A BBC investigation has revealed a disturbing rise in illegal teeth whitening treatments being carried out in car parks and private homes across the UK. Some whitening gels being sold online were found to contain over 500 times the legal limit of bleaching agents, putting users at serious risk of burns, pain, and permanent dental damage.
The BBC’s North West team discovered that unqualified beauticians are selling high-strength whitening kits on social media, with some containing up to 53% hydrogen peroxide — a level banned for non-dentists. Under UK law, only registered dentists can use products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, while professional treatments are limited to 6%.
BBC Reporter Finds Dangerous Kits and Fake Qualifications
Posing as a trainee beautician, a BBC reporter managed to obtain a fraudulent teeth-whitening qualification and several high-strength whitening kits. Some sellers encouraged her to “practise on friends and family,” offering little or no safety guidance.
One kit, sold in a pink party bag for £55, came with syringes of “extreme bleach,” gloves, and fake teeth for practice — but no instructions. Another seller offered an online course for £300 and handed over gels in a car park, boasting that “the profits are insane.”
Tests conducted at the University of Central Lancashire confirmed that the gels contained hydrogen peroxide concentrations up to 53%, posing a severe threat to oral health.
Victims Suffer Pain and Tooth Loss
Among those affected is 54-year-old Kellie Howson from Lancaster, who lost four teeth after paying £65 for a salon whitening treatment.
“I just remember my gums starting to really hurt, and afterwards it got worse and worse. I was in agony,” she told the BBC.
Her dentist later confirmed that the chemical had caused irreparable damage, requiring the removal of multiple teeth.
Dentists and Experts Sound Alarm
The British Dental Association (BDA) condemned the findings, calling the situation “appalling.”
“We’re horrified that so-called ‘training’ is being offered via social media, and syringes of 50% hydrogen peroxide are being sold in car parks,” said a spokesperson.
Dr Shalini Kanagasingam of the University of Lancashire, who oversaw the testing, described the products as “extremely dangerous.” She warned that unsupervised use could cause chemical burns, irreversible damage, and even tooth loss.
“People want whiter teeth, but they should always consult a dentist first. A simple professional clean is often all that’s needed,” she said.
Regulators Urged to Act
The General Dental Council (GDC) confirmed that using illegal levels of whitening chemicals is a criminal offence, punishable by an unlimited fine. However, enforcement remains limited as investigations rely on victims coming forward.
The BDA has called for an immediate government crackdown, warning that “the risk must seem worth the reward to these fraudsters.” Meanwhile, a government spokesperson urged consumers to report suspicious products to Trading Standards or Citizens Advice.
This alarming rise in illegal teeth whitening underscores the urgent need for public awareness and stricter enforcement to protect consumers from dangerous and unregulated treatments.
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