We liked the convenience of applying the gel directly to the silicone mouth tray, which connects to the LED accelerator light. While we experienced mild gum discomfort, wearing it for the recommended 10 minutes was no problem.

More to the point, it was extremely effective. Our teeth were four shades whiter after using this LED whitening kit for two weeks. If your teeth tolerate it well and you have some spare time, you can opt for two daily sessions to speed up the effects. Considering the professional-level results, we consider iSmile's kit a great value for at-home whitening.

Type: Tray with LED light | Active Ingredient: Carbamide peroxide | Duration Per Use: 10 minutes

Teeth whitening pens are super convenient, especially for on-the-go use. We like this one from Auraflow, which leans on a high concentration of carbamide peroxide to lighten your teeth without causing sensitivity. Just click the bottom until the gel appears at the tip, brush it on, let it dry for a minute, and go about your day. It did tingle for a second, but it was comfortable overall.

Note that your mouth may start to water while you wait for the gel to dry. Since you're not supposed to swallow, we made sure there was a sink nearby to spit into. Also, the instructions say not to eat or drink anything for an hour after applying the gel. The results won't be as dramatic as other kits (our teeth were one shade lighter after two weeks), but with consistent use, you'll see a noticeable difference.

Type: Pen | Active Ingredient: Carbamide peroxide | Duration Per Use: 1 minute

The purple toothpaste craze hit TikTok earlier this year, and lots of creators posted their own dramatic, instant results. Purple toothpaste uses color theory to neutralize yellow tones in the teeth (purple counteracts yellow on the color wheel) and temporarily creates the appearance of a bright white smile.

Hismile’s color-correcting serum went viral on TikTok for its instant whitening effects — mentions of Hismile have garnered over 227 million views on the platform. The formula comes out of the bottle like a watery toothpaste (and tastes like one, too), and makes teeth look whiter. While teeth might appear instantly brighter, those whitening effects are temporary and don’t actually work to address deep stains. This viral product also isn’t a substitute for regular toothpaste because it doesn’t contain fluoride. We still think this a great tool to have in your cabinet for the day of a big event or for anytime you’re in the mood to flash some extra pearly whites.

Type: Serum | Active Ingredient: Red and blue dye | Duration Per Use: 2 minutes

Teeth brushing with a regular or electric toothbrush and flossing with traditional floss or a water flosser are two of the most important steps in any oral hygiene routine — which means they're also two of the most vital steps in achieving a pearly white smile. One of our favorite electric toothbrushes is the Voom Sonic Pro 5. This device has a two-minute timer and five different settings: clean, white, sensitive, polish, and massage. It’s also easy and intuitive to set up, so we were able to start using it right out of the box. The small brush head is great at reaching every spot in the mouth for a thorough cleaning.

Just about the only thing we’d change about this well-priced toothbrush is that it doesn’t have a battery indicator, so it’s hard to tell when you’ll need to recharge it again. However, the battery lasts for over 30 days with just one full charge, so it's a worthy trade.

Type: Toothbrush | Active Ingredient: N/A | Duration Per Use: 2 minutes

If your teeth can handle more intense treatments, Auraglow's Complete LED Whitening Kit might be your best bet. It comes with 20 highly concentrated carbamide peroxide treatments and a rechargeable LED accelerator that promises results 10 times faster than most other at-home systems.

We liked the minty taste of the gel, and while the tray is made of soft silicone, it was too large for smaller mouths, so our lips had to stretch around it. Wearing the tray for a half-hour wasn't very comfortable, but the pro-level results were worth it. In the end, our teeth were several shades lighter after two weeks, and we didn't experience any pain or sensitivity.

Type: Tray with LED light | Active Ingredient: Carbamide peroxide | Duration Per Use: 30 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do teeth whitening products work?

  According to cosmetic dentist Dr. Aodhan Docherty, peroxide whitening gels dissolve into your tooth enamel and break up the stains without causing damage. "Those stains then exit the enamel, and the tooth appears lighter," he explains.

• How do blue LED lights work for teeth whitening?

  When combined with peroxide gel, Docherty says blue LED accelerator lights "provide consumers with noticeable whitening results that are affordable and easy to use." In other words, they help speed up the process of at-home teeth whitening. These devices mean you can expect your teeth to lighten with fewer and often shorter sessions.

• Can you whiten sensitive teeth?

  Docherty says you can. If your teeth are extra-sensitive, he recommends using desensitizing toothpaste for two weeks before starting, as well as throughout the whitening process.

  "Remember, less is more when it comes to the amount of whitening gel used," the dentist adds, noting that you can do every-other-day sessions to minimize irritation. He says to avoid applying gel or whitening strips on receding gums or exposed roots.

• How long does it take to see results when whitening your teeth at home?

  It depends. Some LED-accelerated systems offer whiter teeth in as little as one or two sessions. Gentler formulas may require a week or two of consistent use before you notice a change.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Aodhan Docherty is a cosmetic dentist and teeth whitening technology researcher.

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