8 Activated Charcoal Products for Teeth Whitening 

Teeth whitening is such a sensitive topic that is honestly hit or miss. There’s a fine line between a radiant smile and a weakened enamel, and many people, myself included, have made the mistake of thinking the blacker the paste, the whiter the teeth. 

While activated charcoal toothpastes might look like a magic fix, they’re actually one of the most debated trends in oral care. Before we get into the best activated charcoal toothpastes on shelves, let’s talk about the science behind it and why dentists are raising an eyebrow.

Most charcoal toothpastes claim to “detoxify” and “deep clean” your mouth, but clinical studies have shown that their whitening abilities are limited. Due to their abrasive nature, they can help remove stains from tea, coffee, or red wine, but they have the same whitening power as bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide.

All that said, if you’re curious about trying a charcoal toothpaste, we’ve rounded up nine of the most talked-about options. Read the labels, use with moderation, and don’t ditch your dentist-approved paste just yet.

If you’re looking for a charcoal toothpaste that actually contains fluoride, this one ticks the box. It combines mild abrasives like hydrated silica with sodium fluoride for cavity protection. It’s a decent middle-ground toothpaste for surface stain removal without altogether skipping on enamel (the hard, shiny outer layer of the teeth) care.

It’s best for coffee drinkers that are looking to get rid of surface stains and keep fluoride (a mineral that strengthens the tooth and prevents decay) in their routine. Price: $10.68. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon

This one’s popular in the “clean beauty” space for including nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), a fluoride alternative that remineralises enamel. It is also made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, peppermint oil, and baking soda, and it’s free from harsh detergents. Charcoal is there too, but in a less aggressive formulation. Price: $12.99. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

Best for: Those avoiding fluoride but still keen on enamel support.

This charcoal toothpaste is an Amazon best-selling product with over 40,000 reviews. This American brand is cruelty-free, vegan, and sweetened with stevia (a sugar substitute) rather than artificial sweeteners. It’s gentle-ish for a charcoal toothpaste but doesn’t contain fluoride or hydroxyapatite, so while it may help polish surface stains, it won’t do much in terms of decay prevention. Price: $4.79. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

Best for: Occasional use and lovers of chic, minimalist packaging.

Customer review: “This stuff works! I’m particular about my teeth and want them so white they are seen through but can’t bring myself to pay to have it done. I needed just a little help to get them that last couple shades lighter and this toothpaste delivered in just a couple weeks of using it. I was taking a selfie and smiling and just realized holy heck my teeth are white. I’m buying more for sure.”

Not a paste, but a powder, and one that goes all in on the charcoal. With just activated charcoal, allantoin, menthol, and coconut charcoal, this product is incredibly abrasive and should be used sparingly. It’s very much a DIY-style whitening product that gives a visibly brighter look short-term but isn’t one for daily use. Price: $12.24. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

Best for: Instant brightening before a big event (but follow up with a fluoride toothpaste).

READ ALSO: The Best Whitening Toothpastes, According to Dentists

This is the sleeker, spa-like version of the earlier Crest charcoal product because it contains fluoride and a more invigorating mint flavour. The formula includes hydrated silica and charcoal powder for that classic polish effect, while fluoride works behind the scenes to strengthen enamel. Price: $14.95. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

Best for: Everyday use if you want to combine modern whitening with dentist-approved ingredients.

Customer review: “Great taste and leaves my teeth clean. Since using toothpaste with charcoal my dental hygienist always tells me how good my teeth are looking.”

You get the reliability of Colgate’s fluoride formula with a touch of charcoal for extra polish. This one leans more on the traditional side and it’s a subtle performer that won’t radically whiten your teeth, but helps maintain your natural whiteness. Price: $9.98. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

Best for: Fans of mainstream oral care brands who want a tiny charcoal twist.

This premium fluoride-free paste contains natural oils (peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen) and baking soda to neutralise acids. The charcoal and calcium carbonate combo provides a gritty texture which is gentle by natural standards, but still not for overuse.

Adding coconut oil and anise seed gives it a distinctly herbal aftertaste. Price: $26. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

Best for: Natural beauty lovers who still want a decent scrub.

READ ALSO: The Real Reason Why Your Armpit and Bum Don’t Match Your Skin Tone

Although not included in your original list, this variant of Hello is worth noting. It brings fluoride back into the mix alongside activated charcoal and hemp seed oil, combining surface stain removal with enamel protection. Price: $15.80. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

Best for: Fluoride fans who still want to stay on the natural side of the fence.