Top-rated Sunscreen Sticks Recommended by Skincare Specialists
Top off your skincare routine with some easy-peasy sun protection by using a sunscreen stick. These no-fuss, travel-friendly options are perfect for keeping your SPF game strong, even on-the-go.
Here are our favorite sunscreen sticks to protect your skin, whether you're heading to the beach, the office, or just running errands. We've even got the low-down on the best chemical and mineral options.
Best chemical sunscreen sticks
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Invisible Korean Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
This clear sunscreen stick is a favorite among writers Ellen McAlpine and Sophie Shaw. It easily melts into the skin, wears well under and on top of makeup, and even includes hyaluronic acid for a hydration boost.
$30 at Sephora | $30 at Dr Jart
Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tamara Lazic recommends this sunscreen stick that not only protects your skin with SPF 50 but also leaves a glowy finish and doubles as a face and body highlighter. With a comfortable (not greasy) feel, it's perfect for nourishing your skin with natural plant oils.
$26 at Supergoop! | $32 at Amazon | $32 at Sephora
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick
One of Shaw's favorite Korean sunscreen brands, Skin1004, offers this petite sunscreen stick for broad-spectrum protection (SPF 50) and a super-light feel. It goes on invisible and is the perfect size to toss in your bag for touch-ups.
$9 at YesStyle | $16 at Olive Young
Coppertone Every Tone Invisible Finish Face Stick SPF 55
This palm-sized sunscreen stick includes chemical UV filters and ceramides to support the skin barrier. The clear stick leaves a lightweight, glowy sheen on the skin that's great for those with dry to normal skin.
$11 at Walmart | $12 at Target | $14 at Amazon | $14 at CVS
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sunscreen Stick
This matte sunscreen stick glides easily over makeup and offers skin care benefits with the inclusion of mugwort, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Get ready to say goodbye to white casts!
$16 at YesStyle | $18 at Olive Young
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
This lightweight sunscreen stick from Shiseido is perfect for reapplying throughout the day and over makeup, thanks to its fast-drying formula and seamless application. It's water-resistant, offers protection from UV rays, and doesn't leave a white cast.
$32 at Sephora | $32 at Ulta | $32 at Target
AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF 50
Known for its science-backed formulas and versatile products, AHC's sunscreen stick is sheer, provides broad-spectrum UV protection, and won't clog pores.
$13 at Amazon | $15 at YesStyle
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sunscreen Stick SPF 45
Infused with niacinamide for oil control and hyaluronic acid for hydration, this watermelon-scented sunscreen stick is more than just SPF protection. It's the size of a blush stick, making it easy to throw in your makeup bag for touch-ups.
$30 at Amazon | $30 at Sephora
Best mineral sunscreen sticks
EltaMD UV Stick Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
This minerals sunscreen stick is recommended by multiple dermatologists and offers broad-spectrum protection. It goes on smoothly, blends in well with all skin tones, and is even water-resistant.
$38 at Amazon | $38 at Dermstore | $38 at Bluemercury
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Affordably priced at $10, this mineral sunscreen stick is a favorite for its gentle formula that works well on the face and ears, as well as being reef-safe.
$9 at Target | $10 at Ulta
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
With broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and ingredients like mica, this mineral sunscreen stick is gentle on sensitive skin while still nourishing the skin and leaving a non-greasy finish.
$8 at Amazon | $10 at FSA Store
Sun Bum Mineral Face Stick Sunscreen SPF 50
This reef-safe sunscreen stick is recommended for its zinc oxide protection, which may leave a white cast after application. However, it has a smooth texture and a subtle scent, making it a great budget-friendly mineral option.
$12 at Amazon | $13 at Target
Think Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick
For kids, mineral sunscreen sticks are a great option for less stinging and less risk of skin irritation. This one is formulated with gentle ingredients suitable for babies and older kiddos.
$8 at Amazon
Supergoop! Play 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Cosmetic dermatology expert Dr. Kenneth Mark recommends this water-resistant sunscreen stick from Supergoop! that features a user-friendly applicator and high SPF protection.
$19 at Supergoop! | $24 at Amazon | $24 at FSA Store
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50
Protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays and environmental aggressors with the Colorescience Sport Stick, which has a nongreasy finish and rich mineral protection.
$39 at Amazon | $39 at Dermstore | $39 at Colorescience
Avène Mineral Sunscreen Balm Stick SPF 50
This gentle zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreen stick is suitable for the whole family and offers safe protection from UVA/UVB rays.
$24 at Ulta | $24 at Avène
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Face and Body
Ideal for both kids and adults, this drugstore sunscreen stick is a great budget-friendly option with a mineral formula and lightweight texture for precise applications.
$9 at Amazon | $9 at Walmart | $12 at FSA Store
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick
This drugstore sunscreen stick from Neutrogena provides UVA/UVB protection and has a convenient applicator for an even finish. It's free of allergens and oils and does not leave a white cast once rubbed in.
$15 at Walmart | $21 at Ulta
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
With zinc oxide and oat essence, this travel-sized mineral sunscreen stick from Aveeno nourishes the skin while providing broad-spectrum protection for the face and body. It's free of parabens and fragrances and can be used by all family members.
$12 at Amazon
MDSolarSciences Solar Stick SPF 40
MDSolarSciences' sunscreen stick can be applied over makeup and doubles as a primer with ingredients like shea butter and vitamins C & E, which fight free radicals while giving the skin a firm and seamless look. It even comes in a tinted version to help offset any white cast.
$22 at Amazon | $22 at FSA Store | $22 at Dermstore
How do sunscreen sticks work?
Sunscreen sticks come in various configurations like rollers, balms, and bars that are easy to apply to the face or body. Like typical sunscreens, they can provide broad-spectrum protection from the sun's rays and can use chemical or mineral UV filters.
"Mineral sunscreen sticks often appear more opaque when first applying, so you can see exactly where you have coverage and where you go next," says Dr. Samantha Karlin. "While sunscreen sticks are best applied underneath makeup, you can touch up high-risk areas like your nose and your ears throughout the day." Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the two active ingredients in mineral sunscreens.
The alternative is a chemical sunscreen stick, which uses ingredients such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. These ingredients absorb the sun's rays and usually leave less white cast than mineral options. While some may opt to avoid chemical filters in favor of mineral ones, they are popular in Korean beauty formulas, which are known for their completely invisible sun protection and easy reapplication over makeup. The main difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is their reaction to the sun's rays - chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and dissipates rays, while mineral sunscreen sits on the surface of the skin and blocks rays away from the body.
What are the benefits of sunscreen sticks?
Sunscreen sticks are more convenient for reapplying throughout the day because they are less messy than using a typical lotion. "They're a lot easier to travel with and reapply throughout the day without the worry of it leaking in a purse or backpack," says Dr. Angela Lamb. Sunscreen sticks also allow users to target specific areas like the cheeks, nose, or ears that need increased protection when out in the sun.
FAQs
Q: Is it better to use liquid or stick sunscreen?A: It depends on your personal preference and use case. Liquid sunscreen is best for full-body coverage, ensuring even protection. Sticks are great for on-the-go touch-ups and precise areas like the face, ears, and around the eyes. Ideally, use both - lotion as your base layer and stick for reapplication.
Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen stick?A: You should reapply a sunscreen stick every two hours or immediately after swimming or toweling off. Sticks require multiple swipes over each area for sufficient coverage and protection.
Meet our experts
We consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist based in New York
- Dr. Samantha Karlin, board-certified dermatologist at Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics in Covington, Louisiana
- Dr. Angela Lamb, board-certified dermatologist, director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice and an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai, and advisor to Veracity
- Dr. Tamara Lazic, board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology
- Dr. Kenneth Mark, cosmetic dermatology expert and Mohs' micrographic surgeon
- The Sunscreen Stick from Dr. Jart+, with its clear formula and hyaluronic acid, is a favorite among writers Ellen McAlpine and Sophie Shaw for its easy application and hydration boost. (Best chemical sunscreen sticks section)
- The Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 from Supergoop!, recommended by dermatologist Dr. Tamara Lazic, offers protection, a glowy finish, and doubles as a face and body highlighter, making it perfect for nourishing one's skin with natural plant oils. (Best chemical sunscreen sticks section)
- Skin1004's Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick provides broad-spectrum protection and a super-light feel, making it easy to toss in a bag for touch-ups throughout the day. (Best chemical sunscreen sticks section)
- The beauty of lifestyle and fashion are blended with food and skincare in the home-and-garden realm, especially when it comes to hosting well-planned dinner parties or tending to a luscious garden. (*not directly related to given words)
