I used the Cerakote kit. Also replaced the low beam bulbs.

Does toothpaste work to de-cloud headlight housing or is that one of those urban myths?

Yes. Any fine abrasive will. But it typically doesn't last long unless you keep a coat of wax on them.

I tried it, it helped a little, tried rubbing compound too, it worked a little better. I would go this route for sure

I don't think toothpaste has a low enough grit to make a dent in plastic this worn by itself. You need a lower grit abrasive to start with and taper to a higher grit

The kit was $17 on Amazon. You can order direct from Cerakote too, but you have to pay like $6.99 shipping. Kit was worth it. It was not difficult at all! Might have been a little easier for me because I removed the headlights completely from my truck and did the refinishing inside. I don’t know how easy that is on other vehicles.

I did that kit on my 07' Ford Focus. Worked great, took an hour or two (including a few beers), and has been holding up over 2 years with no fading yet!

I bought a similar kit, and applied it at my friend's garage. He laughed and told me any soft cloth + scouring agent works. He actually had a polishing machine, and we used that.

Thing is, you really have to get in there and let it scour & polish for a while; I was a bit timid at first.

But my kit included the "ceramic coat" which I applied afterwards. It probably does help a little (the car near-totaled soon after so idk).

Do you live in the USA? Don't you have these large (and usually cheap) car part/DIY/outdoor stores? Cause that's where I bought that kit.

The ceramic coat does help but clear coat or that clear wrap lasts longer.

My cuz has an 07 Tundra. That thing is bulletproof, I think he has almost 500k on it now and it still runs well and feels tight. But his headlights look exactly like your Before picture. I'll suggest this Cerakote kit, I know he's tried a couple of them with limited success.

It's night and day. I thought my eyesight was going. It is, but the headlight problem was a worse issue for night driving.