I’ve had an obsession with teeth whitening ever since I was a little girl. Unlike most kids, I looked forward to my bi-annual cleaning. My pediatric dentist gamified oral hygiene by rewarding each patient with either a pack of stickers or—my personal favorite—a sparkly plastic ring for being cavity-free. So, in between visits, I worked hard in order to hear Dr. Klein tell me how squeaky clean my teeth were. As an adult, I still look forward to those check-ins, but in addition to brushing after each meal and flossing daily, I also work on keeping my smile extra bright in between visits. One of my reliable go-tos is a handy tooth-whitening pen.
While whitening strips or other products on the market can only be positioned in one spot, tooth whitening pens allow precise application where you need it most—sometimes that’s a tough-to-reach bicuspid or slightly exposed enamel in a gap. Unassuming and user-friendly, the thin, tiny bristles on these pens make it easy to paint the stain-removing formulas in every crack or crevice, and are compact enough to slide into your bag for on-the-go touch-ups.
On a mission to continue my obsession with maintaining a bright smile at home, I scoured the internet for the most effective teeth whitening pens. After testing the market and reading several reviews, here’s the best of what I found.
Pros
Multipurpose - Hydrates lips
Cons
- Will need to re-up often
This dual formula includes a teeth whitener on one end and a lip brightening oil on the other. With help from light-reflecting pigments, both elixirs work together to cancel out discoloration and stains.
Key ingredients: Urea Peroxide and Elixir III Antioxidant
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Unfortunately, I was trying to use my rewards to grab this to check it out, and sadly my rewards are broken so, I ordered at full price, but this thing is awesome. It literally does what it says. And that’s why I wanted it. My teeth look so beautiful every day, and my lips enjoy a coat of this whenever I brush my teeth or even if I’m just constantly flossing that day (out and about). Get 2! One for your bathroom, one for your bag!!”
The Best All Around
Supersmile Professional Whitening Bolt Twist Pen
Pros
- Hydrates lips
- No sensitivity issues
Cons
- Small portions
In addition to the stain-removing pen, this option comes with a sealant that will protect teeth for up to two hours. That means you can enjoy as many espressos as you’d like without worrying about stains.
Key ingredients: Calprox Technology
Amazon rating: 3.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This stuff works surprisingly well! I put it on right after I brush my teeth and I can notice a difference in the morning. It's easy to apply and doesn't have a pleasant taste but it's tolerable. I appreciate having this on hand as an avid coffee drinker.”
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Pros
- Quick results
- No harsh chemicals
Cons
- Small amount of product in each tube
If you have sensitive teeth, this formula was made with you in mind. The gentle formula is made of fluoride and hydrogen peroxide and is filled with refreshing peppermint and coconut oil. Combine the Boka toothpaste with the whitening pen, and you’ll see a whiter smile in the first week.
Key ingredients: Peppermint Oil, Coconut Oil, Sodium Hydroxide
Amazon rating: 3.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My teeth had worn down so much that they looked transparent in the front. I thought I would need expensive dental work. I saw a dentist on You Tube that was not affiliated with Boka, but he said that Boka has the best dental products on the market right now. I use Boka toothpaste, dental floss and whitening products and to my surprise, my teeth became remineralized and they look younger and thicker. I'm so happy and I recommend Boka!!!”
Pros
- Great flavor
- Noticeable results in 4
Cons
- Dispenser causes issues for some
If you’re looking for something that’s perfect for on the go, this one is for you. Thanks to its gel-like consistency, this option avoids messy globs of goo.
Key ingredients: Potassium Nitrate, Hydrogen Peroxide Gel, Xylitol
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve tried other whitening pens and was impressed with the results. The peroxide based formula gives a satisfying foam effect during use, and I noticed visible results within the first few days. The flavor is not just typical mint, with I think Thyme listed as an ingredient- subtly refreshing. Most importantly, it didn’t leave a thick residue on my teeth like other products I’ve tried. Would recommend to others, just wish price point was lower.”
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Pros
- Gentle formula
- Immediate results
Cons
- Can be messy for some
Erase hard-to-remove stains and see your teeth’s whitening potential with this powerful little pen. With consistent use, the award-winning formula will brighten teeth up to eight shades whiter.
Key ingredients: Hydrogen Peroxide, Carbamide Peroxide, Peppermint Oil, Xylitol
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Gentle lightening without causing my teeth to be overly sensitive as many do.”
Pros
- Great Ingredients
- Quick results
Cons
- Small amount of product
Created to protect and whiten your teeth, this formula will work like a shield in your oral hygiene regimen. The directions suggest brushing on the formula one minute before drinking any dark liquids. What’s even better? The gentle formula is safe enough for everyday use.
Key ingredients: Coconut, Sage, and Lemon Peel Oil
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love The Quick on The Go Pen! Perfect for quick touch ups! It does work. I have also bought the STRIPS AND THE TOOTHPASTE several times. Using the products all together, enhance and really whiten your teeth! It’s all natural and you will not have any sensitivity issues! One of my favorite products!”
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Pros
- Trusty-worthy brand
- Dentists recommend
Cons
- Can be a little messy
For years, Crest has been a dependable brand for toothpaste, and the same goes for its whitening pens. Keep this one in your purse because it will help you achieve a brighter smile easily while you’re out and about.
Key ingredients: Hydrogen Peroxide, Sodium Hydroxide
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I don’t know much about dentistry or teeth whitening but my dentist does and this is what he suggested I use. Works great and boosts my confidence.”
Pros
- Fast-drying gel
- Works overnight
Cons
- Must dry the brush after each use
Dedicate the next 21 days to achieving your whitest smile ever. With help from Colgate’s pen, you’ll see sparkling results in less than a month. It comes with a stand so you can easily store it on your countertop and remember to use it.
Key ingredient: Sodium Monofluorophosphate
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This whitening pen is simple to use and great for removing stains. You just brush it on your teeth before bed, and it works overnight. There’s no messy trays or strips, which makes it super easy. The gel dries fast and stays in place, so you don’t have to worry about it rubbing off.After using it for a while, teeth start looking brighter. It’s not an instant change, but with regular use, the stains fade. It’s gentle, so it doesn’t make teeth super sensitive like some other whiteners. If you want an easy way to get a whiter smile without much effort, this is a good pick.”
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As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, commerce content lead Alexis Bennett Parker researched products and brands, tested many herself, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.
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