Irish consumers warned over 'dangerous' teeth whitening products amid chemical burn fears
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Nearly 7,000 illegal teeth whitening products were stopped from entering the Irish market last year
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has issued a warning to consumers across Ireland after nearly 7,000 teeth whitening products containing potentially dangerous levels of hydrogen peroxide were blocked from entering the Irish market last year.
The HPRA said some products being sold directly to consumers contain hydrogen peroxide concentrations of up to 40%, far exceeding the EU limit of just 6%, and could cause serious side effects including chemical burns, gum irritation, pain and tooth sensitivity.
The warning comes after the HPRA revealed it detained 6,849 illegal teeth-whitening products in 2025 and helped remove 105 website links connected to the sale of non-compliant products.
Lisa Byrne, Cosmetic Product Manager at the HPRA explained:
“Millions of teeth whitening kits have been sold across the world to consumers looking to brighten their smiles.
“However, we have noticed an increase in the number of teeth whitening products - being sold directly to consumers online - containing hydrogen peroxide levels far above the legal EU limit, sometimes as high as 15% to 40%, well above the EU permissible limit of 6%.
“High levels of hydrogen peroxide, without appropriate dental supervision, may cause chemical burns to the gums, tooth sensitivity, damage to dental restorations as well as increasing the risk of long-term oral health complications”
“Consumer safety is our priority. Always consult a dental professional before using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening, especially if you have pre-existing dental or medical conditions.
“Always check labels carefully, avoid unregulated online sellers, and seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals, “she concludes.
The HPRA is urging consumers to buy only from trusted retailers and to check product labels carefully.
Legal products sold in the EU should include safety information and details of a responsible person or company based within the EU or EEA.
The regulator also stressed that teeth whitening products should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
Consumers who who experience a serious reaction after using a cosmetic product can report it directly to the HPRA.