9 best teeth whitening kits for a brighter smile, reviewed on video
A brighter smile can do wonders for your confidence, and finding the best teeth whitening kits is a surefire way to give your pearly whites the glow they deserve. Whether you're looking to brighten your teeth at home ahead of a big event or you simple want to maintain them day-to-day, the best teeth whitening strips offer a fuss-free solution to achieving a visibly brighter smile – and they're nothing like the intense, pain-inducing and enamel-ruining iterations of the past.
This was important to me when I was testing the best new releases. I'm still dealing with the aftermath of overly sensitive teeth induced by trying the infamous White Crest Teeth Whitening Strips. A decade later, my visits to the hygienist have become practically impossible to endure, and even biting into a cold apple still causes some discomfort – all as a result of my damaged enamel. Now banned in the UK due to their higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide, it won't shock anyone to hear that they were far too strong for my teeth. Safe to say, I've learned my lesson.
Since becoming a journalist, I've interviewed enough experts and reviewed enough teeth-whitening products to know that when it comes to the health of my teeth, the ‘blind buy’ strategy almost never works. And when used correctly and consistently, the right product won't cause any damage, offering a natural-looking result (far from the blinding smile that Ross showed off in that one Friends episode). Throw in a quality electric toothbrush and a powerful water flosser, and you may as well consider your at-home dental routine invincible.
Below, I've put together a definitive edit of the best teeth-whitening kits for your perusal – whether you're after gel strips, LED devices, powders or whitening pens. And to help you get a better understanding of what you're committing to, I took the time to quiz four dental professionals to break down everything you need to know about how such kits work, their ingredients, as well as potential side effects and what to avoid.
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.
All your teeth-whitening questions, answered:
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.
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.”
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.”
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 to teeth-whitening?
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.
We've also put together an edit of the best whitening toothpastes for gentle maintenance.
How we tested the best teeth-whitening kits:
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team has been dedicated to testing dozens of teeth-whitening kits – all in an effort to bring you a truly unbiased and informative edit of only those that impressed us the most.
When judging each option, we've considered everything from how straightforward the process was, how quickly it delivered results and whether any of the ingredients/components ended up causing any side-effects (abnormal sensitivity or discomfort). We also aim to test each kit for roughly 4-6 weeks to give it a fair shot, while also making sure that each iteration is reviewed by different people (newbies and teeth-whitening veterans alike). While testing, we also take note of other factors such as sustainability and value for money.
Find out more about how we test here.
Ahead, the best teeth whitening kits that you can buy in 2025.
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: None.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Freelance Contributor.
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. By the brains behind the best LED face mask on the market (who also excel in LED neck devices and LED hair regrowth devices, too) comes with an LED teeth whitening device that 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 six days, with lasting results for up to six 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.
“I've been swearing by this clever teeth-whitening kit for nearly a year now, and with good reason. Not only is it incredibly easy to set up and use, but it also doesn't feature any hydrogen peroxide, meaning it didn't end up causing any discomfort to my sensitive teeth. I was able to achieve results in under a week, which makes it perfect for whenever I'm prepping for a special occasion. About the only qualm is the price, however, I still find that once you've invested into the actual tool, re-purchasing the gel syringes only cost £19, which isn't nearly as big of a splurge,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Freelance Contributor.
OUR RATING: 10/10Pros & ConsPros- Easy set-up, delivers visible results in just six days, doesn't contain hydrogen peroxide.
Cons- Expensive and results take a while.
MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Powder
- Type: Powder.
- Whitening agent: Pentasodium triphosphate.
- Treatment time: Daily for 2 minutes.
- Time of day to apply: Anytime.
- Sensitivity: Minimal.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: The 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 therefore suitable for sensitive gums and sensitive teeth. When testing this product, our Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett loved how convenient it was to use – given all it takes is to gently brush the teeth for two minutes.
She also appreciated that unlike other teeth whitening kits that feature a full line-up of products and gadgets, this powder eliminates the need of overcomplicating your routine (since all you need is just the formula itself and a toothbrush), which comes particularly handy for whenever you're going away for a holiday. Not to mention, it's also one of the most affordable options on the market.
OUR RATING: 10/10Pros & ConsPros- Doesn't damage your enamel, has a peroxide-free formula, affordable.
Cons- May prove a bit messier to use due to its powdery nature.
SmilePro Ultimate Whitening Set
- Type: LED.
- Whitening agent: PAP.
- Treatment time: 10 minute treatments for 7 days.
- Time of day to apply: Anytime.
- Sensitivity: Minimal.
Why we love it: SmilePro has unveiled its most advanced kit yet, now featuring dual red and blue LED lights for both powerful whitening and complete tooth-and-gum care. This next-generation upgrade delivers faster, more effective results without sensitivity. Already trusted by over half a million customers and awarded the title of the UK’s top teeth whitening kit of 2024, SmilePro combines cutting-edge technology with a gentle, enamel-safe formula for professional results in the comfort of your own home. Genius.
Each kit offers 30 treatments — working out at around £2 per use — and promises up to eight shades whiter teeth, thanks to three times more activator lights than any other kit on the market. Coffee, wine, and even smoking stains are permanently lifted in as little as ten minutes.
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 10 days (provided that you stick to a 30 minute daily commitment). Packed with a powerful line-up of bleaching agents, this LED mouthguard device should be used alongside the whitening strips, which are already included in the kit. All you need to do is to turn on the blue light (it'll automatically switch off after 10 minutes), and then use the red light for the additional five minutes.
To wrap up the process, 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.
OUR RATING: 9/10Pros & ConsPros- Developed by dental professionals, includes a whitening pen gel for hard-to-reach areas.
Cons- Expensive and some sensitivity may be caused.
MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Strips
- Type: Strips.
- Whitening agent: PAP.
- Treatment time: 30 minutes.
- Time of day to apply: Anytime.
- Sensitivity: Minimal.
Why we love it: Struggling with yellowing from coffee, tea, wine, or everyday stains? MySweetSmile’s Teeth Whitening Strips lift deep-set stains and yellowing in just 7 days – without peroxide, irritation, or sensitivity. Powered by their clinically proven Advanced PAP formula, these easy-to-use, non-slip strips deliver fast, visible results while keeping your enamel safe.
Each pack comes with 42 whitening strips – 21 for your top teeth and 21 for your bottom teeth. Just peel off the backing, apply the smaller strip to your lower teeth and the larger one to your upper teeth, making sure the sticky side is firmly in place. Leave them on for 30 minutes while you get on with your day – whether that’s getting ready for a night out, relaxing, or catching up on emails and et voilà – it’s that simple.
For the best results, the brand recommend you use the strips daily for 7 days to complete one full whitening cycle. You’ll still have 14 treatments left – ideal for touch-ups or another full cycle every few months. To maintain your results, we recommend using MySweetSmile’s Teeth Whitening Powder and Flavoured Toothpaste to keep daily stains at bay.
OUR RATING: 9/10Pros & ConsPros- Lifts deep stains from coffee, tea, wine, and more in 7 days.
- Peroxide-free, no irritation or sensitivity.
- Enamel-safe and easy to use.
Cons- Requires consistent daily use for best results.
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: Minimal.
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 a gentle yet effective 0.01% concentration of active ingredient 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 the best results.
“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.
OUR RATING: 9/10Pros & ConsPros- Easy to use, comes with 14 treatments and a toothpaste, features a gentle yet effective concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
Cons- The results take a bit longer to notice compared to LED-powered kits.
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: Having gone viral on TikTok, this teeth-whitening serum is truly one-of-a-kind. 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.
OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Delivers the quickest results, reasonably priced.
Cons- Not as effective to treat stubborn stains.
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 gentle active ingredients that won’t cause sensitivity or harm to tooth health, this TikTok-adored Teeth Whitening Pen is both cruelty-free and vegan. 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. About the only con worth mentioning is that it may not prove as effective when it comes to treating stubborn stains. For this, you may be better off investing in an LED-powered tool instead.
OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Near-instant results, convenient on-the-go packaging, easy to apply.
Cons- Not as effective to treat stubborn stains.
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: If you're not ready to commit to a set of teeth-whitening strips or an LED kit, a quality whitening toothpaste may be your best bet, and it doesn't get any better than this formula from Colgate. Similar to other teeth-whitening products, it also comes infused with hydrogen peroxide to help deal with discolouration caused by food and drinks. The best part? It will also help strengthen you teeth and enamel and teeth in the process – all thanks to the fluoride concentration included in the formula. Hands down, one of the best whitening toothpastes we've tried.
Pros & ConsPros- Straightforward to use, helps strengthen your teeth and enamel while whitening, reasonably priced.
Cons- Not as great for hard-to-reach areas.
