If you haven’t found a sunscreen lotion that you love, consider trying a sunscreen stick instead. SPF is essential to a well-rounded skin care routine, and dermatologists recommend reapplying it every 90 minutes, especially when outside or sweating. However, this can be a bit of a hassle with white casts, greasy finishes and pore-clogging formulas. That’s where sunscreen sticks come in. The easy-to-use format is well suited to use under and over makeup and for those on the go.
How do sunscreen sticks work?
Sunscreen sticks come in a variety of different configurations like rollers, balms and bars that can be easily swiped on the face or body. Like typical sunscreens, they provide broad-spectrum protection from the sun’s rays. Experts recommend looking for mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide, which block UVA and UVB rays.
“Sunscreen sticks often appear more opaque when first applying, so you can see exactly where you have coverage and where you go next,” explains Dr. Samantha Karlin, board-certified dermatologist at Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics in Covington, Louisiana. “Though sunscreen sticks are best applied underneath makeup, you can touch up high-risk areas like your nose and your ears throughout the day.”
The alternative is a chemical sunscreen stick, which uses ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone and octinoxate, which all absorb the sun’s rays (they also usually leave little to no white cast when compared to mineral options). While some may opt to avoid chemical filters in favor of mineral ones, they tend to be 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?
While dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, finding the time and perfect product to do so can be challenging. “Sunscreen sticks are less messy than using a typical lotion,” sharesDr. Angela Lamb, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai and advisor to Veracity. “They’re a lot easier to travel with and reapply throughout the day without the worry of it leaking in a purse or backpack.”
Sunscreen sticks are also ideal for reapplying over makeup, as their nongreasy formula allows an even application that won’t smudge makeup or clog pores. Unlike traditional lotions, they also allow users to specifically target certain areas that need increased protection when out in the sun like the cheeks, nose or ears.
Are liquid sunscreens or sunscreen sticks better?
Both liquid and stick sunscreens have their merits, and it’s ultimately up to your personal preference and use case. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tamara Lazic highlights the aforementioned benefits, like their ease of use and portability without the risk of spilling. She also notes that the mess-free format is great for kids. “It is my kids’ favorite form of sunscreen and one they are most likely to use themselves without my help,” she says.
And while you may want to use sunscreen lotions to cover big surface areas like your arms and legs, Lazic says, “Sticks are also easier to apply on small areas, such as the nose, lips, around the eyes and ears.”
Just remember, any sunscreen, whether liquid or in stick form, is better than no sunscreen at all. And with that, here are 17 of the best sunscreen sticks for reapplying SPF throughout the day.
Best sunscreen sticks for your face
“This is my go-to sunscreen stick [because] it's SPF 50+, so you are getting above your recommended coverage,” Karlin says. “It is water-resistant, noncomedogenic and oil-free, so it won't clog pores for those who are acne-prone. I also love that it blends in well with all skin types!”
This sunscreen stick gives truly invisible, weightless protection. Associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw says it works both under and over makeup, making it a no-brainer to keep on hand for easy reapplication.
Skin1004 is one of Shaw's favorite Korean sunscreen brands. She likes the petite size of this sunscreen stick, which has a super-light feel, invisible finish and broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection.
Lazic recommends this sunscreen stick that leaves a glowy finish and doubles as a face and body highlighter. The dry oil stick has a comfortable (not greasy) feel and nourishes the skin with natural plant oils.
This viral K-beauty sunscreen is a favorite for its matte, seamless finish that easily glides over makeup. It also has skin care benefits, thanks to the inclusion of mugwort, vitamin A and vitamin C.
Shisedo’s sunscreen stick is a favorite amongst consumers, especially those looking for a lightweight and fast-drying option to reapply throughout the day and over makeup. The unique formula uses chemical filters and features a protective shield that is activated by heat for greater UV protection.
Korean beauty brand AHC is known for its science-backed formulas and versatile products. The Sun Stick is no different, with completely sheer coverage and broad-spectrum UV protection that won’t clog pores.
Infused with niacinamide for oil control and hyaluronic acid for hydration, this sunscreen stick has more skin care benefits than SPF protection alone. It's about the size of a blush stick, which makes it easy to throw in your makeup bag for touch-ups.
Best mineral sunscreen sticks
"For kids, I like mineral sunscreen sticks, as they are less likely to sting their eyes with clumsy application," says Lazic. She recommends this one that's formulated with gentle ingredients specifically for babies. For older kiddos, she likes the Think Kids water-resistant mineral sunscreen stick.
Cosmetic dermatology expert Dr. Kenneth Mark recommends this sunscreen stick from Supergoop! because of its user-friendly applicator and high level of SPF protection. “I recommend SPF 50,” he says. “Studies have shown that, because of lack of proper application and reapplication, we typically get less [protection] than what we want so you want to give yourself a margin of error.”
The Colorescience Sport Stick is packed with mineral UVA/UVB protection and blends into various skin tones for a nongreasy finish. “The Colorescience Sunforgettable stick is [also] rich in antioxidant-rich mineral protection from environmental aggressors,” Lamb notes.
This mineral sunscreen stick is safe for those with sensitive skin, according to Lazic. The gentle zinc-oxide-based formula is even suitable for the whole family.
CeraVe’s price-friendly stick is a great drugstore option with a mineral-based formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays. The product’s maneuverable packaging is ideal for on-the-go reapplication for yourself or your kids.
The Neutrogena sunscreen stick is formulated with zinc oxide and vitamin E, and features a convenient applicator for an even finish.
“This is a great drugstore option, as it is a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide that has good SPF coverage,” Karlin notes. “This is also free of added allergens and oils [and] does not leave a white cast once rubbed in. It also contains Vitamin E to help reduce sun damage from free radicals.”
Crafted for the face and body, this travel-size option from Aveeno is free of parabens and fragrances. The mineral sunscreen stick has zinc oxide and oat essence, which nourish the skin while also protecting from sun exposure.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, Cetaphil’s sunscreen stick contains a microbiome-friendly formula that moisturizes and nourishes the skin. The product has glowing reviews on Amazon, with users happy with how it doesn’t feel heavy or oily.
MDSolarSciences' sunscreen stick can be applied over makeup and doubles as a primer with ingredients like shea butter and vitamins C and E, which fight free radicals while giving the skin a firm and seamless look. It also comes in a tinted version, which can help offset any white cast.
