The 8 Best Teeth Whitening Pens for Your Brightest Smile (2024)

Dr. Kantor says it’s all about personal preference when picking the best teeth whitening pen, but if he had to pick a favorite it would be the Philips Zoom Whitening Pen. Despite its low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, it’s extremely effective in whitening teeth. “Its quality 5.25 percent hydrogen peroxide formula is usually quite effective on yellow stains if you use it continuously for 10 to 14 days,” he says. As an added bonus, he says that it fits right in your bag so you can take it with you wherever you go without worrying if it will leak. A strong teeth whitener that won’t cause sensitivity and is super easy to use at a decent price point — this can’t be beat.

Active Ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Number of uses: Pen lasts for 30 days | Treatment Length: 30 minutes

Dr. Issayans calls Lumineux Oral Essentials Bright Pen a standout. She explains that it doesn’t use any concentration of hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth, instead it uses naturally derived ingredients such as dead sea salt, aloe vera, and coconut oil to remove stains and yellow color without harming teeth. “The benefit of opting for the natural ingredients is a lower chance of tooth sensitivity,” she says. “For those wanting to be more ingredient-conscious, it's a great choice."

Active Ingredient: Vegetable glycerol | Number of uses: 20 | Treatment Length: 30 minutes

For a fast-acting teeth whitening pen to get rid of surface stains, turn to the Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen. It uses carbamide peroxide to gently whiten teeth without causing irritation on even the most sensitive teeth. It works in as little as one minute and can start to whiten teeth in just seven days.

Be aware that the pen claims to contain 20 applications, but users say it goes quicker if you’re not careful with the amount you apply.

Active Ingredient: Carbamide peroxide | Number of uses: 20 | Treatment Length: One minute

Dr. Issayans likes Colgate Optic White Overnight Whitening Pen because it’s safe enough to use overnight for even the most sensitive teeth. It only contains three percent hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth (most other whitening pens go up to at least 10 percent), but even with that low concentration, it is still effective at whitening teeth (it just may take a bit longer to see results). Simply put it on before bed and let the gel work overnight for a brighter smile in the AM.

Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Number of uses: 35 | Treatment Length: Overnight

Tarte Pearly Girl Teeth Vegan Whitening Pen is Dr. Issayans’ pick for sensitive teeth. “[It’s] formulated to be a highly ingredient-conscious option,” she says. “It also has a balanced pH level and desensitizing ingredients to be sure it’s the most gentle teeth whitening option.” Along with hydrogen peroxide, it is made with a vegan compound that gently whitens teeth while also protecting the enamel.

The downside to a super gentle formula is how often you need to apply it — it's recommended to apply it four times a day to see results.

Active Ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Number of uses: Over 20 | Treatment Length: 15 minutes

For a budget-friendly option, try VieBeauti Whitening Pen. It uses a more gentle whitening ingredient, carbamide peroxide, to brighten teeth. The ingredient is a great choice if you have any sensitivity. Plus, you get three pens for less than $15 — now that's a steal.

While most teeth whitening pens are flavorless, this one has a strong mint flavor, similar to toothpaste. We like the fresh mouth feeling, but others may find it to be overpowering.

Active Ingredient: Carbamide peroxide | Number of uses: Over 30 | Treatment Length: 15 minutes

For a really powerful whitening set, turn to Go Smile Glow On The Go Teeth Whitening Device & Pen. This two-step process makes it easy for you to whiten your teeth. First, you apply the hydrogen peroxide-based gel and then you lock it in with the LED device, holding it for 30 seconds on each row to set it. LED light has shown to activate the hydrogen peroxide; it breaks apart the gel faster and quickly lifts any stain, resulting in a brighter smile.

Active Ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Number of uses: Twice a day | Treatment Length: 1 minute

If you’re looking for a pen that won’t deliver a medicinal or overpowering mint flavor, Dr. Issayans recommends Moon Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen in Vanilla Mint. It mixes strawberry, honeysuckle, lavender, and vanilla mint for a very lovely flavor that isn’t too sweet or overbearing. Plus, it uses clean ingredients to whiten teeth without irritation.

Because the ingredients are natural, they are also more gentle. You’ll need to use it for a longer amount of time — up to 30 minutes twice a day — to see results in two weeks.

Active Ingredient: Propylene glycol | Number of uses: Two times a day for two weeks | Treatment Length: 10 to 30 minutes