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Lately, we’ve all been leveling up our beauty routines — skincare, haircare, and yes, oral care too. And with so many video calls and social moments captured online, having a bright smile has never felt more important.

Our editors set out to compare two popular at-home whitening options — Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Plus and Spotlight Oral Care Whitening Strips — to find out which one actually delivers results.

Here’s what we discovered:

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Plus Overview

Crest has long been a trusted name in American oral care. Their 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Plus is a standout in the whitening space — designed to remove up to 20 years of stains using enamel-safe hydrogen peroxide.

Each box includes 48 strips (24 treatments), and the no-slip design ensures they stay put even while talking or drinking water. With noticeable results in just a few days, it’s no wonder Crest Whitestrips consistently outstrip the competition and dominate drugstore shelves.

Why We Love It:

• Affordable at around $45–$60
• Visible results in just 3 days
• Easy to use: just peel, apply, and go
• Backed by over 65 years of dental trust and research
• Available widely both online and in stores

Spotlight Oral Care Whitening Strips Overview

Founded by two Irish dentists, Spotlight Oral Care takes a more holistic, clean-beauty approach to whitening. Their Whitening Strips Kit includes 28 strips (14 treatments) and a tube of Comforting Gum Oil to help reduce sensitivity.

The formula uses 6.0% hydrogen peroxide and is designed to be left on for 60 minutes. Spotlight also offers whitening toothpaste and bundles to round out your routine. The brand emphasizes sustainability and clean ingredients across its line.

Key Highlights:

• Includes Comforting Gum Oil for gentler use
• Uses 6.0% hydrogen peroxide
• Comes with 14 treatments (28 strips)
• Priced around $50
• Clean, sustainable packaging and ingredients
• Slower results; longer application time (60 minutes)

Final Verdict

While Spotlight Oral Care brings a thoughtful, dentist-developed formula to the table — and its Comforting Gum Oil is a nice touch — the longer application time and slower results may not suit everyone.

For most people, Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Plus offers the best mix of value, convenience, and performance. It delivers fast results, is trusted by dental professionals, and is easy to find in stores or online. If you’re after whiter teeth without the wait (or the fuss), Crest is your go-to.

Bottom line? When it comes to affordable, effective, and no-nonsense whitening — Crest still leads the pack.