How can you tell which are the best whitening products for sensitive teeth? One important measure is that they use a lower percentage of active ingredients to minimize discomfort. Whitening products with a higher concentration may produce more visible results, but the formula can be too strong for those with dental sensitivity. After extensive research, we chose as the best product overall; it’s affordable, easy to use and has about half the peroxide content of the original version. is another convenient option that offers enamel and cavity protection.

When choosing whitening products, two important considerations are the delivery (for example, strips, gels or molded trays) and concentration. “The concentration of active ingredients significantly affects whitening results,” says Dr. David Wagner, a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles. “It’s a best practice for people with sensitive teeth to go low and slow, meaning use a low concentration gel over 3-4 weeks for shorter application time, even skipping days to reduce sensitivity.” Read on for our choices of the best whitening products for sensitive teeth, from strips to toothpaste to devices for a complete oral care routine.

Best Teeth Whitening Product Overall For Sensitive Teeth

Easy-To-Use Strips That Gently Remove Stains

MOST POPULAR

Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive

Product type: Strips | Active ingredient: 5.25% hydrogen peroxide | Frequency of use: 30 minutes daily

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Longer treatment time

Whitening strips are an easy, “low lift” way to whiten and brighten. (The Forbes Vetted team also ranked the original version of these Crest 3D strips as one of the best teeth whitening products.) This product is formulated with hydrogen peroxide, a common active ingredient in over-the-counter whitening treatments, but it has a lower concentration that gently improves surface level staining.

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Best Peroxide-Free Whitening For Sensitive Teeth

Uses Natural Ingredients To Brighten Teeth

Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips

Product type: Strips | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil, citrus lemon peel oil, Dead Sea salt | Frequency of use: 30 minutes daily for one week

Pros:

  • Gentle, peroxide-free formula
  • Microbiome safe

Cons:

  • Strips can be messy

Although peroxide is safe for sensitive teeth in lower concentrations, it may still trigger some sensitivity. As an alternative, the Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips use natural ingredients like coconut oil, sage oil and citrus lemon peel oil to provide long-lasting results. “Whitening strips can deliver much better results since the whitening material is in contact with the teeth much longer than whitening toothpaste,” says Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, founder and CEO of Lumineux. Like the Crest Whitestrips, apply the strips for 30 minutes daily for four days, then reduce the frequency to once a week thereafter.

Best Teeth Whitening Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth

Subtle Results And Enamel Protection

Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste

Product type: Toothpaste | Active ingredients: Potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride | Frequency of use: Twice daily

Pros:

  • Gently removes surface stains
  • Protects enamel and strengthens teeth

Cons:

  • Results aren’t as noticeable 

While toothpaste will have less dramatic results than strips or trays because it isn’t in contact with your teeth for as long, it complements other whitening products well. Potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride work together to remove surface stains while calming nerves within the tooth. This toothpaste also protects the enamel, prevents tartar buildup, and protects against cavities and tooth decay. I've used this toothpaste on and off for years, and it has decreased my overall sensitivity and prevented new stains from forming (I'm a tea drinker and often have multiple cups a day). The whitening benefits for existing stains are subtle, but when used with strips or a whitening pen, my teeth do look brighter.

Best Teeth Whitening Gel For Sensitive Teeth

Simple Application With A Refreshing Taste

Glo Vial Teeth Whitening Gel Treatment Kit

Product type: Gel | Active ingredient: 6% hydrogen peroxide | Frequency of use: Three times per day

Pros:

  • Mess-free
  • No-rinse application

Cons:

  • Can be challenging to get all the product out

This whitening system is convenient and doesn’t cause any sensitivity, thanks to the low peroxide concentration. This gel comes in small, squeezable vials with a brush tip for precise application without a mess. Each portable Glo vial has three to four applications, and an airtight seal keeps it from spilling. Plus, it comes with a hydrating lip balm.

Best Teeth Whitening Device For Sensitive Teeth

Uses LED Technology For Quick Results At Home

Snow Teeth Whitening Kit

Product type: LED mouthpiece | Active ingredient: Hydroxyapatite, carbamide peroxide | Frequency of use: Daily for 9 minutes

Pros: 

  • Less potent active ingredient for less sensitivity
  • Quick treatment time (nine minutes)

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Some found the mouthpiece oversized

This effective whitening system is one of the quickest ways to whiten and brighten your teeth at home. The active ingredients include hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that can help restore your enamel, and carbamide peroxide, a derivative of hydrogen peroxide that releases at a slower rate. After brushing your teeth, apply the Snow serum and insert the USB-powered LED mouthpiece for a nine-minute treatment. The kit also includes a shade guide to track your whitening progress throughout the 3-week treatment.

Best Teeth Whitening Pen For Sensitive Teeth

Portable And Convenient

Moon Teeth Whitening Pen

Product type: Gel | Active ingredient: Carbamide peroxide | Frequency of use: Twice daily

Pros:

  • Instantly brightens with light-reflecting pigments
  • Straightforward application 
  • Portable

Cons:

  • Can’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after application

The Moon Teeth Whitening Pen uses carbamide peroxide and a proprietary blend of essential oils and extracts—including lavender oil, strawberry fruit extract and honeysuckle flower extract—to gently whiten without sensitivity or pain. The formula also includes light-reflecting pigments for an immediate brightening effect. Another benefit? The simple design can be used on the go and easily fits into a small purse or handbag. 

Best Dissolvable Whitening Strips For Sensitive Teeth

Dissolves After 15 Minutes

Quip Ritual Dissolvable Whitening Strips

Product type: Strips | Active ingredient: PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid) | Frequency of use: Twice daily

Pros:

  • Dissolves in 15 minutes, no need to rinse
  • Gentle, peroxide-free formula
  • Pleasant mint flavor

Cons:

  • Can be messy to apply

While most whitening strips require you to remove them after, which adds an extra step, the Quip Ritual Dissolvable Whitening Strips dissolve in 15 minutes. The formula relies on PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid), a gentler alternative to hydrogen peroxide that helps brighten enamel color. “Quip whitening strips are easy to use, gentle and convenient,” says our tester, who has been using these strips for three months. “I’ve tried professional whitening, which was far too harsh for my sensitive teeth. I like that, while the effect is subtle, these keep coffee stains at bay and work well in conjunction with enamel-safe whitening toothpastes.” Once the strip dissolves, it may feel like you have some extra toothpaste on your teeth, but any excess product will dissolve in another 15 minutes.

How We Chose The Best Whitening Products For Sensitive Teeth

To narrow down our options for the best whitening products for sensitive teeth, we tapped into our deep market knowledge and extensive testing experience, highlighting products and brands that whiten and brighten without discomfort.

  • We evaluated the key considerations in this category, including the delivery type, active ingredients, frequency of use and concentration of active ingredients.
  • Our three experts also made recommendations based on their experiences, while our team examined customer reviews for standout product traits. As everyone’s budget looks slightly different, we included a wide range of prices.
  • We prioritized products with lower concentrations of active ingredients, which generally results in less pain and discomfort.
  • Forbes Vetted team members shared their firsthand experience with some picks. The author of this story, Katherine Louie, has used for years, and beauty writer Molly Calhoun regularly uses .
  • The final products on this list reflect in-depth research and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.

What To Consider In Whitening Products For Sensitive Teeth

When shopping for a whitener for sensitive teeth, the most important considerations are the whitening agent and the concentration. After consulting with three experts, here’s what to look for.

Active Ingredients

“The most common active ingredient in whitening products is peroxide, which can either be hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide,” says Dr. Kevin Sands, a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles. “Hydrogen peroxide quickly breaks down any discoloration and it tends to be a more effective agent, while carbamide peroxide releases both hydrogen peroxide and urea when it comes in contact with water.” Hydrogen peroxide requires less contact time with your teeth. In contrast, carbamide peroxide has more of an “extended release” approach and requires about 4 to 6 hours of contact time. “These ingredients effectively bleach the tooth enamel to lift stains,” says Wagner. Other active ingredients that you might see are coconut oil, lemon peel oil and sage oil.

Concentration

Our experts agree that the concentration of the active ingredient directly correlates to the results. “Whitening products with a higher active ingredient concentration result in a more powerful formula and more visible results," says Sands. “On the other hand, whitening products with a lower active ingredient concentration can still produce optimal results, but it will take a bit longer to see a difference.” When in doubt, consult your dentist, who can best advise you on the ideal concentration or product for your needs.

Type

Whitening products come in strips, gels, toothpastes, mouthwashes, molded trays and LED mouthpieces. Products directly applied to the teeth for extended periods, like strips and gels, are typically more effective than toothpaste, which isn’t in contact with your teeth for very long. Toothpaste and mouthwash can offer subtle results when used consistently and work best with other whitening methods. They can also prolong the results of whitening strips and trays.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, our beauty and grooming vertical features dozens of stories on personal products that are rigorously researched and, in many cases, tested.

  • Relatedly, we’ve published roundups on oral care products—many of which we tested ourselves—including teeth whitening kits, teeth whitening strips and electric toothbrushes.
  • Katherine Louie, the author of this article, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering beauty and lifestyle topics. She has over seven years of firsthand experience testing beauty and skincare products.
  • This story was assigned and produced by deputy editor Jane Sung, who leads the beauty and grooming category and has two decades of experience covering beauty, wellness and style.
  • Louie gathered key insight and guidance from three industry experts: Dr. David Wagner, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in L.A.; Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, founder and CEO of Lumineux; and Dr. Kevin Sands, a cosmetic dentist in L.A.

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