How to Spot a Scam Whitening Supplier: What Canadian Clinics Should Know

The teeth whitening industry in Canada is booming — but here’s the catch: it’s unregulated.

That means anyone can throw together a “professional kit,” throw up a website, and call themselves a supplier. But just because something looks professional doesn’t mean it’s safe, compliant, or even remotely legit.

If you’re running a clinic, spa, or whitening studio — protecting your business starts with knowing the red flags.

Let’s break it down.

Red Flag #1: Claims of “Health Canada Approved” Whitening Products

Cosmetic teeth whitening products in Canada are not approved or registered by Health Canada.

Let’s be clear:

• Cosmetic products must follow the Health Canada Cosmetic Hotlist

• They do not go through a Health Canada registration or approval process

• If someone tells you their whitening gel is “Health Canada approved” — that’s a major red flag

The only way a product would be registered with a Health Canada medical license number is if:

• It contains fluoride, which makes it a medical product 

• The HP percentage is over 25%, pushes the gel outside of the cosmetic limit

Also remember: cosmetic insurance will not cover you if you're using anything over 25% HP without a dental license. If someone’s selling you 35% and you're not a dentist?

Check out how we developed our own signature whitening gel.

Red Flag #2: Gold-Sealed Gingival Barrier

Let’s talk about that infamous gold-sealed gingival barrier you see all over cheap kits.
This stuff is a nightmare.

• It’s sold by the masses on AliExpress which makes it easy to secure for cheap

• It’s runny, hard to control, and often results in client burns

• It gives whitening a bad reputation — and gives your clinic a legal liability

Clinics using this barrier spend more time cleaning up disasters than delivering results. If it’s included in your kit? Throw the whole kit away.

Red Flag #3: Long Whitening Contact Times

Some suppliers push whitening contact times that are 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or longer under LED heat. Why? Because they don’t understand clinical research — or they just don’t care.

Studies show that:

• Long contact times cause pulpal inflammation

• That inflammation = sensitivity, rebound whitening, and potential client injury

A good whitening system doesn’t need marathon sessions.
You need:

• A quality gel

• Proper stain prep

• Efficient LED exposure intensity

• And full absorption (not dehydration)

Don’t chase fake white smiles. Deliver real results that last — without damaging the tooth structure.

Red Flag #4: No Proper Labeling

This is a BIG one. If your whitening gel syringes or packaging:

• Don’t show ingredients

• Are missing a lot number or expiry date

• Have no labeling at all…

RUN.

That’s not just sketchy — it’s a public health risk.

Clinics using these products are sitting ducks during audits, and even worse, they’re risking client safety. Your supplies need to be traceable and compliant — no exceptions.

Real Products. Real Results. Real Support.

At Fern Whitening Supplies, we make it our mission to raise the bar in this industry.
No fake claims. Real ingredients.

We’re:

• Backed by clinical data

• Transparent about ingredients, labeling, and sourcing

• Proudly Canadian

• Supporting both dental and cosmetic clinics with real education

Don’t Get Burned by Bad Suppliers

If a “supplier” seems shady — they probably are.

Keep your clinic protected. Keep your clients safe. And grow your whitening business with confidence.

Chat with Fern Whitening Supplies Today- We're always happy to help!

We've also got a blog to help you find the right suppliers for your teeth whitening business.