Disclosed herein is a tooth whitening composition-comprising: a peroxide present in an amount of between 1 % and 70% by weight; and Eosin Y; wherein the composition does not include a carbomer. Also disclosed is a method for whitening a tooth, the method comprising: applying to at least one tooth a composition comprising: a peroxide present in an amount of between 1 % and 70% by weight, and Eosin Y, wherein the composition does not include a cm’bomer; and exposing the composition to actinic light for less than 20 minutes, preferably for less than 20 seconds per tooth.