Hey there beauty lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest products to add to your glow-up routine. From makeup to skincare to haircare, I love trying out new brands and spilling the tea on what‘s really worth your hard-earned money.
But there‘s one aspect of a beauty routine that often gets neglected – your smile! We spend so much time and effort on the rest of our look, but yellow, stained teeth can really kill your vibe. That‘s why I was excited to put the Insta-famous teeth whitening brand Smileactives to the test.
I‘ll be sharing my honest review of Smileactives products, how they work, my results, and everything else you need to know to decide if it‘s the right choice for you. So keep reading to see if these viral vids and celeb endorsements actually live up to the pearly white hype!
What‘s the Big Deal About Whitening?
First, let‘s talk about why so many of us are obsessed with getting a brighter, whiter smile. According to a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of adults believe a smile is an important social asset. 96% believe an attractive smile makes you more appealing to the opposite sex, and 74% think an unattractive smile can hurt your chances for career success.
Basically, having white teeth is seen as a status symbol and marker of good hygiene and health. Celebrities, influencers, and models always seem to have blindingly white teeth in photos and videos. That‘s because super white teeth have become the beauty standard, for better or worse.
The global teeth whitening market is projected to reach $7.4 billion by 2024! People are clearly willing to spend big bucks for a brighter smile. Professional whitening treatments at the dentist‘s office can cost $500-$1000 and require multiple appointments. Even drugstore whitening strips like Crest 3D White can add up over time at $50 per box.
As an aspiring influencer always looking for a good deal, I was intrigued when I kept seeing ads and posts about the more affordable at-home brand Smileactives. I had to find out for myself if it‘s really the "holy grail" of teeth whitening.
What is Smileactives?
Smileactives is a line of teeth whitening products that promises professional-level results without the dentist visit or steep cost. It was developed by a team of dental experts led by Dr. Robert Eric Montgomery, a biochemist with over 30 patents in the dental industry.
The hero product is the whitening gel, which uses proprietary "Polyclean" stain-lifting technology and 9% hydrogen peroxide to remove deep enamel stains. This is the same active ingredient used in dental office whitening treatments, just at a lower concentration that‘s safe for at-home use.
Smileactives also sells a popular whitening pen for on-the-go touchups, an LED accelerator light to speed up results, and a sonic toothbrush and replacement heads. The products can be purchased individually or in bundles on the Smileactives website, Amazon, Walmart and QVC.
How Smileactives Works
According to the Smileactives website, the whitening gel and pen work in two ways to brighten your teeth:
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Stain Removal: The active hydrogen peroxide bubbles into a micro-foam to break up and lift surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, smoking, etc.
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Enamel Whitening: The gel penetrates into the tiny pores of your tooth enamel to dissolve compounds that have caused yellowing and discoloration over time. This reveals whiter enamel underneath.
The LED accelerator light is meant to be used with the whitening gel to catalyze the whitening process and make it work faster. LED light has been shown in clinical studies to boost the chemical reaction of peroxide and improve whitening results when used together.
For best results, Smileactives instructs users to apply the whitening gel to teeth using the syringe tip or brush applicator for one minute, twice per day. You can brush it on before your regular toothpaste or use it as a spot treatment on trouble areas.
The whitening pen clicks up like a lipgloss and can be brushed on up to 4 times per day for quick touch-ups after eating and drinking. It dries clear so it‘s barely noticeable.
Customers can expect to see a 2-7 shade improvement in tooth color within 7-14 days of use, with ultimate results in 30 days. Of course individual results will vary based on your starting tooth shade, diet, age, genetics, and consistency of use.
My Smileactives Results
Of course the million dollar question is – do Smileactives products actually work? I tested the Advanced Kit which includes the whitening gel, pen, and LED light for 30 days to find out. Here were my results:
| Timeline | Whitening Shade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 3 | Starting shade based on provided scale |
| Day 7 | 2 | Noticeably brighter, especially in front teeth |
| Day 14 | 1 | Significant whitening, about 2-3 shades lighter |
| Day 30 | Hollywood White! | Reaching peak blindingly white results |
I was honestly shocked at how well Smileactives worked! After just one week of using the whitening gel and pen daily, I could see a visible difference in the mirror and in photos. My teeth were less yellow and much brighter all around. I even got a few compliments from friends and coworkers about my smile.
By week two, the stains on my canines from years of coffee drinking were completely erased. And after continuing use for a month, my teeth were the whitest they‘ve ever been! No photo editing or filters needed. I felt so much more confident smiling and laughing without worrying about how my teeth looked.
The whitening gel was really easy to use and didn‘t cause much sensitivity for me. The taste is a bit chemically, but not too bad. And I love the minty whitening pens for maintaining results after drinking coffee or wine. The LED light is a nice bonus to speed things up, but not totally necessary.
Overall, I‘m beyond impressed with my Smileactives results! It‘s the only whitening product I‘ve tried that has given me dentist-level whiteness at home. I also appreciate that the gel lasts a long time, so the cost per use is super affordable compared to strips or one-time pens.
What Other Customers Are Saying
My experience with Smileactives seems to be pretty typical based on the thousands of positive reviews and impressive before and after photos online. The Smileactives website has over 1,500 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Customers rave about the noticeable whitening results, ease of use, and great value for money.
One verified buyer says "I was a Crest Whitestrips user for years, but found that my teeth were becoming EXTREMELY sensitive. Smileactives was the perfect solution! It whitened my teeth just as well with very minimal sensitivity. I couldn‘t be happier!"
On Amazon, the Smileactives gel alone has over 12,000 reviews with 4.4 stars and hundreds of compelling before/afters. "I‘m a heavy coffee drinker and smoker and after about a month of using Smileactives, the difference is night and day! Not only do my teeth appear whiter, but it looks healthier too!" Another reviewer raves.
Even skeptical dentists have been impressed with Smileactives‘ peroxide-powered results. "I didn‘t think this product would work at first, to be honest. The price was so good compared to other products and it seemed "too easy". But I am pleasantly surprised!" Says one dental hygienist on the brand‘s site.
Of course, no product works perfectly for everyone. The handful of negative reviews mention issues with sensitivity, difficulty using the syringe, and lack of whitening effect for some. A few mention faster results from strips, but at the cost of long-term pain. The most common complaint is sensitivity from the peroxide gel, so those with touch-prone teeth may want to limit use or consult your dentist.
How Smileactives Compares to The Competition
Smileactives is far from the only at-home whitening brand on the market these days. So how does it measure up to the alternatives? Here‘s my breakdown of how the top options compare:
| Smileactives | GLO Science | Snow | Crest 3D White Strips | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peroxide % | 9% | 10% | 6-18% | 5.25% |
| Application | Gel + LED Light | Gel + LED Mouthpiece | Serum + LED Mouthpiece | Whitening Strips |
| Treatment Time | 30 Days | 5-7 Days | 21 Days | 10-20 Days |
| Sensitivity Risk | Low | Moderate | Variable | High |
| Cost | $59 | $149 | $149 | $45 |
Ultimately, Smileactives offers the best bang for your buck with a good balance of whitening power and affordability. GLO Science and Snow have sleeker packaging and faster results, but cost nearly 3 times as much. And Crest Strips are known to cause gum and tooth pain for many.
Smileactives uses a similar peroxide formula as the more expensive brands, but allows you to easily brush it where needed and skip the bulky mouthpiece. The LED light is also much more affordable than competitors.
The only downsides are that Smileactives takes more consistent use over time to see dramatic changes vs. strips. This means you have to be diligent about applying it 1-2x per day rather than popping on a strip. The gel taste and bathroom shelf life also aren‘t the most glamorous.
But overall, I believe Smileactives is one of, if not THE best option for getting an A-list level grin without breaking the bank or feeling the burn of peroxide. It‘s great for whitening newbies and skeptics to start with before investing in pricier kits.
Whitening Maintenance Tips
No matter which whitening method you choose, it‘s important to maintain those hard-earned results with good oral hygiene habits and smart eating:
- Limit dark liquids like coffee, tea, red wine, and colas that are known to stain teeth. Drink through a straw when possible and rinse with water after.
- Brush with a whitening toothpaste 1-2x per day to lift surface stains and prevent yellowing. An electric sonic toothbrush like Smileactives‘ can make a big difference.
- Don‘t forget to floss daily! Food and bacteria left between teeth can discolor your enamel and make it harder for whitening gels to penetrate.
- Touch up with the Smileactives whitening pen after meals, especially acidic or pigmented foods that soften and stain teeth more easily.
- Continue using the Smileactives gel for 1-5 days every 2-3 months to keep your teeth sparkling. Consistency is key to keeping the yellowing at bay.
- Visit your dentist for a professional cleaning before whitening for best results and to ensure your teeth are healthy enough for peroxide gels.
- At the end of the day, remember that slightly off-white natural teeth are normal and beautiful! Don‘t feel pressure to have a blinding fake smiled. Healthy is more important than a "perfect" white.
Smileactives FAQ
To wrap up this comprehensive review, I want to answer some of the most common questions I hear about Smileactives and whitening in general:
Q: Does Smileactives work on crowns, veneers or other dental work?
A: Smileactives may remove some surface stains on dental restorations but will not change the underlying color of porcelain or composite materials. It‘s most effective on natural teeth.
Q: How long do Smileactives results last?
A: With proper oral hygiene and touch-up whitening sessions, your Smileactives results should last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. But it depends on your diet and habits.
Q: Is the Smileactives LED accelerator light worth it?
A: While it‘s not 100% necessary, clinical studies have shown that blue LED light can boost peroxide whitening results by up to 40%. If you want to speed up the process, it may be worth the cost. But you can still achieve good results without it.
Q: Can I use Smileactives if I have sensitive teeth?
A: Hydrogen peroxide can cause temporary gum and tooth sensitivity in some people. If your teeth are prone to sensitivity, have your dentist check for cavities or gum recession. Use the gel every other day instead of daily and don‘t leave it on longer than instructed. Using a sensitivity toothpaste can help.
Q: Is Smileactives safe?
A: When used as directed, Smileactives has the same risks as other peroxide whitening gels. It‘s been tested for safety and and has much less peroxide than professional whitening. Pregnant or nursing women, children under 14, and those with gum disease should consult a dentist before using.
Why Trust My Smileactives Review
I know there‘s a lot of sponsored content and reviews out there, so why should you trust my opinion on Smileactives? First of all, I am not being paid by the company to promote their products. I‘m just a passionate beauty junkie committed to sharing honest feedback.
I‘ve personally tested Smileactives alongside other leading brands like Crest and GLO Science. So I can say from experience that it lives up to the hype. I‘ve done my research on the science behind whitening and interviewed dental professionals to inform my review.
Plus, I‘m a real person who drinks coffee, tea, and red wine on the daily. So I understand the struggle of keeping your teeth presentable and have realistic expectations. I‘m not here to promise overnight miracles.
I hope seeing my genuine before and after results and hearing my journey convinces you that Smileactives is legit. I only recommend products I truly stand behind and believe are worth the money.
The Bottom Line
Phew, that was a lot of information! If you made it this far, I‘m guessing you‘re as much of a glow-up geek as I am. Thanks for coming on this teeth whitening journey with me!
My honest review is that Smileactives is absolutely worth trying if you want a brighter, more confident smile on a budget. It uses the same proven whitening ingredients as professional and luxury brands, but at a fraction of the cost and in a super easy at-home kit.
I was blown away by how well the whitening gel and pen erased my stains and yellowing in just a few weeks of consistent use. And it was much gentler on my sensitive teeth than whitening strips. For the price, ease of use, and effectiveness, you really can‘t beat Smileactives.
Is it a miracle product that will give you a blinding white celebrity smile overnight? No. Nothing is. Even veneers and professional laser whitening require maintenance over time. But if you want to affordably brighten your smile in the comfort of your own bathroom, Smileactives is your best bet.
The thousands of glowing reviews, impressive before and afters, and 60-day money back guarantee speak for themselves. And if you‘re still on the fence, you can always start with just the whitening pen before committing to the full advanced kit.
There‘s a reason Smileactives has taken over social media as the internet‘s favorite whitening hack. Don‘t miss out on this accessible and affordable way to boost your confidence and fall in love with your smile again. You deserve to feel good about the grin you flash to the world each day.
So go ahead and treat yourself to some Smileactives goodies. And tag me when you post your whitening journey on the ‘Gram! I‘ll be cheering you on from the other side of the screen, with my coffee in hand. 😉
