For decades, peroxide has dominated the whitening conversation - the go-to ingredient behind in-clinic treatments, strips and high-street formulas promising fast results. But as consumers become more ingredient-aware and oral microbiome research accelerates, a new hero has emerged: hydroxyapatite, the mineral your enamel is made of.
This shift reflects a broader movement in beauty and wellness: away from aggressive, quick wins and towards long-term health, barrier support and daily rituals that strengthen over time. In oral care, that “barrier” is the enamel - and protecting it is the key to achieving a naturally brighter smile.
So which whitening technology is actually better? Here’s the new science.
What Peroxide Does (and Why It Works Fast)
Peroxide (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) whitens teeth by releasing oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and break down chromogens - the deep stains that sit beneath the surface.
The benefits
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Fast results, often within days
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Effective for deep, intrinsic stains
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A familiar, widely studied whitening agent
The limitations
Peroxide doesn’t rebuild or strengthen enamel. Instead, it:
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Can temporarily soften enamel, making it more porous
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Causes tooth sensitivity for many people
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May irritate gums and oral tissues
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Should not be used long-term or daily
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Doesn’t address surface stains alone
In other words: peroxide can whiten, but it doesn’t support long-term enamel health - and can even compromise it if overused.
The Rise of Hydroxyapatite (HAp): Whitening Through Restoration
Hydroxyapatite is the mineral that makes up 97% of your enamel and 70% of your dentin. Instead of bleaching stains, it rebuilds the enamel surface, filling micro-cracks and creating a smoother, brighter surface that reflects light better.
How hydroxyapatite whitens
It works through:
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Remineralisation: filling surface micro-defects where stains settle
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Smoothing enamel for better light reflection (natural brightness)
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Reducing yellowing from acid wear
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Preventing new stains by strengthening the surface
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Supporting the oral microbiome, rather than disrupting it
This approach results in a whiter smile - not by bleaching, but by restoring.
The benefits
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Safe for daily use
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Ideal for sensitive teeth
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Builds long-term enamel strength
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Whitens naturally by improving the tooth’s surface
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No gum irritation
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Microbiome-friendly
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Suitable for children and adults
Hydroxyapatite is widely used in Japan and the EU, and now increasingly in premium whitening toothpaste worldwide.
So… Which Is Better?
If you want a fast, dramatic shift:
Peroxide works - particularly for deep intrinsic stains caused by ageing, medication or long-term staining.
If you want a whiter smile without compromising oral health:
Hydroxyapatite is the clear winner.
It supports your enamel, reduces sensitivity and improves brightness through strengthening, not bleaching.
The crucial distinction
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Peroxide = colour change inside the tooth
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Hydroxyapatite = surface restoration and natural radiance
The best results often combine the two approaches: a short-term peroxide treatment (ideally dentist-supervised) followed by long-term maintenance with hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
Where Enzymes Fit In (The Quiet Third Player)
Modern whitening now goes beyond the simple bleach vs. mineral debate. Enzyme-based stain removal - like the bromeliad-derived enzymes in Laro’s Naturally Whitening Toothpaste - gently dissolves the protein layer on enamel where stains cling.
This means:
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Better removal of everyday tea, coffee and wine stains
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Zero abrasion
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Enhanced brightness without sensitivity
Paired with hydroxyapatite, enzymes offer a two-step approach: lift stains → rebuild enamel.
Is Hydroxyapatite Safer Than Peroxide?
Yes - and markedly so.
Hydroxyapatite is:
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Non-toxic
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Biocompatible
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Safe for long-term daily use
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Gentle on gums and soft tissues
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Proven to reduce sensitivity rather than cause it
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Microbiome-friendly
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Protective against acid erosion
Peroxide, on the other hand, can only be used intermittently - ideally under guidance.
Why the Future of Whitening Is Shifting
Consumers today want more than “white.”
They want:
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Stronger enamel
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Fewer chemicals
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Healthy gums
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No sensitivity
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Microbiome integrity
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Better design
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Products that belong in a premium wellness routine
Hydroxyapatite aligns with every one of those priorities.
This is the same shift we’ve seen in skincare - from harsh exfoliants to barrier repair. Oral care is finally catching up.
The Laro Perspective: Whitening Without Compromise
Laro’s Naturally Whitening Toothpaste is built on the belief that whitening should strengthen, not strip.
Our formula blends:
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10% hydroxyapatite for remineralisation
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Pineapple-derived enzymes (bromelian) for natural stain breakdown
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Low-abrasion mineral polishers
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SLS-free, fluoride-free formulation
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Potent botanicals that support fresh breath and pH balance
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Zero-plastic packaging designed for modern bathrooms
It’s whitening powered by science, not sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
Peroxide has its place. Used occasionally and professionally, it delivers impressive results.
But for daily whitening - the kind that keeps teeth bright, strong and healthy - hydroxyapatite is the new gold standard. It restores what nature intended, respects the oral microbiome and brings whitening into the realm of gentle, sustainable self-care.
The future of whitening isn’t just whiter teeth.
It’s healthier enamel, stronger ecosystems and rituals that fit beautifully into your day.