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People / Alli Waataja
Whether we’re sipping a latte, eating a bowl of pasta doused in marinara, or munching on dark chocolate, our pearly whites are constantly in contact with teeth-staining foods. And, just like we might turn to at-home skin treatments for improving skin tone and erasing dark spots, we can use at-home treatments, such as teeth whitening strips to erase yellowing and provide a brighter smile.
The More You Know
Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express is on sale now for 43% off the regular price.
Whitening strips are simple to apply — most only need 30 minutes to work — and cost effective, as most options cost less than $60 for a week’s worth of treatment. Our PEOPLE Tested team tried 23 different teeth whitening strips, considering each for ease of use, effectiveness, convenience, comfort, and value, to find the best ones. Read on to discover the best teeth whitening strips PEOPLE Tested.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express
Strips stick to the teeth well
Don’t cause teeth or gum sensitivity
Don’t touch the gums
The most expensive option on our list
These Crest whitening strips are formulated with hydrogen peroxide and are designed as a quick solution to brighten teeth in just a single one-hour session. Upon our first test, we noticed a change in our teeth color, which was impressive for one-time use. However, we found that these Crest whitening strips were even better after several uses as they effectively removed stains and lightened our teeth by six shades.
Throughout the testing period, we found that one of the most impressive aspects of these strips — especially considering the lengthier one-hour treatment time — is the tacky surface, which sticks to teeth effectively for extended periods. We also loved the shape and size of the strips as they never touched our gums and, therefore, didn’t increase the risk of sensitivity. The strips are on the more expensive side but we think they’re worth the price, considering you can use them as both a one-time treatment and over time.
Number of Treatments: 7 | Time: 60 minutes | Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
Best Overall (Cheaper)
Rembrandt 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit
Our teeth lightened by eight shades
One-week treatment plan
Strips didn’t have a lot of foaming or sticky residue
Not the greatest fit
If you want ultra-effective whitening strips and can commit to a one-week treatment plan, we recommend this Rembrandt Teeth Whitening Kit, which you can order on Amazon. It comes with 14 treatments that you use morning and night for seven days. Although the strips touch the gums and aren’t the closest fit we tested, they were by far one of the best options for actually whitening teeth (our pearly whites from S24 to S10, a difference of eight shades). They also don’t have any weird foam or sticky residue that can often happen with whitening strips, and they only take one week to achieve incredible results.
Number of Treatments: 14 | Time: 30 minutes | Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
Best Express Whitening
Crest 3DWhitestrips Radiant Express Teeth Whitening Kit
Easy application process
Thin strips have no-slip grips that stay put
Our teeth lightened after one use
Not suitable for sensitive teeth
Requires one hour of wear each day during treatment
If you’re looking for rapid results, we recommend the Crest 3DWhitestrips Radiant Express At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit. You use this kit for one hour each day for two weeks to achieve professional-level whitening at home. After just one use, we noticed our teeth were two shades whiter and significantly brighter and more even in tone than before.
The application process was a breeze and only took about 30 seconds to get the strips situated on the top and bottom teeth. With no-slip grips, the strips stay in place for the allotted time — which is, admittedly, on the longer side — and are super thin so they’re comfortable and barely noticeable while wearing. (You could even toss these on before your morning commute.)
Although highly effective, we would not recommend this kit for anyone with sensitive teeth. Our tester noticed issues with sensitivity after the first use and was, unfortunately, unable to finish the treatment plan. However, if you don’t struggle with teeth sensitivity, have an hour to spare each day, and want whiter teeth in two weeks, these strips will get the job done.
Number of Treatments: 14 | Time: 60 minutes | Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
PHOTO: People / Sarah Felbin PHOTO: People / Sarah Felbin
Best Value
Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips
Grip the teeth well
Our teeth brightened after the first use
Comfortable to wear
Only brightened our teeth by a few shades
Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips are designed with an excellent grip and a snug and comfortable fit, so you don’t have to worry about slippage during the 30-minute treatment period. Additionally, the strips are formulated with gentle yet effective hydrogen peroxide and although they only brighten teeth by a few shades, we saw a noticeable difference in our teeth color after just one use. At their great price, these are well worth a try.
Number of Treatments: 14 | Time: 30 minutes | Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
The More You Know
“The average cost of getting your teeth professionally whitened ranges from $650 to $1,000, and professionally dispensed kits that you get from the dentist's office average $100 to $400,” says Dr. Brittany Ang, DMD, MDS, MBS, of Curve Orthodontics in New Jersey. She adds that, although an in-office whitening treatment is more involved, at-home whitening strips can yield effective results.
Best for Sensitive Teeth
Boka Sensitive Smile Whitening Strips
Comfortable fit that doesn’t irritate teeth or gums
Tasty flavor
Good value
Application is tricky for beginners
Our teeth only lightened by one shade
Teeth whitening isn’t always the most gentle process, but these Boka whitening strips let you brighten your pearly whites without irritating sensitive gums and teeth. The strips feature a comfortable fit that doesn’t interfere with the gums and a non-toxic formula that brightens teeth (though the effects are slight, so they work better for maintenance). Additionally, these strips feature a tasty flavor — which is certainly a perk for oral care — and leave your mouth feeling minty fresh after use.
Just note: If you’re new to teeth whitening strips, the application process can take some getting used to. Once we got the hang of things, it took us around 30 seconds to adhere both strips to our teeth.
Number of Treatments: 16 | Time: 30 minutes | Key Ingredients: Phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid, nano-hydroxyapatite
PHOTO: People / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: People / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: People / Tatiana Kennedy
Best Quick-Dissolving
Moon Oral Beauty Dissolving Whitening Strips
Great for sensitive teeth and gums
Results after just one use
Treatment time is only 15 minutes
Felt a little slimy on our teeth
Dissolving strips mean you don't have to set a timer and peel them off. If that sounds more like your type, Moon Oral Care Dissolving Whitening Strips impressed us during testing. These lightened our teeth after just one session and are formulated with gentle hydrogen peroxide, making them another great option for sensitive teeth and gums. The super-thin feel is barely noticeable on the teeth, making them one of the more comfortable options on our list.
While the strips get a little slimy when dissolving, that's normal for this type of treatment. Plus, we love how effective they are at brightening teeth and removing stains, and the treatment time is only 15 minutes, so they’re well worth a little bit of slime.
Number of Treatments: 28 | Time: 15 minutes | Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
Best Dentist-Approved
Crest 3DWhitestrips Glamorous White
Brightened teeth after just one use
Didn’t give us teeth or gum sensitivity
Great for long-term maintenance
Bottom strip isn't as secure as the top
Dentists like the Crest 3DWhitestrips Glamorous White, and after testing them for a couple of weeks, so do we. These Crest Whitestrips are formulated with hydrogen peroxide for a gentle yet effective glow-up and take only 30 minutes to cure on the teeth — but we noticed a difference after just one use and without experiencing sensitivity. We love these as both an at-home whitening treatment and for maintenance, as they work effectively at reducing stain build-up. After 14 treatments, our teeth brightened a shade from S10 to S8.
While they have a comfortable fit, we found that the bottom strips weren’t as secure as the top strips, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind if you have fit concerns. Additionally, the strips felt a bit slimy halfway through the treatment time, so if you’re sensitive to texture, we recommend trying something else, such as the Crest 3DWhitestrips Vivid White Teeth Whitening Kit.
Number of Treatments: 14 | Time: 30 minutes | Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
Easiest to Apply
Burst Teeth Whitening Strips
Easy and convenient to use
Strips have a barely-there feel
Include soothing aloe vera and coconut oil
Only brighten teeth by a couple of shades
For the easiest application, consider Burst Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips, which are a great value for 10 treatments. We love these because they are not only super convenient, but they have an excellent fit and a barely-there feeling that stays put the entire treatment time. In addition to their value and excellent application, these whitening strips are formulated with only 6 percent hydrogen peroxide, so they’re another good option for sensitive gums and teeth (though this also means they aren’t strong enough to brighten teeth beyond a few shades). Plus, they have nourishing and soothing aloe vera and coconut oil for added gum and teeth perks.
Number of Treatments: 10 | Time: 15 minutes | Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
Best Flavor Options
Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips
Easy application process
Great for maintenance
Not the best fit
If the taste and consistency of teeth-whitening strips are off-putting to you, then these flavored vegan strips from Zimba might be worth a shot. You can choose from six different flavors, including mint, coconut, and watermelon. Although we found the application process easy and the flavors appealing, the strips were slightly uncomfortable and didn’t feel like a natural fit on our teeth. Plus, we only noticed our teeth got a shade or two whiter after two weeks of consistent wear, so they’re better for maintenance.
Number of Treatments: 14 | Time: 30 minutes | Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Cameron Silva
Add to Cart
Found your new go-to teeth whitening strips? There's more where that came from. Check out these other PEOPLE-Tested beauty and oral health products, rigorously tested so you don't have to take chances.
Other Teeth Whitening Strips We Tried
- DrDent Professional Teeth Whitening Strips: While the results we got from these strips weren’t as impressive as some of the others on our list, we still think they're excellent if you're looking for cheap whitening strips on Amazon. They provide decent stain removal — our teeth were two shades lighter after seven days of treatment — and don’t cause sensitivity, so they’re a good option for those with light stains or sensitive teeth.
- Made by Dentists Express Teeth Whitening Strips: These are another option worth mentioning due to how easy they are to apply to the teeth and how comfortable they are on sensitive teeth and gums. While they don’t boast outstanding whitening results, we think that they are a good option for maintenance as they help lift away light staining.
- Snow The Magic Strips: If you’re concerned about gum sensitivity, Snow The Magic Strips are another one of our honorable mentions worth considering. While we found that these strips were a little small and we didn’t love how they dissolved on the teeth, they were still effective at brightening by a few shades and never once made sensitive teeth or gums feel uncomfortable. Additionally, the lavender mint flavor is one of the best-tasting options on our list.
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People / Jhett Thompson
What to Know About Teeth Whitening Strips
Ingredients
To find the most effective teeth whitening strips, Ang says to consider the formula and look for ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. “These are the two most common whitening agents used in both professional and at-home treatments since they have been proven clinically effective at whitening teeth,” she tells PEOPLE.
With this in mind, all our top picks — including our best overall pick, the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express — are formulated with hydrogen peroxide for an effective at-home teeth whitening solution.
Concentration
In addition to ingredients, Ang says to look at the concentration of active whitening ingredients, as a higher concentration means faster results. “Most over-the-counter treatments will have a concentration under 16 percent peroxide,” she explains. For fast-acting teeth whitening strips, consider the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express, which is formulated with 10 percent hydrogen peroxide to remove stains in a single one-hour session with results lasting up to six months.
With that said, Ang says don’t discount lower concentrations entirely, as higher concentrations come with a greater chance of tooth or gum sensitivity. So, if you have a more sensitive mouth or are concerned about sensitivity caused by teeth whitening, look for lower-concentration formulas (just know that these might take a little longer to reach full effect).
Treatment Time
Since teeth whitening strips are supposed to be convenient, it’s also worth looking at the treatment commitment and how long it takes to see results. In most cases, whitening strips take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, twice daily, over one or two weeks. However, quicker solutions, such as the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express, provide a whitening effect in a single one-hour session. According to Dr. Michael Kosdon, DDS, a cosmetic dentist based in New York City, the time frame doesn’t mean a formula is better or worse. It’s about choosing a product that fits into your preferred time frame for results.
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People / Jhett Thompson
Behind the Scenes
To find the best teeth whitening strips, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of options before narrowing it down to 23 top picks. From there, we conducted real-world testing based on the strips’ individual treatment times and instructions to better understand how each formula works at lifting stains and brightening teeth. Throughout the testing period, we carefully considered the ease of use, effectiveness, convenience, and value while also making note of comfort to find options for sensitive gums and teeth, too.
- Ease of Use: When searching for the best of anything, ease of use is one of our top priorities. After all, the easier the product is to use, the more you’ll want to use it. For this key focus, we considered how well the strips applied to the teeth, their overall fit, and whether or not they stayed in place.
- Effectiveness: While testing for efficacy, our team considered how long it took to notice any changes in shade and if there was a noticeable difference at the end of the testing period. In cases where we saw a change, we also considered the shade difference to determine if the strips are worth the effort and money.
- Value: Teeth whitening strips are one-time-use products, so value is important here. To get a sense of their value, we made note of each product's overall efficacy, how many treatments come in a box, and the price.
- Convenience: We also considered the overall convenience factor, including the treatment times, how long the application process takes, and any additional steps required during the treatment process.
- Comfort: During the testing period, we also put comfort on a pedestal and considered everything from how the strips fit and feel on the teeth to whether or not the formula caused sensitivity. Additionally, we made note of how our teeth felt after application and if we experienced additional sensitivity post-treatment.
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People / Tamara Staples
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the best whitening strips for fast results?
Our top pick for the best whitening strips for fast results is the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express. These teeth whitening strips are designed for single-use sessions and can whiten teeth effectively in just one hour, with results lasting for up to six months. For something a little less expensive, we also loved the Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips, which were comfortable to wear and improved our teeth's appearance immediately.
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Do white strips work on yellow teeth?
According to Kosdon, teeth whitening strips work best on teeth with yellow staining caused by foods, coffee, and aging, as they can lift away the stains over time and restore your natural tooth color. With that said, if your natural tooth color is slightly yellow and you want to make them brighter, Kosdon says whitening strips aren’t effective as they won’t whiten teeth beyond the color they grew in.
If you’re unsure about whether or not whitening strips can transform your teeth color, Ang recommends consulting with a dentist to find out what kind of staining (if any) you might have and if white strips are the best solution.
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What happens if you leave whitening strips on longer than 30 minutes?
Just like when using whitening pens and other whitening products, you should always follow the recommended treatment time when treating your teeth with strips. “If whitening strips are left on the teeth longer than the recommended time, this can lead to potential side effects including gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, uneven whitening results, and even potential gastrointestinal upset due to ingesting the active ingredients,” says Ang. Additionally, overuse or extended use beyond what is recommended can damage the tooth's enamel.
If you experience any of these side effects or a negative reaction to whitening strips, Ang says it’s advised to discontinue use and discuss concerns with your dentist.
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Do I rinse after whitening strips?
Rinsing after whitening strips is recommended to remove any excess whitening gel on the teeth. “This could help prevent the excess gel from migrating to the gums and causing irritation,” Ang says.
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Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips?
You can definitely brush your teeth with your favorite toothpaste and use a water flosser after wearing whitening strips to remove the residual whitening gel from the teeth. However, Ang says to keep in mind that active gels can cause damage to the tooth if brushing is aggressive or a hard-bristle toothbrush is used. “Use a soft or even extra-soft bristle toothbrush and be cognizant to gently brush all surfaces to prevent damage to the teeth and gums,” she explains. “Brushing gently and with a soft-bristle toothbrush will not interfere or affect whitening unless the manufacturer specifically instructs not to brush after the use of the strips.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best teeth whitening strips, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s notes and insights from the testing period to get an idea of how well each formula worked and carefully considered their treatment time, price, value, ease of use, and comfort, too. Additionally, Jessie connected with dental experts to learn more about the benefits of teeth whitening strips and what to consider when shopping for safe and effective at-home whitening treatments. Kayla Kitts, a shopping editor for PEOPLE, updated this article with the most recent insights from our PEOPLE Tested lab, including two new top picks.
Our Expert Panel
- Dr. Brittany Ang, DMD, MDS, MBS, is a board-certified orthodontist at New Jersey's Curve Orthodontics.
- Dr. Michael Kosdon, DDS, is an NYC-based cosmetic dentist and an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and the American Dental Association (ADA).
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.