You should be wearing SPF everyday, so why not stock up on one that's as effective as it is convenient? Let us introduce you to the sunscreen stick.
We chatted with dermatologists and skin care experts to break down everything you need to know about sunscreen sticks — from how they compare to traditional lotions and sprays to how to apply them for the best protection. The pros also shared their favorite products to make shopping as breezy as a day at the beach.
Benefits | Expert picks | Editor picks | Meet the experts
Editor favorite$19.43$29.99
Why use a sunscreen stick?
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick believes the best sunscreen is the one you’ll use — and you might find yourself reaching for an SPF stick more than not. “Sunscreen sticks can be especially good for reapplication,” she says.
They’re handy, hands-free and non-greasy. Plus, the clear finish most offer makes them a clear winner. White cast, who?
Dr. Hadley King, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, particularly loves how portable a sunscreen stick is. Drop it in your purse as you head to happy hour or in your carry-on before boarding your next flight (yes, they’re TSA-approved!). “I almost always have one in my purse because they're small, don't take up too much space and I don’t have to worry about them leaking,” says King.
When shopping for an SPF stick, her preference is a formula that’s “all mineral, water-resistant and a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.”
Best sunscreen sticks, according to experts
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick
- Blends well
- Feels a bit greasy
Size: 0.5 oz. | SPF: 50 | Some key ingredients: Vitamin E, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
Affordable and effective, Garshick gives her stamp of approval to this SPF 50 mineral sunscreen stick. “It is especially good for those with sensitive skin as it is gentle on the microbiome,” she explains. “It’s non-comedogenic and won’t clog the pores while still nourishing the skin.”
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick
- Easy to apply
- Leaves a white cast
Size: 0.47 oz. | SPF: 50 | Some key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
King is a fan of this lightweight mineral formula for how effortlessly it blends out and dries clear. And its ingredient list is top notch. “Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate the skin, while ceramides and other emollients support the skin barrier,” she explains.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
- Feels lightweight
- Fits inside pocket
- Leaves a white stain
Size: 0.5 oz. | SPF: 50 | Some key ingredients: aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, zinc oxide
The mineral and water-resistant formula, nourishing ingredients and clear finish makes this one of King’s top choices. According to the brand, it also offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Face and Body Stick
- It blends well
- Works well with makeup
- Can leave white cast
Size: 1.5 oz. | SPF: 50 | Some key ingredients: Vitamin E, zinc oxide
According to King, not only is this SPF 50 stick a mineral zinc oxide formula, it also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals. “And the dry-touch finish is great for people who don't like a greasy feel,” she notes.
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick
- Glides on smoothly
- Low SPF
Size: 0.5 oz. | SPF: 30 | Some key ingredients: Not specified
You’ll want to make room on your shelf for this all mineral, ultra-moisturizing SPF stick. It’s so good, it was recently named awarded an EWG Verified label. Emily Spilman, a program manager at the Environmental Working Group, even calls it an "excellent choice.”
Supergoop! Play! 100% Mineral SPF Stick
- Water-resistant SPF
- Can be used under makeup
- Can feel sticky
Size: 0.67 oz. | SPF: 50 | Some key ingredients: Olive fruit extract, zinc oxide, coco butter, jojoba oil, chai seed oil
Sporty types will be all for this sweat- and water-resistant mineral option from Supergoop! The moisturizing, antioxidant-rich ingredients like jojoba seed oil and olive oil get a thumbs up from King.
Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50
- Has a glowy finish
- Ideal for dry skin
- Can feel oily
Size: 0.70 oz. | SPF: 50 | Some key ingredients: Avobenzone
Supergoop! delivers serious UV protection combined with hydrating ingredients such as calendula extract — and the Glow Stick is no exception. “This is a chemical sunscreen stick that will leave your skin with a glowing finish,” says double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. The sheer glow and invisible formulation is great for darker skin tones too, he adds.
EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
- Easy to re-apply
- High SPF formula
- Can feel sticky
Size: 1.3 oz. | SPF: 50 | Some key ingredients: Shea butter, zinc oxide
This award-winning UV stick from EltaMD is a cult-favorite for a reason. “This is an OG,” says Lal. “It’s a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast.” Garshick adds that it’s a great option for those with sensitive skin.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50
- Convenient to use
- Provides great coverage
- Leaves a white cast
Size: 0.63 oz. | SPF: 50 | Some key ingredients: Jojoba esters, plant-based squalane, zinc oxide
Whether they’re working up a sweat on a bike or in the pool, this SPF 50 sport stick belongs in every fitness fanatic’s gym bag. King notes that this mineral option is non-comedogenic and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Best sunscreen sticks, according to editors
Seaweed Bath Co. Hydrating Serum Stick SPF 50
- Blends very well
- Doesn't feel greasy
- Stick gets dirty
Size: 1.1 oz. | SPF: 50 | Some key ingredients: Red seaweed extract, zinc oxide
The combination of ceramides, collagen and harvested seaweed makes this formula long-lasting and efficient. “I started using this as my everyday sunscreen and the application is my favorite part. It feels like you’re applying foundation. Plus, the consistency is smooth and spreads evenly throughout your face,” says commerce writer Jannely Espinal.
Coola Refreshing Water Hydration Stick
- Application is cooling
- Some reviewers don't like the smell
Size: .8 oz. | SPF: 50 | Some key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe, coconut water, avobenzone
On a scorching hot summer day, sun protection is a must, but cooling off is a major plus. Enter this Garshick-approved hydrating stick from Coola. According to the brand, its cooling formulation infuses aloe and coconut water with hyaluronic acid and a plant-derived BlueScreen™ Digital De-Stress™ technology that also shields you from harmful blue light.
Associate editor Kamari Stewart says “This sunscreen was a lifesaver when I went to Aruba last year. It made reapplying super easy throughout the day and it was cooling which provided some much-needed relief while spending hours out in the sun. I brought two with me on vacation and my sister loved it so much that she ended up taking one of them!”
How we chose
The sunscreen sticks Shop TODAY featured in this story were regarded by our expert sources as being the best of the best. These sunscreens were chosen based on performance, consistency and overall effectiveness. We also included two editor favorites, one of which was also approved by a dermatologist.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Marisa K. Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist for MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. She serves patients in Manhattan, New York, and Clifton, New Jersey.
- Dr. Hadley King, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She practices out of her namesake clinic in New York City.
- Dr. Karan Lal, DO, FAAD, is a double board-certified adult and pediatric dermatologist and a fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Emily Spilman is a program manager with the Healthy Living Science team at the Environmental Working Group, where she helps evaluate which sunscreens will earn the "EWG Verified" label.