Do You Need to Refrigerate Teeth Whitening Gel?

Short answer

It depends on the brand. Philips says Zoom NiteWhite and DayWhite do not need refrigeration and should be kept at room temperature, 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). Ultradent's instructions for Opalescence Go show a refrigerate symbol. Whatever the brand, keep whitening gel away from heat and sunlight.

Why does temperature matter?

Heat speeds up the breakdown of peroxide, the ingredient that does the whitening. A 2019 study in Operative Dentistry notes that peroxide breaks down about 2.2 times faster for every 10°C rise in temperature, and that gels kept at body temperature for six months lost more peroxide than gels kept between 5 and 25°C. Cool, steady storage keeps the gel at full strength.

How do you store Philips Zoom NiteWhite and DayWhite?

• At room temperature, 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F).
• Away from sunlight and heat.
• Not in the fridge or freezer. Philips says not to refrigerate or freeze them.

This applies to NiteWhite 16%, NiteWhite 22% and DayWhite.

How do you store Opalescence Go?

Ultradent's US instructions for Opalescence Go show a refrigerate symbol and say to keep the product away from heat and sunlight. Its UK instructions add that you should let the trays warm to room temperature before use.

How long does whitening gel last?

• Philips Zoom DayWhite: 18 month shelf life.
• Philips Zoom NiteWhite: 24 month shelf life.
• Opalescence prefilled trays and gel refills: 24 month shelf life when stored as the packaging directs, according to Ultradent.

Once a Philips syringe is opened, use it within about a month. Philips states that effectiveness drops after that.

Can you use expired whitening gel?

Ultradent does not recommend using its products past the expiry date, which is printed as a code on the box or tray. Check the date before you start a course.

Tips for travel

Keep gel out of hot cars and direct sun, and pack it in a bag that stays at room temperature. Single use prefilled trays are the easiest option to take away, because there is no syringe to load.

Sources and evidence

• Operative Dentistry (2019), "Clinical Study of Bleaching Gel Storage Temperature on Tooth Color and Sensitivity": peroxide breakdown and temperature.
• Philips, Zoom whitening gel FAQ: storage temperature, refrigeration, shelf life, use after opening.
• Ultradent, Opalescence Go instructions for use (US 2020, UK 2019) and Opalescence FAQ: refrigeration, shelf life, expiry.

Related questions

Should you brush your teeth before whitening?
Yes. Philips and Ultradent both say to brush first.

What is the difference between NiteWhite and DayWhite?
The peroxide type and the wear time. See the comparison.

How long does teeth whitening last?
The NHS says around 3 years. See the full answer.

Relevant products

General information only, not dental advice.