While I'll always love the natural shade of my teeth, taking their brightness up a few watts has made a subtle yet impactful difference in my overall appearance. To help maintain the luminance of my professionally brightened smile a few weeks after an in-office treatment, I turned to one of the best whitening toothpastes.
"Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are typically the two main whitening ingredients found in toothpaste," Rich Lipari of Lipari and Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York, tells Bazaar. "Additionally, many whitening toothpastes contain a variation of hydrated silica, which acts as a polishing agent to help remove extrinsic stains."
Shop the Best Whitening Toothpastes
Dealing with sensitive teeth and gums? According to Lipari, you can still opt for a whitening toothpaste as long as its formula features a range of natural or gentler ingredients to remove stubborn stains without added pain or irritation. "The most common symptom or issue with whitening products, whether it be a toothpaste or strips, is tooth sensitivity," he explains. "This doesn't necessarily mean you won’t be able to whiten your teeth again, but it does mean you should reduce the amount of whitening products you’re using on your teeth until the sensitivity subsides."
The expert suggests those with sensitive teeth keep their eyes peeled for whitening toothpaste powered by the ingredient potassium nitrate, which helps reduce overall sensitivity. While using one of the best whitening toothpastes makes it a breeze to brighten or maintain your desired smile shade, experts advise staying patient, as noticeable results can take up to a month to see with consistent brushing.
If you're ready to swap your tried-and-true tube with a formula that helps your teeth really sparkle, read on for some of the most popular toothpastes available from Colgate, Marvis, and more, that are worth adding to your daily (and nightly) routine.
Related: The Best Teeth Whitening Kits for a Brighter Smile
Boka
Refresh Mint Teeth Whitening n-Ha Toothpaste
Boka
Refresh Mint Teeth Whitening n-Ha Toothpaste
Pros
Peroxide-free- Safe for sensitive teeth
Cons
This aloe vera- and green tea toothpaste also uses xylitol to fight bacteria, plus nano-hydroxyapatite (a Japanese-founded fluoride alternative) to keep enamel strong. It also contains coconut oil and baking soda to help neutralize stains while keeping gums hydrated.
One satisfied customer writes: "I absolutely love this toothpaste and have seen a difference in the whiteness of my teeth!" —Taylor
Colgate
Optic White Pro Series Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate
Optic White Pro Series Whitening Toothpaste
Pros
- Vegan
Cons
When it comes to his top whitening toothpaste of choice, Lipari often reaches for this one from Colgate to brush morning and night. "I typically recommend Colgate Optic White, since I personally think I've had the best results with it," he explains.
One satisfied customer writes: "I love this toothpaste. It really does what it claims it will do. My teeth are so white and shiny! The only thing I don't really care for is the taste. But it does leave my mouth feeling fresh and clean. No bad breath here! Spend the extra money and get this toothpaste. You won't regret it!" —Gena
| Star rating: | 4.4/5 |
|---|---|
| Key ingredient: | Hydrogen peroxide |
Pros
- Fluoride-free
Cons
I've tested a number of whitening toothpastes as a beauty editor, but this one from Marvis is one of my favorites—and close to 7,000 Amazon shoppers agree. Not only does its vintage-inspired tube look stylish on my bathroom countertop, but its minty flavor always leaves my mouth feeling more refreshed after brushing.
One satisfied customer writes: "I made the switch! My favorite fluoride-free toothpaste so far. Definitely whitens very well." —Amazon Customer
| Star rating: | 4.6/5 |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Hydrated silica, titanium dioxide, limonene |
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Sensodyne
Extra Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Sensodyne
Extra Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Pros
- Sulfate-free
Cons
For patients with sensitive teeth, Lipari often recommends Sensodyne's Extra Whitening toothpaste. It contains an anti-cavity formula that provides up to 24 hours of gum and enamel protection while getting your pearly whites their brightest.
One satisfied customer writes: "I have sensitive teeth and can't eat food either too cold or too hot. I tried many brands and didn't work until my dentist recommended Sensodyne. Sensodyne toothpaste reduced my teeth sensitivity and made them less build-up and yellow color since I drink coffee daily." —julieb421
| Star rating | 4.7/5 |
|---|---|
| Key ingredient: | Sodium lauryl |
Crest
3D White Toothpaste Advanced Luminous Mint (Pack of 4)
Crest
3D White Toothpaste Advanced Luminous Mint (Pack of 4)
Crest 3D Whitestrips are a cult-favorite product for a number of beauty lovers, which is why it's no surprise the brand's 3D White toothpaste is also a hit among Amazon shoppers. Its minty formula aims to strengthen your tooth enamel while protecting against cavities.
One satisfied customer writes: "Not only does this toothpaste whiten your teeth, but it leaves a refreshing light minty taste in your mouth! I love it!"
| Star rating: | 4.8/5 |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients: | Sodium fluoride, fluoride ion |
Pros
- Safe for sensitive teeth
Cons
This flouride-free toothpaste from cosmetic dentist Michael Apa scrubs off surface stains to brighten teeth, along with hydroxyapatite—one of the foundations of tooth enamel—to help rebuild them as you brush. And since it is formulated with carbamide peroxide instead of hydrogen peroxide, it's safe for sensitive teeth.
| Key ingredients: | Hydroxyapatite, peppermint oil, carbamide peroxide |
|---|
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Pros
- Best for sensitive gums
- Budget-friendly
Cons
If you suffer from sensitive teeth or gums, opt for Before's minty toothpaste. It's made with gentle, soothing ingredients like aloe vera and refreshing mint oil, yet thoroughly cleans with sodium fluoride.
One satisfied customer writes: "Love how fresh and super minty this toothpaste is! Also makes my teeth feel super smooth. My new go-to toothpaste for sure!" —Yvonne
| Key ingredients: | Sodium fluoride, aloe extract |
|---|
Opalescence
Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Opalescence
Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Pros
- Great for sensitive teeth
Cons
Opalescence's fluoride toothpaste is another of Lipari's favorites specifically for sensitive teeth. It uses low-abrasion silica to polish away surface stains, along with potassium nitrate to minimize tooth pain and gum irritation.
One satisfied customer writes: "Nice light, minty taste. Did not hurt my teeth like some other whiteners." —Sbhuskins
| Star rating: | 4.4/5 |
|---|---|
| Key ingredient: | Potassium nitrate, xylitol, silica, flouride |
Arm & Hammer
Advance White Breath Freshening Toothpaste
Arm & Hammer
Advance White Breath Freshening Toothpaste
Pros
- Top-rated
- Great for plaque removal
Cons
Baking soda works as a main ingredient in this popular toothpaste to gently lift surface stains and minimize the effect of enamel-weakening acids.
One satisfied customer writes: "I am 63 years-old and have the whitest teeth thanks to Arm and Hammer. My dental hygienist is amazed how little she has to clean on my teeth every six months, and I am a total teaaholic!" —Nana
| Star rating: | 4.6/5 |
|---|---|
| Key ingredient: | Baking soda |
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Hello
Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste (3-Pack)
Hello
Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste (3-Pack)
Pros
- Paraben-free
Cons
Here's a three-pack of naturally-derived toothpaste from Hello that uses a calcium mineral blend to get teeth whiter. Its formula also works overtime to help strengthen enamel.
One satisfied customer writes: "Leaves teeth so clean feels like I just went to the dentist!!" —G Sancho
| Star rating: | 4.7/5 |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Peppermint, calcium mineral blend, tea tree oil, coconut oil |
RiseWell
Natural Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
RiseWell
Natural Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Pros
- Flouride-free
- Great for sensitive teeth
Cons
One of Lipari's all-time favorite whitening toothpastes is this natural tube from Risewell. "Risewell makes a hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste which has natural whitening properties," he adds. "Although hydroxyapatite-based toothpastes are a newer product here in the United States, there are numerous studies showing that they may be a great alternative to traditional fluoride-based toothpastes."
One satisfied customer writes: "I started using Risewell a couple of years ago when I developed an allergy to sodium lauryl sulfate. I tried Risewell due to its lack of the ingredients and other chemicals. It works well. It tastes good. I like it! I also like the mouthwash." —Stephanie...
| Star rating: | 4.8/5 |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Essential oils |
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Rich Lipari is a cosmetic dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York.
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What are the benefits of using whitening toothpastes?
Whitening toothpastes make it easy to enhance the hue of your smile with little to no effort, with noticeable results after about a month of use. "These options are a great way to maintain your teeth and achieve a more minor whitening result on a daily basis," Lipari says.
How should I use whitening toothpaste?
Brushing your teeth with one of the best whitening toothpastes is no different than the process of using a regular tube. Those already brightening their smile with a teeth whitening kit can still use a whitening toothpaste. However, experts advise being mindful that the more whitening products used on your teeth may increase risk for future enamel sensitivity.
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Tiffany Dodson
Associate Beauty Commerce Editor
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
