12 Best Sunscreen Sticks for On-the-Go Protection, According to Testing and Dermatologists
These top-rated SPFs make applying—and re-applying—sunscreen so easy.
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When it comes to keeping your skin protected, SPF is essential. But the best sunscreens are ones you can easily apply and carry with you everywhere you go—which is, of course, where the best sunscreen sticks come in.
While traditional sunscreens are typically in the form of a lotion, cream, or spray, sunscreen sticks come in the form of small-sized solid bars that you can quickly and easily swipe onto your skin without getting your hands messy—which makes it a perfect option for when you’re on-the-go. “Many people prefer stick sunscreens because they are ultra-portable, and they stay in place when applied to the skin without getting into your eyes,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Meet the Experts: Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City; Diane Madfes, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Because of their mess-free application, sunscreen sticks are also great for applying—and re-applying—throughout the day, says Diane Madfes, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. “Some people prefer applying a coat of sunscreen lotion in the morning and then using sunscreen sticks as touch-ups throughout the day,” she says.
Our top picks
But which sunscreen stick is best for you? Finding the right sunscreen stick for your skin type can be challenging, which is why we’ve rounded up the all the best dermatologist-approved sunscreen sticks right here, from top-rated face sunscreens to the best mineral sunscreens for your body.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50
Pros
- Contains antioxidants
- Water- and sweat-resistant
- Convenient travel size
Cons
- Pricey
This top-rated mineral sunscreen was crowned the best overall sunscreen stick by the Good Housekeeping Institute, and for good reason: Not only does it offer broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, its water- and sweat-resistant formula also contains ultra-hydrating antioxidants like squalane and jojoba esters, which work to nourish and soften skin. “The formula blends onto skin easily—and doesn’t budge even when you sweat,” one Beauty Lab scientist confirmed.
What reviewers say: “Easy to apply, fantastic coverage, and no heavy feeling on your skin,” one customer wrote.
SPF level: 50
Water resistance: 80 minutes
Badger SPF 35 Active Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick
Badger SPF 35 Active Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Contains antioxidants
- Doesn’t sting eyes
Cons
- Some reviewers say the stick is too hard and needs to be applied with fingers
If you’re looking for a reliable sunscreen stick for your face, Dr. Madfes recommends this pick from Badger, which she calls “a great mineral sunscreen that offers both UVA/UVB protection and is fragrance-free.” The skin-nourishing formula contains antioxidants for hydration and is gentle on faces, with reviewers saying that it easily “stays on under eyes and cheeks without stinging eyes.”
Plus, its compact size makes it handy to keep in your bag for quick touch-ups. “This is a great sunscreen stick to keep in your pocket!” Dr. Madfes says.
What reviewers say: “My child has very sensitive skin and we struggled to find a good sunscreen stick,” wrote one satisfied shopper. “This worked so well, although it is thick so it takes a little effort to spread it and rub it in. It is the only sunscreen that doesn't break them out.”
SPF level: 35
Water resistance: 80 Minutes
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Pros
- Great for both face and body
- Dry-touch finish doesn't leave skin feeling oily
Cons
- Some reviewers say it leaves a faint white cast
Need a sunscreen stick that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy? This popular pick from Neutrogena—which contains 21.6% zinc oxide mineral and vitamin E—was named the best sunscreen stick for oily skin by the Good Housekeeping Institute, with its dry-touch finish and formula that blends smoothly on both face and body without making your skin shiny or greasy.
What reviewers say: “Best sunscreen stick I’ve tried, doesn’t leave a white chalky look on your face and has a nice matte and dry-to-the-touch feeling instead of a sticky greasy feeling like other sticks I’ve tried,” wrote one customer.
SPF level: 50
Water resistance: 80 Minutes
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Pros
- Soothing formula with pure oat essence
- Designed to be gentle on sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers say it leaves a white cast
Specifically designed to be gentle on sensitive skin, this fragrance-free mineral sunscreen from Aveeno is formulated with pure oat essence that soothes skin, as well as 21.6% zinc oxide that provides great broad-spectrum protection. Reviewers love that it doesn’t irritate skin or cause breakouts.
What reviewers say: “My face is very sensitive and very dry and I could never find the right sunscreen until I bought this...[It’s] easy to spread, doesn’t make me break out with pimples, and it’s not greasy,” one shopper wrote.
SPF level: 50
Water resistance: 80 Minutes
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
- Can be applied both under and over makeup
Cons
- Some reviewers say it’s too oily
For a sunscreen stick that won’t leave behind a white cast, try this one from Shiseido—a pick recommended by Dr. Zeichner. “This ultra-light formula glides on to the skin completely clear, leaving no residue or white cast behind,” he says. “It’s a stick, but doesn't feel like one.”
In fact, its lightweight, clear formula also earned praise from the Good Housekeeping Institute for being easy to apply—and re-apply—both over and under makeup, making it a great pick for when you need regular touch-ups throughout the day.
What reviewers say: “As someone who burns very easily, I always need to reapply my SPF on the go. This sunscreen stick makes it super easy to add another layer of sun protection that’s not too oily and can go over makeup without leaving a white cast. It takes up an essential spot in my bag whenever I leave the house in the summertime!” says Madeleine Haase, Prevention’s assistant editor.
SPF level: 50
Water resistance: 80 Minutes
EltaMD UV Stick Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Stick Sunscreen
Pros
- Contains high level of zinc oxide
- Contains hydrating ingredients
- Rolls onto skin smoothly
Cons
- Some reviewers say it leaves a white cast
- Pricey
Suitable for all skin types and on both face and body, this handy mineral sunscreen stick earned praise from the Good Housekeeping Institute for providing great broad-spectrum protection with its high level of 22% zinc oxide. Not only that, Beauty Lab experts also love that it provides hydration, thanks to the vitamin E and bisabolol in the formula.
What reviewers say: “This sunscreen goes on smoothly, rubs in easily without that greasy feeling. Easy to store in a small purse or backpack to use on the go,” wrote one satisfied customer on Amazon.
SPF level: 50
Water resistance: 80 Minutes
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Pros
- Contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to boost hydration
- Perfect compact size for travel
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers say it leaves a white cast on darker skin tones
Prevention Deputy Editor Emily Goldman never leaves the house without this mineral sunscreen stick from CeraVe come summertime. “It’s super compact and packs a punch in terms of protection, with SPF 50,” she says. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides that help to boost hydration, the soothing stick will leave your skin feeling soft and well-moisturized. Plus, it uses an innovative technology with micro-fine zinc oxide that helps the formula blend in smoothly and have a clear finish. Reviewers also love that it comes in a super-compact size of 0.47 oz.
What reviewers say: “Very convenient to have in your purse. The small size of the container is perfect for travel and the stick is easy to apply and to rub in,” wrote one shopper.
SPF level: 50
Water resistance: 40 Minutes
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Face Stick
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Face Stick
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Great scent
- Rave reviews
Cons
- Some reviewers say it feels too greasy
For a top-rated and best-selling pick, try Sun Bum’s Original Sunscreen Face Stick—it boasts more than 8,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, with reviewers raving that it’s easy to apply, comes in a great compact size, and has a “divine” banana scent.
What reviewers say: “The Sun Bum Face Stick is a summer and vacation must-have! This product smells incredible, and works extremely well,” raves one reviewer. “It sits right in a bag, and takes two seconds to rub on your nose. The SPF worked great, and I never burned!”
SPF level: 30
Water resistance: 80 Minutes
Supergoop! Glow Stick
Supergoop! Glow Stick
Pros
- Contains antioxidants
- Leaves skin glowing and dewy
Cons
- Some reviewers say it’s too oily/greasy
Supergoop! sunscreen is loved by celebrities like Bobbi Brown and Christie Brinkley, and it’s easy to see why. The brand offers a diverse range of top-rated SPFs, including the Glow Stick, a face sunscreen that’s designed to leave your skin with a dewy glow. Not to mention, the hydrating formula is packed with antioxidant-rich Amazonian oils that help nourish skin.
What reviewers say: “It leaves a beautiful glow to my skin that lasts all day long, and has zero smell,” raved one reviewer. “It has allowed me to achieve a golden look to my skin that I’ve never been able to before...This is a must-have for me now.”
SPF level: 50
Water resistance: 40 Minutes
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Pros
- Affordable
- Gentle, non-greasy formula
- Contains vitamin E and skin conditioners
Cons
- Some reviewers say it leaves a white cast
You can’t go wrong with a reliable drugstore pick like Cetaphil’s Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick. Its gentle, non-greasy formula contains vitamin E as well as other skin conditioners to soothe and nourish skin.
What reviewers say: “This sunscreen rubbed into my face so smoothly!” writes one reviewer. “I have moderate acne on my forehead and this did not irritate and did not break out my semi-sensitive skin. Feels like you’re not wearing sunscreen.”
SPF level: 50
Water resistance: 80 Minutes
MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick
MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick
Pros
- Lightly tinted with matte finish
- Contains soothing ingredients
- Can be applied under makeup
Cons
- Comes in only one shade
Looking for a good tinted sunscreen stick for your face? This mineral sunscreen provides great coverage with a lightly tinted formula, while still protecting your skin with SPF 40 and water-resistance of 80 minutes. The formula—which contains shea butter, vitamin E, and vitamin C—goes on with a matte finish, which reviewers love.
What reviewers say: “I absolutely love this tinted stick. It is totally sheer and once absorbed, not sticky,” wrote one Amazon customer. “I use it for a base under my powder foundation as well and it is beautiful.
SPF level: 40
Water resistance: 80 Minutes
| SPF Level | 40 |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
THINK Sunscreen Stick
Pros
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Easy to apply
- Great for both kids and adults
Cons
- Some reviewers say it leaves a white cast
This popular sunscreen for kids (though it’s great for adults, too) is loved for its formula that’s gentle on sensitive skin, and for being easy to apply on fussy children, thanks to its convenient roll-on application.
What reviewers say: “This thing is the best for little kids. It’s small enough to get in all the creases of tiny faces, and no mess,” wrote one parent reviewing the product on Amazon. “It slides on like a deodorant stick and it’s not liquid nor smears into their faces or eyes. Also easy to travel with in diaper bag.”
SPF level: 30
Water resistance: 80 Minutes
How to choose the best sunscreen sticks
When shopping for the best sunscreen sticks, here are some important factors to consider:
✔️ Look for a SPF level of 30 or higher. “What’s most important when searching for a new sunscreen is the SPF,” says Madfes. “We always want our sunscreens to have an SPF of 30 or higher.” The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also recommends sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher.
✔️ Check for broad spectrum coverage. Aside from the SPF level, you’ll also want to make sure that the sunscreen stick provides both UVA and UVB protection, which the AAD recommends for maximum protection against the sun.
✔️ Go for water-resistant options. Sunscreen sticks with water- and sweat-resistant formulas will ensure that sun protection will last even during intense exercise and swimming. You’ll want to check how long the water resistance lasts for your sunscreen (most are from 40 to 80 minutes), and re-apply as needed.
✔️ Look for a hydrating, fragrance-free formula. Sunscreen sticks with ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and other antioxidants can help soothe and moisturize skin. Additionally, a fragrance-free sunscreen can help avoid potential irritations, especially if you have sensitive skin. “It is best to avoid sunscreens with fragrance as this can cause an allergy,” advises Madfes.
Is stick or liquid sunscreen better?
If you’re wondering which form of sunscreen is best to use, there’s good news: Sunscreen sticks are just as effective as traditional liquid sunscreens. “Any product with an SPF level on the label will provide that amount of protection if used properly,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “So it doesn’t matter if you are using a stick, a spray, or a lotion—each can protect the skin equally well.”
Dr. Madfes adds that sunscreen sticks work just as well as liquid “so long as they are applied correctly with full face coverage.” The biggest benefit of sunscreen sticks over other forms of sunscreen, she says, is the mess-free application. “The convenience of sticks is what makes them so popular. Hands stay clean!” she says.
How to properly use sunscreen sticks
When it comes to properly applying stick sunscreen, Dr. Zeichner recommends using the wide part of the stick for large surface areas, and turning the sunscreen stick 90 degrees, using the narrow edge, for smaller areas like the bridge of the nose. “I usually recommend starting with the central face and applying the sunscreen outward towards the hairline,” he says.
He also advises applying the stick back and forth on the skin for at least four passes before rubbing it onto your skin. “That ensures you are depositing enough of the sunscreen onto the skin,” he explains.
Additionally, like any other sunscreen, you should make sure to reapply sunscreen sticks regularly. “Sticks should be reapplied every two hours or immediately after heavy sweating or swimming,” Dr. Zeichner says.
How we chose the best sunscreen sticks
We consulted Diane Madfes, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, as well as Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. We also poured through online reviews of best-selling products from verified customers. Last, we referenced the Good Housekeeping Institute’s coverage of the best sunscreen sticks to choose the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50, the EltaMD UV Stick Sunscreen, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick, and Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+on our list.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
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