The best teeth whitening toothpastes for low-fuss pearly whites

Colgate is a classic in the dental department for damn good reason, and this minty whitening toothpaste is one of the biggest reasons why. Designed to lift teeth by four shades (wow, right?) in just six weeks (with constant twice-a-day brushing, of course) it's set apart by its hero ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide, AKA the very same whitening agent used by dentists during professional whitening treatments.

$9.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Sensitive teeth and whitening products don’t usually play nice together, but this paste is formulated specifically to suit. It has a moderate-abrasion formula that gently removes stains and reveals a whiter smile without giving you the dreaded just-bit-into-an-ice-block-feeling (yes, sorry, we're shuddering too). In addition to its whitening abilities, it also actually works to calm the nerves inside teeth for enhanced sensitivity protection; nifty, huh?

$10.49 at Chemist Warehouse

This guy was originally developed for models and actors who needed their Hollywood smiles to look like literal pearls, so you know it's no joke. Its 'extra strength' formula features 5x whitening technologies for effective yet gentle whitening that's enamel safe. Not to mention it's insanely affordable. Deal alert.

$4.69 at Chemist Warehouse

Hismile knows what a buzzkill sensitivity can be when you're trying to send stains packing. So if you've sampled hydrogen peroxide formulas in the past with no success, try this effective yet low-irritation formula. Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP for short), hydroxyapatite and potassium citrate are the hero ingredients. They're hard to pronounce and will work even harder to help you achieve a bright, white smile.

$45 at hismileteeth.com

Another winner for sensitive smiles, this teeth-brightening option is housed in a Tiffany blue tube that would look right at home on any bathroom shelf. It's also particularly talented at specifically targeting enamel stains; quite the impressive ability considering it's made up of all natural ingredients. Double win.

$13.95 at Adore Beauty

A classic, mint-flavoured whitening toothpaste is great, sure. But why not go wild and try one with an apple, watermelon or rose twist? The latter is akin to Turkish delight and just what a delight that would be twice a day. These culinary teeth whitening options are all from Aussie brand Gem; flavour meets functionality. We're sold.

$15 at gem-products.co

Undoubtedly Oral-B is already one of the first names you think of when ‘oral care’ comes to mind. The dentist-backed brand has taken it up another notch with their whitening toothpaste. If you want your pearly whites to shine more akin to diamonds than pearls, then this is the option for you. It’s formulated with hydrogen peroxide (the whitening ingredient dentists use), along with enamel protecting fluoride and even crushed calcium crystals that work buff (gently) away at the surface of your teeth. This toothpaste is a major player in the whitening game. 

$15.99 at Priceline