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As a beauty editor, I've tried my fair share of pro-grade and at-home products — and teeth-whitening pens are an innovative and cost-friendly at-home dental treatment worth incorporating into your routine. In my constant effort to bring you the Best of the Best beauty products, I consulted a few dental experts about teeth-whitening pens. Based on their guidance, I heavily researched the Web for the top-rated teeth-whitening pens worth the money. The best part? Everything on this list starts at just $10, so you can buy yourself a self-care gift and offer your favorite sibling or friend an easy way to brighten their smile, too.
The Best Teeth-Whitening Pens
- Best Overall: Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen
- TikTok Made Me Buy It: Go Smile On the Go Advanced
- Most Amazon Reviews: Colgate Optic White Overnight
- Natural Teeth and Veeners: Supersmile Professional Whitening Bolt
- Best for Sensitive Teeth: Smilebriter Teeth Whitening Gel
What is a Teeth Whitening Pen?
The term "pen" is actually a bit of a misnomer; the more realistic description would be a teeth-whitening brush. That's because when it comes to teeth whitening, it's all about the whitening agent (sometimes called a "bleaching agent," but don't let that term scare you).
Benefits
Easy to Use
Pediatric dentist William E. Kemper, DMD, highlights their flexibility as a major win. "You can use these pens to target individual teeth or areas needing whitening. This is not always possible with other at-home methods," he says.
Compared to other methods that require you to submerge your teeth in some awkward tray or wrap them in a strip, with these, you can simply brush the whitening agent onto your teeth using the pen's bristled tip — with the agent itself rising up from beneath the bristles with just a crank of the pen's bottom end.
Great for Hard-to-Reach Spots
Board-certified general dentist Dr. Adriana Leone, DMD, likes these whiteners because they provide a more targeted approach to those hard-to-reach areas — like between teeth — that other whitening options tend to miss. "The slim and precise applicator allows you to target individual teeth or specific areas that need extra attention. This ensures that each tooth gets the desired level of whitening, giving you a natural-looking, even smile," explains Leone, founder of Wall St. Dental Spa in NYC.
Ideal for Minor Surface Stains and Discoloration
Kemper and fellow dentist Dr. Jennifer Silver both highlight teeth whitening pens as a quick and convenient option for brightening your smile. Kemper, who is based in Kentucky says, "High-quality whitening pens are effective for reducing stains and covering tough-to-handle stains. It also helps maintain whiter teeth between other treatments. They are generally gentle on your teeth and shouldn't cause added sensitivity, unlike some other whitening solutions."
Silver adds that teeth-whitening pens don't provide the same dramatic results as professional-grade teeth-whitening treatments, but they can help with minor surface stains and discoloration. "These pens are easy to use, allowing you to target specific areas or teeth that need attention. They can also serve as a maintenance tool to extend the results of professional whitening treatments," she says.
What to Consider
Your Oral Health
Like anything to do with oral hygiene, the main thing to consider is your own teeth: what they need, what they can handle, and how much time you can really commit to your dental care. If possible, consult your dentist before choosing a particular treatment, especially if you've undergone recent dental procedures and have crowns or fillings that might cause issues.
Your Goals and Time Commitment
Consider what you're looking to get out of your whitening pen. Some pens can offer more dramatic and longer-lasting results, but require a committed daily usage over the course of a week or more. Others, on the other hand, are better suited for quick fixes in a pinch, with results that fade sooner.
Ingredients
Lastly, especially if you have more sensitive teeth, consider the type of peroxide used in the pen. Most teeth-whitening pens rely on either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the latter being a compound of hydrogen peroxide and urea. Pure hydrogen peroxide pens usually deliver more obvious results faster, but users can sometimes experience irritation from the agent. Carbamide peroxide, on the other hand, may be slower to show results but has been shown to cause less irritation to sensitive teeth.
How to Use Safely
Silver, who practices at Macleod Trail Dental in Canada, says the best way to use at-home teeth whiteners safely is by following the product's instructions, including adhering to the recommended usage frequency and duration. She and Kemper also shared a few other easy-to-follow practical tips:
- Consult with your dentist: Before beginning any whitening regimen, ensure it suits your dental health. "Furthermore, you would want to address any underlying dental issues, such as cavities or gum problems, before starting the whitening process," Silver advises.
- Apply the whitening gel: Be sure to cover all visible tooth surfaces, especially areas with heavy staining.
- Avoid your gums: Our gums are sensitive, so don't apply the gel too close to the gum line to minimize irritation.
- Let it dry: Don't worry this is usually a quick 10-15 second process. But you'll also want to avoid eating and drinking during the treatment. "Friction from your lips or cheeks can affect the whitening. The film will dissolve after the treatment. You can use a toothbrush to remove any remaining residue," explains Kemper.
- How long to leave on? Kemper says typically, you should leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes, but suggested times will vary from brand to brand, so don't forget to read and follow the timeframe followed on your new teeth-whitening pen of choice.
- Avoid overuse: Excessive whitening can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
How We Chose
As mentioned earlier, I carefully researched and found 11 standout teeth whitening solutions worthy of your hard-earned money. I considered their ingredient list, ease of use, and online reviews. I also asked the experts about their no-fail picks so you have the added comfort of knowing there are some dentist-approved solutions on this list. Here are the 11 best teeth-whitening pens for your every need.
Pros
- Highly-concentrated formulation
- Fastest-acting pick
- Available in 2 potencies: regular and extra strength
- Whiten teeth up to 10 shades in 7 days
Cons
- Some reviewers say it caused tooth sensitivity
This top-rated teeth-whitening pen is the most popular pick among our readers who can't get enough of its potent formulation. The 35% carbamide peroxide and included 20 whitening treatments make this one of the best teeth-whitening pens on the market.
Given it's impressive concentration, this pen is the closest you'll get to a professional treatment for your teeth, all in the palm of your hand. It works fast, it works hard, and a little bit goes a long, long way. No wonder it earned our top spot!
Want to hear how quick the AuraGlow works? One of our testers tried it out and gave their “glowing” firsthand account. "The AuraGlow gel is totally unnoticeable once on your teeth, both visually and taste-wise, and I experienced zero sensitivity throughout the whole trial," gushes contributing editor Zarah A. Kavarana.
More: Best New Beauty Products for Fall, Loved by Our Editor
Pros
- Leak-free pen design
- Can be used solo or paired with the brands blue light treatment
Cons
- Reviewers say it takes a little longer to treat heavier stains
This handy little pen was on our team's radar even before it went viral on TikTok because On the Go is everything you want — pocket-sized, inexpensive, easy to use, and, of course, it works. When applied twice daily after meals, this pen delivers a brighter smile in just one week. As observers of the aforementioned TikTok note, you may even see results after the first few strokes.
Made without silicon, aspartame, or phosphate, users report no increase in teeth sensitivity after recommended use, making it ideal for most mouths. Complete and compact, the Go Smile On the Go pen is extremely portable in case you need a quick touch-up before a big meeting, and pairs with a larger blue light treatment for those looking to get the most out of their whitening experience.
Amazon reviewers agree they see a difference when they incorporate this teeth-whitening pen into their routine. "Used this twice daily for eight days before an important in-person meeting. I hadn’t done much with my teeth the past year-plus beyond regular brushing. This whitened my teeth right back up and I was proud of my smile being back to normal and then some!! Results were impressive," says a 5-star review.
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Pros
- Extremely popular — 30K+ bought on Amazon in the past month alone
- Promises to remove up to 15 years of staining in 1 week
Cons
- Lasts up to 30 uses, but reviewers with yellower teeth note it finishes quicker than expected
Curious about what teeth-whitening pen the pros actually recommend? I got you!
Silver likes this Colgate whitening pen for its effectiveness and reputation as a trusted dental care brand. "Colgate's whitening pen is designed to target and reduce surface stains on teeth, making it an efficient choice for enhancing your smile. Its effectiveness lies in its carefully formulated whitening gel, which is safe for dental enamel while still delivering noticeable results," she explains.
Nearly 25,000 Amazon reviewers have given the Colgate Optic White five stars, and it's not hard to see why. This pen can dramatically reduce even the most stubborn of stains overnight with its fast-acting treatment, which claims to reduce stains in just a week, while using 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Speaking of reviews, here's some insight from a popular 5-star Amazon review, "After a week of consistent use, I could see a noticeable difference in the color of my teeth. They were definitely whiter, and the improvement was apparent even to my friends and family."
Plus, the precision tip means you won't have to worry about bumping your gums, leading to less irritation and sensitivity.
Pros
- Dentist-approved
- Several reviewers note it doesn't hurt their teeth, especially when compared to strips
Cons
- Reviewers say the results are relatively slow, but the trade off is it's not painful
Dentist Dr. Latecia Miller, DDS, also likes the above-mentioned Colgate teeth-whitening pen and these nifty Crest Whitening Emulsions.
"Crest is arguably the biggest brand in teeth whitening and carries a lot of trust behind the name with all the products they release. It helps that their products also fall into the convenient, easy to use, and affordable category making them easy to trust and hard to pass up," she says.
The dentist-approved brand created its first-ever hydrating whitening treatment that combines peroxide droplets with a hydrating base to help minimize sensitivity.
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Pros
- Also safe for dentures and bonded teeth
- Non-irritating to gums
Cons
- It's relatively pricy for an at-home treatment of its size
Subtly whiten coffee, tea, wine, juice, berry, and even tobacco stains with this nifty teeth-whitening pen. What's most unique about this pick is that it's free of harsh bleaching agents, and it contains zero parabens, silica, triclosan, sulfates, known allergens, and animal by-products. Its formulation is so gentle that Supersmile promises it cosmetically enhances your natural teeth, along with dentures, veneers, or bonded teeth.
After coating the enamel, it helps prevent stains from anything you consume afterward for up to six hours. And don't just take the brand's word for it — trust the online reviews. "This is great, it protects my teeth from my blackberry staining and makes them even whiter," says a 5-star review on Supersmile's site. The reviewer adds their favorite feature of this teeth-whitening pen is the easy of use. "Just brush it on and you are done."
Pros
- Contains xylitol, which can help strengthen enamel
- Reduces oral bacteria
Cons
- The gel consistency leans liquidy, so some users have experienced a little running
While some whitening pens contain chemicals that may irritate sensitive teeth, others include ingredients that could actually be beneficial. Smile Briter's pens not only don't agitate sensitive teeth, but they also include Xylitol, a non-fermented sugar, in their formula.
And before years of candy-induced cavities make you wary of the “sugar” and “teeth” word combo, studies have shown that Xylitol can actually help strengthen tooth enamel!
Amazon reviewers highlight it as winning at-home treatment. One mom gifted her teen daughter this gel pen who she describes as someone who wants their teeth to look perfect 24/7 and has tried a slew of cheap and expensive teeth-whitening products, but is never fully satisfied with the results.
To quote her 5-star Amazon review, "My daughter has been using this for a couple of weeks and you can already notice an improvement. If you are loking for some great whitening gel pens try these out, you know that if they can make a teenage girl happy they must be good."
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Pros
- Can be paired with teeth-whitening trays if that's more your vibe
- Works incredibly fast — so you may experience slightly more discomfort compared to other picks
Cons
- Must rinse after 30 minutes
If you're not looking to invest your time and money into a multi-week process, this simple and affordable pen from Polar can help deliver the post-coffee break brightening you need without lightening your wallet too much in the process.
You'll be able to get more than 20 sessions of 15- to 30-minute applications from this Polar pen, all for under $10. For even faster results, you can pair this super-charged teeth-whitening pen with the brand's polar LED light.
Online reviewers highlight the travel-friendly size that fits perfectly in their bag for post-lunchtime teeth-whitening. To quote a 5-star review, "I left mine on about 25 minutes the first time I did it and repeated the process after three days as I am a heavy coffee drinker and cigarette smoker. The results I have seen are so very impressive and I absolutely love this whitening pen!"
Pros
- NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. is also a fan of Moon products
- Also available in a rose mint flavor for only $5 more
Cons
- Skip if you're gifting this to a Kardashian or Jenner hater
Yes, this teeth-whitening pen comes with a famous name attached, but that famous name doesn't mean it doesn't work — it absolutely does. But unlike a few others featured on this list, this option is flavored. The vanilla mint flavor tastes good, with no weird alcohol flavor they try to disguise with peppermint. It's vanilla and mint, but not saccharine.
Ulta shoppers are also keen on this sleek teeth-whitening pen because it's incredibly easy to use and effective. "Taking the wet brush and basically painting your teeth was easy and kind of fun. I liked the fact it uses healthier natural ingredients since it is something going into your mouth. I did notice a slight tingle if I got it on my gums, but nothing major and no sensitivities to it," says a 5-star review.
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Pros
- Earned a Clean at Sephora badge
- Tarte promises the gel clings to the teeth
Cons
- Some reviewers consider the dispenser annoying to use
Tarte isn’t just a cosmetics brand — they’re giving it up for the oral care aficionados, too! This vegan formula is great for on-the-spot touch-ups, and will protect your enamel while also giving you a whiter smile.
This teeth-whitening pen earned top marks from Sephora shoppers, but my personal favorite is a 5-star review that highlights it as a fantastic at-home alternative to pro-grade treatments. "I was pretty weary buying this after zoom didn't work and just caused sensitivity, but I'm on day two today and excited to see how much more of my old smoking stains get removed. I'm already seeing a difference," says the Sephora reviewer.
Pros
- Created by dentists
- Includes a sturdy case
Cons
- Sells out frequently, so if you're interested in it, I advise purchasing it ASAP
Plenty of teeth-whitening pens seem like they’re easy to transport, but not all pens travel the same. If you’ve ever had an errant cap pop off — or worse, a whole pen get crushed — you won't just be shopping for a new whitening pen, but a whole new bag! That's what makes the Spotlight Oral Care a standout for travelers, since it's not only a durable pen on its own, but also comes with a handy pouch for carrying in a purse and a protective tube for luggage.
Spotlight Oral Care is also a sustainable and clinically effective oral beauty brand created by dentists — meaning that their products are medically proven and full of ingredients that are great for your teeth. In just 5 minutes, this whitening pen can lift the color off stains. It's as close as you can get to professional-grade quality when you're on the go.
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.
Amanda Mitchell
Amanda Mitchell is a writer and podcaster with bylines at Marie Claire, OprahMag, Allure, Byrdie, Stylecaster, Bon Appetit, and more. Her work exists at the apex of beauty, pop culture, and absurdity. A human Funfetti cake, she watches too much television, and her favorite season is awards season. You can read more of her work at amandaelizabethmitchell.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @lochnessmanda.
Michael Natale
News Editor
Michael Natale is a news editor for the Hearst Enthusiast Group. His stories have appeared in Popular Mechanics, Best Products, and Runner's World.