Nothing boosts your confidence like a bright, white smile. But those daily cups of tea (or coffee or red wine) can take their toll on your dental hygiene, and sometimes even the most diligent brushing routine can't undo those stubborn stains.
Professional whitening with a qualified dentist is an effective option, but with treatments starting in the hundreds, it’s also expensive. Enter the best teeth whitening kits, which promise to help brighten your pearly whites for a fraction of the price.
What is the most effective teeth whitening product?
The Good Housekeeping Institute has put the most popular home teeth whitening kits to the test, to see if they're as quick and effective as they claim. From pens and strips to mouthguards, we’ve tried every format to find the best.
We always recommend having a consultation with your dentist before starting any new treatment, but once you get the go ahead, these are the kits that impressed our experts the most:
Best teeth whitening kits 2024
1
Best teeth whitening strips
Spotlight Teeth White Strips
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2
Best teeth whitening pen
Spotlight Oral Care Whitening Pen
Read more
3
Best LED teeth whitening kit
Colgate Max White Ultimate at Home LED Teeth whitening kit
Read more
4
Best vegan teeth whitening product
Moon Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen
Read more
5
Best for stain removal
Boots Expert Teeth Whitening Kit with Blue Light Activation
Read more
6
7
Best brush-on teeth whitening treatment
Pearl Drops Professional 3 Step Whitening Treatment
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How do teeth whitening kits work?
Teeth whitening products work to remove surface stains and penetrate the enamel to break down the discoloured molecules within, leaving your teeth looking whiter overall.
The solutions often contain active bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which remove the deeper stains from your teeth.
"Hydrogen peroxide is a weak acid with strong oxidising properties, meaning it steals the electrons that hold the staining molecules together, causing them to fall apart,” explains Dr Hanna Kinsella, cosmetic dentist and founder of Icy Bear Dental. “It will change the colour of your teeth, rather than simply removing surface stains. Carbamide peroxide is another similar ingredient."
Other ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium perborate, activated charcoal or even coconut oil offer a more natural alternative, although these are usually considered less effective, as they mainly only remove surface stains.
In the UK, teeth whitening kits can be bought over the counter but only if they contain less than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide. This means they aren't as strong as professional whitening treatments, as a qualified dentist can legally use up to 6% hydrogen peroxide.
"Speak to your dentist, as it's often helpful to use DIY treatments alongside any ongoing professional plan," says Dr Kinsella. "In-clinic whitening will always give you the best results because we can use products with higher percentages of bleach. The at-home alternatives can still be effective, but they're usually much weaker and best used as a top-up."
Key ingredients to look for in teeth whitening kits
Most teeth whitening kits use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lift built-up staining from the enamel and leave teeth looking whiter.
Peroxide-based treatments are the best bet for whitening, but depending on the concentration added, they can leave teeth feeling sensitive. Fortunately, this is not permanent; however, to help avoid this, look for products that include ingredients such as sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate, which are commonly found in toothpaste to help combat sensitivity.
Types of teeth whitening kits
Strips: Whitening strips are made with a flexible material coated in peroxide that you place onto your teeth. They’re held in place using a light adhesive. The peroxide coating penetrates the outer enamel and the deeper dentin layer (which lies directly under the enamel of the tooth) to bleach stains.
Depending on which whitening strips you opt for, you can leave them on from anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, but always stick to the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe.
Whitening pens: Pens are another common tool for teeth whitening. Simply twist the bottom, and they will dispense a small amount of gel that can be brushed onto teeth. Like strips, the gel used in pens usually contains peroxide that works to remove staining. Due to their compact size and no need for rinsing, they are a great option for chucking in your bag for a quick refresh after your morning coffee.
LED teeth whitening kits: These kits include hydrogen gel that’s applied to the teeth, as well as an LED gum shield device. The LED device uses light energy to activate the hydrogen peroxide in the teeth whitening serum. This speeds up the bleaching process, which means sessions can last as little as 10 minutes.
Black Friday 2024
Black Friday 2024 runs from 29 November through to Cyber Monday on 2 December this year. While we wait for the main event, some brands have already started their sales or begun offering early access discounts across fashion, wellness and beauty.
We’re also expecting to see some big savings on some of our top-performing tooth whitening kits – check out our experts’ favourites below.
How we test
The GHI recruited 318 testers to try a range of teeth whitening products. We asked a selection of them to visit our lab where we took pictures of their teeth before and after treatment using our VISIA Complexion analyser. With the help of a whiteness scale, we were then able to determine any difference in shade before and after treatment.
We also asked testers to assess the whitening products at home. They gave us feedback on how easy each one was to use, how long the treatment took, whether there were any sensitivity issues, and their overall effectiveness.
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1
Best teeth whitening strips
Spotlight Teeth White Strips
Pros
- Testers noticed a difference in just 8 days
- Mess-free application
- Minty taste
Cons
- 1 hour processing time
Score: 75/100
These whitening strips are designed to reduce the appearance of tough stains that have built up over time. Their key active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which gently whitens teeth over time through a process of oxidisation.
Testers found the strips simple to use and less messy than most other kits. On average, testers saw a difference to teeth in just eight days. They also said they didn't experience tooth or gum sensitivity after use.
Key specifications
| Treatment time | 1 hour |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | 14 days |
| Format | Strips |
| Number of strips in the pack | 28 (14 upper and lower) |
2
Best teeth whitening pen
Spotlight Oral Care Whitening Pen
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Easy application
Cons
- Limited instructions
Score: 74/100
If you have just one tooth that’s duller than the rest, or you fancy a really convenient, on-the-go option, try this pen. It aims to target and dissolve stains, rather than just cover them up.
Testers gave it the thumbs up for how compact and quick it was to use, with one liking the “natural-looking whiteness” it gave their smile. It wasn’t messy to use either, and didn’t cause any teeth or gum sensitivity for our panel.
When it came to brightening, testers were left with a whiter smile by the end of the trial.
Key specifications
| Treatment time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | Instant |
| Format | Pen |
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3
Best LED teeth whitening kit
Colgate Max White Ultimate at Home LED Teeth whitening kit
Pros
- Convenient and quick
- Delivered noticeable whitening effects when used consistently
Cons
- Left a slightly tacky residue
Score: 73/100
This pen and LED kit combo has been developed by dental experts to be safe on tooth enamel and whiten in two weeks. But does it deliver? Testers told us it really worked when they used it consistently over the trial period – for 20 minutes a day – and they found it easy to incorporate into their routine. Simply plug it into your smartphone to power up the LED mouthguard.
It’s small and portable too, so great for travel. There were some grumbles about the residue the kit left on teeth, but the gel is necessary for the whitening effects, and you’d be hard pressed to find whitening strips that don’t leave a similar tacky finish.
Key specifications
| Treatment time | 20 minutes |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | Twice a day for 2 weeks |
| Format | LED mouthguard and pen |
4
Best vegan teeth whitening product
Moon Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen
Pros
- Good for sensitive teeth
- Pleasant taste
Cons
- 30-second drying time
Score: 72/100
The vanilla mint flavour of this vegan formula was a hit with our panel, while the simple brush applicator made it a handbag essential.
It didn’t cause any sensitivity, but only half felt their teeth looked whiter by the end of the trial. Some found it difficult to keep their mouth open for the required 30 seconds too, but overall, testers were pleased with the shorter wait time. A good option for quick top-ups.
Key specifications
| Treatment time | 10-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | Instant |
| Format | Pen |
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Pros
- Noticeable reduction in stains
- Quick treatment time
Cons
- Unclear instructions
Score: 72/100
Aiming to leave your teeth 10 shades whiter in just one week, this kit did a great job at brightening in our lab test, leaving our testers with a whiter smile.
The majority of our panel were impressed with how successfully it managed to remove existing stains, with one tester commenting on how comfortable the mouth tray was. It wasn’t the most straightforward or cleanest whitening process here, but it didn’t leave teeth feeling sensitive.
Key specifications
| Treatment time | 15-20 minutes |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | 7 days |
| Format | LED light and mouth piece |
Pros
- Peroxide-free
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Didn't stay in place for some
Score: 70/100
Ideal for travel, each set of strips in this kit is individually packaged, so you can chuck them in your wash bag and go.
The peroxide-free formula had a pleasant aftertaste and scent, which sparked neither teeth sensitivity for our testers, nor gum sensitivity. In our lab, it proved moderately effective at improving overall whiteness, and it left our panel satisfied too, making it a cost-effective top-up option.
Key specifications
| Treatment time | 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | 14 days |
| Format | Strips |
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7
Best brush-on teeth whitening treatment
Pearl Drops Professional 3 Step Whitening Treatment
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick treatment time
Cons
- Messy application
- Moderate whitening effects
Score: 70/100
Claiming to remove deep-rooted stains and restore natural whiteness, this treatment includes a brightener serum, tooth polish and a whitening activator serum that can all be applied with your regular toothbrush.
Our testers liked how quick this kit was to use, taking just three minutes a day, but they found steps one and two slightly messy – as the serum must be left for 30 seconds without being removed. That said, it has a pleasant taste and left little to no tooth or gum sensitivity.
Key specifications
| Treatment time | 3 minutes |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | 10 days |
| Format | 3-step brush-on treatment |
Are teeth whitening kits safe?
Using teeth whitening kits at home is safe, provided the ingredients don't exceed the maximum percentage allowed.
Note that teeth whitening is illegal if not performed by a qualified dental professional. If you have any doubts, the NHS recommends visiting a dentist to talk about your options.
"Home teeth whitening kits have come a long way in the last few years," says Dr Kinsella. "That said, it's still important to exercise caution and make sure you purchase a reputable kit from a trusted seller, as some can do more harm to teeth than good by damaging their enamel.
"Your gums may also be sensitive to the chemicals, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. I would always recommend choosing a tooth whitening product that contains fluoride, as this is essential for fighting decay and protecting against cavities."
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Can anyone use teeth whitening kits?
Whitening kits do not work on false teeth such as veneers and crowns. They are also not suitable for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18 years old. If you have sensitive teeth or gum concerns, speak to your dentist before using. You may need to address these concerns before whitening, or alternatively have the procedure performed by a professional.
How do I use a teeth whitening kit?
The kits often contain a whitening gel formula, plastic tray (to insert into the mouth) and an LED light, which helps to speed up the whitening process. Whitening strips or pens, on the other hand, already contain the formula so can be applied directly to the teeth. Some strips dissolve on the teeth, but most can be removed and disposed of after use.
Each product will come with its own instructions but in general, you should see results after two weeks of routine use, with top-ups usually required every six months.
Dr Kinsella's buzz word is ‘consistency'. "To minimise the risk of a shoddy DIY job, always follow the treatment programme for the number of days advised on the packet," she advises.
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The verdict on teeth whitening strips
Our winning teeth whitening strips from Spotlight Oral Care were quick to apply and delivered results in just eight days, making them an effective and speedy option.
If your teeth are sensitive, you may want to opt for the peroxide-free formula strips from Mr Blanc, which come at a seriously affordable price too. Fancy an on-the-go glow? Then chuck an Spotlight Oral Care Gel Pen in your bag.
Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing products for over 100 years – from mattresses and shampoos to hair dryers and treadmills – so we know what we’re looking for.
Orla Badger, our lead tester for teeth whitening kits, has a master’s degree in cosmetic science and has reviewed hundreds of dental hygiene products in the lab. We also use a specialist VISIA complexion analyser to assess the performance of each kit by comparing teeth shades before and after use, as well as collecting detailed feedback from our panel of at-home testers.
Our writers are also experts in their fields. Senior Beauty Writer Florence Reeves-White has years of experience in the industry, writing about skincare, haircare and beauty tools. We speak with dentists and oral care experts to help inform our content from a specialist perspective as well.
Florence Reeves-White
Senior Beauty Writer
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Tested byOrla Badger
Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester
Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her first class bachelor's degree in cosmetic science from the Universy of the Arts London. She also spent time as a Formulation Chemist intern at Amelia Knight Cosmetics.
