If you’ve heard the buzz about purple toothpaste, you might be curious about what it actually does. This innovative product employs color theory to create the illusion of a whiter smile. The purple hue works by neutralizing yellow tones in your teeth, providing a short-term whitening effect. However, it’s important to note that this is a temporary solution; the results typically last only a few hours. As noted by Ira Handschuh, DDS, from The Dental Design Center in White Plains, NY, your teeth will gradually return to their original color shortly after use.
To discover the best options in purple toothpaste, we tested eight different brands in our own homes. Each product was evaluated on factors such as ease of use, comfort, effectiveness, convenience, and overall value. Additionally, we enlisted a dentist from our Medical Expert Board to ensure that the information presented in this article is medically and scientifically accurate.
What to Expect from Purple Toothpastes
It’s essential to understand that the dentists we consulted regarding purple toothpastes do not recommend them for long-term whitening outcomes. According to Dr. Ira Handschuh, purple toothpaste does not provide permanent whitening effects, as it doesn’t penetrate the tooth enamel or eliminate the stains and debris caused by food and beverages. Consequently, the experts we spoke with do not advocate for the use of purple toothpaste as a substitute for traditional cavity prevention methods or overall oral health care.
Best Overall
Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector
Why We Recommend It
LaserGlow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector emerged as our top choice thanks to its impressive effectiveness and ease of use. After several weeks of testing, we noticed a visible improvement in the brightness of our teeth. While the difference wasn’t dramatic, it was enough to make us confident in recommending this product.
After each use, our teeth felt smooth and clean, and we found the $21 price point reasonable for the quality. This formula is gentle on sensitivity, rinses away easily from the sink, and is packaged in a convenient pump bottle. Although the results don’t match the intensity of professional whitening treatments, this purple toothpaste offers a non-invasive and simple option for temporary whitening.
It’s Worth Noting
While we weren’t fans of the medicinal, sweet mint flavor, it was not unpleasant either.
Product Details
- Size: 1 fluid ounce
- Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, hydrated silica
- Flavor: Peppermint
Best Budget
Crest 3D White Brilliance Luminous Purple Toothpaste
Why We Recommend It
Crest 3D White Brilliance Teeth Whitening Toothpaste delivers impressive results, providing a noticeable difference right after the first use. Priced at under $10 per tube, it contains fluoride—a feature not found in all purple toothpastes—and is readily available at most drugstores and online retailers.
One of the standout aspects is how easily this purple toothpaste rinses away from the sink without leaving stains on your mouth. It offers a robust mint flavor, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a toothpaste with a strong taste.
It’s Worth Noting
However, the intensity of the mint flavor may be off-putting for some, and the thick, gritty texture may not be suitable for individuals with highly sensitive teeth or gums.
Product Details
- Size: 3.5 fluid ounces
- Key Ingredients: Fluoride
- Flavor: Luminous Mint
Best for Sensitive Teeth
POPWHITE Whitening Primer Toothpaste
Why We Recommend It
It’s rare to find a “whitening toothpaste” that’s also gentle enough for sensitive teeth, but that’s exactly what POPWHITE Whitening Primer Toothpaste delivers. This toothpaste worked exceptionally well for our sensitivity needs, providing a whitening boost without any irritation.
After a few uses, we noticed a visible improvement in brightness, with reduced yellowing on our teeth. The strong mint flavor leaves your mouth feeling fresh, and it rinses cleanly from the sink, which we appreciated. Plus, the larger tube size offers good value, making it last longer than similar products.
Things to Keep in Mind
This formula doesn’t produce a lot of lather, which may feel different than traditional toothpaste. We also observed a slight grayish tint on tartar if not flossed beforehand, so we recommend flossing prior to brushing for the best results.
Product Details
- Size: 4 fluid ounces
- Key Ingredients: Botanicals, coconut oil
- Flavor: Mint
Purple Toothpastes That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Iriyand Purple Toothpaste: This option offered mild whitening results, but the formula was overly runny, lacked foaming, and was challenging to manage, making it messy and inconvenient to use.
- Meto Purple Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening: We saw minimal whitening results, and the toothpaste was difficult to rinse, leaving a lingering residue after use.
- Hismile v34 Colour Corrector: Though highly popular, the Hismile v34 Colour Corrector showed no noticeable whitening effects for us, neither immediately nor over time.
Our Testing Methodology
We evaluated eight different purple toothpastes over a six-week testing period. We began by studying each product’s instructions and familiarizing ourselves with the unique properties of purple toothpaste. Our assessments focused on five key attributes: ease of use, comfort, effectiveness, convenience, and value, rating each on a scale from 1–5.
From this analysis, only four toothpastes met our criteria. Here’s how we broke down the testing process:
- Ease of Use: We noted the time each product required for application and whether it was simple or messy. We also timed how long each toothpaste needed to stay in the mouth for optimal results.
- Comfort: This included the texture and sensitivity of each formula, the ease of application, lathering consistency, and any tingling or discomfort.
- Effectiveness: We tracked how our teeth looked and felt immediately after each use and at the end of six weeks. We also noted any visible whitening and smoothness of the teeth surface.
- Convenience: We recorded if the formula took long to dry or caused any stains on towels or clothing.
- Value: We considered whether the results justified the price or if other options might offer better results.
Expert Insights
To enhance our research, we consulted dental experts on what to look for in purple toothpaste, as well as potential red flags:
- Lena Varone, DDM – New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
- Ira Handschuh, DDS – The Dental Design Center, White Plains, NY
- Nick Mavrostomos, DDS – Apa Aesthetic New York
- Alice Hoang, DDS – Brooklyn Mint Dental
- Lauren Becker, DDS – Lauren Becker DDS
- Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS – Celebrity cosmetic dentist in Brooklyn
Purple Toothpaste: What You Need to Know
- How It Works: The purple pigments in these toothpastes neutralize yellow tones. Dr. Mavrostomos explains that purple and yellow sit opposite each other on the color wheel, resulting in a visually brighter smile.
- How to Use It: Dr. Hoang advises using purple toothpaste as a final step after a toothpaste that cleans and protects against cavities, ensuring it is ADA-approved.
- When to Use It: Ideal for a quick brightening before events, Dr. Hoang recommends using purple toothpaste for occasions like weddings or photoshoots but to continue using a standard toothpaste daily.
- Effectiveness: According to Dr. Rubinshtein, purple toothpaste does not remove stains but creates an illusion of brightness.
- Ingredients: Dr. Becker emphasizes selecting products with the ADA seal and ingredients like fluoride, xylitol, or nano-hydroxyapatite, depending on individual oral health needs.
- Flavors: Purple toothpaste typically comes in mint, but fruity options are also available.
- Safety: Dr. Mavrostomos confirms that purple toothpaste is generally safe but suggests ensuring it includes fluoride to avoid cavities.
