The Best Whitening Strips, According to Our Editors

More Teeth Whitening Strips We Tested and Liked

Along with our two winners, we tested (and loved) several other whitening kits, including classic strips and ones with LED lights. These four stood out for being fast, effective, and easy to use—all without causing any irritation to our teeth or gums. My personal favorite is the Crest 3D Whitestrips, Professional Effects; while I only use the kit every now and then, I notice results immediately after use.

Our Testing Process

To find the best teeth whitening strips, we tested some of the most popular kits, including both adhesive and dissolvable options. First, we compared the shade of our teeth to the Dental Shade Guide. 

We applied the strips according to each brand’s instructions, noting how easy the process was. While wearing the strips, we paid attention to how they felt on our teeth—whether they were discreet, obtrusive, slimy, sticky, etc.—and whether we experienced any discomfort. 

After the recommended wear time, we rinsed our mouths as instructed. Since teeth become more porous after whitening, we avoided dark foods and beverages for at least 24 hours. 

We used each box of strips for two weeks, tracking how long it took to notice a change in color and how noticeable it was.

How to Shop for Teeth Whitening Strips Like a Pro

Type

There are two main types of whitening strips: adhesive and dissolvable. Adhesive strips are the most popular—they’re easy to apply and tend to have stronger, more targeted results. The downside? You’ll need to rinse the film off afterward, and there’s a risk of uneven whitening depending on how well you apply them. We found the Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrip Teeth Whitening Kit super easy to use, and the strips were wide enough to cover all of our visible teeth. 

Next: dissolvable strips. The benefit is that there’s no removal process—rather than rinsing and brushing, they just dissolve on their own, making them ideal for on-the-go use. They’re also usually gentler on sensitive teeth because you don’t apply them directly to the enamel. However, the formula is usually weaker than adhesive options. 

During testing, we much preferred adhesive strips, as the dissolvable ones were uncomfortable while dissolving and left a slimy, sticky residue on our teeth.

Ingredients

When shopping for teeth whitening strips, ingredients are probably the most important thing to consider. After all, anything going in your mouth needs a real stamp of approval—ideally from the American Dental Association (ADA). 

Most teeth whitening strips—including the ones used at dental offices—have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both whiten your teeth through a process called oxidation. They penetrate the enamel and break down the chemical build of stains, making them less visible. Hydrogen peroxide is one of the key ingredients in both of our picks—and it’s ADA-approved. 

Just keep in mind that, while effective, these ingredients can be harsh on sensitive teeth. If you fall in that category, consider a natural formula or one with lower levels of hydrogen peroxide. We also recommend looking for options with potassium nitrate, a desensitizing ingredient found in many toothpastes.

Application Time

If you’re anything like me, you love instant gratification—the second I decide I want my teeth to be whiter, I expect them to immediately follow suit. Unfortunately, that’s not how most whitening strips work. To get the results you want, you’ll need to be willing to do the time. 

Most strips are supposed to stay on your teeth for 15 minutes to an hour. If you hate the feeling of something on your teeth (I know I do), look for an option on the shorter end. The tradeoff is that products with a shorter wear time usually have higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, which could irritate those with sensitivities. Either way, make sure to only use the strips for the intended amount of time. Leaving them on for too long could cause irritation or inflammation. 

For the best results, you’ll also want to stick with the treatment schedule—if you only follow the regimen for a day or two, the effects might not be as noticeable as you’d hoped. The Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrip Teeth Whitening Kit stays on for 30-minute intervals and should be used consistently for two weeks. We didn’t notice much change until the latter part of the testing period. The Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips, however, significantly whitened our editor’s teeth after a single use—it’s kind of the unicorn of teeth whitening strips.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Real Simple with nearly two years of experience writing shopping content. She hates the feeling of slimy film on her teeth and often uses the Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects for an extra confidence boost before she goes out at night. She loves that they’re easy to apply and that she can continue with her normal makeup routine while using them.