What’s not to like about teeth whitening strips? They’re budget-friendly, can brighten your smile at home, and are super easy to apply.
Plus, they work faster than whitening toothpastes and powders. They can whiten your teeth in as little as 1 to 2 weeks—and you can expect to see changes within days.
Since we’re absolutely crazy for teeth whitening strips, we asked Dr. Khushbu Aggarwal, one of NewMouth’s in-house dentists, to round up her favorite brands for you to try out. Together with our expert, we picked products based on their:
- Ingredients — Making sure they work and are safe for you
- Results — How long it takes before they whiten teeth
- Customer feedback — Seeing what people say about them
Meet the Expert
Dr. Khushbu Aggarwal specializes in clinical dentistry and consults for several organizations, including Dr. Clobo and Kaplan. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2014 from UCLA School of Dentistry and completed a one-year general dentistry residency in a hospital setting.
Everything We Recommend
Best Overall: LIVFRESH Teeth Whitening Strips
The Runner-Up: Auraglow Teeth Whitening Strips
Best Peroxide Free: Hismile PAP+ Whitening Strips™
Also Great: Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White
Best for Sensitive Teeth: Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive
Best for Convenience: Snow Magic Strips®
Best Tasting: Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips
Best for Maintenance: Spotlight Oral Care Whitening Starter Bundle
Best Natural Ingredients: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
Best for Quick Treatments: BURST Teeth Whitening Strips with Soothing Coconut Oil
Best Affordable:Ollie Teeth Whitening Strips
11 Best Whitening Strips of 2024
Teeth whitening strips make great alternatives to whitening trays and LED kits. They’re easy to put on and remove and can be left on for 15 to 30 minutes while you do something else. Here are Dr. Aggarwal’s most recommended brands:
LIVFRESH Coconut Whitening Strips
Best Overall
LIVFRESH Whitening Strips contain enamel-safe ingredients that combine hydrogen peroxide with coconut oil. The result? You get a powerful but gentle teeth whitener that soothes the gums and freshens your breath!
Its dentist-developed formula is residue-free and can brighten smiles by up to 8 shades. The no-slip strips ensure its active ingredients work their magic on your teeth.
Why We Like It
- Users say it visibly brightens teeth after 14 days of use
- Doesn’t cause sensitivity or gum irritation in most people
- Customers love the strips’ smooth and non-sticky texture
- Won’t leave a mess or any bitter aftertaste like other brands
- Safe to use on dental caps, veneers, crowns, and bridges
- Backed by dental professionals and top university professors
What We Don’t Like
- Some people may not get the whitening results they want
LIVFRESH Coconut Whitening Strips only uses vegan, cruelty-free, and edible ingredients. It doesn’t contain phthalates, sugars, gluten, abrasives, detergents, parabens, and triclosan. Despite its gentle formulation, it’s effective at removing plaque and stains caused by coffee, soda, and wine.
Here is what the package looks like:
Auraglow Teeth Whitening Strips
The Runner-Up
We picked Auraglow for the top spot because of its enamel-safe ingredients and thick strips that stay put on teeth. Its gentle formulation (6% hydrogen peroxide) effectively lightens teeth without sensitivity.
Why We Like It
- Noticeably whitens your smile after just a few uses
- Doesn’t cause sensitivity or irritation for most people
- The strips won’t slip from your teeth once applied
What We Don’t Like
- Some users don’t like the thickness of the strips
- Has a chemical taste but it goes away quickly
Hismile PAP+ Whitening Strips™
Best Peroxide-Free
Who says you need peroxides to get a brighter smile? Hismile gets the job done without the harsh ingredients. Instead, it uses a unique combination of phthalimidoperoxycaproicacid (PAP), nano-hydroxyapatite (NHAP), and potassium citrate to gently whiten your teeth while reducing sensitivity.
Why We Like It
- Visibly lightens teeth without pain or irritation
- The strips stay in place when talking or drinking water
- Mint flavor that leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean
What We Don’t Like
- Few customers found it difficult to remove the strips
- Some people experienced discomfort while wearing them
Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White
Best ADA Approved
Crest is the only brand of whitening strips with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This makes it a safe and effective option for people who want to get whiter teeth at home.
Why We Like It
- Impressive whitening that can remove years of teeth stains
- Won’t fall off—you can wear them while doing other things
What We Don’t Like
- Users report sensitive teeth and gum irritation
Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive
Best for Sensitive Teeth
Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive is a great alternative if you have tooth sensitivity or gums that are easily irritated. It has an enamel-safe formula that’s specially designed for a gentler teeth whitening experience.
Why We Like It
- Lifts stubborn coffee stains and provides noticeable results
- Some people find them gentler on teeth than other brands
What We Don’t Like
- May not give you dramatic teeth whitening
- Has a slightly chemical taste though it isn’t overpowering
Snow Magic Strips®
Best for Convenience
We recommend Snow’s Magic Strips for convenient teeth whitening. They melt in your mouth so you don’t have to wait around and take them off after every use. Just apply the strips and watch them dissolve like candy as they gradually whiten your teeth.
Why We Like It
- Pain-free whitening that works after several applications
- Won’t leave a messy residue like most other strips
- No nasty chemical flavor—the lavender mint tastes great
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t whiten teeth as well as removable strips
- May take more than 15 minutes to fully dissolve
Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips
Best Tasting
We love Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips for their flavorful approach. Available in various flavors like mint, peach, coconut, cinnamon, spearmint, and watermelon, these strips make teeth whitening a fun experience. Plus, their gentle formula removes stains without causing tooth sensitivity.
Why We Like It
- Delivers quick results and works on tough teeth stains
- Doesn’t make teeth sensitive or irritate the gums
- Vegan and cruelty-free strips that taste good
What We Don’t Like
- Strips may be too thin and difficult to handle
- Some users say they slip and won’t stay on their teeth
- The box doesn’t contain as many strips as other brands
Spotlight Oral Care Whitening Starter Bundle
Best for Maintenance
Spotlight’s Teeth Whitening System brightens your smile and helps you maintain it after the treatment. That’s because it includes whitening strips and toothpaste in one kit. By combining hydrogen peroxide with hydroxyapatite, it lightens your teeth but doesn’t cause sensitivity.
Why We Like It
- Dentist-developed formula that’s mild and effective
- Whitens teeth after a few uses based on reviews
- The products are easy to add to your daily routine
What We Don’t Like
- Its strong mint flavor may be too much for some users
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
Best Natural Ingredients
If you want to naturally lighten teeth without the risk of sensitivity, there’s Lumineux. The strips are vegan, peroxide-free, dentist-formulated, and enamel-safe. They don’t contain SLS, alcohol, sugar, and other toxic chemicals. Instead, they use natural ingredients to whiten your teeth.
Why We Like It
- The strips can make your teeth brighter
- Reviewers say it doesn’t cause pain or sensitivity
- They’re easy to apply and provide lasting results
What We Don’t Like
- May not be as effective on dark tooth stains
BURST Teeth Whitening Strips with Soothing Coconut Oil
Best for Quick Treatments
Thousands of dental professionals—including NewMouth’s in-house dentist, Dr. Khushbu Aggarwal—recommend BURST. Like many effective whitening formulas, it contains 6% hydrogen peroxide. What makes these strips stand out is the addition of soothing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil.
Why We Like It
- Quick and noticeable whitening after one or more uses
- Gentle on your mouth—won’t hurt your teeth or gums
- Gives you fresh breath and leaves your teeth feeling clean
What We Don’t Like
- Strips may be too thick and a little uncomfortable
- Not everyone enjoys its mint flavor
Ollie Teeth Whitening Strips
Best Affordable
Ollie Teeth Whitening Strips offers a convenient, subscription-based solution for a brighter smile. It only costs $3 per treatment. With its affordable pricing, money-back guarantee, and the option to cancel anytime, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try them.
Why We Like It
- Gives you visibly whiter teeth in a matter of days
- Doesn’t make your teeth sensitive like other brands
- Easy to use and sticks well on your teeth
What We Don’t Like
- Results vary—it may or may not work for you
- Whitening effects aren’t as strong as professional treatments
Get your brightest smile with NewMouth's top teeth whitening picks for 2024.
Tips for Choosing the Best Teeth Whitening Strips
Each person is unique. The best way to find strips that work for you is to try different brands and see how your teeth react to them.
However, there are certain ingredients you can look out for, such as:
Whitening Ingredients | Recommended For | Not Advised |
Hydrogen peroxide | Faster teeth whitening and stubborn surface stains | You have sensitive teeth and/or gums that are easily irritated |
Carbamide peroxide | Gentler whitening for people who prefer peroxide-based brands | Results take longer or may not be as effective as hydrogen peroxide |
Phthalimidoperoxycaproic Acid (PAP) | Whitening teeth without the risk of sensitivity or gum irritation | Doesn’t work as well as peroxide-based products |
Hydroxyapatite (HAP) | Whitening and remineralizing teeth so it’s less sensitive | When used alone, it may not be as effective at whitening teeth |
Coconut oil | Removes plaque which can help make your teeth brighter | When used alone, it may not be as effective at whitening teeth |
According to Elims’ Chief Dental Officer Dr. Casey Lau, the benefit of using hydrogen peroxide is that most of its whitening occurs within the first 30 minutes. Carbamide peroxide usually takes longer.
Over long periods, hydrogen peroxide at high doses can damage enamel. However, many studies have been done with hydrogen peroxide in dental products which showed that it is perfectly safe if used the correct way.
Dr. Casey Lau
Besides these ingredients, the following can also boost the formula’s effects or protect your teeth and gums against sensitivity and irritation:
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) — Allows the strips to stick to your teeth
- Carbomer — Helps the gel stay on your teeth for longer periods
- Potassium citrate — Desensitizes teeth and reduces sensitivity
- Glycerin — Keeps the gel moist for a comfortable treatment
- Aloe vera — Has soothing properties that lower your risk of irritation
- Minerals — Strengthens the enamel so your teeth are less sensitive
Finally, you should consider their price (per box) and how many strips you’re getting. More strips mean you get better value for your money.
Before using teeth whitening strips, remember to talk to your dentist. They can assess your oral health and help you determine which brands will work for you.
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View NewMouth's Top 6 Teeth Whitening Products of 2024