The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (2024)

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (1)

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One sure way to have a standout smile is bright pearly whites. But the reality is your daily cup of coffee, a glass of wine at happy hour and simply time can all dim your ivories with surface stains. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to achieve a sparkling smile, from tooth-whitening kits to whitening toothpastes to whitening mouthwashes, along with classic teeth whitening strips.

To help you on your smile journey, we’ve rounded up the top teeth whitening strips, according to dentists and our health and beauty experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Our top picks:

“Our teeth tend to become darker as time passes, so touch-up treatments are occasionally needed to keep the teeth lightened,” says Brooklyn-based cosmetic dentist Daniel Rubinshtein, D.D.S. “What’s great about whitening treatments is that there is no downtime. Your eating, drinking, smoking and home care habits definitely have an effect on how long the treatment lasts.” Whitening strips are a great fix, since “most teeth whitening strips use peroxide-based gel, which breaks down the stain molecules on the surface of your teeth,” adds California-based dentist Chrystle Cu, D.D.S.

Read our reviews below, and find more information on what to look for when shopping for whitening strips, plus additional expert advice, at the bottom of this guide.

1

Best Overall TEETH WHITENING STRIPS

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Strip Kit

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (8)

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (9)

Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (10)Top Lab results for lightening teeth
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (11)Made with proven, effective whitening ingredients
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (12)Whitens teeth 2-4 shades
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (13)Some user complaints of sensitivity

Earning a top spot for the best teeth whitening kit by the GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, these whitening strips lightened teeth by two to four shades after 20 days of use, according to our evaluations. Designed to be used once a day for 45 minutes, thanks to their no-slip grip, these strips stay in place, even while talking or drinking water.

Safe and easy to use, they boast the same whitening ingredient that dentists use: hydrogen peroxide. “The results were genuinely visible after a few uses,” one reviewer says. “Coffee stains that stubbornly squatted on my teeth started to fade, revealing a noticeably whiter smile.”

Number of treatments40 strips
Duration20 days
UsageOnce a day for 45 minutes
Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

2

Best Value TEETH WHITENING STRIPS

PERSMAX Teeth Whitening Strips Kit

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Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (15)Budget-friendly
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (16)Quick, visible results
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (17)Trackable results in two weeks
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (18)Only whiten by a few shades

Professional teeth whitening treatments can be notoriously tough on your wallet. While at-home options are decidedly cheaper, they can still get pricey. The Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips ring in at a great price without sacrificing efficacy.

During their recommended 30 minutes of wear for at least 14 days, reviewers say they’ll stay put in comfort, sans sensitivity. An Amazon best-seller, you’ll see a noticeable difference, courtesy of 6% hydrogen peroxide. “Four uses in so far and the product has noticeably whitened my teeth,” one reviewer says. “The chart they include for tracking progress was a nice little addition!” However, some users feel the results weren't dramatic enough.

Number of treatments28 strips
Duration14 days
UsageOnce a day for 30 minutes
Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

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Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (20)Dentist-recommended
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (21)Sensitive teeth-friendly
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (22)Enamel-safe
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (23)Some users complain of minimal results

Yes, you can use whitening strips even if you’re on the sensitive side. "Crest Whitestrips work,” says Dr. Cu, who specifically recommends this sensitivity-friendly iteration. Formulated especially for teeth that are sensitive to whitening, these claim to be enamel-safe. Over the course of 13 days, each 30-minute treatment claims to help remove years of surface stains. Though many reviewers praise the results, some didn't see much of a difference.

Pro tip: “If you have extremely sensitive teeth, I recommend starting with half the time that the manufacturer recommends,” says Dr. Cu. “For example, [since] the package says to use for 30 minutes, try starting with 15 minutes."

Number of treatments26 strips
Duration13 days
UsageOnce a day for 30 minutes
Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

4

BEST DISSOLVING TEETH WHITENING STRIPS

SNOW The Magic Strips

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (24)

Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (25)Didn't cause sensitivity or irritation
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (26)No-mess use
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (27)Great flavor
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (28)On the pricey side

Looking for whitening strips for on-the-go? These little guys are a great bet, since they completely dissolve in your mouth, meaning you won’t have to deal with messy removal. According to testers for our Beauty Lab, these are easy to use, didn’t irritate tissue and gums, didn’t sensitize teeth and felt refreshing, with one person seeing immediate improvement.

“I liked the flavor,” a tester says. “Other whiteners I've used taste really bad, but this minty flavor was great. I also liked how it did not sensitize my teeth or gums. I have had sensitivity issues with every other teeth whiteners I've tried and I like how this one was more gentle.” But, these results come at a cost, since these are on the pricier end.

Number of treatments28 strips
Duration14 days
UsageOnce a day for 15 minutes
Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

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5

BEST FLAVORED TEETH WHITENING STRIPS

Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips

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Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (30)Mess-free
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (31)Great flavor
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (32)Made with antioxidants and proven whitening ingredients
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (33)Freshens breath
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (34)Must wait to eat or drink for 30 minutes after use

One not-so-great factor about teeth whitening strips is the bad taste they can sometimes put in your mouth. But Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips do no such thing, courtesy of their “lunar peppermint” flavor that sounds out of this world. “These are such a great alternative to traditional strips,” shares a reviewer. “Not only do they taste better but they also FEEL better on your teeth!”

Another major perk is they dissolve, making them mess-free. The brand’s proprietary Elixir X blend boasts antioxidants along with hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth in two weeks. One drawback is you'll have to skip eating or drinking for 30 minutes after use to get the best results.

Number of treatments56 strips
Duration28 days
UsageOnce a day for 15 minutes
Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

6

BEST TEETH WHITENING STRIPS FOR INTENSE RESULTS

REMBRANDT Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (35)

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (36)

Now 22% Off

Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (37)Fastest claimed results
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (38)Sensitive teeth-friendly
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (39)Stay in place well
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (40)Recommended use is twice a day

Rembrandt claims this kit can deliver 90% whiter teeth in just one week — and reviewers agree. After wearing the strips for 30 minutes twice a day for seven days, the results speak for themselves.

“I've used these for probably 10 years,” a reviewer says. “I try other teeth whitening strips and always come back to the Rembrandt. I'm a coffee drinker. Using for a week, my teeth lighten at least five shades, maybe more. I have sensitive gums and these don't irritate them. No complaints at all.” Plus, reviewers say they’re easy to use and stay in place, and don’t cause any discomfort. Just keep in mind that these have to be worn twice a day instead of the typical single daily session.

Number of treatments28 strips
Duration7 days
UsageTwice daily for 30 minutes
Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

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7

BEST COMFORTABLE TEETH WHITENING STRIPS

Burst Teeth Whitening Strip Kit

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Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (42)Fast usage
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (43)Soothing whitening formula
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (44)Great fit
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (45)Results are less dramatic

Tingling teeth, aching gums and strips sliding around your mouth are the culprits that can keep people away from whitening strips. You won’t have to worry about any of those woes with this comfy option. One reviewer says, “So easy to use and saw results after one use,” while another shares, “Great product, did not hurt my teeth!!”

Formulated with xylitol, aloe vera and coconut oil to soothe, they claim to be safe for sensitive teeth, despite being spiked with 6% hydrogen peroxide to tackle stains. The design grips teeth for maximum results, and each session of the seven-day course is just 15 minutes. They do remove stains, but the results are more subtle.

Number of treatments20 strips
Duration10 treatments
UsageOnce a day for 15 minutes
Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide, coconut oil

8

BEST TEETH WHITENING STRIPS WITH NATURAL OILS

iSmile Teeth Whitening Strips Kit

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (46)

Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (47)Visible results after 4 uses
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (48)Made with gentle, soothing ingredients
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (49)Included touch-up strips
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (50)Excess gel can make removal slightly messy

Whitening strips aren’t exactly known for having ingredient lists filled with natural ingredients. But iSmile Teeth Whitening Strips features natural oils, specifically mint and coconut, designed to help make the whitening process more gentle, so these are an outstanding option for sensitive smiles.

“I've tried other whitening strips in the past, and they usually bothered my teeth and didn't work for me,” one user shared. “This, on the other hand, works like a charm! After four treatments my teeth were dramatically whiter! To top it off, the mint flavor left me feeling so refreshed that it was great.” After wearing them for 30 minutes daily for seven consecutive days, they claim to lighten teeth up to several shades. Bonus: After you’ve finished the course, four additional sets of strips are included for touch-ups later on. One caveat though: The strips go heavy on the gel, which can make the removal process a bit messy.

Number of treatments44 strips
Duration22 days
UsageOnce a day for 30 to 60 minutes
Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide, mint oil

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9

BEST FLAVORED TEETH WHITENING STRIPS

Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (51)

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (52)

Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (53)8 versatile flavors
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (54)Adhere well to teeth
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (55)Visible results in 1 use
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (56)Some complaints of sensitivity

If you’re looking for more than mint, Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips has options — exactly eight of them. We’re talking out-of-the-box flavors too, like blue raspberry, grape, peach and strawberry, alongside dental classics like spearmint and peppermint. “I'm pretty shocked at how well these worked,” says a reviewer. “I only used one for 30 minutes… and they lightened my teeth in one use. They do have a very light pleasant flavor (I got peach) and they definitely stick well to the teeth.”

To target your whitening needs, each daily session can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes for 14 days, and a no-slip design keeps them right where you want them. But, a few users did complain of sensitivity.

Number of treatments28 strips
Duration14 days
UsageOnce a day for 30 to 60 minutes
Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide, coconut oil

How we chose the best teeth whitening strips

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (57)

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab thoroughly tests all types of teeth whitening products, including toothpaste, mouthwash, strips and pens. In the Lab, scientists measure the shades of testers' teeth under standardized lighting before and after using a label-masked teeth whitening product as instructed over a specified time period to calculate changes in tooth color.

To select the best teeth whitening strips, we consulted two dentists, reviewed testing data from the GH Beauty Lab and considered the top reviewed options online.

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What to look for when shopping for the best teeth whitening strips

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (58)

✔️ Active ingredients. “Chemical tooth whitening is the most common form sold for at-home use," Dr. Rubinshtein says. "The majority of at-home whitening kits and strips contain different concentrations of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the active ingredients used for the removal of surface stains on teeth. At-home products often also utilize LED light to increase the potency of the active whitening ingredients. If the product you are using doesn’t contain those active ingredients, it won’t be as effective. The ones that have a stronger percentage of these ingredients tend to give the stronger results.”

✔️ Fit: “The strips that work better are the ones that hug the tooth and have the least amount of extra space are the better strip versions to use,” Dr. Rubinshtein says. “Avoid using strips that don’t contour to your teeth; they won’t get the job done properly.”

✔️ Usage: Consider how much time you're realistically willing to commit. Some strips need to be worn twice a day, plus the duration can vary anywhere from a week to a month. However, a longer treatment can mean more dramatic results.

✔️ Fresh formulas: “Check the package for the expiration date,” Dr. Cu advises. “Teeth whitening strips often still work past their expiration date, but they might not work as effectively.”

How do you apply teeth whitening strips?

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (59)

Always read the instructions before getting started. For best results using teeth whitening strips, start with clean teeth. “Make sure to brush and floss thoroughly prior to placing the whitening strip on your teeth,” Dr. Cu says. “Try not to talk while wearing the whitening strip so that it stays in place. Avoid placing the strip on any exposed root surfaces of your teeth. These surfaces don’t whiten and will only become extremely, painfully sensitive. Also avoid placing the whitening strips on your gums, as the gel will irritate your gums and may even cause them to bleed.”

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What is the most effective teeth whitening method?

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (60)

While you can expect faster, more dramatic results from in-office professional whitening procedures, teeth whitening strips can certainly help restore that gleam. Keep in mind that results from teeth whitening strips vary from patient to patient. “Teeth whitening strips generally work!” says Dr. Cu. “They just take time and patience.” Dr. Cu explains that teeth whitening strips work by holding a small amount of whitening gel in contact with the surface of your teeth.

What’s the best way to maintain results after using teeth whitening strips?

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (61)

I advise patients to avoid anything that could be staining (red wine, smoking, coffee, etc.) for 24 hours,” Dr. Rubinshtein says. Additionally, Dr. Cu recommends flossing daily and brushing at least twice a day with a remineralizing, gently whitening toothpaste to maintain results.

“Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) containing toothpastes will help relieve post-whitening tooth sensitivity, as well contribute to a lasting bright smile,” she says. “My favorite n-HA toothpaste is, of course, Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste. It has one of the highest concentrations — and the most effective form — of n-HA on the market.”

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (62)

Good Housekeeping contributor Celia Shatzman has over 15 years of experience in beauty editorial. For this story, she interviewed Daniel Rubinshtein, a cosmetic dentist, and Chrystle Cu, a dentist and the cofounder of Cocofloss.

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips That Actually Work, According to Dentists (63)

Celia Shatzman

Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has penned stories on topics ranging from beauty to fashion, travel, celebrities, health, entertainment, finance and more. A graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, she is a beauty and style contributor at Forbes and her work has appeared in New York, Cosmopolitan, WWD, ELLE, Conde Nast Traveler, Afar, Travel + Leisure, Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Byrdie, Refinery29 and NYLON, among others.

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