The Ultimate Guide to Choosing teeth whitening strips manufacturers

Apr. 28, 2025

Best Teeth Whitening Strips of - CNET

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If you are after a whiter, brighter smile, but your toothpaste isn't helping, and you don't want to take care of those big dentist bills, there is a different route to consider. A recent CNET survey found that 93% of Americans are concerned about the rising living costs, but that doesn't mean you necessarily have to forgo the teeth you've always wanted. At-home whitening strips can help remove surface stains and give your teeth a brighter appearance within minutes. To help you find the best one, our health experts at CNET have made a list of the safest, most efficient options out there, below.

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What is the best teeth whitening strip overall?

Crest 3D Whitestrips are our pick as the best teeth whitening strips overall because our tests determined that they had the best results with the most effective active ingredients. If you have surface stains from years of tea, coffee and wine consumption, the whitening agent in Crest 3D Whitestrips can effectively whiten teeth by as much as 23 levels.

However, health comes before vanity so check with your dentist first -- especially if you have a history of enamel erosion or need dental work such as filling a cavity. You should also take precautions when using whitening strips if you have crowns, veneers or fillings, as whitening products may affect these differently.

Best teeth whitening strips of

Pros

Up to 23 levels whiter teeth in about 24 days
Remove up to 14 years of stains
Active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide

Cons

You might find the coverage to be less than you want
Most expensive on this list

Crest 3D Whitestrips are truly a classic. They're easy to find and easy to use and I've used them many times. Each Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects box contains 48 strips for 24 treatments. Wear one strip a day for 30 minutes and Crest claims that you can remove up to 14 years of stains by the end of your last treatment.

One thing to keep in mind is that the coverage is a little less than other brands on this list. I found that the cover was OK, I just wished the strips would reach over my canines more. Despite that, Crest 3D is still my No. 1 on this list, because they're effective time and time again.

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Specs & Configurations

Price $$Number of pieces 48Active ingredient Hydrogen peroxideCruelty-free NoResults in About 24 daysLevel of whitening About 23 Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1

Best dissolving whitening strips

Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips

Pros

Dissolves within 15 minutes
Vegan and cruelty-free
A refreshing mint flavor

Cons

On the expensive side
Must avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes after application

If you don’t like the feeling of whitening strips sitting on your teeth for up to 30 minutes, you can try dissolving strips, instead. Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips are applied just like any other strips but after 15 minutes, they dissolve. There’s no unnecessary waste or mess and no need to rinse. The strips are also peppermint flavored.

Moon states that in two weeks or less you can whiten your teeth up to seven shades lighter. In addition to being vegan and cruelty-free, these dissolving whitening strips are free of SLS/SLES (which can irritate skin), triclosan, parabens and artificial flavors.

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Specs & Configurations

Price $$Number of pieces 56Active ingredient Hydrogen peroxideCruelty-free YesResults in 14 days or lessLevel of whitening Up to 7 shades Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1

Best whitening strips for sensitive teeth

Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Strips

Pros

Natural alternative -- coconut oil is the active ingredient
Contains 21 treatments in one box
Up to 14 shades lighter in a maximum of three weeks

Cons

On the pricey side
May slip around

Anyone who has sensitive teeth should check out Lumineux Oral Essentials. Lumineux products don't include hydrogen peroxide and instead use a combination of dead sea salt, essential oils, coconut oil and aloe vera. The fit and coverage were great, although they did slip around a bit. Lumineux products are also cruelty-free.

I tested these for three consecutive days so I can't speak to the long-term efficacy compared with other brands but Lumineux did conduct a clinical trial that concluded Crest 3D Whitestrips were no more effective than Lumineux natural whitening strips. (The study was funded in part by Lumineux, however.) Still, I think they're worth a shot for people with sensitive teeth and gums.

Price: $$
Number of pieces: 42
Active ingredient: Coconut oil
Cruelty-free: Yes
Results in: 3 weeks or less
Level of whitening: Up to 14 shades

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Specs & Configurations

Price $$Number of pieces 42Active ingredient Coconut oilCruetly-free YesResults in 3 weeks or lessLevel of whitening Up to 14 shades Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1

Best affordable whitening strips

Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips

Pros

10 flavors to choose from including mint, coconut, strawberry and wintergreen
Nonslip design
Results in two weeks or less

Cons

The brand doesn’t say how many levels of whitening is possible
May not be suitable for sensitive teeth

Zimba whitening strips are affordable and effective at lightening the shade of your teeth. One pack comes with 28 strips for results in 14 days or less. Wear one strip for 30 minutes a day.

This cruelty-free brand has found a way to combat one of the negatives of whitening strips -- the strong, bitter taste. Zimba offers 10 flavors to choose from, including watermelon and spearmint. On top of that, the strips have a nonslip design that grip the teeth during each treatment.

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Specs & Configurations

Price $Number of pieces 28Active ingredient Hydrogen peroxideCruelty-free YesResults in 14 days or lessLevel of whitening Not listed Add to compare

How we chose teeth whitening strips

I began this list of teeth whitening strips with teeth whitening products that could potentially make it into this roundup, looking at things like brand reputation, buyer reviews on Amazon and full reviews by other writers. After narrowing the lengthy list of teeth whitening strips, I started testing.

It would be impossible to test the long-term efficacy of all of these whitening strips without annihilating my enamel and gum tissue or distinguishing results with back-to-back testing on my own teeth, so I judged each product against a few criteria that I think will help you make a buying decision.

Factors to consider when choosing teeth whitening strips

Before buying your next box of teeth whitening strips, consider these factors.

Fit

You want your strips to fully cover your teeth and not go up over your gums, which can cause gum sensitivity. Additionally, their fit should be snug. While you go about your day, waiting for it to be time to take the strips off, they should not slip and slide around your mouth.

Coverage

While whitening your molars is not necessary (since you hardly see them anyway), your teeth whitening strips should still cover a good percentage of your teeth. After you apply the strip, smile and look in the mirror. Is the strip touching all of the teeth you can see in your normal smile? If not, time to try another brand.

Ease of use

Whitening strips should be simple. Apply the product, wait a specified amount of time and take them off. If the teeth whitening strips require other steps or seem difficult to use, try another brand.

Sensations

If you have sensitive teeth or gums, look for products that will give you the least amount of sensitivity. Oftentimes, hydrogen peroxide is too strong for sensitive teeth, so try coconut oil, instead. Don’t suffer through a product if it burns your gums or hurts your teeth.

Length of wear

Most strips require at least 30 minutes of wear in order to get the best results. If you have sensitive teeth or not enough time for teeth whitening strips, look for products that don’t require much wear.

Best teeth whitening strip FAQs

What are the most effective teeth whitening strips?

Crest 3D Whitestrips are widely considered the most effective teeth whitening strips due to their Advanced Seal Technology, which keeps them securely in place for better contact with teeth. They use a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide -- the same whitening agent used by dentists -- to remove both surface and deep stains while being enamel-safe.

Do dentists recommend white strips?

According to the American Dental Association, it is recommended to use only over-the-counter bleaching kits with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These include Crest White Strips.

Should I brush before using teeth whitening strips?

You can brush before applying teeth whitening strips. Brushing and flossing before doing so will remove plaque and create a cleaner canvas. It's advised to wait 30 minutes after brushing to use whitening strips.

Are teeth whitening strips OK for your teeth?

If you have healthy teeth and good oral health, using a reputable teeth whitening kit should be fine when used as directed. Teeth whitening products are only meant to be used occasionally and in moderation, and it's always a better idea to speak with your dentist first about finding the best option for you. Additionally, steer clear of teeth whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide.

People who need dental work or have tooth pain should consult with their dentist to find out if teeth whitening is right for them.

Do whitening strips work on really yellow teeth?

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products may not be powerful enough for very stained teeth. If you're looking for exceptional results for yellow teeth, consult your dentist.

What are the negatives of teeth whitening strips?

The negatives of teeth whitening strips include possible tooth and gum sensitivity. If you use teeth whitening strips too often, it can damage your enamel, and some of the results might not be the exact shade you imagine.

The Best Teeth Whitening Kits That Are Safe, Fast And Effective

If you’re looking to brighten your smile, using the right teeth whitening product is more affordable and convenient than going into the dentist’s office. As the deputy editor who oversees Forbes Vetted’s beauty vertical, I rounded up the best teeth whitening kits based on recommendations from dentists and insights from four staff testers. My top pick is the Opalescence Go, which consists of gel-filled trays and comes in two strength options. If you prefer teeth whitening strips, I recommend the Crest 3D Whitestrips, thanks to their no-slip grip.

Products for home use come in various forms, including strips, trays and LED mouthpieces, so I suggest choosing an option that fits your oral care routine and preferences. When shopping for the right treatment, look for active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are effective in diminishing stains, according to dentists. (To that, if you’re looking for a whitening product for sensitive teeth, we’ve also rounded up the top peroxide-free formulas.) Read on for the best teeth whitening kits that are safe and effective, plus expert tips on how to use them.

Best Teeth Whitening Kit Overall: Opalescence Go
Best Teeth Whitening Strips: Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects
Best For Sensitive Teeth: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
Best For Fast Results: Laughland Whitening Kit
Best Custom Teeth Whitening Kit: Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening Trays
Best LED Teeth Whitening Kit: Glo Science Classic Brilliant Kit
Best Wireless LED Teeth Whitening Kit: Ollm LED Teeth Whitening KitAmazon Prime Deal
Best Teeth Whitening Pen: Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen

Best Teeth Whitening Kit Overall

Pre-Filled Trays Recommended By A Dentist

Type: Tray | Active ingredient: 10% hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 15 to 30 minutes daily | Number of treatments: 10

What you’ll love:

Easy to use
Option of two different strengths
Contains xylitol to protect against decay

Keep in mind:

Some find the single line of gel doesn’t adequately coat all teeth

The Opalescence Go is available in two strengths—10% hydrogen peroxide and 15% hydrogen peroxide—and is easy to use thanks to pre-filled trays. NYC-based dentist Dr. Sharon Huang finds it ideal for at-home use. “It’s strong enough to be effective, but not too strong that it will make teeth sensitive or cause harm when used as instructed,” she says. It also contains xylitol, which helps reduce the risk of decay, as well as potassium nitrate, which works to desensitize teeth during the whitening process, according to Heaton. For best results, the trays should be worn for 15 to 30 minutes daily over the course of five to seven days.

Best Teeth Whitening Strips

Tried-And-True Option

Best For Sensitive Teeth

Gentle, Plant-Based Alternative

Type: Strips | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil, citrus lemon peel oil, Dead Sea salt | Usage directions: 30 minutes daily for one week | Number of treatments: 9

What you’ll love:

Plant-based ingredients
Tolerable taste
Safe for sensitive teeth

Keep in mind:

Some users say the strips don’t stay put

Whitening your smile can cause discomfort regardless of whether you have sensitive teeth or not; treatments can leave your mouth feeling tender or sore. Peroxide—a key ingredient in many whitening products—is often the culprit for that aching sensation. Lumineux’s strips are free of this and instead feature plant-based ingredients and including essential oils like sage, lemon and coconut, as well as Dead Sea salts.

Best For Fast Results

Professional-Quality And Fun To Use

Type: LED whitening tray | Active ingredient: 8% hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 5 to 30 minutes daily | Number of treatments: 6

What you’ll love:

Fast results
Features glycerin for hydration and enamel protection
Plugs into your for easy portability

Keep in mind:

Gel tastes bitter, according to our tester

Laughland’s whitening kit combines professional-grade results with the convenience and ease of home use. It comes with an LED mouthpiece that’s powered by plugging it into your . It’s recommended that you use it for a minimum of five minutes (and up to 30 minutes, for teeth that are not sensitive), for a duration of six days.

“Unlike other teeth whiteners I’ve used, this one gave me no tooth sensitivity during or after treatments, which I really appreciate,” says one of our testers, who has used it for several days at a time. “It’s also fun to use—just plug the mouthguard into your and watch it glow. It’s brightened my teeth after just a few uses." According to clinical trials by the brand, 100% of participants had results without any increase in sensitivity. Our tester’s biggest criticism is that "the gel tastes incredibly bitter if you get it on your tongue, but if you’re careful you can avoid it.”

Best Custom Teeth Whitening Kit

Customized System That Fits Your Needs

Type: Tray | Active ingredient: 22% carbamide peroxide | Usage directions: 45 minutes daily | Number of treatments: 9 to 27, depending on package

What you’ll love:

Sensitive and non-sensitive options
Different packages based on number of treatments
Custom-fitted trays

Keep in mind:

Suggested usage time is be longer than other kits

This kit from Smile Brilliant takes the guesswork out of whitening your teeth. The process includes taking molds of your upper and lower teeth, which allows the company to creates custom-fitting trays. Huang considers this as close as it gets to having your teeth professionally whitened. It comes with a whitening gel made from 22% carbamide peroxide and a syringe for applying the solution to the trays. If you choose the sensitive option, the kit also includes desensitizing gel to make the process more comfortable.

Best LED Teeth Whitening Kit

High-Tech Option With Helpful Extras

Type: LED whitening tray | Active ingredient: 6% hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 8 minutes (4 times per day for 5 days) | Number of treatments: 40

What you’ll love:

Shorter use time
Fast results
Includes sleek travel case and lip balm

Keep in mind:

Pricey compared to other options
Should be used multiple times a day for best results

New York-based dentist Dr. Angelique Freking recommends Glo Science’s whitening device for its use of light technology. “This kit uses hydrogen peroxide and a tray with LED light built in to brighten your teeth,” she says. An added bonus is how quickly you’ll start seeing results. The brand claims to whiten teeth up to five shades brighter in as little as one week. Plus, it includes a lip balm to prevent dry, cracked lips as well as a hardshell travel case for easy portability.

Best Wireless LED Teeth Whitening Kit

Powerful Option With Two LED Modes

Type: LED whitening tray | Active ingredient: 35% carbamide peroxide | Usage directions: 10 to 15 minutes daily | Number of treatments: 21

What you’ll love:

Cordless design allows you to use it anywhere
Two LED light modes
High concentration of peroxide

Keep in mind:

Timer button is sensitive
Formula may be too strong for sensitive teeth

Ollm’s rechargeable LED mouthpiece can be used just about anywhere thanks to its wireless design, which is particularly useful if you’re traveling. The kit comes with three tubes of highly concentrated gel featuring 35% carbamide peroxide, as well as two interchangeable trays. To use, coat your teeth with the gel, insert the mouthpiece and turn on the blue LED light for 15 minutes. For more sensitive teeth, the brand recommends the red light setting, as the session only lasts 10 minutes. The device will automatically beep when the timer is up, after which you rinse your mouth to remove the remaining formula.

With daily use, results can be noticed in as little as one week. “Even after a single session, I noticed my teeth looked a hint whiter—with regular use, they’ve become noticeably brighter," says one of our testers. However, she notes that the timer button can be very sensitive (she has accidentally reset it with her lip), and that you have to remain still while using the device.

Best Teeth Whitening Pen

Compact Pen That's Sleek And Portable

Type: Pen | Active ingredient: 35% carbamide peroxide | Usage directions: 60 seconds, twice daily | Number of treatments: 20+

What you’ll love:

Gel doesn’t require removal
Precise tip for touch-ups
Small and easy to carry

Keep in mind:

High percentage of carbamide peroxide may irritate sensitive teeth
Opaque design makes it hard to see how much product is left in the tube

Auraglow’s teeth whitening pen features a high concentration of carbamide peroxide, making it a solid option for those who want quick results. Application is easy: Use the brush tip to coat your teeth with the gel and let it sit for about a minute. Avoid eating or drinking for the next hour, as the gel dissolves on its own. This pen is great for touch-ups, as you can choose to only coat certain spots instead of your whole mouth. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to maintain your teeth whitening efforts while traveling.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted beauty team has plenty of experience on the topic of oral care and personal products (as well as all other beauty and grooming categories).

The author of this piece, deputy editor Jane Sung, oversees the beauty and grooming vertical and has two decades of experience covering beauty, wellness and style.
Several dental professionals were consulted to share expert insights: NYC-based dentist Dr. Sharon Huang, cosmetic dentist Dr. James Heaton, Park Slope Dentistry Seventh Avenue director Dr. Angelique Freking and dentist Dr. Kami Hoss.
This story is regularly updated to ensure that all product information is accurate and that our recommendations continue to meet the criteria for their respective superlatives. It was last refreshed in April by beauty writer Claire Epting.

How We Chose The Best Teeth Whitening Kits

When selecting the top teeth whitening kits, we first checked with oral care experts to get their firsthand insights; we also pored through customer reviews to make sure feedback was mostly positive.

Three of the products on this list—the Opalescence Go, the Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening Trays and the Glo Science Brilliance Kit—were specifically recommended by the dentists interviewed by Sung.
Sung tapped four Forbes Vetted staffers to glean their firsthand experience using four of the products featured on this list including the Laughland At-Home Whitening Kit and Crest 3D Whitestrips.
We made sure that only formulas with safe, dentist-approved active ingredients—such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide—were included. We also vetted alternatives to peroxide.
We made sure the selected products accommodate various types of teeth, preferences and budgets.

What To Consider In The Best Teeth Whitening Kits

At-home teeth whitening kits come in a few different forms, so it’s a good idea to research the different types before finding the right one for you. Dentists recommend paying close attention to the following details.

Ingredients

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are two of the most common ingredients recommended by dentists for whitening teeth. “Hydrogen peroxide works by breaking down into water and oxygen, which oxidizes stains and bleaches teeth,” says cosmetic dentist Dr. James Heaton. Meanwhile, carbamide peroxide is a combination of hydrogen peroxide and urea—it acts similarly, but at a slower rate. Dentist Dr. Kami Hoss says, “Peroxide can partially penetrate the layers of teeth, removing compounds that cause discoloration.” However, those with very sensitive teeth might feel more comfortable taking a peroxide-free approach, with products like the Lumineux whitening kit.

Concentration

The stronger the peroxide concentration in a formula, the more effective the product can be in removing discoloration from teeth. According to Heaton, most over-the-counter products feature a range in concentration from 3% to 10% of hydrogen peroxide and 10% to 35% of carbamide peroxide, while dental professionals typically offer treatments with concentrations up to 43%. You may need to be more patient with at-home treatments, as they can require more frequent usage before you see noticeable results.

Application Type

There are a few different options when it comes to application types: These include molded trays, LED mouthpieces, whitening strips and gel-filled pens. Here’s a short breakdown on each:

Molded trays: These are plastic pieces that are designed to sit over your teeth and keep them covered in a gel formula. While molded trays can be a bit uncomfortable, they ensure that your teeth are uniformly treated.
LED mouthpieces: Similar to molded trays, mouthpieces with LED lights sit directly in your mouth for the duration of the treatment. After applying a layer of gel, insert the mouthpiece and press the power button to activate the blue or red LED lights. “LED devices can enhance the results when used with whitening gels because the light activates the ingredients,” says Heaton.
Whitening strips: These thin, paper-like strips are applied directly to your teeth. Some dissolve on their own, while others require removal after the recommended treatment time. Heaton describes whitening strips as “easy to use and effective,” and because there’s no mouthpiece involved, the process is more comfortable than wearing a molded tray.
Gel pens: Teeth whitening pens are compact and easy to travel with. They’re designed with fine tips that deposit gel formula onto your teeth, which dissolves on its own. Heaton notes that gels provide more precise application than whitening strips, so they’re ideal for touch-ups or treating hard-to-reach teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Teeth Whitening Kits Actually Work?

Yes, the dentists that we consulted with for this piece all agree that teeth whitening kits are effective and safe for at-home use—provided you pick one that’s made with recognizable, tested ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Make sure to follow the instructions closely and only apply the formula for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Heaton says, “Improper application or overuse can lead to sensitivity or enamel damage, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully.”

Is It Better To Whiten Teeth At The Dentist Or At Home?

Between the two options, whitening your teeth at home is typically the more cost-effective method. While teeth whitening procedures at the dentist can cost hundreds of dollars, at-home kits cost as little as $25. That being said, at-home methods often take longer to see results. If you prioritize effectiveness and don’t mind spending the money, an in-office whitening treatment may be worth it.

What Is The Best Home LED Teeth Whitening Kit?

Based on my research, the best LED teeth whitening kit is the Glo Science Classic Brilliant Kit. While it’s on the more expensive side, it offers fast results—according to the brand, you can expect your teeth to lighten up by five shades in as little as a week. As a wireless option, I recommend the Ollm LED Teeth Whitening Kit.

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