The 6 Best Teeth Whitening Pens On The Market, Backed By Top Dentists

This vegan number is formulated with 35% carbamide peroxide (a compound consisting of hydrogen peroxide and urea), which has been shown to have a significant lightening effect without additional side effects, other than fleeting sensitivity. The brand promises results in as fast as one treatment, with a smile two to eight shades lighter after seven to ten days. 

What users say:

This pen may not give you brilliant pearly whites (no whitening pen works that fast), but this affordable option provides a noticeable brightness. Take it from this customer review: “Not going to lie, saw this in my Amazon recommendations with the word ‘vegan’ and decided to try it. To my surprise it seems to do *something.* I've only used it like four times, but I definitely notice a change. Do I have super white, movie-star teeth? No. But I used to smoke, and I drink lots of coffee and tea, and I think this has removed some of the stains.”

With a name like “Extreme Whitening Oral Pen,” you can expect this high-powered number to put in the work. The star ingredient is hydroxyapatite, which is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up 97% of tooth enamel, so it simultaneously strengthens teeth as it whitens. Plus, you’ll find aloe vera, coconut oil, and vitamin C to further promote oral health, along with peppermint and spearmint oil for a minty fresh flavor. 

What users say:

Despite its fact-acting results, reviewers praise Dr. Brite for remaining gentle on their enamel. “I'm pleased with this. It doesn't feel too harsh, but I still notice a difference in the shade of my teeth,” one customer writes. Another specifically comments on its quick results: “I drink coffee every day, and this pen made my teeth a few shades whiter in just a few uses.” 

This number was co-created by Kendall Jenner, who is constantly flashing her pearly whites during photoshoots, at events, etc. And with a few consistent treatments, you, too, can sport a dazzling, camera-ready smile. The formula features hydrogen peroxide to easily lift stains, while lavender oil, honeysuckle flower extract, and strawberry fruit extract provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (it also comes recommended by premier cosmetic dentist Victoria Veytsman, DDS!). 

What users say:

This is the whitening pen I personally use. It’s chic, user-friendly, and easy to tuck into just about any tote I own. This reviewer agrees: “The size is a big advantage compared to other products because it is basically the size of a sharpie pen. This is super convenient for putting in your pocket or purse and allows you to apply it whenever. I bring this up because I notice my teeth are whitest right after applying the product.” I haven’t seen the most dramatic whitening results (it’s difficult to give up coffee for two weeks, OK?!), but I will say that the easy application makes this one an A+ option to use every day. 

How do LED lights help whiten your teeth, you ask? Well, the light actually just boosts the whitening gel formula; it helps activate the peroxide ingredients even faster, which gives them extra power to lift stains off your teeth. After using SmileDirectClub’s treatment duo five minutes a day for one week—once in the morning and once in the evening—the brand promises noticeably brighter results that last six months. Not bad for an at-home kit. 

What users say:

Although this powerful treatment includes hydrogen peroxide (which can sensitize teeth), users say it’s pretty gentle on the enamel: “I have very sensitive gums due to [an] exposed nerve, and this did not bother me one bit,” writes one reviewer. “It’s very gentle and works great. I highly recommend."

Coconut oil has plenty of anecdotal benefits for tooth health: "I absolutely believe it has whitening properties, can decrease sensitivity, and there's even the idea that it can deter cavities from getting worse," says holistic dentist and assistant clinical professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Ester Rubin about oil pulling with coconut oil. While this pen does include a small concentration of hydrogen peroxide, it’s surely the most gentle of the bunch. 

What users say:

For those with sensitive teeth and gums (self included), the mere thought of painting on a whitening pen might make your teeth ache in agony. Rest assured, you won’t feel the sting with this natural-leaning number. “I have tried other products in the past, and the harsh ingredients have made my already sensitive teeth almost unbearable,” writes a reviewer. “I am very pleased to say that this has not increased my sensitivity at all. I love how easy it is to use, and I am not so worried about weird ingredients or bleaching agents in my mouth with the [natural ingredients] of this product. It goes on quickly and absorbs in about two minutes, I would say. There is no nasty taste, just a super clean feeling when you are done.” 

“I like the Auraglow pen, which is easy to find online or on Amazon,” says Lipari. The 35% carbamide peroxide gel claims to whiten up to 10 shades in seven days, and they have the clinical results to show for it: 100% of participants saw whitening results after use. It’s no wonder the portable tool comes lauded by plenty of oral care experts, Lipari included. 

What users say:

Shoppers love the ease and convenience of Auraglow. “I found that Auraglow is one of the fastest working teeth whiteners I have tried,” one shopper writes. “The price is affordable, [and] you don’t have to sit around for a ½ hour waiting for it to lift one shade! I did a 10 minute session, and I get one shade of lift, which is real fast! Also it hasn't increased sensitivity.” Other reviewers did note that it’s difficult to tell how much gel is left in the bottle, since it comes in an opaque applicator; it may take a couple of clicks to tell how much goop you’re dealing with.