7 Best Teeth Whitening Strips, According to Testing
Whiter teeth are just a few strips away.
Reviewed by Danusia WnekSenior Chemist
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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.
Pros
- Highest score for teeth being visibly whiter after using
- Eight versatile flavors
- Highest testing score for being easy to use
- Adhere well to teeth
- Visible results in one use
Cons
- 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.
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| Number of strips | 28 |
| Duration | 14 days |
| Usage | Once a day for 30 minutes |
| Key ingredients | Hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil |
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Quick, visible results
- Trackable results in two weeks
Cons
- Only whiten by a few shades
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 strips | 28 |
| Duration | 14 days |
| Usage | Once a day for 30 minutes |
| Key ingredients | Hydrogen peroxide |
Pros
- Tested high for overall satisfaction
- Removed surface stains from teeth
- Easy-to-understand instructions
- Doesn’t leave excessive residue on teeth
Cons
- Not the most secure strip
- 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 strips | 40 |
| Duration | 20 days |
| Usage | Once a day for 30 minutes |
| Key ingredients | Hydrogen peroxide |
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Least messy to use
- Doesn’t have an unpleasant taste
- Instructions are easy to understand
Cons
- 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.”
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| Number of strips | 40 |
| Duration | 20 days |
| Usage | Once a day for 30 minutes |
| Key ingredients | Hydrogen peroxide |
Pros
- Short treatment time (15 minutes)
- Soothing whitening formula
- Great fit
Cons
- 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 strips | 20 |
| Duration | 10 treatments |
| Usage | Once a day for 15 minutes |
| Key ingredients | Hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil |
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Strip Kit
Pros
- Top testing results for lightening teeth
- Made with proven, effective whitening ingredients
- Whitens teeth two to four shades
Cons
- 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 strips | 44 |
| Duration | 20 days |
| Usage | Once a day for 45 minutes |
| Key ingredients | Hydrogen peroxide |
Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1-Week Teeth Whitening Kit
Pros
- Sensitive teeth-friendly
- Fastest claimed results
- Stay in place well
- Don’t leave excessive residue on teeth
Cons
- 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.
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| Number of strips | 28 |
| Duration | 7 days |
| Usage | Twice daily for 30 minutes |
| Key ingredients | Hydrogen peroxide |
How we test teeth whitening strips
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.
What to look for when shopping
✔️ 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?
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.”
What's the most effective teeth whitening method?
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?
“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.”
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
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.
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.
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.
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