The 6 Best Teeth Whitening Pens, Tested by Real People

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

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View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People

People

When it comes to certainteeth whitening productsor procedures, you learn to grin and bear the discomfort — but that’s not the case with whitening pens, which offer a convenient, precise, and portable way to brighten your smile without increasing sensitivity.

Why Whitening Pens?“The major benefit of using a whitening pen [compared to other whitening products] is the convenience factor. It can easily be carried around in your pocket or purse for frequent on-the-go touch-ups.” —Dr. Shahira Saad, cosmetic dentist

Why Whitening Pens?

“The major benefit of using a whitening pen [compared to other whitening products] is the convenience factor. It can easily be carried around in your pocket or purse for frequent on-the-go touch-ups.” —Dr. Shahira Saad, cosmetic dentist

Whitening pens aren’t as brightening as in-office sessions,LED whitening kits, orteeth whitening strips, but they’re far more convenient — just apply the gel to your teeth, wait 30 to 60 seconds, and then either rinse or let the product dissolve on its own.

We tested over a dozen teeth whitening pens both in our lab and at home over several weeks to evaluate effectiveness, ease of use, sensitivity, value, and practicality for on-the-go touch-ups.

Best Overall:Colgate Overnight Whitening Pen at Amazon$20Jump to Review

Best Overall:Colgate Overnight Whitening Pen at Amazon$20

Best Overall:

Best Budget:Smileactives Teeth Whitening Pen at Amazon$36Jump to Review

Best Budget:Smileactives Teeth Whitening Pen at Amazon$36

Best Budget:

Most Convenient:Snow Sensitive Teeth Whitening Serum at Amazon$19Jump to Review

Most Convenient:Snow Sensitive Teeth Whitening Serum at Amazon$19

Most Convenient:

Best for Sensitive Teeth:Lumineux Bright² Pen at Amazon$20Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Teeth:Lumineux Bright² Pen at Amazon$20

Best for Sensitive Teeth:

Best for Quick Results:Tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen at Sephora$25Jump to Review

Best for Quick Results:Tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen at Sephora$25

Best for Quick Results:

Best for Upkeep:Crest 3DWhite Teeth Whitening Pen at Amazon$26Jump to Review

Best for Upkeep:Crest 3DWhite Teeth Whitening Pen at Amazon$26

Best for Upkeep:

Best LED Teeth Whitening Kit:SALECrest 3DWhitestrips Sensitive + LED Light Teeth Whitening Kit at Amazon$51$42Jump to Review

Best LED Teeth Whitening Kit:SALECrest 3DWhitestrips Sensitive + LED Light Teeth Whitening Kit at Amazon$51$42

Best LED Teeth Whitening Kit:

SALE

Best Toiletry Bag:Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag at Amazon$50Jump to Review

Best Toiletry Bag:Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag at Amazon$50

Best Toiletry Bag:

Best Toothpaste:

Best Purple Toothpaste:Hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum at Amazon$18Jump to Review

Best Purple Toothpaste:Hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum at Amazon$18

Best Purple Toothpaste:

Best OverallColgate Overnight Whitening PenPHOTO: Walmart$20 at Amazon$20 at Target$25$17 at WalmartStar QualitiesSignificantly brighter teeth in less than a weekNo irritation or discomfort on sensitive teethRelatively affordable at $20 for 35 usesRed FlagsTakes 6 hours for one treatment (overnight)This budget-friendly formula from Colgate is top-rated for its impressive performance, especially considering its price tag. The $20 pen is a potent overnight treatment designed to provide results in one week, but our tester saw results in less than a week.Out of all the formulas we tried, this one received the highest praise for its value, effectiveness, and ease of use. It’s comfortable enough to use on sensitive teeth and gums, which isn’t always the case for whitening pens. The pen features enough formula for up to 35 uses and is safe enough to use daily, but you only really need to do so for around one week and then can use it on an as-needed basis (though keep in mind, it’s an overnight treatment thus not ideal for quick fixes).Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:Overnight for one week, then touch-up as neededPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeopleBest BudgetSmileactives Teeth Whitening PenPHOTO: Amazon$36 at Amazon$33 at QVCView on Smileactives.comStar QualitiesNo brushing or rinsing your teeth after neededLightening-fast applicationComes in a 2-pack on Amazon for added valueRed FlagsMinty tingling sensation that some may find unpleasantSlight lingering aftertasteWith 1.13 ounces of gel, this slim pen packs some major whitening power, and it comes in a two-pack on Amazon for much less than other comparable formulas. On top of being a great budget-friendly option for daily use, it’s a dream for travelers who are looking to pack light, as it takes up next-to-no space and can easily be tucked into atoiletry bag.We noticed our teeth looking brighter after just two days of use and experienced more drastic results in about a week. While it felt a bit awkward to hold our mouths open while the gel set (about 45-60 seconds), we appreciated that rinsing afterward wasn’t necessary. However, the minty aftertaste may not appeal to everyone, and you might prefer to spit it out to avoid discomfort.Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:45-60 seconds, two to four times dailyPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoMost ConvenientSnow Sensitive Teeth Whitening SerumPHOTO: Snow$19 at AmazonView on Trysnow.comStar QualitiesCan leave on anywhere from 9 to 30 minutes, depending on needsRelatively fast drying and curing time compared to othersRed FlagsInstructions aren’t very detailedTeeth whitening pens can be a more convenient alternative to strips, but some require long down times. If you’re in a pinch and want to freshen up your teeth without waiting hours for the formula to work its magic, try this extra-strength option from Snow.The portable teeth whitening pen dries quickly and can be left on teeth for between 9 and 30 minutes (depending on your stain removing needs), which ismuchless than some of the other options on our list. Since it has a faster drying and curing time, the teeth whitening pen is a great option for coffee lovers who want to have their espresso and drink it, too.Our only complaint is that the pen doesn’t come with very detailed instructions. Since this type of teeth whitening has a bit of a learning curve, we wouldn’t recommend it for beginners.Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide, potassium nitrate |Treatment Length:9-30 minutesPeopleBest for Sensitive TeethLumineux Bright² PenPHOTO: Lumineux$20 at Amazon$20 at Target$21 at WalmartStar QualitiesEasy and intuitive to useHelps prevent stainsHelped reduce plaque build-up, especially on front teethRed FlagsOnly brightened our teeth one shadeFilter replacement can get relatively costlyThis pen was one of the easiest to grip and tidiest to use of all we tested. The simple and speedy application can be done just about anywhere, as the pen is incredibly compact and there’s no brushing required. Touch up at your desk, during your commute, or anywhere in between.A huge draw of the Lumineux Bright Pen is that it also helps stain prevention: Just swipe it on and let it set for 30 minutes before drinking coffee, tea, or red wine in order to minimize potential discoloration. We even found it helped reduce plaque build-up, particularly on front teeth.Active Ingredients:Coconut oil, carboxymethyl |Treatment Length:30 seconds for stain prevention, 30 minutes for whitening, use dailyPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoBest for Quick ResultsTarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening PenPHOTO: Sephora$25 at Sephora$8 at Tartecosmetics.comStar QualitiesMinty flavor leaves your mouth feeling cleanDesigned for sensitive teethVisibly brighter teeth following testingRed FlagsGel residue is unpleasant to leave on after sessionBetter for short-term brightening than for long-term whiteningWhether you’re preparing to snap a selfie, head out on a date or nail your next job interview, it’s always a confidence boost to feel like your smile is at its best and brightest. Tarte’s whitening pen gets the job done in a major way, immediately brightening teeth after just one application.This is an ideal pen for anyone looking for a quick fix or to mitigate coffee stains (it can be used up to four times a day). The soft brush easy to hold and to apply, which requires only 30 seconds of smiling to keep your lips away from your teeth as the gel adheres. The minty taste is refreshing, but does leave a gooey residue if you don’t rinse afterwards.Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:15 minutes, up to four times dailyPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoBest for UpkeepCrest 3DWhite Teeth Whitening PenPHOTO: Crest$26$24 at Amazon$25$19 at WalmartView on Crest.comStar QualitiesPen mechanism is simple and easy to useComfortable alternative to stripsProvides up to 70 uses, making it a great valueRed FlagsWorks best for maintaining already whitened teethThis whitening pen from Crest is a great way to maintain teeth that are relatively white and just need a quick touch-up. The pen features a high-quality mechanism that is simple and easy to use over an extended period of time, so you can use it to maintain a brighter tone without worrying about it losing its integrity after a couple of months. And it comes with enough formula for up to 70 uses, so the $25 price goes a long way.We didn’t experience drastic stain removal but found that it works best at providing a subtle brightening effect. While the pen is marketed for on-the-go stain removal, we didn’t love it for that because you have to keep your mouth open for about a minute or so until the formula dries, making it a little less convenient.Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:Twice per day for 14 daysPeople

Best OverallColgate Overnight Whitening PenPHOTO: Walmart$20 at Amazon$20 at Target$25$17 at WalmartStar QualitiesSignificantly brighter teeth in less than a weekNo irritation or discomfort on sensitive teethRelatively affordable at $20 for 35 usesRed FlagsTakes 6 hours for one treatment (overnight)This budget-friendly formula from Colgate is top-rated for its impressive performance, especially considering its price tag. The $20 pen is a potent overnight treatment designed to provide results in one week, but our tester saw results in less than a week.Out of all the formulas we tried, this one received the highest praise for its value, effectiveness, and ease of use. It’s comfortable enough to use on sensitive teeth and gums, which isn’t always the case for whitening pens. The pen features enough formula for up to 35 uses and is safe enough to use daily, but you only really need to do so for around one week and then can use it on an as-needed basis (though keep in mind, it’s an overnight treatment thus not ideal for quick fixes).Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:Overnight for one week, then touch-up as neededPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

Best OverallColgate Overnight Whitening PenPHOTO: Walmart$20 at Amazon$20 at Target$25$17 at Walmart

Best OverallColgate Overnight Whitening Pen

Best Overall

Colgate Overnight Whitening Pen

PHOTO: Walmart

$20 at Amazon$20 at Target$25$17 at Walmart

Star QualitiesSignificantly brighter teeth in less than a weekNo irritation or discomfort on sensitive teethRelatively affordable at $20 for 35 usesRed FlagsTakes 6 hours for one treatment (overnight)

Star QualitiesSignificantly brighter teeth in less than a weekNo irritation or discomfort on sensitive teethRelatively affordable at $20 for 35 uses

Significantly brighter teeth in less than a week

No irritation or discomfort on sensitive teeth

Relatively affordable at $20 for 35 uses

Red FlagsTakes 6 hours for one treatment (overnight)

Takes 6 hours for one treatment (overnight)

This budget-friendly formula from Colgate is top-rated for its impressive performance, especially considering its price tag. The $20 pen is a potent overnight treatment designed to provide results in one week, but our tester saw results in less than a week.

Out of all the formulas we tried, this one received the highest praise for its value, effectiveness, and ease of use. It’s comfortable enough to use on sensitive teeth and gums, which isn’t always the case for whitening pens. The pen features enough formula for up to 35 uses and is safe enough to use daily, but you only really need to do so for around one week and then can use it on an as-needed basis (though keep in mind, it’s an overnight treatment thus not ideal for quick fixes).

Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:Overnight for one week, then touch-up as needed

PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

Best BudgetSmileactives Teeth Whitening PenPHOTO: Amazon$36 at Amazon$33 at QVCView on Smileactives.comStar QualitiesNo brushing or rinsing your teeth after neededLightening-fast applicationComes in a 2-pack on Amazon for added valueRed FlagsMinty tingling sensation that some may find unpleasantSlight lingering aftertasteWith 1.13 ounces of gel, this slim pen packs some major whitening power, and it comes in a two-pack on Amazon for much less than other comparable formulas. On top of being a great budget-friendly option for daily use, it’s a dream for travelers who are looking to pack light, as it takes up next-to-no space and can easily be tucked into atoiletry bag.We noticed our teeth looking brighter after just two days of use and experienced more drastic results in about a week. While it felt a bit awkward to hold our mouths open while the gel set (about 45-60 seconds), we appreciated that rinsing afterward wasn’t necessary. However, the minty aftertaste may not appeal to everyone, and you might prefer to spit it out to avoid discomfort.Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:45-60 seconds, two to four times dailyPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best BudgetSmileactives Teeth Whitening PenPHOTO: Amazon$36 at Amazon$33 at QVCView on Smileactives.com

Best BudgetSmileactives Teeth Whitening Pen

Best Budget

Smileactives Teeth Whitening Pen

PHOTO: Amazon

$36 at Amazon$33 at QVCView on Smileactives.com

Star QualitiesNo brushing or rinsing your teeth after neededLightening-fast applicationComes in a 2-pack on Amazon for added valueRed FlagsMinty tingling sensation that some may find unpleasantSlight lingering aftertaste

Star QualitiesNo brushing or rinsing your teeth after neededLightening-fast applicationComes in a 2-pack on Amazon for added value

No brushing or rinsing your teeth after needed

Lightening-fast application

Comes in a 2-pack on Amazon for added value

Red FlagsMinty tingling sensation that some may find unpleasantSlight lingering aftertaste

Minty tingling sensation that some may find unpleasant

Slight lingering aftertaste

With 1.13 ounces of gel, this slim pen packs some major whitening power, and it comes in a two-pack on Amazon for much less than other comparable formulas. On top of being a great budget-friendly option for daily use, it’s a dream for travelers who are looking to pack light, as it takes up next-to-no space and can easily be tucked into atoiletry bag.

We noticed our teeth looking brighter after just two days of use and experienced more drastic results in about a week. While it felt a bit awkward to hold our mouths open while the gel set (about 45-60 seconds), we appreciated that rinsing afterward wasn’t necessary. However, the minty aftertaste may not appeal to everyone, and you might prefer to spit it out to avoid discomfort.

Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:45-60 seconds, two to four times daily

PHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Most ConvenientSnow Sensitive Teeth Whitening SerumPHOTO: Snow$19 at AmazonView on Trysnow.comStar QualitiesCan leave on anywhere from 9 to 30 minutes, depending on needsRelatively fast drying and curing time compared to othersRed FlagsInstructions aren’t very detailedTeeth whitening pens can be a more convenient alternative to strips, but some require long down times. If you’re in a pinch and want to freshen up your teeth without waiting hours for the formula to work its magic, try this extra-strength option from Snow.The portable teeth whitening pen dries quickly and can be left on teeth for between 9 and 30 minutes (depending on your stain removing needs), which ismuchless than some of the other options on our list. Since it has a faster drying and curing time, the teeth whitening pen is a great option for coffee lovers who want to have their espresso and drink it, too.Our only complaint is that the pen doesn’t come with very detailed instructions. Since this type of teeth whitening has a bit of a learning curve, we wouldn’t recommend it for beginners.Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide, potassium nitrate |Treatment Length:9-30 minutesPeople

Most ConvenientSnow Sensitive Teeth Whitening SerumPHOTO: Snow$19 at AmazonView on Trysnow.com

Most ConvenientSnow Sensitive Teeth Whitening Serum

Most Convenient

Snow Sensitive Teeth Whitening Serum

PHOTO: Snow

$19 at AmazonView on Trysnow.com

Star QualitiesCan leave on anywhere from 9 to 30 minutes, depending on needsRelatively fast drying and curing time compared to othersRed FlagsInstructions aren’t very detailed

Star QualitiesCan leave on anywhere from 9 to 30 minutes, depending on needsRelatively fast drying and curing time compared to others

Can leave on anywhere from 9 to 30 minutes, depending on needs

Relatively fast drying and curing time compared to others

Red FlagsInstructions aren’t very detailed

Instructions aren’t very detailed

Teeth whitening pens can be a more convenient alternative to strips, but some require long down times. If you’re in a pinch and want to freshen up your teeth without waiting hours for the formula to work its magic, try this extra-strength option from Snow.

The portable teeth whitening pen dries quickly and can be left on teeth for between 9 and 30 minutes (depending on your stain removing needs), which ismuchless than some of the other options on our list. Since it has a faster drying and curing time, the teeth whitening pen is a great option for coffee lovers who want to have their espresso and drink it, too.

Our only complaint is that the pen doesn’t come with very detailed instructions. Since this type of teeth whitening has a bit of a learning curve, we wouldn’t recommend it for beginners.

Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide, potassium nitrate |Treatment Length:9-30 minutes

Best for Sensitive TeethLumineux Bright² PenPHOTO: Lumineux$20 at Amazon$20 at Target$21 at WalmartStar QualitiesEasy and intuitive to useHelps prevent stainsHelped reduce plaque build-up, especially on front teethRed FlagsOnly brightened our teeth one shadeFilter replacement can get relatively costlyThis pen was one of the easiest to grip and tidiest to use of all we tested. The simple and speedy application can be done just about anywhere, as the pen is incredibly compact and there’s no brushing required. Touch up at your desk, during your commute, or anywhere in between.A huge draw of the Lumineux Bright Pen is that it also helps stain prevention: Just swipe it on and let it set for 30 minutes before drinking coffee, tea, or red wine in order to minimize potential discoloration. We even found it helped reduce plaque build-up, particularly on front teeth.Active Ingredients:Coconut oil, carboxymethyl |Treatment Length:30 seconds for stain prevention, 30 minutes for whitening, use dailyPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for Sensitive TeethLumineux Bright² PenPHOTO: Lumineux$20 at Amazon$20 at Target$21 at Walmart

Best for Sensitive TeethLumineux Bright² Pen

Best for Sensitive Teeth

Lumineux Bright² Pen

PHOTO: Lumineux

$20 at Amazon$20 at Target$21 at Walmart

Star QualitiesEasy and intuitive to useHelps prevent stainsHelped reduce plaque build-up, especially on front teethRed FlagsOnly brightened our teeth one shadeFilter replacement can get relatively costly

Star QualitiesEasy and intuitive to useHelps prevent stainsHelped reduce plaque build-up, especially on front teeth

Easy and intuitive to use

Helps prevent stains

Helped reduce plaque build-up, especially on front teeth

Red FlagsOnly brightened our teeth one shadeFilter replacement can get relatively costly

Only brightened our teeth one shade

Filter replacement can get relatively costly

This pen was one of the easiest to grip and tidiest to use of all we tested. The simple and speedy application can be done just about anywhere, as the pen is incredibly compact and there’s no brushing required. Touch up at your desk, during your commute, or anywhere in between.

A huge draw of the Lumineux Bright Pen is that it also helps stain prevention: Just swipe it on and let it set for 30 minutes before drinking coffee, tea, or red wine in order to minimize potential discoloration. We even found it helped reduce plaque build-up, particularly on front teeth.

Active Ingredients:Coconut oil, carboxymethyl |Treatment Length:30 seconds for stain prevention, 30 minutes for whitening, use daily

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for Quick ResultsTarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening PenPHOTO: Sephora$25 at Sephora$8 at Tartecosmetics.comStar QualitiesMinty flavor leaves your mouth feeling cleanDesigned for sensitive teethVisibly brighter teeth following testingRed FlagsGel residue is unpleasant to leave on after sessionBetter for short-term brightening than for long-term whiteningWhether you’re preparing to snap a selfie, head out on a date or nail your next job interview, it’s always a confidence boost to feel like your smile is at its best and brightest. Tarte’s whitening pen gets the job done in a major way, immediately brightening teeth after just one application.This is an ideal pen for anyone looking for a quick fix or to mitigate coffee stains (it can be used up to four times a day). The soft brush easy to hold and to apply, which requires only 30 seconds of smiling to keep your lips away from your teeth as the gel adheres. The minty taste is refreshing, but does leave a gooey residue if you don’t rinse afterwards.Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:15 minutes, up to four times dailyPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for Quick ResultsTarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening PenPHOTO: Sephora$25 at Sephora$8 at Tartecosmetics.com

Best for Quick ResultsTarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen

Best for Quick Results

Tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen

PHOTO: Sephora

$25 at Sephora$8 at Tartecosmetics.com

Star QualitiesMinty flavor leaves your mouth feeling cleanDesigned for sensitive teethVisibly brighter teeth following testingRed FlagsGel residue is unpleasant to leave on after sessionBetter for short-term brightening than for long-term whitening

Star QualitiesMinty flavor leaves your mouth feeling cleanDesigned for sensitive teethVisibly brighter teeth following testing

Minty flavor leaves your mouth feeling clean

Designed for sensitive teeth

Visibly brighter teeth following testing

Red FlagsGel residue is unpleasant to leave on after sessionBetter for short-term brightening than for long-term whitening

Gel residue is unpleasant to leave on after session

Better for short-term brightening than for long-term whitening

Whether you’re preparing to snap a selfie, head out on a date or nail your next job interview, it’s always a confidence boost to feel like your smile is at its best and brightest. Tarte’s whitening pen gets the job done in a major way, immediately brightening teeth after just one application.

This is an ideal pen for anyone looking for a quick fix or to mitigate coffee stains (it can be used up to four times a day). The soft brush easy to hold and to apply, which requires only 30 seconds of smiling to keep your lips away from your teeth as the gel adheres. The minty taste is refreshing, but does leave a gooey residue if you don’t rinse afterwards.

Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:15 minutes, up to four times daily

Best for UpkeepCrest 3DWhite Teeth Whitening PenPHOTO: Crest$26$24 at Amazon$25$19 at WalmartView on Crest.comStar QualitiesPen mechanism is simple and easy to useComfortable alternative to stripsProvides up to 70 uses, making it a great valueRed FlagsWorks best for maintaining already whitened teethThis whitening pen from Crest is a great way to maintain teeth that are relatively white and just need a quick touch-up. The pen features a high-quality mechanism that is simple and easy to use over an extended period of time, so you can use it to maintain a brighter tone without worrying about it losing its integrity after a couple of months. And it comes with enough formula for up to 70 uses, so the $25 price goes a long way.We didn’t experience drastic stain removal but found that it works best at providing a subtle brightening effect. While the pen is marketed for on-the-go stain removal, we didn’t love it for that because you have to keep your mouth open for about a minute or so until the formula dries, making it a little less convenient.Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:Twice per day for 14 daysPeople

Best for UpkeepCrest 3DWhite Teeth Whitening PenPHOTO: Crest$26$24 at Amazon$25$19 at WalmartView on Crest.com

Best for UpkeepCrest 3DWhite Teeth Whitening Pen

Best for Upkeep

Crest 3DWhite Teeth Whitening Pen

PHOTO: Crest

$26$24 at Amazon$25$19 at WalmartView on Crest.com

Star QualitiesPen mechanism is simple and easy to useComfortable alternative to stripsProvides up to 70 uses, making it a great valueRed FlagsWorks best for maintaining already whitened teeth

Star QualitiesPen mechanism is simple and easy to useComfortable alternative to stripsProvides up to 70 uses, making it a great value

Pen mechanism is simple and easy to use

Comfortable alternative to strips

Provides up to 70 uses, making it a great value

Red FlagsWorks best for maintaining already whitened teeth

Works best for maintaining already whitened teeth

This whitening pen from Crest is a great way to maintain teeth that are relatively white and just need a quick touch-up. The pen features a high-quality mechanism that is simple and easy to use over an extended period of time, so you can use it to maintain a brighter tone without worrying about it losing its integrity after a couple of months. And it comes with enough formula for up to 70 uses, so the $25 price goes a long way.

We didn’t experience drastic stain removal but found that it works best at providing a subtle brightening effect. While the pen is marketed for on-the-go stain removal, we didn’t love it for that because you have to keep your mouth open for about a minute or so until the formula dries, making it a little less convenient.

Active Ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide |Treatment Length:Twice per day for 14 days

Crest 3DWhitestrips Sensitive + LED Light Teeth Whitening Kit$51$42 at Amazon$50 at Walgreens

Crest 3DWhitestrips Sensitive + LED Light Teeth Whitening Kit

$51$42 at Amazon$50 at Walgreens

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag$50 at Amazon$50 at REI

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag

$50 at Amazon$50 at REI

Hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum$18 at AmazonView on Hismileteeth.com$20 at CVS

Hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum

$18 at AmazonView on Hismileteeth.com$20 at CVS

What to Know About Teeth Whitening Pens

Active Ingredients

Teeth whitening pens feature active ingredients that are designed to target stains with delicate precision. “It’s most important to look for products that contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, as this is the only ingredient to truly whiten teeth from the inside,” says Dr. Saad. Hydrogen peroxide is known to cause less sensitivity, as it breaks down into water and oxygen after application.

Carbamide peroxide (a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and urea) is frequently used but contains higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, which can create more dramatic results but also cause slightly more discomfort.

Applicator

Gentle bristle-brushes are typically used in teeth whitening pens, as they are slim and flexible enough to aid with more precise application. These help to ensure the gel is comfortably and evenly distributed across each tooth. Silicone applicators are another option, however, they don’t offer as much precision and can cause slightly more discomfort for those with sensitive teeth or gums.

Overall Value

While all teeth whitening pens are generally compact and portable, the amount of gel inside can vary, and in turn can affect how often you’ll need to re-purchase them. Each pen will state how many uses it’s designed for, although in our testing we found that many had enough gel to far outlast the time frame suggested.

Pens with higher concentrations of peroxide will require less gel per application, so a little tends to go a long way. Other products include multiple pens per pack, which tends to be a more convenient and better value buy, as it means you’ll have to purchase them less frequently.

PHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

We tested 17 teeth whitening pens from top-rated brands in order to narrow down a list of those we ranked most effective, easy-to-use, and which caused the least gum sensitivity. We received expert guidance from New York City-based cosmetic dentistDr. Lena Varone, DMD, FIADFE, in planning out our rigorous testing steps. In order to test each teeth whitening pen in our lab, we noted the “before” teeth shade in accordance with a standard dental guide.

Finally, we rated each whitening pen on a scale of one to five, with five performing the highest. The pens with the highest average scores made this list of the best whitening pens and earned the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! “Teeth whitening pens can provide a more gentle alternative to professional whitening,” explains Dr. Baker, who adds that while they won’t necessarily work overnight, they can produce visible results with a bit of patience. “It may take a little longer to see results since the concentration of the active ingredient is lower, but it will still whiten teeth.” She recommends teeth whitening pens in particular for patients with teeth sensitivity.“Any whitening product containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide will whiten your teeth,” adds Dr. Saad, who notes that “the degree of whitening depends on the strength of peroxide and the modality of peroxide carrier.”

Yes! “Teeth whitening pens can provide a more gentle alternative to professional whitening,” explains Dr. Baker, who adds that while they won’t necessarily work overnight, they can produce visible results with a bit of patience. “It may take a little longer to see results since the concentration of the active ingredient is lower, but it will still whiten teeth.” She recommends teeth whitening pens in particular for patients with teeth sensitivity.

“Any whitening product containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide will whiten your teeth,” adds Dr. Saad, who notes that “the degree of whitening depends on the strength of peroxide and the modality of peroxide carrier.”

For those with sensitive teeth, whitening pens are a better choice than whitening strips as they are more gentle and use a lower concentration of active ingredients like peroxides.

This ultimately comes down to your lifestyle, explains Dr. Baker. “Oral hygiene, diet, medications, and health history all play a role in how white the teeth are,” she says. She adds that anyone who often drinks beverages or eats foods that would stain a white T-shirt — think coffee, tea, red wine, or turmeric-heavy dishes — will experience less drastic results using a whitening pen.For longer-lasting results, she suggests swishing with water after you eat or drink any of those types of drinks or dishes to help prevent staining.She adds that teeth can be lightened much faster with a professional in-office whitening session, which is the most effective whitening option. But for those concerned with cost or potential sensitivity, teeth whitening pens are great alternatives and can be added in along with brushing andwater flossing.“With consistency you can achieve a white smile with whitening pens,” says Dr. Baker. Dr. Saad adds that “after reaching ideal brightness and assuming good oral hygiene, you can expect to need a touch up in 6 to 12 months.”

This ultimately comes down to your lifestyle, explains Dr. Baker. “Oral hygiene, diet, medications, and health history all play a role in how white the teeth are,” she says. She adds that anyone who often drinks beverages or eats foods that would stain a white T-shirt — think coffee, tea, red wine, or turmeric-heavy dishes — will experience less drastic results using a whitening pen.

For longer-lasting results, she suggests swishing with water after you eat or drink any of those types of drinks or dishes to help prevent staining.

She adds that teeth can be lightened much faster with a professional in-office whitening session, which is the most effective whitening option. But for those concerned with cost or potential sensitivity, teeth whitening pens are great alternatives and can be added in along with brushing andwater flossing.

“With consistency you can achieve a white smile with whitening pens,” says Dr. Baker. Dr. Saad adds that “after reaching ideal brightness and assuming good oral hygiene, you can expect to need a touch up in 6 to 12 months.”

Sophie Doddis a PEOPLE contributor who has been writing for People.com since 2018. She covers travel and lifestyle, with a focus on home goods and beauty products. For this story, Sophie did a deep dive into the results of our teeth whitening testing and used her expertise as a lifestyle writer to research the products that scored the highest in order to narrow down this list. She also received advice from dentists and cosmetic dentists on what to look for when shopping for teeth-whitening pens.

Our Expert PanelDr. Britany L. Baker, DMD, is a dentist practicing atCatawba Valley Dental Carein Charlotte, North Carolina.Dr. Shahira Saad, DDS, is an Orange County-based cosmetic dentist practicing atShoreline Dental Studio.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Britany L. Baker, DMD, is a dentist practicing atCatawba Valley Dental Carein Charlotte, North Carolina.Dr. Shahira Saad, DDS, is an Orange County-based cosmetic dentist practicing atShoreline Dental Studio.

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source: people.com