The success of your product may depend on the correct choice of ingredients to use in whitening pens. It doesn't matter whether you are coming up with a new formula or increasing your own line of privately-labeled whitening; it is important to know how each ingredient in teeth whitening works.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros, cons, and unique benefits of Hydrogen peroxide vs. carbamide peroxide vs. PAP so you can make smart, safe and effective ingredient decisions for pens that align with your brand goals.
The three ingredients: hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide and PAP are all geared towards the same direction, that is, tooth stains. They may, however, be differentiated according to how they operate and the experience that they provide to the user.
The most common active ingredient of teeth-whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. It removes stains by oxidation in principle; it removes oxygen molecules, which remove color pigments from the surface of the enamel.
● Fast and powerful stain removal.
● Delivers visible results in just a few uses.
● Quick whitening results.
● Consumers are comfortable with traditional peroxide formulas.
● Excessive levels might lead to transitory sensitivity of the teeth or to gum irritation.
● Should be ethically adhering to the regional safety limits (usually less than 6% on consumer products).
Carbamide peroxide is another form of peroxide but acts more slowly and gently. It is decomposed to hydrogen peroxide and urea, which releases oxygen more slowly.
● Offers long-term whitening.
● Less irritation; thus, it can be used by sensitive users.
● Overnight whitening or long-use products.
● Brands targeting users who prefer mild, steady results.
● Requires more time to become visible as compared to hydrogen peroxide.
● Most effective in usage on a daily or weekly basis.
PAP is the new favorite in modern whitening formulas. Unlike peroxides, it doesn’t release oxygen radicals. Rather, it discolors the molecules of discoloration without damaging the enamel and soft tissue.
● Light and strong on the surface and a deeper stain.
● No itching or sensitivity; best for all-day comfort.
● Users with sensitive teeth or those avoiding peroxides.
● Clean-label brands promoting “peroxide-free” whitening.
● Slightly slower whitening speed than high-strength peroxide formulas.
● Requires balanced formulation for long-lasting results.
When it comes to Hydrogen peroxide vs. carbamide peroxide vs. PAP, here’s how they compare:
Ingredient | Whitening Speed | Sensitivity Level | Suitable For |
Hydrogen Peroxide | Fast | Moderate to High | Quick whitening needs |
Carbamide Peroxide | Medium | Mild | Sensitive users |
PAP | Medium | Very Low
| Daily or gentle whitening users |
Concisely, the quickest outcome is obtained with hydrogen peroxide, and the most comfortable option is PAP. Carbamide peroxide is very middle dependable, balanced and consistent. Hydrogen peroxide may be your choice in case your audience considers speed more important than comfort.
However, when the primary considerations are sensitivity and comfort to the user, PAP-based formulas provide an alternative to these that is pain-free and modern.
Your brand objectives or target market, and marketing message, will influence the choice of the right ingredient. Here's how to align them:
● To achieve immediate action: Turn to hydrogen peroxide and see results on whitening in a few applications.
● Mild whitening: Select carbamide peroxide to get subtle but steady results.
● For sensitivity-free care: PAP gives you an edge with comfort-focused marketing.
Brands often combine ingredients strategically; for example, they pair a low level of hydrogen peroxide with PAP for balanced performance.
In 2025, marketing claims are under closer watch than ever. Each ingredient affects what you can promise customers.
● Hydrogen peroxide: You can claim “professional-level whitening” or “visible results in days.” Avoid medical claims like “treats discoloration.”
● Carbamide peroxide: Use gentle messaging such as “gradual whitening” or “great for sensitive teeth.”
● PAP: Pay attention to comfort-based statements, such as whitens without sensitivity or peroxide-free formula.
Always ensure that your assertions are in line with actual test results and are in compliance with FDA, EU or UK labeling standards. Good faith ingredient statements and transparent claims will create trust and brand credibility in the long run.
Modern consumers desire whitening to suit their lifestyle, not one that is painful and uncomfortable. This is the reason why the sensitivity profile of each ingredient is important:
● Hydrogen peroxide may cause short-term sensitization, particularly when used in high concentrations.
● Carbamide peroxide is weaker and typically found in low-concentration, daily products.
● PAP is also clinically demonstrated to prevent erosion of the enamel and irritation of the nerves, and so can be used frequently.
In case your brand targets young adults, regular coffee consumers or those who value convenience in their products, PAP-based decisions in pen ingredients are likely to draw the largest audience.
At Onuge, we understand that every brand has its own story and every ingredient tells one, too. With over 20 years of experience in oral-care manufacturing, we’ve helped hundreds of global partners create whitening pens that balance efficacy, comfort, and compliance.
We specialize in:
● Custom recipes with hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide or PAP.
● Peroxide-free and enamel-safe innovations for the sensitive user.
● Fast international manufacturing in GMP, ISO and FDA-approved plants.
If you want a quick-performing whitening pen or something slow-moving and daily, we will help you create a formula that suits your brand and the needs of the consumer.
When it comes to Hydrogen peroxide vs. carbamide peroxide vs. PAP, there’s no single “best” choice, just the one that fits your users best. Each ingredient has its own balance of speed, sensitivity, and safety. At Onuge, we guide brands through every stage from formulation to testing and packaging to ensure you deliver whitening pens that customers truly love.
Want to explore custom whitening formulas or learn which ingredient fits your market best? Contact us today to get started with Onuge’s trusted whitening solutions.
