Updated on August 19, 2025
7 min read

Colgate Optic White Product Reviews

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With more people searching for affordable and effective ways to brighten their smiles, at-home teeth whitening solutions have soared in popularity.

Colgate Optic White offers several products: teeth whitening toothpaste, a convenient whitening pen, and a high-tech LED whitening device. Each promises noticeable results.

But how do these options stack up against professional treatments, and which method best suits your needs? Let’s break down the science behind Optic White and help you set realistic expectations.

Everything We Recommend

How Colgate Optic White Works

All Colgate Optic White products use hydrogen peroxide, the gold-standard active ingredient in teeth whitening. Peroxide concentrations vary, impacting whitening speed and intensity:

  • Toothpaste contains about 2% hydrogen peroxide, gently reducing everyday surface stains.
  • Whitening pens contain 5% hydrogen peroxide, suitable for targeted stain removal.
  • LED kits deliver about 9% hydrogen peroxide for more rapid whitening, approaching professional-strength treatments.

When applied, hydrogen peroxide breaks down, releasing oxygen that penetrates tooth enamel. This oxygen reaction breaks apart and dissolves yellow and brown stain molecules (chromogens), visibly brightening teeth.

What is the LED Mouthpiece For?

Colgate’s LED whitening device features a violet light (~405 nm), marketed to “amplify” the effects of peroxide. However, research indicates the actual benefits of the LED component are limited:

  • Minimal extra whitening ⁠— Studies have found little to no significant difference in results when using LED lights compared to peroxide alone.
  • Enhanced motivation ⁠— Despite limited clinical benefits, LED devices may encourage consistent use, indirectly improving whitening outcomes.

Get your brightest smile with NewMouth's top teeth whitening picks for 2024.

Colgate Optic White Product Reviews

The NewMouth team put together a list of Colgate’s best Optic White products. Read below for our full review:

Optic White® Renewal Toothpaste

Waterpik Sonic Fusion

Based on our research, the Optic White® Renewal Toothpaste uses a 3 % hydrogen peroxide formula combined with fluoride. It’s designed to remove surface stains like those from coffee, tea, and wine.

Colgate indicates it can tackle up to 15 years' worth of such stains with twice-daily brushing for two weeks while being enamel-safe and containing cavity-fighting fluoride. It’s also been lauded for a gentle, minty flavor.

ProsCons
Gentle yet effective 3% hydrogen peroxide formulaWhitening toothpastes aren’t effective on intrinsic stains
Fluoride protects against cavities and supports enamelMay not be suitable for sensitive teeth
Hydrogen peroxide is a professionally recommended ingredient for teeth whiteningDoes not repair long-term enamel damage
Smooth mint flavor that doesn’t irritate

Optic White® Advanced Toothpaste

Three-pack of Colgate Optic White Advanced toothpaste. The package is red with white text and states it can whiten teeth up to four shades. Each tube is 3.2 oz, totaling 9.6 oz.

We recommend the Optic White® Advanced Toothpaste for those seeking a reliable daily maintenance option. It delivers a mild 2 % hydrogen peroxide strength, which is enough to remove surface stains over time while remaining enamel-safe.

Users appreciate its everyday wearable strength, affordability, and that it’s still dentist-approved for whitening maintenance.

ProsCons
Mild whitening suitable for everyday useWhitening is gradual; not ideal for quick, dramatic results
Contains fluoride to remineralize and protect enamelMay not suffice for deeper, intrinsic stains
Budget‑friendly and widely available

Optic White® Pro Series Toothpaste

Three boxes of Colgate Optic White Pro Series toothpaste, each labeled for visibly whiter teeth in 3 days and containing 3 oz of product with 5% hydrogen peroxide.

The Optic White® Pro Series Toothpaste is Colgate’s most potent OTC option, containing a 5 % hydrogen peroxide formula. It’s marketed to whiten deeply, with claims of removing up to 15 years of stains when used as directed.

This formula manages to be enamel-safe while also being vegan, gluten- and sugar-free, expanding its appeal to a wider audience.

ProsCons
Highest peroxide concentration among OTC Colgate optionsStronger peroxide taste may be off-putting to some
Delivers rapid whitening resultsHigher price per ounce than milder alternatives
Easy to remove (through toothbrushing)
Enamel-safe and allergen-friendly (gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan)

Optic White® Express Whitening Pen

Colgate Optic White Express Whitening Pen packaging showing the pen applicator and claims of whiter teeth in one day, with red and white branding.

The Optic White® Express Whitening Pen is a hydrogen peroxide gel in a precision-tip pen. Colgate states it provides visible whitening after just three applications—potentially achieving noticeable results in one day.

The gel is enamel-safe and designed to avoid tooth sensitivity. Users value its precision and convenience, though volume per use is small, and it may tingle slightly.

ProsCons
Fast-acting; visible results may appear in as little as one dayContains only a week’s worth of product at standard usage
Portable and precise applicationPossible temporary tingling or sensitivity
Convenient for on-the-go touch-upsWhitening effect may be temporary and require repeat application

Optic White® ComfortFit LED Kit

Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit box showing the device, whitening pen, and product claims such as "removes 10 years of stains in 3 days.

The Optic White® ComfortFit LED Kit is a great option if you're after high-impact whitening. This kit includes a flexible LED light device plus a whitening pen containing hydrogen peroxide serum.

The application takes 10 minutes daily, with users reporting an even whitening. While purchasing the kit can be an investment upfront, users appreciate the dentist-tested sensitivity claims and rechargeable flexibility.

ProsCons
Combines light technology with whitening gel for potentially faster resultsHigher initial cost than standalone pastes or pens
Uniform application thanks to LED mouthpieceRequires daily commitment for full treatment
Low sensitivity and rechargeable designDoes not work on dental fixtures (crowns, veneers, fillings, or dentures)

How Effective is Each Optic White Product?

The effectiveness of Colgate Optic White depends on the product chosen and how consistently it’s used. Here's what you can typically expect:

  1. Toothpaste (2% peroxide) ⁠— Results visible after two to four weeks of daily use; typically improves teeth by two to three VITA shades
  2. Whitening Pen (5% peroxide) ⁠— Noticeable whitening usually after about 10 nightly applications, achieving three to four shades of improvement
  3. LED Kit (9% peroxide) ⁠— Faster results are often noticeable within one week, delivering similar shade improvements (three to four VITA shades) but in a shorter period

Other factors influencing your results include stain severity, how strictly you follow the recommended routine, and whether you have existing dental work (like fillings or crowns) that won't whiten with these products.

Is Colgate Optic White Safe?

Teeth whitening, including Colgate Optic White, is generally safe, but being aware of possible side effects helps you use these products responsibly.

Tooth Sensitivity

Short-term sensitivity is common and typically mild, resulting from peroxide temporarily irritating tooth nerves. Manage this by:

  • Spacing sessions ⁠— Allowing a day or two between treatments.
  • Using desensitizing toothpaste ⁠— Brushing with a potassium nitrate toothpaste can significantly reduce discomfort.
  • Reducing wear time ⁠— Following instructions carefully and not exceeding recommended exposure.

Gum and Soft-Tissue Concerns

When peroxide contacts gums, mild irritation can occur. Prevent or minimize discomfort by:

  • Applying gel carefully ⁠— Keep gel away from gumlines and lips.
  • Wiping away excess ⁠— Promptly remove gel from gums or skin to avoid chemical irritation.
  • Checking for irritation ⁠— If you notice prolonged discomfort, pause use until gums heal.

Enamel Integrity

Research consistently shows that enamel damage from Colgate Optic White products is minimal, provided they're used correctly:

  • Neutral pH formula ⁠— Products formulated at neutral or near-neutral pH prevent enamel erosion.
  • Fluoride inclusion ⁠— Fluoride products help remineralize and protect enamel during whitening.
  • Limited duration ⁠— Temporary and short-term use significantly reduces enamel risks.

When Should You Stop Teeth Whitening?

If you feel the following symptoms, pause the use of teeth whitening products and seek a consultation with your dentist:

  • Severe or prolonged sensitivity lasting over 48 hours
  • Visible gum sores or ulcers developing
  • Persistent or worsening enamel roughness noticed by tongue or visually
  • Signs of allergic reaction, such as significant swelling or rash

Choose the Right Product for Your Needs

Balancing your specific goals, sensitivity concerns, and budget can help you pick the right teeth whitening method confidently. However, if you’re still unsure which Colgate Optic White product suits you best, we’ve provided a simple breakdown:

  • Toothpaste ⁠— Ideal for gradual whitening, daily maintenance, and budget-friendly stain removal.
  • Whitening pen ⁠— Best for targeted, overnight whitening—easy to apply precisely without mess.
  • LED whitening device ⁠— Offers faster results but at a higher cost, with slightly increased sensitivity risks.

Keep in mind that teens, people with significant dental work (crowns, fillings), or severe discoloration should consult dental professionals before starting at-home whitening.local dentist’s office. It has a patented whitening formula and LED device to give people whiter smiles.

Last updated on August 19, 2025
7 Sources Cited
Last updated on August 19, 2025
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. Barbosa L M M, Centenaro G G, Cordeiro D C F, et al. “Effect of Light-Activation Systems Associated With Whitening Pens in the Bleaching Efficacy and Hydrogen Peroxide Permeability.” Journal of Dentistry, 2025.
  2. Krayem E, Banerjee A, Milly H. “Evaluating the Efficiency of Two Different Over-the-Counter Tooth-Whitening Systems: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial.” BDJ Open, 2024.
  3. Mehrgan S, Kermanshah H, Ranjbar Omrani L, et al. “Comparison of Charcoal-Containing, Hydrogen-Peroxide-Containing, and Abrasive Whitening Toothpastes on Color Stability of a Resin Composite: An In Vitro Study.” BMC Oral Health, 2021.
  4. Elias-Boneta A, Mateo L, Delgado E, et al. “Clinical Investigation of Whitening Efficacy on Colgate Optic White Dentifrice.” IADR/AADR/CADR Annual Meeting, 2014.
  5. International Organization for Standardization. “ISO 28399:2021 Dentistry — External Tooth Bleaching Products.” International Organization for Standardization, 2021.
  6. American Dental Association. “Whitening (Oral Health Topics).” American Dental Association, 2022.
  7. Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. “Opinion on Hydrogen Peroxide in Tooth-Whitening Products (SCCS/1624/20).” European Commission, 2018.
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