It’s been said that you’re never fully dressed without a smile, and just like the outfits we keep in rotation, it’s as important to help your teeth look their best. Following a consistent dental routine and incorporating a tube of the best whitening toothpaste makes it simple to enhance the look of your smile at home.
“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. “Many whitening toothpastes in particular contain a variation of hydrated silica, which acts as a polishing agent to help remove extrinsic stains.” If you’re looking to brighten your smile but also deal with sensitive teeth and gums, several top whitening toothpastes can suit your needs.
Shop the Best Whitening Toothpastes
Lipari recommends opting for a formula with a range of natural or gentler ingredients like baking soda and coconut oil 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 adds that those with sensitive teeth keep their eyes peeled for whitening toothpaste powered by the ingredient potassium nitrate, which helps reduce overall sensitivity. While using a tube of the best whitening toothpaste can make it a breeze to brighten or maintain your desired smile shade, professionals 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 toothpaste for a formula that helps your teeth really sparkle, read on for some of the most popular toothpastes experts recommend and beauty enthusiasts are giving gold stars, from Colgate, Marvis, and more brands.
Crest 3D Whitestrips is a cult-favorite product among beauty lovers in the know, which is just one reason the brand’s equally popular 3D White toothpaste is featured on this list of favorites. Its minty formula aims to strengthen tooth enamel while guarding against cavities and brightening your smile.
Key ingredients: Sodium fluoride, fluoride ion
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!” —Anonymous
Best for Quick Results
Colgate Optic White Pro Series Whitening Toothpaste
Pros
Works quickly- Expert-recommended
Cons
- 5 percent hydrogen peroxide level may be too intense for sensitive teeth
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. The tried-and-true formula aims to visibly whiten teeth after three days of use.
Key ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
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
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Pros
- Fluoride-free
- Great flavor
Cons
- Some reviewers say tube size is smaller than other toothpastes
I've tested several whitening toothpaste options as a beauty editor, but this one from Marvis is one of my favorites—and over 6,100 Amazon shoppers who gave the formula a five-star rating agree. Not only does its vintage-inspired tube look stylish on my bathroom countertop, but its minty flavor also always leaves my mouth feeling more refreshed after brushing.
Key ingredients: Hydrated silica, titanium dioxide, limonene
One satisfied customer writes: “I made the switch! My favorite fluoride-free toothpaste so far. Definitely whitens very well.” —Amazon Customer
Best for Cavities
Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Pros
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Formula may not be intensive enough for some
For patients with sensitive teeth, Lipari often recommends Sensodyne’s Extra Whitening toothpaste. It contains an anticavity formula that provides up to 24 hours of gum and enamel protection while getting your pearly whites their brightest.
Key ingredients: Sodium lauryl
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
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Pros
- Great for sensitive teeth
- Features earth-friendly formula and packaging
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula does not foam
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, and provides a thorough clean thanks to hardworking sodium fluoride.
Key ingredients: Sodium fluoride, aloe extract, coconut-derived cocamidopropyl betaine, menthol, spearmint, and peppermint oils
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
Best for Enamel Strength
Boka Refresh Mint Teeth Whitening n-Ha Toothpaste
Pros
- Peroxide-free
- Safe for sensitive teeth
Cons
- Some reviewers say flavor may not be as minty as other toothpastes
This aloe vera and green tea toothpaste also uses xylitol to fight bacteria, plus nano-hydroxyapatite (a Japanese-created fluoride alternative) to keep enamel strong. It also contains coconut oil and baking soda to help neutralize stains while keeping gums hydrated.
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, xylitol, green tea
One satisfied customer writes: “I absolutely love this toothpaste and have seen a difference in the whiteness of my teeth!” —Taylor
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Pros
- Expert-recommended
Cons
- Results not visible until after at least a month of use
Opal by Opalescence’s fluoride toothpaste is another of Lipari’s favorites specifically for sensitive teeth. It uses a low-abrasion silica blend to polish away surface stains, along with a combination of sodium fluoride and xylitol to minimize cavities and guard against tooth decay.
Key ingredients: Sodium fluoride, silica, xylitol
One satisfied customer writes: “I really like this whitening toothpaste. It does a great job cleaning, leaves the mouth feeling fresh, and brightens your teeth.” —Anonymous
Pros
- Helps prevent cavities
- Great for plaque removal
Cons
- Results not visible until after at least six weeks of use
Arm & Hammer used its expert cleaning knowledge to create this top-rated whitening toothpaste. Baking soda works overtime as the main ingredient in its minty fresh formula, to gently lift surface stains and minimize the effect of enamel-weakening acids.
Key ingredients: Baking soda, sodium fluoride, silica
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 tea-aholic!” —Nana
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Best Naturally Derived
Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste (3-Pack)
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Great for sensitive teeth
Cons
- Some reviewers say flavor may not be as minty as other toothpastes
Here’s a three-pack of naturally derived toothpaste from Hello that uses a calcium mineral blend to get teeth whiter. And as a bonus, its formula works overtime to help strengthen weak enamel and fight cavities.
Key ingredients: Peppermint, calcium mineral blend, tea tree oil, coconut oil
One satisfied customer writes: “Leaves teeth so clean feels like I just went to the dentist!!” —G Sancho
Pros
- Flouride-free
- Great for sensitive teeth
Cons
- Some reviewers do not enjoy the flavor.
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 says. “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.”
Key ingredients: Essential oils, xylitol, silica, calcium carbonate, peppermint oil, wild mint oil
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
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Meet the experts
- Dr. Rich Lipari is a cosmetic dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York.
What are the benefits of using whitening toothpastes?
Whitening toothpastes make it easy to enhance the brightness 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.
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How should I use one of the best whitening toothpastes?
Brushing your teeth with one of the best whitening toothpastes is no different from using regular toothpaste. 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, the more you may increase your risk of future enamel sensitivity.
Shop more of our dental care favorites
- The Best Natural and Organic Toothpastes for a Healthy Smile
- The Best Teeth Whitening Kits for a Brighter Smile
- The Best Teeth Whitening Pens to Brighten Your Smile Anytime, Anywhere
- The Best Water Flossers Worth Adding to Your Routine
- The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Tiffany Dodson
Associate Beauty Commerce Editor
Tiffany Dodson Davis is the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Don't ask her to choose a favorite fragrance—it's like picking a favorite child. As one of the brand's resident shopping experts, she specializes in trend forecasting, testing the latest beauty and wellness launches, and curating bookmark-worthy commerce guides. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in SELF Magazine, Bustle, and Teen Vogue. She's also been tapped as a commerce and beauty expert for The Business of Fashion, NPR’s Life Kit podcast, and more.
