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Looking for a quick fix for a brighter smile? Try a teeth whitening pen. "These pens are small, plastic tubes that house a whitening gel," says Dr. Daniel Rubinshtein, D.D.S., a celebrity cosmetic dentist in New York. "They can help improve the color of your teeth by removing leftover stains on each tooth's surface, give visible results quickly and are ideal if you want to add a last-minute touch up on-the-go."
Our top picks:
Whitening pens are just one type of at-home teeth whitening products. "Others include teeth whitening strips that gradually dissolve over the teeth and rigid trays that hold a gel whitening formula on the teeth," says Chiara Butler, a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Dr. Rubinshtein explains, "Each of these contain different concentrations of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the active ingredients used for the removal of surface stains on teeth." Pens generally have the lowest percentage of these ingredients, making them great for touch-ups and short term effects but the results may not last as long as these other whitening categories.
To help you find the best and most effective teeth whitening pens, we've compiled a list of the best dentist-chosen and editor-vetted picks, along with top-rated products online. But your whitening journey doesn't have to end there: Check out our top picks for the best whitening kits, whitening mouthwashes and whitening toothpastes to try, too.
Pros
- Time-saving
- Works while you sleep
- Minimal pain or sensitivity
Cons
- Formula can harden on teeth or brush
Time-saving and effective, Colgate's pen whitens teeth while you sleep with 3% of the stain lightening ingredient hydrogen peroxide. "The length of time that the gel stays on the teeth is important to provide a better result," says Dr. Max Blondman, D.D.S., a dentist in New York City. "Since the Colgate pen works overnight, the active ingredients have ample time to get the job done." Dr. Rubinshtein is also a fan of this pen, especially because it comes from a reputable brand and has a great price point.
One thing to look out for: While it didn't cause pain, a few reviewers noted that the gel may harden on the applicator brush or your teeth.
Whitening active | Hydrogen peroxide |
---|---|
Results time frame | One week |
Recommended usage | Nightly |
Level of whitening claimed | Up to fifteen years of stains |
Pros
- Doesn't cause sensitivity
- Good value
- Pleasant taste
Cons
- Some says results can take a while
With over 35,000 ratings, this set is an Amazon best-seller for good reason: It's budget-friendly, gentle enough to use twice daily and can removal external stains of all types. Plus, multiple reviewers commented that there was no sensitivity or irritation even after many uses. While many users noted quick results, a few felt that it took a while to see noticeable changes.
"They have exceeded my expectations in every way," one Amazon reviewer says. "They are easy to use, provide noticeable results and are an exceptional value for the money."
Whitening active | Carbamide peroxide |
---|---|
Results time frame | A few days |
Recommended usage | Twice daily |
Level of whitening claimed | Up to eight shades |
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Pros
- Won't irritate teeth or gums
- Only have to leave on teeth for a minute
- Flexible tip to reach every tooth
Cons
- Some had usage issues with getting the gel out of the pen
Auraglow's pen works fast (under one minute!) and furiously to whiten teeth without causing any pain or sensitivity. The Walmart top-seller contains carbamide peroxide, which is proven to lifts stains from the teeth, according to the brand. The brush has a flexible tip, allowing it to access teeth of different shapes and sizes. While reviewers love the quick results and lack of irritation, a few had trouble using the pen and getting the gel out of the pen even after many clicks.
"This pen works very well, has caused no sensitivity for my teeth and I saw a difference in whitening after the first application," says one Walmart reviewer. "This will be my go-to because I find it works better than any strips or even the trays I got from my dentist."
Whitening active | Carbamide peroxide |
---|---|
Results time frame | Seven days |
Recommended usage | One to two times daily |
Level of whitening claimed | Ten shades |
Pros
- Quick results
- Gentle
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some users found the gel didn't stay on teeth
Crest's teeth whitening pen has a unique spatula applicator that's flexible and easy to use. And it works quickly — you can see real lightening effects in just a single day. "It painlessly whitened my sensitive teeth about two shades over one day — the difference is noticeable," marveled GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann. "It stayed put, and after a minute or two, I didn’t even feel it on."
The spatula tip isn't for everyone though; a few users commented that it didn't allow the gel to adhere to their teeth well.
Whitening active | Hydrogen peroxide |
---|---|
Results time frame | One day |
Recommended usage | Multiple times daily |
Level of whitening claimed | Two shades+ |
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5
Best Portable Teeth Whitening Pen
Go Smile On The Go Teeth Whitening Pen
Pros
- Lower level of active to minimize irritation
- Great for travel
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Not as strong whitening effects
Dr. Rubinshtein recommends Go Smile's pen as it "paints the whitening serum cleanly across the teeth and gives users visible results when used up to twice a day for a week." While it may not give extreme whitening results due to the low percentage of hydrogen peroxide, it can whiten teeth a few shades and is unlikely to irritate teeth. You also can use it alongside the complementary whitening kit, a GH Beauty Award winner, for maximum results.
Reviewers love the portability of the pen — it's ideal for on-the-go usage. "I love that I can carry it in my purse for touchups," says one Amazon reviewer.
Whitening active | Hydrogen peroxide |
---|---|
Results time frame | Instant |
Recommended usage | Twice daily |
Level of whitening claimed | Up to two shades |
Pros
- Quick results
- Minimal sensitivity
- Good for vegan users
Cons
- Strong flavor
Ideal before a big event, reviewers love Tarte's pen for its instant results. "I loved this product," says one Sephora reviewer. "It's so easy to use, has a minty aftertaste and you can literally see a difference in five minutes after applying this." It's also a great choice if you are looking for a vegan option.
Many reviewers love the minty flavor, although a few commented that it was a little strong and unappealing.
Whitening active | Hydrogen peroxide |
---|---|
Results time frame | Instant |
Recommended usage | Up to four times daily |
Level of whitening claimed | Not specified |
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Pros
- Can use with whitening kit or by itself
- Gentle formula
Cons
- May not be as effective without consistent use
Butler loves Snow's multi-functional serum pen: It can be used as part of their whitening kit that includes an LED light or applied solo. "I liked that it was easy to apply and didn’t irritate my gums," she says. "You can leave it on your teeth for just nine minutes or for up to 30 minutes, so it’s easy to incorporate into your routine."
Online reviewers agree that it's gentle and super easy to use. Consistency is key here: One found that their results were minimal when not using multiple nights in a row.
Whitening active | Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide |
---|---|
Results time frame | Not specified |
Recommended usage | 9-30 minutes each day for 21-30 days straight |
Level of whitening claimed | Not specified (brand claims "professional level whitening results") |
How we choose the best teeth whitening pens
The GH Institute's Beauty Lab rigorously tests all types of oral care, including water flossers, toothpastes, whitening strips and more.
While we haven't yet formally tested teeth whitening pens in the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, we have tested many other whitening products, in which our scientists measure the shade of testers' teeth under standardized lighting before and after using a label-masked teeth whitening product as directed over a specified time period to gauge changes in tooth color. So our experts have a solid understanding of which brands offer the best whitening products on the market, and which formulas are most effective.
The pens on this list are a combination of top picks chosen by top dentists we interviewed and our own Lab scientists, as well as highly rated products from our go-to beauty and health shopping destinations.
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What to look for when shopping for the best teeth whitening pens
When it comes to choosing a whitening pen, it's all about the ingredients. "Look for a product with either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the active ingredients used for the removal of surface stains on teeth," says Dr. Rubinshtein. "The ones that have a stronger percentage of these ingredients tend to give the stronger results." Butler also suggests seeking out reputable oral care brands that you know and trust.
Do teeth whitening pens really work?
Yes, but to a limited capacity. "The ingredients mentioned above oxidize and chemically break apart the colored molecules that appear as stains on our teeth," explains Butler. "A whitening pen won’t whiten teeth as quickly as a professional whitening at the dentist’s office. This is because the whitening agents are used at much lower concentrations in the pen, but they will lighten teeth with regular use over time."
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How do I use a teeth whitening pen and how long do you leave it on?
(Not so) fun fact: "Most people use the whitening pens the wrong way," says Dr. Rubinshtein. "They also don’t prep the teeth properly beforehand to get the best results." He advises to brush and floss teeth thoroughly first and make sure teeth are dry before using the pen.
"Try to be precise and avoid applying it to your gums, lips or other soft tissues," he says. "A thin, even layer does the trick." It's important to avoid eating, drinking or rinsing the mouth right after to get the best results. Every whitening pen is a little different and has different usage and timing guidelines so always read the instructions before using.
Are there side effects from teeth whitening pens?
"Overusing whitening pens beyond the recommended use can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation and even long-term enamel damage," says Dr. Rubinshtein. "Make sure to wait the correct amount of time and try not to remove it too soon, as this can impact the results."
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dori Price researched and wrote this article, compiling all of the data and the list of top products. She has over 15 years of experience working as a beauty editor, including six years as the beauty and fashion director at Family Circle magazine. She works with the GH beauty team, GH Beauty Lab experts and industry pros on beauty product testing and reporting and lends her product knowledge and expertise across many beauty and health categories including skincare, makeup, nails, haircare and more.
Chiara Butler contributed her expertise about teeth whitening pens and top product picks to this story. She is a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she conducts hands-on testing of health and beauty products. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Columbia University. Before joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims.
Dori Price
Contributing Beauty Editor
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.