TL;DR
We crowned Snow’s Extra-Strength Teeth Whitening Serum the best overall for its quick, visible results, easy-to-use pen design, and gentle formula. It’s also super convenient, and the treatment time ranges from nine to 30 minutes, allowing for flexibility throughout your day. Our runner-up is the Moon Oral Care’s Platinum Teeth Whitening Pen because it’s easy to implement into your daily routine and delivers noticeable results.
At-home teeth whitening products range from fancy and expensive to user-friendly and affordable. Teeth whitening pens generally fall into the latter camp, offering a pocket-sized dose of whitening agent you can apply anytime, anywhere. Though you can use them to work toward a gleaming smile, they’re more about maintenance. “Whitening pens are not as effective as the strips or in-office treatments because the product is not isolated on the tooth long enough,” says cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Kantor. “But, if you’ve already whitened your teeth, the pens are great to maintain it.”
We spent six weeks testing some of the most popular and highly-rated teeth whitening pens to find the best options. We evaluated each pen’s ease of use, comfort, effectiveness, and convenience throughout testing. We also consulted with Dr. Kantor and Avalene Roberts, a dental hygienist, to learn more about what to consider when buying a whitening pen. The result: This top-rated list that’ll help you keep your pearly whites truly white.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall, Runner-Up:
Best for Sensitive Teeth:
Most Dramatic Difference:
Best Dual-Purpose:
Best Applicator:
What We Like
Easy to use
Gentle on teeth
Visible results within a week
What to Consider
Gel isn’t flavored
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide | Treatment Length: 9 to 30 minutes, once a day
This teeth whitening pen is gentle, easy to use, and delivers noticeable results—what’s not to love? Unlike many teeth whitening treatments, this one did not irritate our tester’s teeth or gums and didn’t cause or worsen sensitivity. It’s also fast-acting, and our tester was able to see a visible difference in the brightness of her teeth within one week of consistent use. And, since it only needs to be applied once a day, it’s easy to work into your daily routine.
The main ingredients in this pen are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which work together to remove stains and leave your pearly whites actually looking white. Your once-daily treatment can last for as little as nine minutes or, if you have some time to spare, up to 30 minutes, and you can eat or drink after a quick rinse. Be aware, though, while this gel doesn’t taste bad, it doesn’t have any added flavor you might expect, such as mint or cinnamon.
Samantha, tester: “This product was very kind to my teeth and gums, which says a lot because I am prone to sensitivity (they have to apply numbing gel just to clean my teeth when I go to the dentist!). It’s also easy to incorporate into my daily routine as well; I put it next to my toothbrush and just applied it right after I finished brushing my teeth.”
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Moon Oral Beauty Platinum Teeth Whitening Pen
What We Like
Pen dispenses just the right amount of product
Sustainable routine
Effectively whitens smile
What to Consider
Must wait 10-30 minutes after application to eat or drink
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide | Treatment Length: 10 to 30 minutes, two times per day for two weeks
Moon Oral Care’s Platinum Teeth Whitening Pen is a very close runner up to our best overall pick. It’s easy to toss into your bag for on-the-go treatments, which is helpful since it’s a twice-daily treatment. Our tester found it very easy to implement into her daily routine, and she noticed the formula’s effect on her teeth within a week of consistent use. She also found the click-pen effortless to use and highlighted that it distributed just the right amount of product without causing any waste.
For this treatment, you need to apply the gel, keep your mouth open for 30 seconds, and then go on with your day. In order for the gel to work, though, you should not eat or drink for 10-30 minutes after application. Still, our tester definitely saw a change in her smile and was happy enough with the results to continue using the teeth whitening pen even after testing concluded.
Ashley, tester: “I loved how quick and easy it was to use this product and build it into my daily routine. It does exactly what it promises: leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile.”
What We Like
Does not cause/worsen sensitivity
Minty flavor
Brightens teeth by at least one shade
What to Consider
May be difficult to implement into routine
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide | Treatment Length: 60 minutes, twice a day for at least 14 days
ARC’s On-The-Go Teeth Whitening Pen is an excellent pick for teeth prone to sensitivity. It uses hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth and disodium pyrophosphate to prevent stains, and it has a soft brush for precise application. Our tester was really impressed by how good her teeth felt after using this pen, especially since whitening treatments in the past have left her teeth sensitive to different temperatures or just hurting in general. However, she did notice that the formula caused her to drool a bit immediately after application, making on-the-go treatments difficult for her to manage.
Unlike other teeth whitening pens we tested, this one has a nice minty flavor that our tester appreciated. Most importantly, though, it’s an effective product. Our tester regularly drinks coffee and red wine, which can cause visible staining, but she still saw an improvement in the color of her teeth. It’s worth noting, however, that you need to avoid eating or drinking anything for one hour after application, so keep this in mind when considering your treatment routine.
Katie, tester: “I did not experience any sensitivity using this product, which was great. Sometimes my teeth definitely hurt or are temperature sensitive after whitening, so this was a pleasant surprise to not feel any discomfort at all.”
Most Dramatic Difference
Zimba Premium Teeth Whitening Pen
What We Like
Noticeable difference in teeth color with consistent use
Mostly flavorless
Quick, mess-free treatment
What to Consider
Pen design doesn’t show how much product is left
Active Ingredients: Carbamide peroxide | Treatment Length: 5 minutes, once daily
Out of all of the teeth whitening pens we tested, this one delivered the most dramatic difference after six weeks of consistent use. Our tester’s teeth became a few shades brighter thanks to Zimba’s Premium Teeth Whitening Pen, and it only took one five-minute treatment per day to make it happen. This pen is also easy to use and super convenient for tucking away at home or tossing into a makeup bag for travel.
This formula doesn’t have any added minty flavor; it’s mostly flavorless, which our tester appreciated. She also noted how easy it was to apply the gel to her teeth and that the pen distributed just the right amount of product with just one or two clicks. Overall, she was very impressed by the results this teeth whitening pen delivered, but it was a slow process that took around three or four weeks to become noticeable.
Ashley, tester: “I was honestly really surprised by how much of a difference this pen made. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in a low-maintenance teeth-whitening product.”
What We Like
Effective with long-lasting results
Soft, gentle brush bristles
Convenient treatment
What to Consider
May be harsh on gums at first
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide | Treatment Length: Overnight
Not only is this teeth whitening pen effective, but since it’s an overnight treatment, it’s easy to implement into your regular routine and use consistently, which helps create long-lasting results. Simply apply the formula to your teeth before bedtime, go to sleep, and wake up with a brighter smile (just remember to brush your teeth before eating or drinking anything). Our tester found this pen convenient and so easy to implement into her regular routine—and most importantly, she was seriously impressed with the treatment’s results.
While she did see dramatic results with this teeth whitening pen, she mentioned that it took a few weeks for results to really become visible, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a change in your teeth right away with this formula. Trust the process and be consistent and you won’t be disappointed.
Naosha, tester: “It truly did brighten my smile and I liked that I was able to get professional-like results without having to visit the dentist.”
What We Like
Works as a whitening treatment and stain-repellant
Thin consistency
Great for adding to bedtime routine
What to Consider
Not the most intense whitening results
Active Ingredients: Carboxymethyl | Treatment Length: 60 seconds (as stain-repellant), 30 minutes (as whitening treatment)
This teeth whitening pen is a two-in-one product that works as a whitening treatment and as a stain repellant. If you’re using it as a teeth whitener, it’s a 30-minute, once-daily treatment, and if you’re using it as a stain repellant, you simply apply it to your teeth, wait 60 seconds, then enjoy whatever food or beverage you’d like. We think the pen packaging is convenient in general, but it’s especially great if you want to apply some of the formula as a stain-repellant when you’re having a drink or a meal out.
Our tester saw an improvement in her teeth with consistent use, and she noted that the formula was gentle on her teeth and gums without causing any sensitivity. The gel is also very thin, so it feels light on the teeth and dries quickly. It’s really fantastic all around, but keep in mind that since it’s a dual-purpose product, it's not quite as strong as some more intense whitening treatments.
Virginia, tester: “I love that the pen has dual functionality and can actually be used on the go multiple times a day. I'd apply the product ahead of breakfast and sometimes lunch for stain-repelling capabilities and right after brushing my teeth before bed for whitening capabilities.”
What We Like
Easy to maneuver and reach back teeth
Does not cause sensitivity
Short treatment length
What to Consider
Need to leave mouth open during treatment
Not the most dramatic results
Active Ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide | Treatment Length: 30 seconds, twice daily
VieBeauti’s Teeth Whitening Pen is an excellent, effective product, but it stands out most for its design. Unlike most teeth whitening pens, this one is clear, which allows you to easily monitor how much product is left in the tube and order more before you run out. Additionally, it has soft, gentle brush bristles that allow for even application and don’t poke at the gums. It’s also just the right size to reach your back teeth with minimal effort, but beware that you have to keep your mouth open during the treatment.
Aside from its great design, our tester never experienced any sensitivity when using it. The twice-daily, 30-second treatment is also super quick and easy to implement into your daily routine. As for the pen’s whitening capabilities, our tester definitely saw an improvement in her teeth with consistent use of this formula, but it was not quite as dramatic as she’d hoped for (so if you value a major transformation over easy application, this may not be the pick for you).
Shannon, tester: “The pen was extremely easy to use. One or two clicks was plenty of product for a thin coat, and it never clogged or got gloopy. Since it’s literally the size of a large pen, it fit nicely in my hand and was simple to maneuver to the back and sides to get all visible teeth.”
What to Look for When Buying a Teeth Whitening Pen
- Active Ingredients: Most of today's teeth whitening pens are formulated with carbamide peroxide, a whitening agent consisting of hydrogen peroxide and urea. However, some just use hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient. Both are considered safe for humans and are known to be effective at whitening teeth, so we recommend looking for an option that utilizes either ingredient to get the job done.
- Applicator: Teeth whitening pens typically have small brushes at the tip, similar to lip glosses and under-eye concealers. This is ideal because the thin, flexible brush tip allows you to apply the product in the crevices of your teeth. Pens that feature silicone applicators don’t provide the same precision, which can prevent you from evenly coating your teeth.
- Number of Uses: When browsing teeth whitening pens, check how many uses each tube offers. While they're all roughly the same size, some pens come with a bit more gel than others. Additionally, some contain higher concentrations of the active ingredient, so you don't need to use as much.
How We Tested Teeth Whitening Pens
- Testing Period: 6 weeks
- Teeth Whitening Pens Tested: 10
- Attributes Considered: Ease of use, comfort, effectiveness, convenience, and overall results
FAQ
How do teeth whitening pens work?
"For teeth to whiten, the peroxide must maintain direct contact on the surface of the teeth,” explains Roberts. “This is why dental whitening trays, strips, and in-office whitening work best," she adds. However, when you apply the gel on dry teeth and leave it on for a time undisturbed, a whitening pen will have a chance to work on brightening your teeth. Pens might not be as effective as other whitening options (like LED whitening kits), but they’re convenient and great for brightening staining and minor discoloration, as well as maintenance.
Are teeth whitening pens safe?
Bleaching your teeth with an at-home treatment, like a whitening pen, is generally safe. As mentioned above, most options contain either carbamide peroxide (a combination of urea and hydrogen peroxide) or just hydrogen peroxide. Depending on the concentration, these active ingredients might cause some sensitivity, but they're generally considered safe for teeth whitening. Still, Dr. Kantor suggests you consult a dentist before trying any whitening or bleaching products. "You don't want to bleach your teeth if there is decay present, and kids are not candidates for bleaching," he adds.
Why Trust Byrdie
Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle commerce writer specializing in beauty and fashion. She has written for several Dotdash Meredith brands over the years including Byrdie and InStyle. She also tests products and services so she can stand behind her recommendations. Ashley participated in testing for this article and was blown away by how much brighter her smile was after using the Zimba Premium Teeth Whitening Pen.
Ashley and Byrdie contributors also consulted with experts to learn more about what to keep in mind when shopping for nail strengthened:
- Dr. Brian Kantor, a cosmetic dentist in New York City
- Avalene Roberts, a dental hygienist and dental expert in New York City
According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any teeth whitening pens from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us atcontact@byrdie.com,and we will evaluate the product ASAP.