Say Hello to a Brighter Smile With These At-Home Teeth Whitening Products

• Dentist-approved

• Trays may not fit everyone perfectly

Both of our experts had nothing but good things to say about these trays, which come pre-filled with a whitening gel. “This is the same brand used in dental offices for professional whitening, but they also offer an over-the-counter version available on Amazon,” Dr. Kahng says. “The trays are comfortable, and the hydrogen peroxide concentration is clearly labeled.” Unlike strips, there’s no need to fuss with them to try and get them to stay put—you just have to wear them for about 20 minutes and brush your teeth when you’re done.

Count: 10 treatments

Key ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “One box contains 10 trays, and I used it consistently for 30 minutes every day. I was able to notice the change in the color of my teeth with just 10 trays. Each tray for the upper and lower teeth is individually packaged, so you can use one at a time. The wax inside the tray has a mint flavor, so you can use it without feeling uncomfortable.”

• Provides a visible difference

• Can cause sensitivity

This is probably the first product most people think of when they’re considering whitening their teeth, and for good reason. “It’s a solid peroxide-based classic for surface stains,” Dr. Wagner says. You can also find it online easily and at pretty much any drugstore. However, Dr. Kahng does warn that “their hydrogen peroxide concentration is not always clearly disclosed, making it harder for consumers to choose the right strength.” Nevertheless, I personally know so many people who swear by these strips—an oldie but a goodie!

Count: 22 treatments (44 strips)

Key ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Had my teeth professionally whitened years ago, but with continued drinking of coffee and dark sodas they got discolored again. So a couple times a year, I apply the strips to get them their most white. This is a very good product for quick touch ups.”

• Suitable for sensitive teeth
• Strengthens enamel

• May not be as powerful as other options

According to Dr. Wagner, hydroxyapatite is the perfect ingredient for those who want to remineralize and strengthen their enamel while whitening at the same time. This hydroxyapatite-infused toothpaste from RiseWell is one of his favorites and will last you about three months of daily use.

Size: 4 oz.

Key ingredient: Hydroxyapatite

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I bought this for myself after our pediatric dentist recommended it for our daughter. I was looking for something to gently whiten my teeth without crazy chemicals. This works.”

• Gentle on teeth

• Results may take longer than other options

All of you out there with sensitive teeth are likely intimately familiar with the magic of Sensodyne (and if you aren’t, you should definitely get acquainted!). This version is “a great whitening toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate, which helps with sensitivity,” Dr. Kahng reports. “It’s effective for whitening while still being gentle on enamel, striking a good balance between effectiveness and protection.” Whitening can sensitize teeth even further, so this is a top-notch alternative if you can’t handle harsher formulas.

Size: 3 x 3.4 oz.

Key ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been using this toothpaste for a while and have noticed a vast difference in my teeth. The stains from wine and coffee are barely visible. My husband noticed the difference, and now he’s turned on to it as well!”

• Sticks onto teeth well and stays in place

• Can cause gum sensitivity

Confession: I have used these at the office multiple times. I simply pop them into my mouth, and they dissolve in about 15–30 minutes. They’re less messy and unwieldy than other strips I’ve tried, and nobody has ever clocked that I have whitening strips in my mouth. You’re supposed to use them daily for two weeks, but you’ll probably start seeing a gradual difference just a few days in.

Count: 28 treatments (56 strips)

Key ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The Moon whitening kit is amazing! I use it once a day for about seven minutes, and my teeth have become incredibly white. I get compliments all the time from people on my —people are always asking me what I use.”

• A little goes a long way

• Does not come with a tray

Instead of hydrogen peroxide, this gel uses carbamide peroxide, which has similar whitening powers but works more slowly (which is why you need to keep it on for about 30 minutes). This particular formula is the strongest one Auraglow offers, so it’s not for the faint of heart. However, if you feel like you’re ready for the major leagues, it promises to zap away stains and yellowing in a little over a week.

Count: 30 treatments (3 syringes)

Key ingredient: Carbamide peroxide

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I am a dental hygienist, and I wanted to try this whitening gel before recommending it to my patients. I have been using this whitening gel for two weeks now, and my teeth are three shades whiter. I’ve also received many compliments from my patients on how white my teeth look.”

• Not too abrasive on the teeth

• May not be suitable for very sensitive teeth

Colgate is a toothpaste giant, so it tracks that the brand makes one of the most beloved and bestselling whitening formulas out there. While strips are great for intense, once- or twice-a-year treatments, reliable whitening toothpastes like this one help you maintain your desired shade and brightness.

Size: 3 oz.

Key ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I love this product! It doesn’t bother my sensitive teeth but cleans my teeth well. The flavor is great, and I do feel like it whitens my teeth. This is the only toothpaste I use.”

• No need to worry about taking them out

• Can feel strange in the mouth as it dissolves

I have to admit that I found Snow on TikTok and was doubtful of the brand’s claims, but I’m glad I gave it a chance. This is another hydroxyapatite product that might produce slower results than other options but is gentler on enamel. These strips also dissolve in your mouth, so there’s no need to worry about dealing with them once you’ve applied them.

Count: 7 treatments (14 strips)

Key ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide

Amazon rating: 3.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Unlike some reviews of this product, I am really happy with these Snow dissolvable tooth whitening strips. I have used many different brands over the years, and these are the best. They leave zero gluey or sticky residue on my teeth when they dissolve, and that alone truly sets them apart. I had my teeth professionally whitened about 30 years ago, so I use these dissolvable strips twice a week just to continue to freshen the whiteness of my teeth.”

You should always follow the directions on the box, but as Dr. Wagner says, it’s “usually once a day for seven to 14 days.” He and Dr. Kahng also warn against using them too often, as doing so can lead to sensitivity and irritate the gums. “Crest, for example, suggests not using more than two boxes of their whitening strips per year,” says Dr. Kahng. Always check the product instructions to avoid overuse and potential sensitivity.”

Unfortunately, they may not be as effective on our teeth as they are on our acne. “I don’t personally believe in LED teeth whitening lights,” says Dr. Kahng. “If you’re considering using a whitening strip system, you might notice that some brands offer a bundle with a light. For example, Crest sells a version with just strips and another that includes an LED light. I always tell people to ditch the light and get more strips for the same price. The light itself isn’t doing much—it’s the hydrogen peroxide in the strips that does all the work. I call the LED light a ‘fancy timer’ because it’s more of a gimmick than an actual whitening tool.”

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee consulted cosmetic dentists to learn more about teeth whitening products. She also tested options and combed through reviews for top-rated products, assessing each one based on their features and customer evaluations.