10 best teeth whitening kits UK 2024, tried and tested — including Hismile, Spotlight and Mysweetsmile
AN ASPIRATION that we just can’t seem to shake in the UK is the desire for whiter teeth.
Whether we're inspired by the pearly whites seen on the telly, or we simply want to prove the bad-teeth British stereotype wrong, professional teeth whitening is one of the nation's fastest-growing cosmetic procedures.
So, here they are, alongside my honest thoughts...
More teeth whitening reviews
Spotlight Teeth Whitening Accelerator Gel
Pros: Easy to slot into your existing routine, as it requires no extra steps, saving you time and effort.
Cons: Powerful, minty flavour that can feel overly strong and unpleasant at first.
Rating: 5/5
Spotlight Oral Care is the brainchild of two sister dentists and provides professional-grade teeth whitening products at a fraction of the usual cost.
"But what on earth is an accelerator gel?" I hear you ask.
Despite its mystifying name, this product is a breeze to use.
Think of it as an add-on that can be used alongside whitening toothpaste.
Accelerator gel has a similar appearance and consistency to toothpaste and can applied in the same way.
Add a pump of the accelerator gel on top of your normal toothpaste and get brushing.
The is formulated with PAP and hydrogen peroxide — both used in professional whitening — for lifting away stains and achieving a brighter smile.
Rather than focusing on individual stains, I painted the white gel formula across my front teeth.
Once applied, the formula feels sticky and heavy, making leaving it in place for the advised ten minutes rather unpleasant.
I found this was very easy to use, as it enabled me to reach all the nooks and crannies in my mouth.
The gel also has a pleasant spearmint taste and doesn't feel heavy or sticky on your teeth.
I've tried a few whitening pens in the past, and many leave behind a rough or uncomfortable film on my teeth, but this wasn't the case with Spotlight's version.
Gem Triple Whitening Toothpaste
Its aesthetic packaging led me to believe that it might be all flash and no substance.
However, I've been pleasantly impressed by the brand's gentle whitening formulas, which are enjoyable to use — not something I thought I'd ever say about toothpaste.
I've used whitening toothpastes for years, and have experienced a huge variety in results.
Some whitening toothpastes (even the pricey ones) have done very little for my teeth, whereas other budget options have provided visible results with just a few brushes.
It took me a little while to see any results from the , but my teeth did start to look brighter after a couple of weeks.
Shoppers have noticed similar results, with one saying: "Only used twice.
"Already noticed a massive difference. Very pleased so far."
Another added: "I was so pleased with the results of using this product that I am now on my second order, partly because my daughter was so impressed that she took my first one!";
is formulated with PAP, meaning it achieves gentle yet effective whitening results over time.
Compared to other whitening pens I've used, the formula has a pleasant taste and doesn't feel irritating or tingling in the teeth.
However, whilst it gradually whitens teeth over time, it also acts like a tooth gloss.
When applied to your teeth, the formula has a slightly shimmering, pearly appearance, meaning it instantly lifts and brightens your teeth — it’s a trick of the light!
The serum is formulated with hydroxyapatite which remineralises enamel, for healthier, stronger and desensitised teeth.
You can use the serum daily after brushing your teeth; simply add a couple of pumps to your toothbrush and brush for two minutes.
I was surprised by how gentle and pleasant-tasting the serum is, as I was expecting it to be much harsher and heavier.
I used the serum after using my typical toothpaste and was surprised by how clean my teeth felt afterwards.
However, this adds a couple of extra minutes to your brushing routine, making it feel even more tedious. This could also prove painful to people with sensitive gums.
But shoppers love the serum, with one saying: “Finally, a product for sensitive teeth that actually does what it says on the tin."
They added: "I can promise you after the first use my teeth felt stronger and slightly less sensitive."
Another shopper said: "After a week I was getting sceptical as there was no reduction in sensitivity, but I must say after the third week I well and truly began to notice the difference.
They continued: "No more sensitive teeth, no more pain when drinking hot coffee or cold beer, all gone."
HiSmile V34 Colour Corrector Serum
Pros: Immediately brightens your smile, meaning teeth look instantly whiter and cleaner.
Cons: Very messy and difficult to apply, and results only last a couple of hours.
Rating: 3/5
This product broke the internet.
Last year, you literally couldn't scroll through social media without seeing people brushing their teeth with purple goo.
Not only is Hismile said to be Kim Kardashian's favourite toothpaste brand, but the brand sold one every minute at Boots in 2023.
Social media will lead you to believe that this serum helps achieve much brighter, whiter teeth in seconds, but this doesn't ring true in my experience.
Instead, it subtly brightens teeth, for a whiter smile — but the results won't last long.
It's easy to mistake this product for a lip gloss, as it effectively works in the same way.
provides the illusion of whiter teeth, as the high-shine gloss captures and reflects light for a brighter smile.
The formula has a pleasant taste and isn't heavy or sticky, meaning I forgot I was wearing it once applied.
Just don't get overzealous with application as applying too much will leave your teeth shimmering and opalescent.
The formula requires topping up throughout the day, as the formula only stayed on my teeth for an hour or so.
Shoppers love how unique it is, with one saying: "I bought this out of sheer curiosity, and I am still not sure what to think about it!"
Adding: ";Essentially, you dry your teeth off, and then apply it to make your teeth seem whiter."
Just like your favourite lip gloss, it's small, compact, and easy to throw into your handbag for top-ups on the go.
Colgate Max White Ultimate Renewal Whitening Toothpaste
Pros: Leaves teeth noticeably brighter and whiter after one use, which gradually improves over time.
Cons: Has a strong and unpleasant taste as well as a bright blue formula, which can leave your sink in a mess.
Rating: 3/5
I was initially very sceptical of this £24 Colgate toothpaste.
It's almost £10 more expensive than most of Colgate’s other whitening toothpaste, and I couldn't help but wonder what makes this one so special.
The answer lies in the ingredients; it's formulated with hydrogen peroxide and optic brighteners for achieving a dazzling smile.
It’s proven to instantly whiten teeth and reverse up to 15 years of stains, with four weeks of continued use, Colgate says.
So, with all of these bold claims, I had to give it a go.
First of all, this toothpaste has a heavy, pungent fragrance and taste.
Add this to its bright, blue formula and you’ve got yourself a very unusual (and fairly unpleasant) brushing experience.
However, I’m glad I stuck by it, as I did experience some good results.
After a couple of uses, my teeth looked subtly brighter, and with continued use, I noticed incremental changes in the brightness of my teeth.
Shoppers agree, with one saying: "[I've] only been using it for two weeks and already notice a huge difference. [My] teeth look significantly whiter. The most amazing thing for me is my teeth actually feel clean."
Another wrote: "[I've] had lots of compliments on how white my teeth are."
Dentist Debunks Teeth Whitening 'Hacks'
Dr Ferakh debunked a number of viral teeth whitening 'hacks' - with some popular options doing "more harm than good".
"Whitening your teeth at home is a safe option when using professionally provided dental trays and gels," he said.
“Steer clear of DIY whitening hacks like baking soda, which can damage your enamel over time.
"For safe and effective whitening, stick to professionally recommended options that are gentle on your teeth.
"While a common social media trend, charcoal toothpaste can actually erode your enamel, leading to more harm than good.
"The key to a healthy, white smile is protecting your enamel, not wearing it away."
You can read more of Dr Ferakh Hamid's recommendations here.
Which teeth whitening option is most effective?
When it comes to teeth whitening, there are a variety of options that span all types of price points.
Many people opt for professional teeth whitening, which is the most effective option, but this can be invasive and very expensive — often setting you back thousands.
Fortunately, milder results can be achieved from the comfort of your own home.
Many people opt for whitening pens as they offer precise application and can be taken on the go.
Accelerator gels are also a great add-on to your existing brushing routine and can provide whiter smiles in just a few uses.
What is the best method to whiten teeth?
Products formulated with active, dentist-approved ingredients are always your best bet.
Hydrogen peroxide has been used in teeth whitening for years but it can heighten tooth sensitivity, especially if used improperly or too frequently.
PAP is a great alternative as it is gentler on the teeth and gums, but is still effective at fading stains and brightening teeth.
What is the best teeth whitener?
Hydrogen peroxide is the most effective teeth whitening agent, which will provide the quickest and most effective results.
However, if used incorrectly or too frequently, it can lead to damage and sensitivity.
Fortunately, many at-home whitening kits now include safe amounts of hydrogen peroxide, and others are formulated with alternative ingredients that can provide similar results.
PAP is a great alternative, as it's less invasive on the surface of the teeth but can still help combat stains.
Can yellow teeth become white again?
There are plenty of products out there that tackle discolouration and yellowing teeth.
Many products can be used alongside a whitening toothpaste, and are easy to fit into your routine.
The tackles yellowness and staining, meaning it's great if you're a smoker, coffee or wine drinker.
If you have specific areas of yellowing that you'd like to target, whitening pens can be a great option, as they offer unparalleled precision.
Is it worth getting teeth whitened?
Many Brits are now choosing to get their teeth whitened professionally, but it can be very expensive.
What's more, aftercare can be limiting and difficult to fit around your existing lifestyle.
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Fortunately, many inexpensive at-home whitening kits are both effective and safe to use, thanks to being formulated with dentist-approved ingredients.
From gels to pens and glosses, there are plenty of options, and most won't cost you more than £30.