13 At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits That Actually Work (2024)

13 At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits That Actually Work (1)

Teeth whitening kits can be a little hit and miss. You either find one that works a treat but leaves your teeth feeling super-sensitive, or fail to notice a difference at all — and that's before you've even considered the sometimes harmful ingredients found in a handful of unregulated buys, the consistency they often require and the sometimes eye-wateringly expensive price tags.

In our quest for whiter, brighter teeth, we were able to separate the wheat from the chaff — here's a quick guide to the at-home teeth whitening products that actually make a difference.

Do At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits Work?

The best option for whitening is via the dentist's chair. However, if that's not an option, cosmetic dentist Dr Nina Bal advises: 'Bear in mind that over the counter kits may not have a high enough percentage of the whitening gel to make a professional level result,' so don't expect miracles! She adds that you shouldn't ever try brushing with 'natural remedies' such as bicarbonate soda as it is too abrasive on the enamel.

Much like anything where you want to see a noticeable change, discipline and consistency are key. For the best results, carefully follow the brand's instructions, finish the entire course or amount of product provided, and use it as often as recommended.

The kits should also be used alongside a good dental hygiene routine. That means brushing twice a day and flossing, regular dentist appointments, and avoiding drinks such as coffee or red wine that can stain teeth (or at least drinking them through a reusable straw, if cutting them out isn't an option).

How We Test

In the ELLE Lab, asked 318 testers to try a range of top-notch whitening kits to see which ones really delivered results. We took pictures of their teeth using our VISIA complexion analyser before and after using each product and then used a whiteness scale to determine any differences in shade. Our panel also assessed the whitening products at home, noting how easy each one was to use, how long it took, its overall effectiveness, and whether there was any sensitivity issues.

The ELLE editors have also selected their favourite kits, so you're sure to find your perfect match.

1

Best teeth whitening kit

2

Best professional teeth whitening kit

Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening System

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2

Best professional teeth whitening kit

Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening System

Designed by the pros, this kit claims to tackle the reddest of wine stains. Its hero ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, the OG for penetrating the top layer of your enamel.

Did it work? Testers were pleased to report it did, with the average person seeing a difference in their smile in just eight days. It didn’t spark any painful sensitivity and was commended for how mess-free it was to use compared to other kits.

Key specifications

Treatment time1 hour
Treatment duration14 days
FormatStrips

3

Best portable teeth whitening method

Moon Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen

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3

Best portable teeth whitening method

Moon Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen

If you want a smile that looks as expensive as Kendall Jenner’s, this will give you whiter teeth in a matter of clicks – literally. The brush applicator is a handbag must-have for brightening your pearly whites, while the vegan vanilla-mint flavour made the whole process more enjoyable.

Some found the 30-second wait time a bit too long to keep your mouth open for, but half saw more dazzling teeth by the end of the trial.

Key specifications

Treatment time10-30 minutes
Treatment durationInstant
FormatPen

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4

Best teeth whitening kit for travel

Mr. Blanc Teeth Whitening Strips

13 At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits That Actually Work (10)

4

Best teeth whitening kit for travel

Mr. Blanc Teeth Whitening Strips

Now 64% Off

A perfect travel companion, this kit individually wraps each set of strips, so you can save on mess while you’re out and about.

The peroxide-free formula didn’t cause sensitivity for the majority. Half noticed a visibly whiter smile too, with one raving about how 'comfortable, quick and easy to use' this portable kit was.

Key specifications

Treatment time30 minutes
Treatment duration14 days
FormatStrips

5

Best teeth whitening kit for stain removal

Boots Expert Teeth Whitening Kit with Blue Light Activation

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5

Best teeth whitening kit for stain removal

Boots Expert Teeth Whitening Kit with Blue Light Activation

Now 43% Off

This kit comes with the bold claim of leaving your teeth 10 shades whiter in just one week, so safe to say, we were intrigued. The majority of our testers found it helped eradicate stubborn stains, leaving most with a brighter, red carpet-worthy smile.

However, our panel found it a bit fiddly to use, and said it could have done with clearer instructions. But it didn’t cause any sensitivity, with one tester impressed with how comfortable the mouth tray was to wear.

Key specifications

Treatment time15-20 minutes
Treatment duration7 days
FormatLED light and mouth piece

ELLE Editors' Picks

13 At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits That Actually Work (12)

Not found your favourite yet? Take a look at the kits the ELLE editors recommend...

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6

Smile Time Teeth Whitening Pen - £18.99

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Smile Time's portable teeth whitening pen is the answer to our coffee, wine and tea-stained teeth woes. No longer will you be caught red (wine) handed when someone whips out the camera mid-Pinot Noir, simply brush this gel formula on before any photo ops and wave goodbye to unwanted stains cropping up in your tagged photos.

7

Colgate Max White Ultimate Whitening Toothpaste - £11.99

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Like the idea of getting whiter teeth but can't be bothered with the faff? Adding no extra time to your morning and night-time routines, this whitening toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide (the ingredient used by dentists when whitening teeth) to gradually lift stains from your gnashers.

8

L.A. Pacific 4-in-1 Enzyme Whitening Toothpaste - £4.46

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If anyone knows how to do a dazzling white smile, it's those LA folk. This formula is a world first thanks to its inclusion of a whitening enzyme which turns the sugars in your mouth into natural hydrogen peroxide. Clever.

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9

Snow Teeth Whitening Kit All-In-One - £147

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For those that want to experience the closest thing to dentist-level results at home, this comprehensive whitening kit does the trick. Simply apply the serum to your teeth with the brush, pop in the LED mouth guard and chill for 9 minutes while it works its whitening magic. No scary dentist chair required.

10

Pro Teeth Whitening Co. Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder - £9.45

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Brushing your teeth with powder takes a bit of getting used to. But do persevere, as the results can be brilliant. Harnessing the natural whitening ingredient of charcoal, this gently removes stains over time. A great option for those with sensitive teeth or gums.

11

Wisdom Intense White Charcoal Whitening Strips - £17.99

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In a hurry to get those gnashers pearly white? These strips claim to whiten in just a few days, with the charcoal helping to speed the process. They're quite strong, so not recommended for continuous use, but are fab for whitening your smile before a big event.

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12

Curaprox Black Is White Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste - £19.84

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Not only for detox face masks, Curaprox's whitening toothpaste also harnesses the purifying properties of charcoal to keep stains from settling. Even though the texture is slightly gritty, it's definitely not gag-worthy like some charcoal-infused products. Brush for two minutes, rinse your mouth out thoroughly, et voila.

13

BlanX White Shock Treatment + LED Bite - £10.67

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A pea-sized amount of the BlanX treatment in place of your regular toothpaste is capable of blurring yellow stains into oblivion, all without subjecting your teeth to any abrasive ingredients which so often sensitise – ouch. Using the LED might seem like a bit of a faff when all you want to do is fall into bed at the end of the day, but you only need a minute each time; the key is consistency.

13 At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits That Actually Work (2024)

FAQs

Are there any teeth whitening products that actually work? ›

The best teeth-whitening products, at a glance:

Best Overall: Smile Brilliant Custom Whitening Trays, $149. Best Whitening Strips: Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects, $46. Best Whitening Pen: Philips Zoom Whitening Pen, $25. Best Whitening Toothpaste: Crest 3D White Brilliance 2 Step Toothpaste, $13.

What is the best at home teeth whitening homemade? ›

Take one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Mix both the contents, and you'll end up with a paste. Use this paste to brush your teeth regularly. It's not magic; you wouldn't get super shiny teeth just after one session.

What over-the-counter teeth whitening works best? ›

Our Top Picks:
  • Best LED Device: Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit, $65 $38.
  • Best for Tough Stains: AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit, $60 $48.
  • Best Whitening Strips: Crest Whitestrips, $45.
  • Best Teeth-Whitening Trays: Opalescence Go Whitening Trays, $83.
Apr 8, 2024

Do home teeth whitening kits really work? ›

At home teeth whitening procedures work, but they may not always match the results with in-office procedures. To have the pearly white smile you've always wanted, consider booking a dental cleaning and in-office teeth whitening treatment at a trusted dental practice.

What whitens teeth really fast? ›

Zoom in office whitening

Zoom-in-office whitening is the best teeth whitening system out there. It is fast (takes about an hour) and you get great results. This is the one you have probably seen before where the patients are under that blue light and it turns your teeth up to four shades of whiter.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›

When used carefully, it can be an effective way to whiten your teeth. But if used incorrectly — in concentrations that are too high or if used too often — it can cause serious and sometimes expensive tooth damage. If you choose to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, do so cautiously.

How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results. If you're looking for a quick fix, other options are available, such as professional teeth whitening in the Colony, TX, or take-home kits.

Can I brush my teeth with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? ›

The process of using baking soda to whiten teeth is rather simple. You simply make a paste out of a teaspoon of baking soda and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, and then gently brush your teeth as you would with traditional toothpaste. When you are done, rinse your mouth with water.

What is the most inexpensive way to whiten your teeth? ›

Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.

How to get white teeth in 1 day at home? ›

Get strawberries and mash them up, then place the mash on the surface of the teeth. Let it stay for about 5 minutes, rinse and brush the teeth with regular toothpaste. The natural acids in strawberries will whiten the smile, but use this method sparingly.

How to whiten teeth overnight? ›

Brush a thin, even layer of whitening serum to clean, dry teeth and allow a few seconds for it to dry. Go to sleep (4-6 hours is recommended for best whitening results) and brush your teeth when you wake up to remove the whitening serum. Then, admire your smile!

Do any over-the-counter teeth whiteners work? ›

Then, over-the-counter whitening agents can work effectively. But because it's not dentist-monitored, many of them don't do anything. For instance, a mouthwash containing a whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide probably is not going to be very effective.

Is it better to whiten your teeth at the dentist or DIY? ›

Choosing a non-professional teeth whitening treatment can carry a higher risk of adverse effects, including damage to your teeth and gums, and even a worsening of your discoloration. By far, the safest and most effective option is to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist.

Do LED lights really whiten teeth? ›

While LED tooth whitening shows promise, some studies suggest that LED lights improve bleaching only slightly or not at all for some people. Short-term effects. If you enjoy coffee, tea, or wine, you may be unhappy with the long-term results of your tooth whitening.

Do any over the counter teeth whiteners work? ›

Then, over-the-counter whitening agents can work effectively. But because it's not dentist-monitored, many of them don't do anything. For instance, a mouthwash containing a whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide probably is not going to be very effective.

Can you truly whiten teeth? ›

Tooth whitening can only whiten your existing colour. Always get advice from a dental professional to ensure that you are not in for disappointment. If you fall into this category and really must have whiter teeth then veneers or crowns may be an option, but ensure to discuss this thoroughly with a dental professional.

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