Top Features
An overview of Colgate’s next generation Optic White Overnight Pen helps you see at a glance important detail about it, based on our team’s research:
- Hydrogen peroxide (whitening agent)
- 4 simple ingredients
- Precision applicator
- Visibly whiter in 1 week (with proper use)
- 1 pen contains 21 nightly treatments
- Enamel safe
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Colgate is a well-established brand in oral care with a positive reputation for quality and trustworthiness. Knowing this can increase shopper confidence in its at-home whitening treatments available online, including the Overnight Pen.

Colgate’s Optic White Pen Review of the Formula
This overnight pen is 0.08 oz (2.5 ml). It features a gel made of four ingredients:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Water
- Alcohol
- Acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer
Hydrogen Peroxide
HP is a popular whitening ingredient that helps break down and remove surface and deeper stains through oxidation. The formula is 3% HP and enamel-safe, per the support section of Colgate’s US site.
Water
The water in the formula helps dilute the hydrogen peroxide for safer application directly on the teeth. It also ensures that the ingredients mix uniformly, so the gel spreads consistently when applied with the pen.
Other Ingredients
The alcohol in the gel is a solvent that evaporates and leads the gel to dry into a durable film, per the Colgate US site.
Acrylates and octylacrylamide copolymer are functional rather than fillers. They help the gel form a protective, varnish-like coating on the teeth for whitening purposes.
Simple, Cleaner Formula
We like that the formula is simple with its minimal ingredients. It does not contain harsh abrasives that could wear down enamel.
The Optic White Overnight Pen is certified to be vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free, per Colgate’s support section on its US site. It does not contain animal by-products.
Affordable
When looking at its cost per treatment, the Optic White Overnight Pen is budget friendly. It is less expensive than a dentist’s office treatment, although it is not designed to provide the drastic results that may be possible with a professional method. Colgate’s 30-day money-back guarantee adds to the pen’s value.
How Is the Design Unique?
While the pen applicator isn’t exclusive to Colgate, the next generation Optic White Overnight Pen sets itself apart in a few ways. Firstly, it contains 21 nights of treatments when used as directed, giving it a longer lifespan than some other whitening products. It is also enamel-safe and backed by a major oral care brand, increasing user confidence in its quality and gentleness.
This Optic White pen is also unique as it is for nighttime use, rather than daytime. That means you don’t have to take time out of your day to stop and whiten your teeth; instead, it’s simple to apply just before going to bed and works while you sleep. Plus, the gel formula helps keep it from being runny in texture when applied to the teeth, which would make it messy.
There are also no trays, lights, or other accessories to use other than the pen, which is easy to use by clicking it. For those not looking for a kit, the whitening pen can be appealing.
Colgate Optic White Overnight Pen Review: Pros and Any Limitations
In addition to its special design, there are other benefits of the Overnight Pen to consider, and potential drawbacks. Collecting more information about the product can help you determine if it meets what you’re looking for and is likely to be suitable.
Convenient
The pen’s overnight use can easily fit many people’s oral care routines at home, making it convenient. Rather than taking time out of your day to wait for the whitening treatment, apply before bedtime as directed. The gel works while on your teeth as you sleep.
Those who want fast, daytime touchups or don’t want a nighttime commitment may look for an alternative. It suits those who don’t want to go to a dental office for whitening, thus saving time and energy; you don’t have to leave home.
Does the Colgate Optic White Overnight Pen sound like a good fit for you? See what else buyers have to say.
See Buyer Reviews
Modest Yet Visible Whitening
The pen offers visibly whiter teeth within just one week when used as directed, as per Colgate’s US site. After one week of nightly use, up to two shades whiter teeth are possible, with up to three shades whiter after two weeks.
Some users online say they saw visibly whiter teeth within a week of use. You may feel more confident knowing the pen reduced the appearance of stains for certain people. Whiter teeth increase self-esteem for some folks who might otherwise feel too self-conscious to smile or are unsatisfied with their appearance because of staining.
The Colgate pen provides the opportunity for slight whitening. Those wanting more dramatic tooth lightening results may seek an LED-based kit or professional treatment that has higher-strength whitening agents. Many people want modest whitening with a product like Colgate’s pen for a natural look or to reduce the risk of enamel damage.
Consistent Nighttime Use
Nightly use of the pen for 1-2 weeks in a row (once a day) is the treatment length for best results, as described on Colgate’s US site, with at least 4-6 hours of contact with teeth each time. For some people, the gradual whitening will be appealing, while others may prefer a faster approach, such as in-office treatment.
Consistency is important for best results, rather than skipping some nights, as it increases the opportunity for visible improvements. While that may not appeal to those who are spontaneous, those who follow a routine will likely find it easy to incorporate into their evenings.
Easy to Use
The Optic White Overnight Pen from Colgate can fit easily into a nightly oral care routine. It is designed to be applied just before bed onto clean, dry teeth. After brushing your teeth, dry them with a tissue. Click to dispense the gel from the pen, apply it directly to the teeth, and wait 10-15 seconds for a clear film to form. Let the gel sit overnight. The next morning, brush your teeth to remove the formula before eating or drinking. Repeat nightly for 1-2 weeks, as per its US site.
The pen has a simple-to-use applicator. Click the pen for the gel to start coming out onto the bristles. “Painting” teeth with the pen takes little time, too, and there are no additional accessories to learn how to use.
Targeted, Precise Application
The pen’s click-dispense design pushes the serum onto a fine brush tip, so you can easily “paint” the gel on all teeth or only certain ones, depending on personal preference. You may want to whiten only the front surfaces of the teeth or use it on a specific stained tooth.
Some online users note that the bristles stick together after using the pen. Colgate suggests on its US site loosening the bristles by continuing to click the pen until you see gel on them, making it easier to apply to the teeth.
Gentle by Design
The pen is designed for no tooth sensitivity, as per the Colgate US site, during and after the whitening process. Those with mild sensitivity might look for a formula designed to be gentle on enamel, like this one. Still, if you have sensitive teeth, a slight tingling could occur during use. If discomfort occurs, stop using the pen and see your dentist.
Portable
The small size makes the Optic White Pen portable. It’s easy to take when traveling and can fit into a bathroom drawer for storage. The pen doesn’t take up a lot of room, which is especially important if you have a small bathroom.
Mess-Free
The hardened gel coating that the pen dispenses stays in place overnight. There’s no hassle of strips slipping off or drooling when wearing trays. Plus, the pen’s gel consistency makes it less likely to drip than some other liquid formulas.

More to Know: Safety, Price, and Money-Back Guarantee
Safety
The enamel-safe formula of Colgate’s Optic White Pen makes it likely to appeal to those wanting subtle lightning. Your dentist can help you decide whether a tooth whitening product is suitable for you. For example, the pen has not been tested for use with overnight mouth guards or aligners, so discussing with a dental professional whether it’s safe for you if you have either is ideal.
Colgate does not recommend the pen for individuals under age 12, according to its US site’s support section. The gel is not meant to be swallowed or applied to gums or lips. If contact with the eyes happens, rinse thoroughly. It is a flammable product, so for optimal safety, keep it away from heat or flames and do not use it while smoking.
Money-Back Guarantee
As with anything, results can differ from one person to the next. Factors that can affect the pen’s results when used as directed include natural tooth color, the level of staining (deep or surface-level), and habits like drinking coffee and smoking. Although there is no included warranty, Colgate’s pen has a money-back guarantee.
In the unlikely case that you are not completely satisfied with the product after using it as instructed, Colgate offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. A return must be requested within 30 days of purchase, with additional conditions to meet to qualify for a full refund (less any shipping and handling charges). This policy shows brand confidence and lowers the risks of trying a new product significantly.
Conclusion: Colgate Optic White Overnight Pen Review
Colgate’s next generation Optic White Overnight Pen is a convenient, low-mess option for subtle whitening at home. Its enamel-safe formula and overnight design make it easy to use, working while you sleep. The quick steps to apply it can fit easily into a nightly routine.
The precision tip allows for targeted application, ideal if you only want to whiten certain teeth. While it’s not meant for quick touchups or dramatic results, it offers gentle whitening, which is likely important for those with sensitive teeth. Those seeking more dramatic whitening may prefer dental office treatments or more powerful at-home kits.
With up to 21 treatments per pen and a 30-day money-back guarantee, it delivers solid value. The simple formula, compact size, and strong brand reputation make Colgate’s Optic White Overnight Pen appealing as an easy way to potentially brighten smiles.