The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (2024)

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (1)

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

  • Reviews
  • How we tested
  • Buying Guide
  • FAQs
  • Why trust GH
  • We all want brighter, whiter teeth — and we want them now. But professional teeth whitening can be expensive and require multiple trips to the dentist. That’s where teeth whitening strips come in. They’re easy to wear, won’t break the bank compared to a professional whitening and can be used in the comfort of your own home at your convenience while doing other things.

    “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 Chrystle Cu, D.D.S, a California-based dentist and founder of Cocofloss.

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

    Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (8)

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (9)

    Pros
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (10)Highest score for teeth being visibly whiter after using
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (11)Eight versatile flavors
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (12)Highest testing score for being easy to use
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (13)Adhere well to teeth
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (14)Visible results in one use
    Cons
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (15)Can leave residue on teeth

    If you're looking for flavors beyond mint, Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips has options — eight of them to be exact. We’re talking out-of-the-box flavors too, like cherry, peach, watermelon and strawberry, alongside dental classics like spearmint and peppermint.

    “I liked that the coconut flavor came through to make it pleasant to taste,” a tester said. “Plus, it did take care of some of the yellow staining I had.” Another reported, “Easy to use, no gross taste and it gave me quick results.”

    To target your whitening needs, each daily session lasts 30 minutes for 14 days and a no-slip design keeps them right where you want them. But, a few users did complain of some residue remaining on teeth.

    RELATED: The Best Teeth Whitening Products

    Number of strips28
    Duration14 days
    UsageOnce a day for 30 minutes
    Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide, coconut oil

    2

    Best Value

    Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips Kit

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (16)

    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. You’ll see a noticeable difference with these strips, 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 strips28
    Duration14 days
    UsageOnce a day for 30 minutes
    Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    3

    Most Popular

    Up&Up Deluxe Whitening Strips

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (21)

    Pros
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (22)Tested high for overall satisfaction
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (23)Removed surface stains from teeth
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (24)Easy-to-understand instructions
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (25)Doesn’t leave excessive residue on teeth
    Cons
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (26)Not the most secure strip
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (27)Can be tricky to apply

    Boasting the highest consumer score for overall satisfaction, these Up&Up strips also were a winner when it came to removing surface stains from teeth. Earning kudos for easy-to-understand instructions, they left teeth visibly whiter.

    “The product was extremely easy to use,” one tester said. “I had no difficulty with it. I was very surprised how well it worked.” Another added, “This was easy to use and not a terrible taste.”

    However, one tester noted, “I had some difficulty getting the bottom strip to stick to my lower teeth.” Others shared they were sometimes tough to apply.

    Number of strips40
    Duration20 days
    UsageOnce a day for 30 minutes
    Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

    4

    Least Messy

    Equate Professional Whitening Strips

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (28)

    Pros
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (29)Comfortable to wear
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (30)Least messy to use
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (31)Doesn’t have an unpleasant taste
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (32)Instructions are easy to understand
    Cons
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (33)Can make teeth more sensitive

    No struggling is necessary to get these strips on your teeth — they were the least messy to use, according to our testers. They were also easy to incorporate into a routine. These strips have a pleasant taste, plus they came through on removing surface stains from teeth and were comfortable to wear.

    “It was very easy to use and I could do other things while wearing the strips,” a tester said. “I cleaned the bathroom and kitchen, I watched TV, etc.” Another confirmed: “It was simple to use during my morning routine.”

    But those with sensitive smiles should take caution, since some testers warned it can make it worse. “It made my teeth SO sensitive after the first few uses; much more sensitive than other whitening strips,” one tester warned, while another said, “It did make my teeth a bit sensitive, but, if I used the strips every day, it worked better.”

    RELATED: The Best Whitening Mouthwashes

    Number of strips40
    Duration20 days
    UsageOnce a day for 30 minutes
    Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Pros
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (36)Short treatment time (15 minutes)
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (37)Soothing whitening formula
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (38)Great fit
    Cons
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (39)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 tester said, “It actually stuck to my teeth and stayed in place for the entire 15 minutes of wear. The taste is pleasant and I could speak normally even while wearing them.”

    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.

    “I also like that they provided two bonus strips for touch-ups,” a tester said. “I liked that they marked the days on the packets so I could keep track of what day I was on.” They do remove stains, but the results are more subtle.

    Number of strips20
    Duration10 treatments
    UsageOnce a day for 15 minutes
    Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide, coconut oil

    6

    Best for Visible Results

    Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Strip Kit

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (40)

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (41)

    Pros
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (42)Top testing results for lightening teeth
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (43)Made with proven, effective whitening ingredients
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (44)Whitens teeth two to four shades
    Cons
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (45)Some user complaints of sensitivity

    A tried-and-true OG favorite, this teeth whitening kit lightened teeth by two to four shades after 20 days of use, according to our Beauty Lab 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 strips44
    Duration20 days
    UsageOnce a day for 45 minutes
    Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    7

    Best for Sensitive Teeth

    Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1-Week Teeth Whitening Kit

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (46)

    Pros
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (47)Sensitive teeth-friendly
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (48)Fastest claimed results
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (49)Stay in place well
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (50)Don’t leave excessive residue on teeth
    Cons
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (51)Recommended use is twice a day

    Yes, you can use whitening strips (especially these) even if you’re on the sensitive side. 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."

    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. A tester said, “It tasted good. Visibly lightened my teeth quickly — very impressed.” Just keep in mind that these have to be worn twice a day instead of the typical single daily session.

    RELATED: The Best Whitening Toothpastes

    Number of strips28
    Duration7 days
    UsageTwice daily for 30 minutes
    Key ingredientsHydrogen peroxide

    How we test teeth whitening strips

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (52)

    The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab thoroughly tests all types of teeth whitening products, including toothpaste, mouthwash, strips and pens.

    For this guide, we tested six different teeth whitening strips. Each product was tested by a panel of 10 people, at home, following the manufacturer’s instructions for maximum benefits. Testers tracked their progress with a shade guide throughout the testing period and provided their feedback on ease of use, performance and overall satisfaction.

    We also consulted two dentists, reviewed testing data from the GH Beauty Lab and considered the top reviewed options online.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    What to look for when shopping

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (53)

    ✔️ 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,” 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, According to Testing (54)

    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.”

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    What's the most effective teeth whitening method?

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (55)

    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, According to Testing (56)

    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.”

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Why trust Good Housekeeping?

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (57)

    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.

    Danusia Wnek is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute and led teeth whitening strips testing. She has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (58)

    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.

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (59)

    Reviewed byDanusia Wnek

    Senior Chemist

    Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing (2024)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Errol Quitzon

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6223

    Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

    Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Errol Quitzon

    Birthday: 1993-04-02

    Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

    Phone: +9665282866296

    Job: Product Retail Agent

    Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

    Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.