Teeth whitening: what actually works, and what's a waste of money

The only proven whitening ingredients are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, at controlled concentrations. Everything else is either marketing or, worse, actively damaging your enamel.

Charcoal toothpastes are abrasive and can wear down your enamel over time — making your teeth look yellower, not whiter.

Professional whitening — either in-office or take-home trays — remains the gold standard for safe, dramatic results.