Which Teeth Whitening Methods Actually Work?

We tried them all—tap ahead for our thoughts!

The Product: Lumineux Whitening Strips ($29)

The Claim: Whiter teeth within minutes without the sensitivity — up to 12 shades whiter in two weeks.

The Verdict: "They don't slide around when I talk (or salivate). I also like that they don't leave my teeth tingling — only a subtle coconut taste is left over. I wouldn't say I notice a huge difference in whiteness, but my teeth definitely look cleaner and shinier after I use them." - Megan Decker, Beauty Assistant

The Product: Luster Pro Light Teeth Whitening System ($35)

The Claim: Gently whitens up to six shades in 30 minutes with light technology.

The Verdict: “I have really sensitive teeth, so I was nervous to try whitening, this made my teeth looked polished and shiny without sensitivity. I don’t think it made my teeth dramatically whiter, but I do think that this is a great system to try the day of a big event, for a little extra sparkle.”

The Product: APA White Duo Kit ($150)

The Claim: An easy to use, two-step process that gives you brighter teeth in five days with zero mess.

The Verdict: "Based solely on the price of this kit, I found the overall experience — and the results — middling at best. The strips were too large for my teeth, and they didn't make my teeth as white as I expected." - Rachel Krause, Senior Beauty Writer

The Product: Colgate Essentials Daily Toothbrush + Toothpaste with Charcoal ($9)

The Claim: A daily toothpaste with charcoal that removes stains and impurities for whiter teeth and freshens breath.

The Verdict: "I like that this charcoal toothpaste is pale gray, rather than black, so it doesn't leave a mess in my sink. Charcoal really only buffs away surface stains, so it wasn't a smile makeover by any means. But since I do indulge in wine and coffee, a little dental exfoliation is a welcome addition to my routine." - Mi-Anne Chan, Beauty Writer and Host

The Product: Tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen ($22)

The Claim: A bleach-free, vegan teeth whitening pen that applies with zero mess and doesn't require rinsing. It instantly reveals visibly whiter teeth while protecting tooth enamel.

The Verdict: "When I swiped on this gel, I could see a change taking place right away. The yellow stains near my gums started to disappear. And then it started to bubble up a bit. I was literally foaming at the mouth, but couldn’t close my mouth for 30 seconds per the instructions. But later, I couldn’t stop smiling at myself in the mirror because my teeth were so white!" - Jessica Cruel, Deputy Beauty Director

The Product: Dr. Ginger's Natural Coconut Teeth Whitening Gel Pen ($13)

The Claim: An alternative to oil pulling that removes stains and brightens teeth but is more convenient and better tasting.

The Verdict: "Putting this gel on felt like a treat. It swipes on easily like a lipgloss. There's no burning or stinging, just a little coconut taste. And I did see a small difference in my teeth after using it for a week." - Rachel Lubitz, Senior Beauty Writer

LOOKING FOR MORE?

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

TAP TO SUBSCRIBE