6 best teeth whitening kits for a brighter smile (2024)

Score: 75/100

These whitening strips are designed to reduce the appearance of tough stains that have built up over time. Its active key ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates the top layer of the enamel to brighten teeth.

Testers found the strips simple to use and less messy than most other kits. On average, testers saw a difference to teeth in just eight days. They also said they didn't experience tooth or gum sensitivity after use.

Key specifications

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 left their smile with. 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

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

Score: 72/100

Aiming to leave your teeth 10 shades whiter in just one week, this kit did a great job at brightening in our lab test, leaving our testers with a whiter smile.

The majority of our panel were impressed with how successfully it managed to remove existing stains, with one tester commenting on how comfortable the mouth tray was. It wasn’t the most straightforward or cleanest whitening process here, but it didn’t leave teeth feeling sensitive.

Key specifications

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

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

Teeth whitening products aim to remove surface stains on the tooth and penetrate the enamel, to break down the discoloured molecules within. This leaves 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.

Dr Hanna Kinsella, cosmetic dentist and founder of Icy Bear Dental, explains: "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. 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 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 legally 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."

Using teeth whitening kits at home is safe, provided the ingredients don't exceed the maximum percentage allowed.

Note that some salons may offer teeth whitening but this is illegal if not performed by a qualified dental professional. If you have any doubts, the NHS recommends visiting a dentist to talk about your options.

"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."

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 at least two weeks after 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.