Has anyone ever said they don’t want whiter teeth? Unless they’re already bright enough to rival Ross Geller’s radioactive grin, I bet the answer is no.
I’m sure we can agree that a sparkling smile just makes everything better. But here’s the thing: I’m a beauty babe in a cozzie livs crisis. So, unless you want to rake out zillions for professional treatments, I’ve found the best teeth whitening kits, gels and pens that you can use at home.
After many hours spent testing these kits, years of coffee (and vino) stains started to fade, and I was left with brighter and naturally white teeth. I also asked some friends to try the products and they all passed with flying colours.
But whitening your teeth doesn't come without a rule book. We’re working with chemicals here, so it’s important to know how to safely use them. Keep on scrolling as Dr Emma Cunningham, advanced aesthetics specialist and cosmetic dental surgeon, answers the top FAQs. Plus, we share the best kits to shop.
The best teeth whitening gels, strips and kits to use at home
Teeth whitening strips
HeySmile, Teeth Whitening Strips
Pros
- They don't contain hydrogen peroxide to brighten, but use PAP to reduce stains
- They're easy to apply
- They whiten teeth in as little as two days
Cons
- They leave a jelly-like residue
I can completely understand the TikTok hype around HeySmile's Teeth Whitening Strips. Even after two applications, clinical trials showed that stained enamels were whitened by 7.36 VITA Bleachedguide shades – a globally recognised standard for shade level assessment. The strips also don't rely on hydrogen peroxide to brighten. Instead, they use an active ingredient called PAP which works by oxidising stains and discolouration.
I'm on day nine of testing and I've already started to see those stubborn coffee stains fade. They're also super easy to apply; just stick them directly onto your teeth and allow the strips to sit for 30 minutes. My only issue is that they can leave behind a jelly-like residue, so they're best suited for at-home use rather than taking on the go (see below).
Boots Dissolvable Teeth Whitening Strips
Pros
- They are affordable
- They easily dissolve so can be worn on-the-go
Cons
- They take longer to see results
There are certain beauty products where price isn’t indicative of performance, but in the whitening world, I believe you’ve got to spend more to see results.
Frankly, Boots’ whitening strips aren’t the best I’ve tried, as they take a little longer to see results, but if you’ve got the patience, I eventually noticed an improvement in the overall yellowness of my teeth. I do love how the strips gradually dissolve, so I head to work and emerge from the underground with a brighter smile.
Spotlight Oral Care Ultra Teeth Whitening Strips
Pros
- They quickly fade stains and discolouration
- They sit flush against the teeth with zero irritation
Cons
- Some may prefer to avoid hydrogen peroxide
Designed by dentists, these hydrogen peroxide strips work quickly to fade pesky coffee and wine stains, with my willing tester seeing results in just over a week. Sensitivity is no issue either; the sturdy strips lay comfortably over the teeth and stay in place throughout the night, leaving a minty fresh linger in your mouth.
One thing to note, while hydrogen peroxide is often used in teeth whitening products as it’s a natural bleaching agent, some may find the ingredient to cause fatigue or dizziness with prorogued use. If you're ever in doubt, speak to a medical professional.
Teeth whitening gel and paste
hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum
Pros
- It has a sweet, slightly minty flavour
- It swiftly reduces stains and brightens the teeth
Cons
- It can't be used as a regular toothpaste
Besides the fact that Kim K is a fan of HiSmile’s Colour Corrector, the coolest thing about it is that it uses colour correction technology to reduce yellow stains – hence the bright purple hue.
As yellow and purple are on opposite ends of the colour wheel, the gel creates a perceptibly whiter shade on your teeth without using any peroxide. Smart, right? Use it before your regular brushing routine as you’ll need something to wash away your purple smile. Cheese.
Read our full review here
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Pen
Pros
- The results are near instant
- It is small enough to bring on the go
- It has a subtle minty flavour
Cons
- It can be hard to judge how much product you're applying
Just before I leave the house to go on a first date, you won’t catch me necking a shot of liquid courage, but instead layering on a slick of this whitening pen. Because whiter teeth will make my lips more kissable, right?
Twist up at the bottom and the paint-brush style pen will ooze the gel. It contains hydrogen carbonate calcium to actively dissolve stains and reveal a brighter smile. I notice a difference in only ten minutes, and I don’t even have to carry it in my handbag because the results are lasting.
Polished London Teeth Whitening Powder
Pros
- With consistent use, it helps to brighten and whiten
- It can remove stains, anything from coffee to wine
Cons
- The powder is a little messy
- It can't be used as a toothpaste
I never liked the idea of teeth whitening powders – who can deal with the messiness? – but this tub of whitening dust is worth the faff IMO. (Just don’t leave it on the side of your sink without the lid screwed on properly; I learn from my mistakes.)
Before you use your regular toothpaste, damp your brush, dip the bristles into the powder and scrub for two to three minutes. After two weeks of daily use, the powder will have combatted stubborn stains to reveal a sparkly smile.
Teeth whitening kits
CurrentBody Skin Teeth Whitening Kit
Pros
- The LED lights do a great job at brightening and reducing stains
- It's comfortable to wear
- The treatment is quick
- When used daily for six weeks, it can brighten the teeth by 10 shades
Cons
- It's fairly expensive
If LED kits have disappointed in the past, CurrentBody is here to restore all faith. Combined with the teeth whitening gels (see below) it uses three wavelengths of LED to promote blood circulation and stimulate skin rejuvenation. This leads to oxygenated gums and improves oral health which = 10x whiter teeth after just six uses.
Yes, the initial cost may sting a little, but it’ll save you zillions of pounds on professional treatments. Plus, you can whiten while you catch up on Bridgerton because the gum-guard-like device is acctually quite comfortable.
CurrentBody Skin Teeth Whitening Gel Refill Syringes
Pros
- The gel contains PAP to whiten your smile
- The taste isn't offensive
- The neutral pH won't damage gum health
Cons
- Requires precise application onto the LED mouth guard
You can use the CurrentBody LED kit alone to improve gum health but pair with these gels if you’re looking to up the whitening stakes. The gel contains PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid, to be exact) which works to break down day-to-day stains – we’re talking coffee and red wine. The formula also has a neutral pH so trust that it won’t damage your enamel.
Spotlight Oral Care LED Teeth Whitening Kit
Pros
- The kit comes with three whitening tools to whiten instantly (and on-the-go) and in the long term
Cons
- It's fairly expensive
If you're new to teeth whitening, Spotlight Oral Care's LED Whitening Kit is a great starting point. The bundle contains the ultimate trifecta to brighten those pearly whites; there's the LED light complete with red and blue wavelengths to break down stains and whiten your smile, whitening strips to enhance the result and a on-the-go pen to minimise daily stains.
The price tag may be a little steep, but now is the time to invest as the kit is currently reduced by 40% on Beauty Bay. And as someone who has just had a professional jobby in clinic, that is a bargain in comparison.
How can you whiten your teeth at home?
Teeth whitening products use bleaching agents, usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, to break down surface stains.
“Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in over-the-counter products and professional treatments, known for its rapid action, while carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, releasing the whitening agent more slowly,” says Dr Emma. When this chemical reaction takes place, she explains that the ingredients react with the discoloured molecules to make them less visible and give you a whiter smile.
Other ingredients to consider, such as sodium bicarbonate, activated charcoal or coconut oil are more natural alternatives, but they tend to be less effective. “You can also look for products with fluoride to protect the enamel during the whitening process,” says Dr Emma.
What types of teeth whitening products are there?
Teeth whitening LED kits: "LED kits typically combine a whitening gel containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide with a special LED light. The light activates the peroxide, accelerating the chemical reaction that breaks down stains. The light's wavelength targets the peroxide, allowing it to penetrate the enamel more effectively and speed up the whitening process,” explains Dr Emma.
Usually, the process involves applying the gel onto your teeth and then securing on a gum-guard-like device which emits the LED lights. This speeds up the overall process and can deliver results in as little as 10 minutes.
Teeth whitening strips: Whitening strips are made from a flexible material that you stick on your teeth. The strips are coated in peroxide to penetrate the outer enamel and the dentin layer – the layer under the enamel – to remove stains.
“In many regions, over-the-counter products are limited to a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide (typically up to 10%) or carbamide peroxide (up to 35%). Higher concentrations are generally reserved for professional use under the supervision of a dentist,” says Dr Emma.
Teeth whitening pens: These pocket-friendly products are brilliant for travel or on-the-go whitening. Usually, they’ll have a twist applicator that dispenses a gel which will remove stains. With such a petite size, they’re perfect for popping into your day bag and topping up your teeth following your morning brew.
Can everyone use teeth whitening products?
Sorry, but the answer is no. If you’ve got crowns, veneers or fillings, you can’t join the party unfortunately – well, you can, but you won’t see results.
“Those with tooth sensitivity, gum disease, or worn enamel should consult a dentist before using whitening products, as they may exacerbate these conditions,” says Dr Emma. She also discourages the use of teeth whitening kits for expecting mothers as using any product containing hydrogen peroxide isn’t advisable during pregnancy.
Before you shop for your megawatt smile, there are a few final pointers to go over. “It’s crucial to seek professional advice to ensure you have no underlying dental issues before investing. It is also important to be aware that whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, so consider using products designed to minimise these effects,” advises Dr Emma.
And finally, be realistic. The results you see will depend on the severity of the stains you’re working with, so don’t expect Love Islander-like teeth straight away. Also, as sad as it may be, to see the best results, Dr Emma suggests avoiding foods and drinks that can cause staining – so consider swapping that vino for blanco.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
