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The best teeth whitening kits for a brighter smile, tested by 370 people
Get a brighter, whiter smile, DIY style
Tested by Orla BadgerFormer Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester
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.
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Best LED teeth whitening kit with refill serum
Colgate Max White Ultimate at Home LED Teeth whitening kit
Read review
The Good Housekeeping Institute 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.
Note, 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.
Spotlight Oral Care Ultra Teeth Whitening Strips
Pros
- Pleasant scent and taste
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Strips became slightly gloopy towards the end of treatment time
Score: 85/100
Pop these strips on for an hour once a day at the start of the week, and by Sunday, Spotlight claims you’ll have a fresh set of pearly whites with this speedy seven-day course. So how did they perform? Well, most of our at-home testers saw an improvement in the whiteness of their teeth after one week. They were really testing them to their limits too – one smoker said they helped improve the stains on their teeth.
The strips are easy, mess free, and remain securely in place for the duration of the treatment time. We also asked our testers whether the product increased teeth or gum sensitivity after use, and we’re pleased to report that no one experienced any irritation. Smiles all round!
Key specifications
| Treatment time | 1 hour |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | 7 days |
| Format | Strips |
| Number of strips in pack | 14 - Upper and lower |
SmilePro Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to wear
- Noticeable stain reduction
- Convenient and compact
Cons
- Taste not universally pleasant
- Didn’t work so well on backs of teeth
Score: 79/100
This kit offers a user-friendly, mess-free teeth whitening experience and garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback. Panellists consistently said the gel was easy to apply, and the LED device was comfortable to insert and wear. The process felt clean and efficient, and almost everyone was pleasantly surprised by the 10-minute treatment option.
Most noticed reduced staining from daily culprits like tea and coffee, though some said it didn't shift the stubborn stains on the backs of their teeth.
Those with sensitive teeth and gums scored it highly for not triggering pain or sensitivity – not only during use, but also in the days afterwards – unlike many other whitening products. It also offers a sensitivity mode, and uses Phthalimidoperoxycaproic Acid (try saying that with the LED device in your mouth), a gentler whitening agent than hydrogen peroxide, which is notoriously harsh.
Although a few people weren’t keen on the gel’s minty taste, more than half of our testers said they actively enjoyed it. For the price, any quibbles feel minor – have we finally found a fix for our coffee-addiction dental dramas?
Key specifications
| Treatment time | 10-30 mins |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | 7 days |
| Format | LED device and pens |
| No. of strips in pack | N/A |
Pros
- Straightforward instructions
- Pleasant minty flavour
Cons
- Some found it uncomfortable to use for the entire 30 minutes
Score: 78/100
We love any tech that’s simple and straightforward to master, which is certainly the case with this LED kit. It comes with three syringes of whitening solution that need to be dispensed into a mouth guard (much like the professional versions you get from your dentist), which is attached to an LED light. The only challenge for testers was having to dispense just the right amount, which was exactly one third of a syringe.
The formula is made up of 18% Phthalimidoperoxycaproic Acid, otherwise known as PAP – a peroxide-free compound that works like peroxide to break down and remove stains, but won’t increase sensitivity. Sure enough, nearly all our testers agreed that they didn't experience any sensitivity but did see an increase in whiteness after the trial period.
It’s recommended that you insert the tray for 30 minutes per use, but each treatment time will automatically end after 10 minutes. This was helpful for some testers who experienced slight jaw pain, as they were able to have breaks in between.
Key specifications
| Treatment time | 7 days |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | 30 minutes |
| Format | LED mouth guard and whitening solution |
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Pearl Drops Professional 3 Step Whitening Treatment
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 |
How we test teeth whitening kits
The Good Housekeeping Institute experts recruited 370 testers to try a range of teeth whitening products at home for a minimum of two weeks.
We then asked them to give detailed feedback on how easy each one was to use, how long the treatment took, whether there were any sensitivity issues afterwards, and, of course, whether they noticed any whitening effects.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing products for over 100 years – including everything from the best hairdryers to the best collagen supplements – so we know what we’re looking for in a reliable buy.
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.
Are teeth whitening kits safe?
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. The NHS recommends visiting a dentist to talk about your options before starting any whitening treatment.
"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."
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.
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 the best 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.
Can anyone use teeth whitening kits?
Whitening kits don't work on false teeth such as veneers and crowns. They're 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.
More Tried and Tested reviews
We've also rounded up the top electric toothbrushes, the best water flossers and the best water flossers to keep your smile looking its best.
The verdict on the best teeth whitening kits
Our winner, the Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips, were quick to apply and delivered results in just seven days, making them an effective and speedy option.
If your teeth are sensitive, we recommend our runner-up, the SmilePro Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit or the peroxide-free Mr Blanc Teeth Whitening Strips, which come at a seriously affordable price too. Fancy an on-the-go glow? Then chuck a Spotlight Oral Care Gel Pen in your bag.
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
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Orla was our Former Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester.
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