2023's Best Sunscreen Stick Reviews - Editor's Picks
Looking for a good sunscreen that is easy to apply? Check out these top 5 sunscreen sticks! These sticks are great for the on-the-go, and they provide broad-spectrum protection against the sun's harmful rays. They are perfect for people who hate the feel of lotion, or for those who have trouble applying sunscreen to their faces.
What Is A Sunscreen Stick?
Sunscreen sticks consist of sunscreen suspended in a balm that is housed in a convenient and mess-free tube-like container, making them perfect for travel or any situation requiring quick sunscreen application.
It is a great option for anyone looking for an easy sunscreen application on the go.
Sunscreen sticks are available in a variety of SPF levels and come in different formulations depending on your requirements. For example, some focus on hydration heavily with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
Bonus, they don't leave any white cast on the face! So if you're looking for an easy way to stay protected from the sun, give sunscreen sticks a try!
How Do You Use It?
All you need to do is twist up the sunscreen stick like lipstick, swipe it across your skin, and you’re good to go!
Some Things To Look For
When purchasing sunscreen you have to keep a few things in mind—the PA aka Protection Grade of UVA Rays and the cons of using a sunscreen with a high SPF.
4 PA levels can block up the following levels:
PA+: 40-50%
PA++: 60-70%
PA+++: 90%
PA++++: 95%
Not all sunscreen work on this scale with most just expressing the SPF level. Whether the PA system is used depends on the product's country of origin.
Next, let's look at the cons of sunscreen with a higher SPF.
To begin with, a higher SPF rating signals less UVA protection—which can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Moreover, sunscreens that offer an SPF of 100 have notably high concentrations of hazardous chemicals hidden in the formula. Therefore, it's essential to use sunscreen with caution and choose ones that provide adequate UV protection without using excessive ingredients.
To be on the safe side SPF 50+ is all you need. In this article, we have shortlisted our top picks accordingly.
PS: Regardless of what sunscreen you use, it needs to be reapplied every 2 hours for the best effect.
How To Make The Most Of This Article
We all have our own skincare goals and we want to help you reach yours. Before you dive into the reviews, take a minute to jot down what your top 2 to 3 concerns are that you hope to solve with this product.
Throughout the reviews, we have highlighted key features to help you browse through with ease till you spot your go-to sunscreen!
Best Overall: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Sun protection has never been so easy and caring for your skin with Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50. This sunscreen stick is designed to lock in moisture and hydrate your delicate skin microbiome without leaving any greasy residue or white cast.
This reef-friendly sunscreen stick cares for your sensitive skin with a gentle formula, protecting you from harsh chemicals while you take on the outdoors and travel 'on the go'. This stick is perfectly mess-free when applying it to the lips, nose, earlobes, and around the eyes while staying protected for up to 80 minutes with just one application.
What's In It & How Is It Made
This product is formulated with sheer zinc oxide, titanium dioxide with prebiotics, and vitamin E.
It is also paraben-free, hypoallergenic, and defends against 5 signs of skin sensitivity.
Best for Kids: Banana Boat Kids Sport Sunscreen Stick
Introducing Banana Boat Kids Sport Sunscreen Stick! This SPF 50 sunscreen stick is made with our PowerStay Technology to provide lasting protection that moms trust - so you can be sure your kids will play, splash and laugh in the sun without worrying about the damaging effects.
The lightweight, quick-absorbing formula absorbs quickly into your child's skin and holds up even during their most active fun; it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes and easy to reapply as indicated on the product label. With a soft touch large stick format, parents can easily customize applications to every inch of their children's faces and bodies for complete sun protection.
As a bonus, this Pediatrician-tested sunscreen is also mild and gentle enough for your little ones’ sensitive skin — all you need for summertime fun with total peace of mind!
What's In It & How Is It Made
This product is formulated with Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene.
It is also free from oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Best Award-Winning & Best Loved: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick
Are you looking for an effortless, on-the-go approach to sun protection? Look no further than Shiseido's Water-Resistant UV Protection Clear Sunscreen Stick! This innovative SPF 50+ formula is something special - with SynchroShield™ technology and WetForce x HeatForce technologies for total protection.
This clear sunscreen stick offers the perfect solution for an active lifestyle. Glide it across your face or body - and under or over makeup - without any heavy residue and is suitable for all skin types. And best of all, this ocean-friendly, dermatologist and the opthalmologist-tested formula gives you peace of mind when enjoying time near bodies of water.
What's In It & How Is It Made
The product is formulated with WetForce x HeatForce technology and SynchroShield.
It is free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and non-comedogenic.
Best for Oily-Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Face & Body Stick
The Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer Mineral Face & Body Stick with SPF 50 is a convenient sunscreen stick that makes it easy to protect your skin on the go with broad spectrum protection and no white cast.
This dermatologist-recommended formula is gentle enough even for sensitive skin. Plus, the non-greasy Dry Touch technology goes on clear with no white residue, so you don’t have to worry about feeling sticky or greasy after application. The formula is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
What's In It & How Is It Made
Key ingredients used include Zinc Oxide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Synthetic Wax, and Paraffin.
This product is Vegan and untested on animals. It is also free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oils.
Best Dewy and Glowy: Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50+
Introducing Supergoop! Glow Stick, a revolutionary SPF 50 PA++++ dry oil sunscreen that's perfect for those on the go. This fantastic 0.70 oz portable stick offers amazing protection against the sun and doubles as an inspiring highlight. Plus, it's totally mess-free!
Glow Stick effortlessly glides onto your face, chest, and shoulders to leave you with a dewy finish every time. No greasy residue or smells — just sheer glow and nourishing hydration. The easy-to-use applicator fits perfectly into your handbag, beach bag, or tote bag making it the ideal travel companion. Plus it won't disrupt your makeup!
What's In It & How Is It Made
Key Ingredients used include Avobenzone 3.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%, and all-natural, nutrient-rich Amazonian oils that are packed with hydrating fatty acids and beneficial vitamins.
Another Great Brand of Sunsticks (30 and 50): Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Sticks
Introducing the Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Face Stick - your go-to sunscreen when you're out and about! Not only is it officially recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), but this SPF 50+ sunscreen also enriches your skin with powerful antioxidants like vitamin E to help protect against premature aging.
Plus, the UVA & UVB broad spectrum protection of products in this brand will keep your skin healthy even when you're in direct sunlight, so no worries about those harmful rays!
Sunscreen FAQs
Sunscreen is important, but it's hard to know which type to choose and how to use it.
It can be confusing trying to figure out the best sunscreen for you, especially with all of the different types and SPF ratings.
Sunscreen sticks are a great choice for people who want easy, on-the-go sun protection. These sticks are perfect for applying sunscreen to your face, nose, ears, and lips. Plus, they're water resistant so you can stay protected even while swimming or sweating.
Are sunscreen sticks any good?
Yes! Sunscreen sticks are a great option for people who are looking for an easy and convenient way to protect their skin from the sun.
One great thing about sunscreen sticks is that they're designed specifically for hard-to-reach areas like your nose, ears, or around your lips. Additionally, since sticks aren't formulated with water or emulsifiers like liquid sunscreens often are, they stay on much longer which means you get maximum protection against UVA/UVB rays.
Are sunscreen sticks as effective as lotion?
Sunscreen sticks typically contain similar active ingredients as sunscreen lotion, such as avobenzone and oxybenzone. However, since they are applied directly on the skin without being rubbed or spread evenly across the body, fewer molecules are able to access the area of your skin exposed to sunlight.
In addition, sunscreen lotions generally have higher concentrations of their active ingredients than those found in sunscreen sticks.
Therefore, when looking for optimal protection from UV rays - especially if you plan on spending long amounts of time outdoors - using traditional sunscreen lotions is recommended above using just a stick product alone.
How long do sunscreen sticks last?
Sunscreen sticks are a great way to conveniently protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. But like all sunscreen products, it’s important to know how long they can last before needing to be replaced.
Environmental exposure, usage, and formula can come into play as well. That being said, the good news is that most manufacturers recommend replacing sunscreen sticks after 1 year.
What is the benefit of a sunscreen stick?
Sunscreen stick is an effective way of protecting your skin from the damaging UV rays of the sun. It’s a convenient, easy-to-use product that can protect you wherever you go!
The benefits of sunscreen sticks are vast. For starters, it's quicker and easier to apply than traditional liquid sunscreens as it glides on quickly and easily with no mess. Additionally, because it goes on like lipstick or chapstick, the application is quick and mess-free; plus the packaging has built-in applicators so there’s no need for extra brushes or sponges.
Are sun sticks better than sunscreen?
Sun sticks can be a great addition to your sun protection routine, but they’re not necessarily better than sunscreen. Sunscreen is still the best overall choice if you’re looking for optimal sun protection.
Sun sticks are mainly helpful for areas that are hard to reach with regular sunscreens, such as ears, lips, or around the nose. They can help prevent chapping and cracking of delicate skin from exposure to the elements. Sunscreen provides more robust protection against UVA/UVB rays which can increase your risk of moles, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Do sunscreen sticks clog pores?
It’s a common misconception that sunscreen sticks clog pores - but this isn’t actually the case! In reality, sunscreen sticks are perfect for those with sensitive skin because they effectively protect skin from UV rays and won’t clog pores.
Sunscreen sticks can provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation, which is exactly what your skin needs. They are formulated to be non-comedogenic and oil-free, meaning they won’t block or clog pores. Additionally, many brands offer stick formulas that contain antioxidants like green tea extract and vitamins C & E to defend your skin against environmental damage.
Where should you not put sunscreen on your face?
Sunscreen is an important part of our daily skincare routine, but surprisingly enough there are some places on your face that you should avoid when applying sunscreen. Putting sunscreen on certain areas of the face can cause irritation and potentially damage delicate skin, so it’s best to know in advance where not to put it.
You should never put sunscreen around your eyes or inside your nostrils and ears.
How do you disinfect sunscreen sticks?
Sunscreen sticks offer a convenient and mess-free way to protect your skin from the sun while on the go, but they do require some special care to keep them disinfected.
Clean the surface of the stick with a damp cloth or wipe that is free of any abrasive material, such as sandpaper. This will help remove dirt and oils.
Is sunscreen stick easy to apply?
Absolutely!
First off, their slim shape makes them extremely portable and convenient for any situation. And because they come in stick form (as opposed to bottles), they won't ever leak or spill while traveling either - another plus!
Second of all applied directly onto areas like your cheeks and nose provides precise coverage so no area gets left unprotected from those pesky UV rays. This also eliminates clogged pores which would usually occur when using traditional ways of application like hands or sponges/brushes etc.
Is it worth wearing sunscreen every day?
Absolutely! Wearing sunscreen every day is not only worth it, but it's a very important part of protecting your skin. Not only does wearing sunscreen help protect you from the sun’s powerful UV rays that can damage your skin, but there are many other great benefits to slathering on the SPF each and every day.
Scientific research has discovered that regular use of sunscreen helps prevent premature photoaging and reduces our risk for various types of skin cancer significantly. Additionally, proper use of SPF (at least 30 or higher) helps protect us against sunburns or even heat rashes in some cases. So whether we go skiing up in snow-clad mountains or simply take a stroll around town, having broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection at all times is one sure way to beat those damaging rays!
But don’t forget – sunscreen isn't just for summer camping trips anymore! Even during cloudy days when you think sunlight won't be an issue; remember that 80 percent of ultraviolet (UV) radiation still reaches Earth's surface on such days as well.
Best Sunscreen Stick - What We Recommend
If you're looking for the best sunscreen sticks, check out our product picks. A sunscreen stick protects skin from the sun and keeps skin hydrated while being easy to apply on the go.
We hope you have a great day and stay safe in the sun!
How We Curated Our List
It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what products are best for your sun protection needs. The market is flowing with many options these days from the best Korean sunscreen sticks to mineral sunscreen sticks.
To make the process easier, we've carefully curated a list of exemplary products that not only meet your budget constraints but also align with your preferences.
Thanks for reading and make sure to check out our picks!
Like these stories? You will (probably) love our monthly newsletter.
