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Teeth whitening strips are one of the most popular at-home methods, but not all options are equally safe or effective.
This guide breaks down the top-tested strips of 2025 and explains how to use them safely, especially if you have sensitive teeth or dental work.
Who Can Use Teeth Whitening Strips?
Teeth whitening strips can improve surface-level staining, but they aren’t right for everyone.
You should not use whitening strips if you’re pregnant, under 14, or have untreated oral health issues. These conditions increase your risk of sensitivity or complications from peroxide-based ingredients.
Whitening strips work by bleaching natural enamel. They don’t affect the color of dental restorations like:
That means your natural teeth may whiten while the rest stay the same color, leading to an uneven smile.
If you have braces, whitening strips can also cause patchy results. The areas under the brackets won’t be exposed to the whitening agents.
Before starting any whitening treatment, check with your dentist, especially if you have cavities, gum disease, or recent dental work.
We tested each whitening strip over a two-week period, logging changes in tooth color and tracking any sensitivity or irritation.
Each product was evaluated using the following:
However, keep in mind that results depend on your baseline tooth shade, diet, and adherence to the instructions.
If you feel significant discomfort, stop use and check with your dentist. For safety, always follow the wear time listed on the packaging.
Top Picks for Teeth Whitening Strips (2025)Dentistry and completed a one-year general dentistry residency in a hospital setting.
Everything We Recommend
Best Overall: LIVFRESH Teeth Whitening Strips
The Runner-Up: Auraglow Teeth Whitening Strips
Best Peroxide Free: Hismile PAP+ Whitening Strips™
Also Great: Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White
Best for Sensitive Teeth: Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive
Best for Convenience: Snow Magic Strips®
Best Tasting: Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips
Best for Maintenance: Spotlight Oral Care Whitening Starter Bundle
Best Natural Ingredients: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
Best for Quick Treatments: BURST Teeth Whitening Strips with Soothing Coconut Oil
Best Affordable:Ollie Teeth Whitening Strips
Get your brightest smile with NewMouth's top teeth whitening picks for 2025.
Teeth whitening strips make great alternatives to whitening trays and LED kits. They’re easy to put on and remove and can be left on for 15 to 30 minutes while you do something else. Here are Dr. Aggarwal’s most recommended brands:
These strips offer gentle peroxide-powered whitening with added coconut oil for comfort. In our tests, we logged a color improvement after 14 days and minimal sensitivity (score ≤2).
Here is what the package looks like:
These are a peroxide-based option balanced with enamel-support ingredients. In our tests, we saw a clear color change by Day 7 and consistent comfort scores (≤3).
These are peroxide-free strips designed for very sensitive users. In our tests, no testers reported sensitivity; ΔE improvements were modest.
These are one of the only strips with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. In our tests, we saw above-average ΔE improvements and excellent strip adhesion at 30 minutes.
This is a gentler option from Crest for people who’ve had issues with more potent formulas. In our tests, average sensitivity scores were lower than the Glamorous version, but whitening took longer.
These offer whitening without removal—just apply and let it dissolve. In our tests, the strips fully dissolved within ~15 minutes and caused no sensitivity.
These flavored strips make the whitening experience more enjoyable. In our tests, adhesion was moderate, and users saw a ΔE increase by Day 10 with minimal irritation.
These strips have a dentist-developed system with a multi-active formula. In our tests, we saw slow but steady ΔE improvements over 14 days, especially for coffee and tea drinkers.
This is a certified non-toxic option for extremely sensitive users. In our tests, sensitivity was near zero, but the whitening effect was minimal, and residue required cleanup.
These strips are fast-acting options with multiple formulas, including a dissolving version. In our tests, the 15-minute non-slip version gave a mild ΔE improvement, ideal for maintenance.
These are subscription-based whitening strips that blend comfort and value. In our tests, strips stayed in place well and showed early ΔE change within the first week.
Use the table below for a quick side-by-side of your top options.
| Product | Active & Format | Best For |
| Crest Glamorous White | H₂O₂ strips (30 min) | ADA-backed whitening |
| Crest Sensitive | Gentle H₂O₂ strips (30 min) | Whitening with less irritation |
| Auraglow | 8% H₂O₂ + nHA + potassium nitrate (30 min) | Balanced peroxide use |
| LIVFRESH | H₂O₂ + coconut oil (20–30 min) | Premium gentle whitening |
| Hismile PAP+ | PAP + nHA + potassium citrate (30 min) | Sensitivity-free use |
| Snow Magic Strips® | H₂O₂ + HAP, dissolving (15 min) | No-fuss convenience |
| Zimba | H₂O₂ flavored strips (30 min) | Fun, budget-friendly whitening |
| Spotlight Oral Care | H₂O₂ (0.01%) + PAP + HAP (60 min) | Dentist-developed system |
| Lumineux | Coconut oil + essential oils (30 min) | Natural, no sensitivity |
| BURST | 6% H₂O₂ or 12% PAP (15 min) | Quick touch-ups |
| Ollie | H₂O₂ + nHA + potassium nitrate (30 min) | Subscription value & comfort |
See NewMouth’s top 10 teeth whitening products of 2025.
Different whitening strips work best for different needs. Choose based on your sensitivity, time commitment, and desired results.
Many products now include nHA or potassium salts to reduce discomfort—these work by protecting your enamel or calming the tooth nerve.
Avoid using strips longer than instructed. Most whitening occurs in the first 30 minutes, and extra time doesn’t help but may increase risk.
We recommend picking the formula and schedule that fits your comfort level and lifestyle.
Strips are generally safe when used as directed—but misuse can cause enamel damage, gum irritation, or rebound sensitivity.
To protect your teeth and get the best results:
Most people who experience discomfort feel relief within 24 to 72 hours after stopping treatment.
If symptoms persist or worsen, pause the product and consult your dentist.
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