In the age of Instagram influencers and self-care, even something as mundane as brushing your teeth can be elevated to a trendy, share-worthy experience. Enter MOON Oral Care – the beauty-focused oral care brand that‘s making waves with its sleek packaging, natural ingredients, and celebrity co-sign from the one and only Kendall Jenner.
Founded by entrepreneur Shaun Neff in 2019, MOON has quickly become the go-to oral care brand for those who want to up their dental hygiene game without compromising on style. From activated charcoal toothpaste to dissolving whitening strips, MOON‘s product lineup reads like a who‘s who of trending oral care ingredients and formats.
But beyond the hype, do MOON‘s products actually deliver on their promises of brighter, whiter teeth? And are they safe and effective for long-term use? In this comprehensive review, we‘ll take a closer look at MOON‘s bestsellers, examine the science behind their ingredients, and see what real customers have to say.
The MOON Oral Care Lineup: Whitening Wonders & Insta-Worthy Faves
MOON‘s product family runs the gamut from tried-and-true dental hygiene staples (toothbrushes, floss) to more unconventional offerings (popping breath mints, stain prevention wipes). But the brand‘s clear bread and butter is its whitening range, which includes several toothpastes, a whitening pen, and dissolving strips.
Let‘s dive into some of the standouts:
Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste
One of MOON‘s most popular products, this jet-black toothpaste is a far cry from your typical white paste. The starring ingredient, activated charcoal, is a porous form of carbon that‘s known for its ability to absorb toxins and impurities. When used in toothpaste, the theory is that charcoal can help lift surface stains and gradually whiten teeth.
MOON‘s charcoal toothpaste also contains bentonite clay (another detoxifier), coconut oil, and peppermint oil for flavor. The black paste turns into a satisfying grey foam when brushed, with subtle shimmery sparkles for a glam effect.
But does charcoal actually work to whiten teeth? The scientific jury is still out. A 2017 literature review in the Journal of the American Dental Association concluded that there‘s limited evidence to support the safety and efficacy of charcoal-based dentifrices. Some studies suggest that charcoal can be too abrasive for tooth enamel when used long-term.
However, a 2020 study in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry found that charcoal toothpastes did provide a significant whitening effect compared to regular toothpaste – just be sure to use them in moderation and with a soft-bristled brush.
Whitening Paste Booster Moon Dust
For an extra whitening kick, MOON offers a powdered "booster" that you sprinkle on your toothpaste before brushing. The talc-free formula features white turmeric, kaolin clay, and bentonite clay to help polish and brighten teeth.
While the product looks and sounds luxurious, sprinkling powder on your toothpaste can be a bit messy. The trick is to tap a small amount onto a wet toothbrush that already has a dollop of paste – this helps the powder adhere better. MOON recommends using the booster just once or twice a week to supplement your regular brushing.
Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen
Ah, the product that launched a thousand sponsored posts. This click-pen style whitening treatment was co-created with model and reality star Kendall Jenner, who‘s also the face of MOON‘s campaigns.
The compact pen is designed for on-the-go touchups, with a brush-tip applicator that paints a whitening gel directly onto teeth. Key ingredients include hydrogen peroxide (a common bleaching agent), urea peroxide, and a blend of natural oils for flavor.
To use, simply click the pen until the gel appears, brush a thin layer over your teeth, and let it dry for 30 seconds. MOON advises doing this twice a day for 2 weeks for best results, and avoiding food or drink for 30 minutes after applying.
Peroxide is one of the most effective and well-studied teeth whiteners, with decades of research supporting its use. A 2019 review in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry notes that carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 10% or lower are considered safe for at-home use, with minimal risk of tooth sensitivity or gum irritation when used as directed. The MOON pen contains 4% hydrogen peroxide, which is on the lower end of the spectrum.
Of course, the main draw of this product is undoubtedly the Kendall Jenner connection. For fans of the model and her famous family, snagging a teeth whitening pen with her name on it could be reason enough to give it a try. Just keep in mind that celebrity-endorsed products aren‘t always worth the markup.
Dissolving Whitening Strips
For more intensive whitening, MOON offers dissolving strips that mold to your teeth and disappear after 15 minutes. Each strip is coated with a blend of hydrogen peroxide, cellulose gum, and peppermint oil.
To use, apply the strips to your top and bottom teeth, wait 15 minutes for them to dissolve, then rinse away any remaining residue. MOON suggests using the strips twice a day for 2 weeks, and avoiding food or drink for 30 minutes post-application.
The big selling point here is the strips‘ dissolvability, which eliminates the need to peel off and discard gooey, used strips. They‘re also less bulky than traditional whitening strips, making them more comfortable to wear while going about your day.
Like the whitening pen, these strips rely on peroxide to bleach away stains. A 2003 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that whitening strips with 6.5% hydrogen peroxide produced significant color improvement after 2 weeks of use, with minimal side effects. The MOON strips contain a similar concentration of peroxide, so it‘s reasonable to expect visible results with consistent use.
Beyond Whitening: MOON‘s Freshening & Cleaning Tools
While MOON‘s whitening products are its main attractions, the brand also offers a range of tools for everyday cleaning and freshening. Some highlights:
Clean Slide Flossers
Forget boring white floss – MOON‘s Clean Slide Flossers come in a sleek graphite grey with a minty flavor. The vegan wax is designed to glide smoothly between teeth without shredding, while the pointed tip makes it easy to access tight spaces.
Flossing is a crucial step for removing plaque and food particles that brushing can miss. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to maintain good oral health. While string floss is often considered the gold standard, floss picks can be more convenient for on-the-go use or for people with limited hand dexterity.
Soft Bristle Toothbrushes
To complete your MOON oral care arsenal, the brand offers a duo of soft-bristled manual toothbrushes in matte black and white. The compact brush heads feature tapered bristles that are gentle on gums and effective at reaching back molars.
MOON‘s brushes are a stylish upgrade from your average drugstore toothbrush, but they‘re not necessarily more effective at cleaning. The most important factors when choosing a toothbrush are the size of the brush head (smaller is better for reaching tight spots) and the bristle firmness (soft or extra-soft is best for most people).
That said, a sleek toothbrush that makes you excited to clean your teeth twice a day is never a bad thing. Plus, MOON‘s brushes come in a pack of two, so you can keep one at home and stash the other in your work or gym bag.
Stain Prevention Teeth Wipes
These portable wipes are soaked in a minty serum that helps dissolve fresh stains from coffee, tea, wine, and other culprits. They‘re perfect for throwing in your purse or pocket for mid-day refreshing after meals.
Each textured wipe is designed to be rubbed gently over teeth and gums, no rinsing required. They‘re not a substitute for brushing, but they can help tide you over until you can get to a sink.
While teeth wipes are a relatively new product category, they operate on the same principle as oil pulling or swishing with mouthwash – the goal is to whisk away bacteria and surface stains before they have a chance to set in. Just be sure not to rely on them too heavily, as nothing beats good old-fashioned brushing and flossing.
Putting MOON to the Test: What Customers Are Saying
MOON has undoubtedly nailed the cool factor with its chic packaging and influencer appeal. But when it comes to oral care, performance is king. So what do actual customers think of MOON‘s products?
On MOON‘s website, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with most products clocking in at 4.5 stars or higher. Customers rave about the fun factor of the black charcoal toothpaste, the convenience of the whitening pen, and the visible results they‘ve seen with consistent use.
"I‘ve been using the toothpaste and whitening pen for a few weeks now and I‘m already seeing a difference in the color of my teeth," one reviewer writes. "Plus, the packaging looks so chic on my bathroom counter."
Over on Amazon, the reviews are a bit more mixed. While the Kendall Jenner whitening pen has an average rating of 3.5 stars, some customers complain that it‘s overpriced and no more effective than drugstore whitening products. Others say the pen is easy to use and has helped brighten their smiles over time.
"I was a little skeptical of this product at first, but I‘ve been using it for a few weeks now and I‘m really happy with the results," one Amazon reviewer writes. "My teeth look noticeably whiter and I love how convenient the pen is for touch-ups on the go."
At Boots, the charcoal toothpaste has an average rating of 3.7 stars, with customers praising its refreshing mint flavor and the fun experience of brushing with a black paste. A few reviewers note that the whitening effect is subtle, but they appreciate the toothpaste‘s gentle formulation and lack of harsh chemicals.
Overall, it seems that MOON‘s products deliver on their promised benefits for most customers, with the added bonus of looking great on the ‘gram. Of course, individual results may vary, and it‘s always a good idea to check with your dentist before starting any new whitening regimen.
The Bottom Line: Is MOON Worth the Hype?
So, should you trade in your trusty tube of Crest for a sleek set of MOON products? It depends on your priorities. If you‘re looking for a brand that marries form and function, with a focus on natural ingredients and Instagram-worthy packaging, MOON is certainly worth checking out. The brand‘s whitening products, in particular, seem to deliver visible results for most customers, thanks to evidence-backed ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and gentle abrasives.
That said, MOON‘s products are definitely pricier than your average drugstore fare – the charcoal toothpaste will set you back $9, while the Kendall Jenner whitening pen retails for $20. For comparison, a tube of Crest 3D White toothpaste costs around $4, and a pack of Crest Whitestrips is about $45 on Amazon.
There‘s also the question of long-term safety and efficacy. While MOON‘s products are generally formulated with natural, EWG-verified ingredients, some dentists caution against using charcoal toothpastes too frequently, as they can be abrasive on tooth enamel. And while hydrogen peroxide is a proven teeth whitener, it can cause temporary sensitivity and gum irritation in some people.
As with any oral care regimen, moderation is key. MOON‘s products can be a great way to level up your dental hygiene game and add some aesthetic appeal to your bathroom sink. But they shouldn‘t completely replace your regular fluoride toothpaste, professional cleanings, and dentist check-ups.
At the end of the day, the best oral care routine is the one you‘ll stick to consistently. If MOON‘s products make you excited to brush, floss, and whiten, then they‘re definitely worth the splurge. Just be sure to use them as directed, listen to your teeth and gums, and don‘t neglect the tried-and-true basics of good oral hygiene.
Now if you‘ll excuse us, we have some sparkly charcoal toothpaste to try…
