10 Best Sunscreen Sticks That Will Actually Make You *Want* to Apply SPF (2024)

Sunscreen is your best defense against a variety of skincare concerns, from hyperpigmentation to wrinkles, and, of course, skin cancer. We know this, and yet applying daily—and reapplying every two hours throughout the day—can be a tall order. If you find yourself skipping out on necessary protection, then a sunscreen stick can be a game changer.

Sunscreen sticks make it easy to apply and reapply(!!) SPF thanks to their hands-free, compact and travel-friendly applicator and packaging. "It's easy to throw one in your purse or backpack without the fear of it leaking all over, and it’s very easy to apply in a targeted manner so you get it right where you need it," says Kristin Gunn, celebrity aesthetician and owner of Beaux Medspa. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD, also appreciates the precise application, especially near the eyes. "You can precisely apply it to the delicate eyelid skin, which often gets missed, without getting it in the eyes or on the lashes." And you won't get your hands greasy as you do, a huge plus for drivers, golfers, pickleball players, moms holding wiggly kids...practically everyone.

What to consider when choosing a sunscreen stick

The most important thing to pay attention to when shopping for a sunscreen stick (or any SPF formula) is the amount of SPF it contains and that it's broad-spectrum, which means it will protect you from both UVB rays (which cause sunburn) and UVA rays (which cause hyperpigmentation and wrinkles). "Look for a broad-spectrum formula to protect against UVA and UVB rays with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher," says Shirazi. From there, it's all about your personal preference. "The best sunscreen is the one you like, so be sure to test the texture and make sure it glides on nicely, you like the feel of it, it blends in, and it’s not sticky or greasy," says Shirazi. Ahead, shop options that won't disappoint, no matter your skin type or tone.

The experts:

• Kristin Gunn, celebrity aesthetician and owner of Beaux Medspa
• Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD

Olay recently launched this dewy sunscreen stick with SPF 50, and it does not overpromise. It effortlessly glides onto the skin and leaves a gleaming glow with a clear finish, making it great for all skin tones. It also contains vitamin C to help brighten skin over time. "It's crazy easy to apply and does not feel at all sticky, which I feared," says Jennie Tung, Oprah Daily wellness director. "This is perfect for a weekend running around or vacation because it's so easy to throw in a bag and reapply."

Keep this sunscreen stick handy whether you have an active day outside or are working on the computer all day in the office. It features a unique technology that helps reduce damage from exposure from blue and infrared light emitted from the sun and digital screens. "My favorite part of this stick is the refreshing cooling sensation you get when you apply it," says Oprah Daily beauty editor Genesis Rivas. "I have normal to combination skin, and it adequately hydrates my skin (shout-out to aloe, coconut water, and hyaluronic acid) without feeling heavy or greasy." It also gives skin a subtle sheen that makes it look healthy.

Swipe this lightweight sunscreen stick on your face and body before an outdoor workout or a day near water. The brand's "SynchroShield technology" means that the water-resistant formula works even better when it's exposed to heat and water. It also contains licorice root extract to soothe breakout-prone skin and help improve uneven skin tone and soy lecithin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness. It's the perfect summer-day companion and a favorite of Shirazi’s: "I like that it’s easy, convenient to apply, and so lightweight that it doesn’t leave a residue on the skin."

Improve the look of existing dark spots while preventing the formation of new ones with this sunscreen stick. It goes on clear, making it great for all skin tones, and it contains nourishing skincare that helps improve skin tone and texture. Cloudberry fruit extract is rich in vitamin E to help calm compromised and irritated skin, dragon fruit extract is rich in vitamin C to help brighten and reduce redness and inflammation. The addition of rice bran extract is for its hydrating and softening benefits. "I love using this for touch-ups over makeup because it's clear and it isn't greasy, so it doesn't move whatever is underneath," says Rivas.

If you love the glow of a tanning oil, you'll love this on-the-go glow stick. Ocean-safe gold pigments are infused into the formula to give skin a golden-hour gleam all day. The formula also contains skincare, like aloe vera, ginger root extract, and bisabolol to calm, soothe, and hydrate. While you can swipe anywhere, some reviewers find the glitter specks a bit too noticeable for the face.

For less than $10, you can shop this fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formula. "I love that it's all-mineral and great for the whole family; my children will swipe this on their faces themselves!" says Oprah Daily beauty director Kate Sandoval Box. As with all sunscreen, it's safe for babies 6 months and older. It's also non-greasy and non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores. You can use it on the face and body, and it contains skin-softening vitamin E. Admittedly, it may leave a white cast, especially on medium to dark skin tones. The brand recommends applying it in thin layers and massaging it into the skin for a better blend.

This is one of Gunn's go-to sticks because "it absorbs quickly, has no sticky or greasy residue, and it works great for adults and kids," she says. The vegan formula is non-comedogenic and fragrance-, oil-, paraben-, alcohol-, and dye-free, so even the most sensitive skin types will appreciate it.

"Formulated with 100 percent mineral ingredients, like zinc and titanium, this option is great for delicate areas, like around the eyes, and ideal for the most sensitive skin types," says Shirazi. The formula also contains essential ceramides to help support the skin's moisture barrier and hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated. While it may leave a bit of a white cast, it's a great option for those who might burn easily.

"Colorescience has been ahead of the curve with easy-application sunscreens for many years," says Gunn. "This one does not disappoint because it not only protects against UVA and UVB rays but is also infused with skin-loving antioxidants, such as vitamin E and green tea extract." It glides onto the skin and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The formula is also hypoallergenic, paraben-, sulfate-, phthalate-, oil-, dye-, and fragrance-free.

"This formula is truly transparent and is an actual joy to swipe on—and, the real payoff, my skin looks much better after I do so. I will absolutely glide this on top of my makeup when I'm outside and need to reapply," Sandoval Box says. The smooth, clear stick creates a healthy sheen on all skin tones. But it isn't oily. In fact, it contains silica powders to help reduce the production of excess sebum and marine bamboo extract, a powerful antioxidant that protects skin from the visible effects of blue light.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with skincare experts to learn all about what to look for in a sunscreen stick and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best picks.