11 best teeth whitening kits you can use at home, tried and tested
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Whether they're gels, strips, or intense-looking LED devices, I've always been wary of trying out self-proclaimed “best teeth whitening kits”. Truth be told, as someone with sensitive teeth and weak enamel, I'm still dealing with the consequences of my epic teeth whitening fail that occurred nearly 10 years ago, when I first tried the infamous White Crest Teeth Whitening Strips. Now banned in the UK due to their higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide, it wont shock anyone to hear that they were far too strong for my teeth. So much so that I couldn't bite into an apple for the next month without being in excruciating pain. Never again.
Thankfully, today's teeth whitening kits are nothing like the pain-inducing versions of the past. When used correctly and consistently, they're gentle and completely safe for your teeth, resulting in a natural-looking pearly smile (definitely not one as blinding as Ross' in that Friends episode). And, when paired with a quality electric toothbrush and a powerful water flosser, consider your at-home dental routine invincible.
Of course, "it is always best to see a dentist who has an interest in cosmetic dentistry and understands smile design or facially driven treatments," advises dental professional and Waterpik oral care ambassador, Dr Rhona Eskander. "Check their qualifications and see their before-and-after pictures. To gauge their level of experience, have a look at their portfolio of previous cases and reviews from recent patients. In addition, the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry have search tools where you can locate any dentist that is part of the academy.”
But, for those of us who want to give our natural teeth a spruce from home, what are the options? It’s (obviously) very important to do your research when it comes to how to use at-home teeth whitening kits safely if professional teeth whitening is not on your radar right now: check out key ingredients, processes and risks. So, we asked dentists for their expert advice on how to achieve a brighter smile and to answer all your FAQs.
SKIP TO: How does teeth whitening work? | How long will it take to whiten my teeth? | Our full reviews | Will teeth whitening get rid of stains? | Do at-home teeth whitening treatments also use hydrogen peroxide? | Is hydrogen peroxide safe for your teeth? | Does LED light treatment actually work? | Are there any natural alternatives?
How we test:
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team has collectively tested dozens of teeth whitening products and kits, having also reviewed them on sensitive teeth with a weaker enamel. When judging each option, we've considered its value for money, efficacy (how well they brighten the teeth) as well as strength (whether they resulted in any abnormal sensitivity or uncomfortable feel) and how intuitive they are in use (especially if the reviewer is new to teeth whitening).
Squeaky clean.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Rhona Eskander, dental professional and Waterpik oral care ambassador
- Dr Ayah Siddiqi, advanced aesthetic practitioner, cosmetic dentist and CurrentBody resident LED expert
- Dr Richard Marques, dentist at Wimpole Street Dental
- Dr Derek Swan, dentist and partner at New Town Dental Care
How does teeth whitening work?
"Teeth whitening works by lightening teeth from the inside out," explains celebrity dentist Dr Richard Marques at Wimpole Street Dental (the man responsible for the smiles of Rita Ora and Binky Felstead). "The whitening solution usually contains either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (although some methods do use other agents such as sodium perborate but these are generally considered less effective)."
"The peroxide solutions basically bleach or whiten the enamel, which is the outer covering of the tooth, and the dentine, which is the inside of the tooth. When both the enamel and dentine are bleached or whitened you get a much improved colour of the teeth that is usually sustained well for the long term," he says.
How long will it take to whiten my teeth?
According to Dr Swan, the time it takes differs depending on the result that you want. "The in-clinic appointment for laser whitening often takes around an hour, but you’ll need to wear your whitening trays for 30 minutes a day, for anywhere between three and 14 days after your appointment, depending on how white you’d like your teeth to be. For a naturally white smile, three days is sufficient.”
Looking for more dental products? Make sure to check out our guides on the best electric toothbrushes, best teeth whitening strips and the best whitening toothpaste.
Ahead, the best teeth whitening kits that you can buy in 2024…
Spotlight Oral Care Professional LED Teeth Whitening System
- Type: LED.
- Whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide, PAP, and LED lights.
- Treatment time: 30 mins. Daily use for 10 days.
- Time of day to apply: Anytime.
- Sensitivity: Minimal.
Why we love it: Developed by dentists Dr Lisa and Dr Vanessa Creaven, this device delivers professional whitening results in just 30 minutes. Packed with a powerful line-up opf bleaching agents, simply apply the included whitestrips, place the LED mouthguard device in your mouth, turn on the blue light (it'll automatically switch off after 10 minutes), and then use the red light for five. Leave on your PAP Pro Teeth Whitening Strips for a further 15 mins before brushing to remove any residue and applying the PAP Pro Whitening Pen gel to the teeth to whiten any hard to reach areas and to maintain whitening results between treatments. Et voila — white teeth await!
MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Powder
- Type: Powder.
- Whitening agent: Pentasodium triphosphate.
- Treatment time: Daily for 4 minutes.
- Time of day to apply: Anytime.
- Sensitivity: None.
Why we love it: MySweetSmiles dentist-approved and enamel-safe at-home whitening powder features pentasodium triphosphate, which gently oxidises stains without damaging your enamel. The best part is that it's completely peroxide-free and therefor suitable for everyday use.
Spotlight Oral Care Ultra Teeth Whitening Strips
- Type: Strips.
- Whitening agent: PAP+, Hydrogen peroxide, and Hydroxyapatite.
- Treatment time: 1 hour everyday for 14 days.
- Time of day to apply: Anytime. Clean your teeth before use.
- Sensitivity: None.
Why we love it: These cruelty-free and vegan friendly teeth whitening strips by Spotlight Oral Care have been created by dentists to effectively and safely whiten your teeth with minimal sensitivity. They contain the active ingredient 0.01% hydrogen peroxide, and the kit comes with 14 treatments and a full-size Toothpaste for Whitening Teeth, which Spotlight recommends you use alongside the strips for optimum performance. “They're *so* easy to apply and they've not caused any sensitivity. The residue can be a little tough to brush off the teeth if you leave them on for too long, but that doesn't bother me too much,” says Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR’s Senior European Commerce Editor
Hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum
- Type: Serum.
- Whitening agent: PAP+.
- Treatment time: 30 seconds.
- Time of day to apply: Whenever needed.
- Sensitivity: None.
Why we love it: You’ve definitely seen this trending teeth whitening kit on TikTok. Made using colour correcting technology, it works to offset any underlying yellow tones to maximise your whitening result — basically like a concealer. “It's a little scary when it first comes out the tube – a *very* deep purple shade – but don't let that put you off. You just need to brush two pumps into your teeth for 30 seconds, using a spare toothbrush, before rinsing off. It's really easy and works within a matter of days,” says Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR’s Senior European Commerce Editor.
Spotlight Oral Care Whitening Pen
- Type: Pen.
- Whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide.
- Treatment time: Immediate. It works within 20 minutes.
- Time of day to apply: Anytime, on-the-go.
- Sensitivity: None.
Why we love it: Clinically formulated with clean, active ingredients that won’t cause sensitivity or harm to tooth health, this TikTok-adored Teeth Whitening Pen is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Rather than using a paint-like substance to cover stains, this tooth whitening pen actively dissolves stains caused by the likes of tea and coffee for longer-lasting results. It's great for on-the-go use, dispensing a small amount of gel onto the teeth, and will work within 20 minutes.
Colgate Max White Ultimate LED Whitening Kit
- Type: LED device and whitening pen.
- Whitening agent: LED lights, and Hydrogen peroxide.
- Treatment time: 10 minutes, twice a day.
- Time of day to apply: Anytime.
- Sensitivity: Minimal.
Why we love it: Aside from the relatively reasonable price, the best thing about this teeth whitening kit has to be that you literally plug the LED device directly into your smartphone. It's designed to be worn for ten minutes at a time, twice a day — which seems to be a good thing, as some reviewers say that they were just starting to feel the effects of the hydrogen peroxide towards the end of each treatment session.
CurrentBody Skin Teeth Whitening Kit
- Type: LED light.
- Whitening agent: 18% concentration PAP gel, and LED lights.
- Treatment time: 20 minutes per day for 6 days.
- Time of day to apply: In the evening is best, after cleaning your teeth to remove any excess plaque and food.
- Sensitivity: Minimal.
Why we love it: If you want to brighten your teeth by several shades in just under a week, this is the kit for you. It comes with an LED device, which uses three different wavelengths, as well as three syringes of teeth whitening gel that's made of an 18% concentration of PAP. The standard treatment time is 6 days, with lasting results for up to 6 weeks before requiring any touch-ups. Hands down one of the best at-home teeth whitening kits out there — especially if you have sensitive teeth, as the gel doesn't contain any hydrogen peroxide.
Glo32 Weekender Whitening Strips - 8 Strips
- Type: Strips.
- Whitening agent: Coconut oil.
- Treatment time: 20-30 minutes a day for four days.
- Time of day to apply: Anytime.
- Sensitivity: Absolutely none.
Why we love it: Created as a more natural way to achieve that desired whitening effect, these strips use coconut oil – cool, I know. A simple way to brighten your smile — and also a great way to give Glo32 a bit of a trial run before you commit to a fourteen-day treatment — the pack comes with just enough whitening strips to see you through a long weekend.
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Colgate Max White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
- Type: Gel.
- Whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide.
- Treatment time: 1-2 drops on every 4 teeth daily for up to 3 weeks.
- Time of day to apply: At night before bed.
- Sensitivity: Minimal.
Why we love it: If you're on the lookout for a quick and convenient way of whitening your teeth overnight, say no more. This peroxide-based whitening pen features a gentle blend of active ingredients that applies as an invisible film and gives you a much brighter smile while you snooze. All you need to do is brush your teeth in the morning and voila, you're all set. Promises noticeable results within just three weeks of regular use.
Spotlight Oral Care Daily Whitening Bundle
- Type: Strips, accelerator gel, whitening toothpaste, and whitening mouthwash.
- Whitening agent: PAP and Hydrogen peroxide.
- Treatment time: Dependent on product.
- Time of day to apply: Dependent on product.
- Sensitivity: Minimal.
Why we love it: Approved by dentists and oral health experts, this bundle is packed with premium versions of classic over-the-counter products like whitening toothpastes and strips. Easy to add in to your daily routine, all four of these best-sellers work to effectively oxidises stains, and whiten your overall smile, thanks to their powerful line-up of bleaching ingredients.
Colgate Max White Ultimate Radiance Toothpaste
- Type: Toothpaste.
- Whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide.
- Treatment time: Regular brushing for up to 4 weeks at a time.
- Time of day to apply: Morning and evening.
- Sensitivity: None.
Why we love it: Sometimes, brushing can be the most straight-forward way to whiten teeth. Just swap out your normal toothbrush for this one, which uses whitening ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide to wash away discolouration caused by food and drinks. It also contains a fluoride concentration to strengthen your teeth and enamel. One of the best whitening toothpastes on the market.
Will teeth whitening get rid of stains?
Staining can occur as a result of the tooth enamel becoming discoloured when you have too much of highly pigmented foods or drinks like red wine and coffee as well as smoking tobacco. Whitening your teeth will help to remove stains but is important to have stained teeth cleaned first by a dentist or hygienist. If this is not done, the whitening gel will not be able to work fully and you could be compromising your results.
Do at-home teeth whitening treatments also use hydrogen peroxide?
"Clinics use hydrogen peroxide as well as home kits. At-home teeth whitening kits can only use very very low levels of peroxide which is why they are not that effective. In clinic we are allowed to use higher concentrations as they are administered by a dentist, which gets much better results," says Dr Marques.
Due to regulations, the UK uses a 6% hydrogen peroxide solution (or up to 16% Carbamide Peroxide Solution as this is 3 to 1 of hydrogen peroxide so under 6% Hydrogen peroxide contained in 16% Carbamide Peroxide). In the USA, however, they can use 25% or more of hydrogen peroxide, though this can burn gums and cause sensitivity. These effects can be permanent so the teeth whitening in America is much more high-risk.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for your teeth?
“The main reported side effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity, but it’s important to remember that this should only be temporary,” says Dr Derek Swan, dentist and partner at New Town Dental Care. “If you do start to experience sensitive teeth, try brushing with a specially targeted sensitive toothpaste to help reduce this, and it should fade over time. Some patients also report a soreness of the gums, but again this should be a temporary effect that will subside. To avoid causing sore gums, make sure that you’re not using too much whitening gel in your at-home applications, and be sure to wipe away any excess gel from the gums, as this can cause soreness. If your symptoms persist, visit your dentist.” Also, it's worth bearing in mind that veneers are often not compatible with most whitening methods such as hydrogen peroxide, so make sure to consult with a dentist before investing in a new product.
When it comes to the question of whether teeth whitening damages the enamel, Dr Ayah Siddiqi, advanced aesthetic practitioner, cosmetic dentist and CurrentBody resident LED expert, explains that the answer is a firm no. “The main portion of the tooth, the dentin, is the portion of the tooth that’s responsible for your teeth’s colour. The teeth are first coated with a whitening solution on the front surface of the tooth,” she says. “The solution will then travel through the tooth enamel to the dentin. The stained tissue in the inner layer will begin to lighten.”
Does LED teeth whitening actually work?
The whitening lamps used in clinics are of a very high grade so get very good effects. And while at-home LED kits may not be just as effective, they've improved significantly in the past several years and should definitely not be slept on.
CurrentBody's Teeth Whitening Kit is a great example of this – this device uses three LED wavelengths to give you the smile you deserve. “Infrared light accelerates the ‘wound healing cells’ to mimic injury, creating new cells and improving oxygen levels,” says Dr Siddiqi. “The PAP gel is syringed onto the medical-grade silicone ‘shield’ and then placed onto the teeth. This causes a chemical reaction (oxidation) with the stains on the surface of the teeth, breaking [them] down.”
You would generally expect to see an improvement of 5-10 shades from teeth whitening involving an in-clinic treatment. But according to Dr Swan, it's important to manage expectations. "Not everybody will achieve a Hollywood smile in one session,” he says. “Everybody’s teeth are different, and therefore they respond to treatment differently too. The thickness of your enamel will affect how well the whitening ‘takes’; if you have enamel wear, it will take more time for the teeth to whiten. Plus, if you have any fillings, bridges, crowns or implants, these will not whiten – you might have to consider having these changed after the whitening process if you’d like them to match your new smile.
Are there any natural alternatives?
Some people swear by swilling coconut oil for whiter teeth or use activated charcoal in an attempt to remove stains. And while both can produce minor results, hydrogen peroxide is the most effective method.
Another alternative is a high-tech water flosser like the Waterpik or Spotlight Oral Care's new Water Flosser with UV Steriliser. “The Waterpik Whitening Water Flosser is one way to help maintain a naturally beautiful smile and restore natural whiteness by gently and safely remove stains from hard-to-reach areas. The device uses a fresh mint whitening tablet which is inserted into the handle to remove stains while you floss. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to use harsh bleaching chemicals or undergo expensive whitening treatments," says Dr Eskander.
