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If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then a smile is the invitation in...but it’s hard to break out that beautiful smile if you’re feeling self-conscious about stained teeth. Common habits like coffee drinking, red wine sipping, and even dousing your daily salad with balsamic vinegar can leave your teeth looking less than pearly white, which is where the best teeth-whitening pens come in.
While there are lots of teeth whitening products on the market, one of the easiest ways to brighten your smile is with teeth whitening pens! These handy, affordable, and readily available options can clean up stained spots and leave your teeth looking a little brighter.
“Whitening pens are a less expensive and somewhat effective alternative to in-office teeth whitening procedures. The daily treatment incorporates slow-acting agents that can safely stay on the teeth for long periods of time. Most pens use carbamide peroxide. It whitens teeth slower than hydrogen peroxide, but this actually helps prevent tooth sensitivity,” explains Dr. Lana Rozenberg, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist practicing in New York City. She explains that teeth whitening pens are “the epitome of convenience,” as they’re easy-to-use, pack roughly 20 treatments into a single pen, and can be applied in a matter of minutes. That said, they’re less effective than some other teeth whitening options, especially in-office treatments.
When it comes to selecting a teeth whitening pen, Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani, D.D.S., the CEO and director of Yazdani Family Dentistry in Ontario, Canada offers these tips: “Consider whether the product is reputable and read the reviews. And ask your dentist for recommendations.” So, we took his advice and did just that.
Meet the Experts: Dr. Lana Rozenberg, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist practicing in New York City. Dr. Thomas J. McCarthy, DDS is a dentist and the director of product development at Sporting Smiles in Wisconsin. Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani, DDS, is the CEO and director of Yazdani Family Dentistry in Ontario, Canada.
Our top picks
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Best Pen & LED Light Combo
SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit With LED Light
Read more
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Based on dentist feedback, reviews, and features, we’ve compiled the best teeth whitening pens.
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Best Overall
VieBeauti Teeth Whitening Pen
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Best Overall
VieBeauti Teeth Whitening Pen
Pros
- More than 12,000 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Quick, 30-second application period
Cons
- Some users don’t experience a drastic improvement in whitening
The VieBeauti set of teeth whitening pens includes three pens for a total of 30 applications. This fan-favorite product (amassing more than 12,000 5-star ratings on Amazon) lasts roughly 2-4 weeks, depending on whether you opt for a once- or twice-daily application.
The application process is simpler that some teeth whitening pens, as you don’t have to keep your mouth open for an extended period of time. Simply smile wide to expose your teeth, brush the gel onto the enamel surface, and wait 30 seconds for the gel to dry before closing your mouth. The carbamide peroxide solution whitens your teeth slowly, and gradually fades away in about 15 minutes, no brushing required. Just don’t expect immediate or drastic results—most reviewers note that changes occur gradually over time with consistent use.
“I had my doubts about this product, as my teeth are moderately yellowed from age and my habits (co*ke and Pepsi drinker, chewed tobacco when I was younger, you get the idea!) but this product seems to actually get results and work,” one Amazon reviewer notes. “I have noticed my teeth getting a few shades lighter already, and I’m still on my first box of 3 pens. I am encouraged and will definitely keep using this.”
| Key Ingredients | Carbamide peroxide |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
Pros
- Includes 1-month supply
- Generous return policy
Cons
- Users state that if the gel comes in contact with the gums or lips, the product burns
The Soniultra Teeth Whitening Pen set comes with four pens good for a total of 70 applications (a 1-month supply). With a 4.6-star average rating on Amazon, the product is one of the best-rated teeth whitening pens available with more than 1,200 5-star reviews. The brand also offers a satisfaction guarantee, so they’re happy to accept returns for up to 30 days after purchase.
“This product has really done the job! If you are consistent with it, it really works. I have super sensitive teeth and I did not feel any sensitivity with this stuff. I just recommend you brush it as precisely as you can on each tooth to keep it from getting on your gums,” says one Amazon reviewer.
| Key Ingredients | Carbamide peroxide |
|---|---|
| Flavor | No added flavor |
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Best Vegan
GLO Science GLO to Go Teeth Whitening Pen
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Best Vegan
GLO Science GLO to Go Teeth Whitening Pen
Pros
- Vegan-friendly, gluten-free product
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some users note the applicator isn't the easiest to use and that it's hard to tell how much gel is on the tip
One thing that’s important when it comes to teeth whitening pens is being able to feel confident in the ingredients that make up the gel. “When purchasing a teeth whitening pen or any teeth whitening product, you want to make sure it’s made in the USA and fresh. This way you can be sure the ingredients are safe,” says Dr. McCarthy.
GLO Science’s GLO to Go teeth whitening pens are made in the USA and are gluten-free, vegan-friendly products, so you can feel confident about the ingredients you’re putting on your teeth.
“This works!” shares one Sephora customer. “I’ve been using it twice a day for the last week and definitely can tell a difference. It doesn’t make your teeth sensitive at all. Super fast. Not messy. Will repurchase.”
| Key Ingredients | Pure hydrogen peroxide |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Cinnamon and mint |
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4
Best Pen & LED Light Combo
SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit With LED Light
4
Best Pen & LED Light Combo
SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit With LED Light
Now 33% Off
Pros
- Each kit includes two, 1-week treatments
- Includes LED light to enhance the power of the whitening gel
Cons
- Some users note problems with using the LED light with their phones
The SmileDirectClub’s Teeth Whitening Kit combines the benefits of the kit’s 9 teeth whitening pens (a 2-week supply) with the “boost” of a cell phone-powered LED light. The combination set costs more than if you were to just buy the pens, but it also offers a more reliable whitening solution.
This kit is also only intended to be used for a week at a time, so each kit includes two separate treatments.
“Love the fact that I’ve only used it for two days and I see a huge difference” says one Amazon customer.
| Key Ingredients | Hydrogen peroxide |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Cool Mint |
Pros
- Mint flavor that’s generally well-received by customers
- Well-reviewed on Amazon with more than 650 5-star ratings
Cons
- Some users weren’t impressed by the level of whitening achieved
Most teeth whitening products aren’t known for having a particularly good flavor. But LOVOOD appears to impress its customers with a light mint taste that isn’t off-putting for most people. Plus, with more than 650 5-star reviews on Amazon (with a total average rating of 4.4 stars), the product is well-received by customers for its overall effectiveness.
“This pen was extremely easy to use I think its whitening capabilities are better than average and the flavor is decent. I do recommend this if you’re trying to whiten your teeth this will help in your regimen,” shared one Amazon customer.
| Key Ingredients | Carbamide peroxide |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
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Best Activated Charcoal
BLAQ Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Pen
Pros
- Users note it's good for sensitive teeth
- Users note the fresh flavor and the clean feeling after use
Cons
- Users note the change in color is less obvious than with more traditional gel formulas
Most teeth whitening pens feature hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the key ingredients, but BLAQ’s Activated charcoal teeth whitening pen goes another route—it uses activated charcoal to work on tough stains and plaque on the surface of your teeth. Combined with coconut oil and mint, the result is a more gentle teeth whitening gel (and a blacker one, too).
| Key Ingredients | Activated charcoal, Coconut Oil |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
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Best for Sensitive Teeth
AutoBrush Teeth Whitening Pens
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Best for Sensitive Teeth
AutoBrush Teeth Whitening Pens
Pros
- Designed to be effective, even for those with sensitive teeth
- Can be combined with trays or LED light systems for enhanced results
Cons
- Some users note that the gel has an off-putting flavor
The AutoBrush whitening pens were specifically developed by dentists to prevent tooth sensitivity or pain. This three-pack of pens is good for 30 applications and can be combined with any whitening tray or LED system to enhance the whitening results.
That said, while users note that the product does what it says it will do (whiten teeth), not everyone is a fan of the flavor. “I have noticed a really nice whitening effect after each use. I am not the best at remembering to do it every day. I will say the pens are convenient, but they do taste pretty awful,” summarizes one honest Amazon reviewer.
| Key Ingredients | Carbamide peroxide |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
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Best Overnight
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
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Best Overnight
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Highly rated and reviewed on Amazon
- A month’s worth of applications in a single pen
Cons
- Some users note the dispenser stops working after a few weeks of use
Most teeth whitening pens are intended to be used at least twice a day, but Colgate’s Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen is specifically designed to only be used overnight. The 1-pen package is also good for 35 applications, so you only need to restock once a month. This may make it easier to implement into an ongoing routine.
It’s also worth noting that this pen has been rated and reviewed more than 44,000 times on Amazon, amassing a total of more than 21,000 5-star reviews (although the average rating is 3.8 stars, the lowest on this list). This means you can be fairly confident that the product, when used correctly, delivers pretty consistent improvements in whitening.
| Key Ingredients | Hydrogen peroxide |
|---|---|
| Flavor | No added flavor |
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How to choose the best teeth whitening pens
✔️ Pay attention to where it was made. Ideally, products should be made in the USA to ensure ingredient safety and reliability.
✔️ Note the active ingredients and percentages, when possible—most feature hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. “Usually, the bleaching agent will be some form of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Up to 10% peroxide content is considered safe for teeth; any higher, and you will likely damage your enamel,” says Dr. Yazdani.
✔️ Read ratings and reviews. Paying attention to what other users are saying about the product is a good indicator of how it will work. If people are consistently saying they’re seeing results, even if the results aren’t drastic, it’s likely a reliable whitening solution.
✔️ Ask your dentist. Dentists are tooth experts, after all, and they may be able to guide you toward products that they feel are easier to use, or that deliver more consistent results. Also, they may let you know that you’re not a candidate for teeth whitening products. “Teeth whitening is designed for individuals who have healthy teeth. Consult with your dentist before trying any product—you want to make sure you don’t have any dental issues and your teeth are healthy.”
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Do teeth whitening pens work?
When teeth whitening pens are carefully used according to their instructions on a regular, ongoing basis, they work. The problem that sometimes occurs with pens, though, is that following the instructions correctly can be a little tricky.
“Do the pens work? Yes. Are they the best teeth whitening option? No,” says Dr. McCarthy. “The main issue with the pens is they are messy, there is nothing holding the gel onto your teeth, and it’s hard to get the gel on any teeth well, other than the upper front teeth. With the whitening pens, you have to make sure nothing touches the gel on the teeth for 10-15 minutes. This is hard to do, but it is possible if you’re careful.”
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Do teeth whitening pens or strips work better?
Both products can help whiten your teeth, and results depend (in part) on whether you're able to follow instructions well. Given that strips hold the whitening agent against the teeth, while pens rely on the user giving the gel time to dry before closing their mouth, user error can impact the effectiveness of whitening pens.
That said, whitening pens are easier to use on-the-go, while strips are designed more for home use.
Results, ultimately, come down to personal preference and proper user application, which vary from person to person.
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How we Chose the Best Teeth Whitening Pens
Before beginning our selection process, we consulted with three separate dentists—Dr. Lana Rozenberg, Dr. Thomas J. McCarthy, and Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani—to get their input on whitening pens. They helped explain what ingredients to look for, common pitfalls in application, and how to identify more effective products.
Then, we checked scores of products amd read ratings, reviews, ingredient lists, and special features to make our selections.
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Why Trust Us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Laura Williams
Laura Williams, MS, ACSM EP-C, is a certified exercise physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine who holds undergraduate and master's degrees in exercise and sport science. She also holds certifications in behavioral change, fitness nutrition, sports conditioning, and youth fitness. She authored the internationally-published book, "Partner Workouts" in 2016, and her bylines have appeared in national print and online publications including Men's Health, Reader's Digest, Runner's World, Healthline, Verywell Fit, Thrillist, The Healthy, and Men's Journal. After years of engaging in more traditional workouts, in 2018, after being unexpectedlywidowed at the age of 36,she turned to surfing, beach walking, and horseback riding to help in her healing process.
