Best Teeth Whitening Pens

Want a fast way to brighten your smile? You should try a teeth whitening pen. Simply open the cap, apply the gel on your teeth with the applicator or brush, and let it dry—and those ‘pearls’ will be lighter within minutes!

These pens are also great for on-the-go touchups when you need to put your best smile forward, like on a date, in a business meeting, or at any social event. They’re the same size as a writing pen, so you can bring them anywhere.

As smile experts, we want to help you pick brands that actually work. So we asked our in-house dental experts at NewMouth to round up the best teeth whitening pens. These products were evaluated based on:

• Ingredients ⁠— making sure they work and are safe for you
• Fast results — if they can quickly whiten your teeth
• User feedback — we looked for consistently good reviews

9 Best Teeth Whitening Pens of 2024

There’s a teeth whitening pen for everyone. Here are your best options:

AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen

Best Overall

Auraglow has everything you could want in a teeth whitening pen. It’s pocket-sized, dries in less than a minute, and has a nice mint flavor that freshens your breath. We particularly love its carbamide-based formula which gently lightens your smile.

Why We Like It

• Delivers quick whitening and the results last
• Doesn’t cause pain or sensitivity in most people

What We Don’t Like

• May take longer to dry if you apply too much
• Tastes weird at first but it eventually goes away

Things to Know

• Active ingredient: Carbamide peroxide (35%)
• Treatment time: 1 to 2 times per day for 7 days
• Results: Up to 10 shades lighter

VieBeauti Teeth Whitening Pen

Best on Tough Stains

VieBeauti’s Whitening Pen may be easy on the enamel, but it’s tough on stubborn stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and even smoking. The twist-type mechanism helps you avoid wasting the good stuff so you get more treatments with each pen.

Why We Like It

• Significantly lightens teeth after several uses
• Results are comparable to professional whitening
• Won’t make your teeth sensitive like other brands

What We Don’t Like

• You may need several pens to get the results you want
• Takes minutes to dry if you close your mouth too soon
• Some users find its taste unpleasant

Things to Know

• Active ingredient: Carbamide peroxide (35%)
• Treatment time: 1 to 2 times per day for 7 days
• Results: 4 to 8 shades lighter

Crest Whitening Emulsions

Best for Sensitive Teeth

Most pens can be harsh on your teeth, but not Crest’s Whitening Emulsions. It uses a water-resistant gel infused with tiny droplets of peroxide so your teeth stay hydrated and less prone to sensitivity. This formula also gives the bleach more time to penetrate the enamel for optimum teeth whitening.

Why We Like It

• Noticeably improves the brightness of your smile
• A mild formula that won’t dry teeth or cause sensitivity
• Option to choose from a pen or wand applicator

What We Don’t Like

• The tube makes for less convenient applications
• Has a strong chemical taste that lingers in the mouth
• It’s difficult to find in local stores – you should buy online

Things to Know

• Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Treatment time: Up to 4 times per day for two weeks
• Results: Promises to give you “100% whiter teeth”

AsaVea Bright White

Best Budget

The AsaVea Teeth Whitening Pen stands out for its quick-drying formula and affordable pricing. It dries in 30 seconds and comes in a travel-friendly design, allowing for quick touch-ups throughout the day. The mint flavor keeps your breath smelling fresh after use.

Why We Like It

• Whitens teeth without any discomfort
• It’s cheap and offers great value for money

What We Don’t Like

• May not give you the results you want
• Some users taste a slightly chemical flavor
• Small pen with limited treatments

Things to Know

• Active ingredient: Carbamide peroxide (35%)
• Treatment time: 1 to 2 times per day for one week
• Results: 4 to 8 shades lighter with regular use

MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Pen

Best Peroxide-Free

Check Price on Amazon

Do you have extra-sensitive teeth? You may want to try MySweetSmile (formerly SweetWhite). Each pen contains a peroxide-free gel that removes stains while sparing you from the zingers. The easy application and compact design make it a great addition to any daily routine.

Why We Like It

• Won’t irritate the gums or hurt your teeth
• Many people enjoy its minty taste
• Won’t leave your mouth sticky

What We Don’t Like

• Requires consistent use before you see its effects

Things to Know

• Active ingredient: Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP)
• Treatment time: 3 times per week or as often as needed
• Results: May take a few weeks based on reviews

Colgate Optic White Overnight

Best for Convenience

Colgate Optic White Overnight is our top pick for convenience. Unlike other teeth whitening pens, you can use them at night. You don’t have to worry about eating or drinking after applying it. All you have to do is brush the gel on your teeth before bedtime, and it will work its magic while you sleep.

Why We Like It

• Visibly whitens with no sensitivity or irritation
• Stays on your teeth the whole night
• Has a nice minty taste

What We Don’t Like

• Results vary—some people don’t see any results
• Leaves a sticky residue inside the mouth
• The cap comes off easily and can leave a mess

Things to Know

• Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Treatment time: Once every night for 1 to 2 weeks
• Results: Up to 3 shades lighter

iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit

Best Fast-Acting

Don’t let its mild formula fool you—iSmile offers fast and dramatic results. The system combines whitening pens, an LED mouthpiece, and a desensitizing gel in one treatment.

Used daily, it speeds up the process and protects your teeth against sensitivity. But you can always just use the pen if you don’t have time for a 15-minute session

Why We Like It

• Effects are noticeable after the first few uses
• Most people don’t feel any discomfort with the kit
• You can skip the LED treatment if you’re in a hurry

What We Don’t Like

• Treatments get messy with the gel and saliva
• The mouthpiece may feel a bit bulky for some

Things to Know

• Active ingredient: Carbamide peroxide (35%)
• Treatment time: Once daily (15 mins) for 10 days
• Results: Up to 10 shades lighter

Cali White Professional Teeth Whitening Pen

Best Clean Ingredients

Cali White is a great choice for health-conscious buyers who want a gentle way to brighten their smile. It uses a dentist-approved carbamide formula containing only vegan, kosher, organic, and cruelty-free ingredients. The teeth whitening pen has no gluten, sulfates, parabens, GMOs, PEG, PPG, or other harsh chemicals.

Why We Like It

• Won’t cause discomfort in your teeth or gums
• 100% USA-made—ensuring safety and quality

What We Don’t Like

• Subtle teeth whitening that takes weeks
• Gel tastes strange for some users

Things to Know

• Active ingredient: Carbamide peroxide (35%)
• Treatment time: 1 to 2 times per day for 7 to 10 days
• Results: 2 to 8 shades lighter

Tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen

Best Vegan Option

If you want a vegan teeth whitener that delivers fast results, you should go for Tarte’s Pearly Girl. It has an all-natural formula and doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, or other harmful ingredients. It uses hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching agent most dentists use) and is perfect for quick touch-ups and maintaining white teeth.

What We Like

• Visible teeth whitening after several applications
• Won’t cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation
• People usually like its mint flavor

What We Don’t Like

• May not be strong enough for dark teeth stains
• The pen is too small and may not last long

Things to Know

• Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide
• Treatment time: Up to 4 times per day
• Results: 4 shades lighter in 3 weeks based on reviews

What to Look For in Teeth Whitening Pens

When choosing a teeth whitening pen, it’s best to consider the following:

Active Ingredients 

Most of these products contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. Both effectively lighten teeth, although they work differently:

• Hydrogen peroxide — Has stronger whitening power but can trigger tooth sensitivity. It’s best for people who want intense results in a short time.
• Carbamide peroxide — Slowly whitens over time and is less likely to cause sensitivity. It’s best for sensitive teeth with light stains and yellowing.

Watch out for other ingredients that can reduce sensitivity, remineralize teeth, or enhance the product’s whitening effects. Some examples include carbomer, potassium citrate, glycerin, and minerals.

Value for Money

You want a teeth whitening pen that can give you enough treatments for the money you’re spending. Some are cheap but only contain a small amount, so you might end up spending more to achieve the results you want. Other pens are more expensive but contain more serum, saving you money.

Brand Reputation

Lastly, you’ll want to check the brand’s reputation. If a teeth whitening pen performs well, customers will likely have good things to say about it. You can check reviews on their website or other popular e-commerce sites, so you’ll have a general idea of the brand’s effectiveness and safety. 

Final Recommendations

At NewMouth, we think teeth whitening pens are an excellent choice for:

• Slightly yellow teeth and mild stains
• Quick on-the-go treatments
• Keeping your teeth white

But if you want to see bigger changes in your smile, better treatments are available like teeth whitening kits and whitening strips.

Before deciding, remember to consult a dental professional who can assess your teeth and determine which brands may work best for you.