Like it or not, your smile can make a big first impression (heck, there’s research to prove it). When your teeth are looking a little dull and lackluster—perhaps from one too many cups of coffee or glasses of wine—the best whitening toothpastes are on your side. Although they’re much less powerful than at-home whitening kits and professional bleaching treatments, they’re a simple and affordable solution to achieving pearlier whites over time.

“Whitening toothpastes can be effective at removing surface stains and help brighten the overall appearance of the teeth,” says Dr. Ben El Chami, DMD. “They work by using mild abrasives and chemicals, like silica or baking soda, to remove superficial stains. Some also contain enzymes or bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to help break down or lighten deeper stains,” he adds.

And because they contain a lower concentration of active whitening ingredients that can be sensitizing, these toothpastes are typically a gentler brightening method for those who prefer it.

While perusing your local drugstore aisle, Dr. El Chami says to look for whitening toothpastes that do double duty to keep teeth healthy, via ingredients like fluoride and xylitol. “Despite being a somewhat controversial ingredient, fluoride has widely been scientifically proven to be safe for strengthening teeth against cavities,” he mentions. “Meanwhile, xylitol is a natural sweetener that helps reduce bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.”

What’s more, it’s a good idea to seek options that carry the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. (The organization only accepts products that are made with fluoride.) “This seal indicates that the toothpaste has been evaluated by the ADA and found to be safe and effective for its intended use,” Dr. El Chami explains. “If you want to use a product without the ADA seal, make sure to speak with your dentist first.”

To guide you on your journey towards a whiter smile, we consulted Dr. El Chami on his favorite picks and scoured tons of top-rated products to compile the eight best whitening toothpastes, below. From all-natural selects to gentle options formulated specifically for people with sensitive mouths, these toothpastes will actually make you excited to brush.

Colgate

amazon.com

$9.79

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Over 71,000 reviews and an average 4.7-star rating on Amazon don’t lie—this ADA-approved Colgate formula is the real deal. Featuring a blend of hydrated silica and citric acid, it works to buff away stubborn surface stains. It also contains stannous fluoride, an ingredient that can help prevent cavities. However, it may be even more effective at fighting bacteria to ward off plaque and gingivitis.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Colgate’s Total Whitening toothpaste will have you feeling fresh to death! On a scale of one to 10, my teeth are shining with the brightness of a thousand suns! Been plaque free since ’93!”

Tom's of Maine

walmart.com

$4.57

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“I recommend this Tom’s of Maine toothpaste because it uses fluoride to safely prevent cavities and removes surface stains on teeth without the use of bleach or peroxide—which are good whitening agents but may cause tooth sensitivity,” Dr. El Chami says. Instead, the formula uses hydrated silica as a mild abrasive, plus xylitol to ward off plaque buildup. Additionally, “the formula is vegan and free of preservatives, glutens, and parabens,” he notes.

Walmart rating: 4.3/5 stars

hello

target.com

$4.49

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Dr. El Chami calls this toothpaste by Hello another one of his favorites because it “includes minerals [namely silica and fluoride] to whiten and protect teeth and has no artificial sweeteners or flavors,” he says. Other natural ingredients include calcium carbonate, a gentle abrasive to help remove stains, as well as plaque-fighting xylitol and coconut oil.

According to the expert, it also has a refreshingly minty taste.

Target rating: 4.6/5 stars

Colgate

amazon.com

$12.96

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I’m a heavy tea drinker, yet I pride myself on having a bright smile—and it’s largely thanks to this powerful Colgate formula. Along with a generic mouthwash, it’s been a key part of my routine for months and always seems to earn me compliments. Although it currently lacks the ADA Seal, it does contain two percent hydrogen peroxide to help remove both superficial and deeper stains. And even as someone with fairly sensitive teeth, I don’t find it to be irritating.

Grab it in a pack of three travel-sized tubes for just $13 on Amazon.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

Arm & Hammer

amazon.com

$11.99

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Baking soda is at the heart of this classic formula, which is designed to gently whiten teeth and give you an ultra squeaky-clean feeling. Also, it contains fluoride to help fight cavities.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The best toothpaste on the market, hands down. I’ve used this for at least 15 years. Makes your mouth and teeth feel clean and whitens well. If they ever stop making this, I’m going to be really upset!“

Sensodyne

amazon.com

$18.72

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Dr. El Chami suggests that anyone with sensitive teeth should reach for a whitening toothpaste that’s specially crafted to meet their needs. Enter: Sensodyne’s Pronamel formula. It doesn’t have the ADA Seal, but it does include some expert- and science-backed ingredients for making teeth whiter (plus, the oral care brand has earned the seal for some of its other products). This one is free of hydrogen peroxide that can be harsher on teeth, and uses silica to gently combat yellowing and discoloration. Moreover, it has fluoride to protect against decay and potassium nitrate—a desensitizing agent that can help limit tooth sensitivity.

Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “At my dentist’s recommendation, I started using this product twice a day several years ago. It took a year, but gradually I lost all hot/cold sensitivity. Now, I can drink hot tea or eat ice cream with total impunity; I don’t hesitate anymore. My teeth are now a beautiful natural white. Most importantly, my dentist can measure the thickness and hardness of my enamel, and he comments every time on how healthy my enamel is.”

Parodontax

amazon.com

$6.47

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This ADA-approved formula contains hydrated silica for brightening, alongside stannous fluoride to revive sore, bleeding gums. According to the brand, the product works to combat plaque and fortify the seal between the gum and tooth to prevent inflammation.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve always had bad gums that run in my family. I was looking for another toothpaste because of issues I’ve had with some teeth whitening products irritating my gums. Within the first couple of days, I noticed a huge difference. Definitely works for those with sore gums.”

Bite

amazon.com

$19.99

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Though there’s limited data to confirm that toothpaste tablets are just as effective as traditional toothpastes, they are a more eco-friendly option, notes Dr. El Chami. Unlike classic toothpastes that come in non-recyclable tubes, these tablets are typically housed in glass jars. To activate them as a paste, simply chew one and swish with water.

Bite’s popular vegan bits come in a plastic-free glass jar and feature stain-fighting calcium carbonate. What’s more, there’s xylitol to help combat plaque and nano-hydroxyapatite, which some research has shown to be an effective alternative to fluoride.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s certainly not the way I’ve been using toothpaste all my life, but it really works to refresh my mouth and make my teeth feel sparkling clean. It’s less messy than regular toothpaste and is environmentally-friendly and perfect for traveling.”

Dr. Ben El Chami is is the co-founder and chief dental officer of dntl bar in New York City.