The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (2024)

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (1)

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Though sunscreen sticks are often formulated with kids in mind because they're so easy and quick to apply, they can be used on anyone of any age, especially someone who wants to do touch-ups throughout the day over makeup.

Sunscreen sticks are solid bars of sunscreen that you can swipe all over your face and/or body, perfect for those who are constantly on-the-go. Since they're small in size, they're great for tossing into a bag, getting into tough-to-reach crevices and reapplying on often-burned spots like the tip of the nose and forehead. Ahead, we've rounded up the best sunscreen sticks for all skin types, including acne-prone, dry, oily, sensitive skin and more.

Our top picks:

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab regularly tests and evaluates body sunscreen and face sunscreens, including natural sunscreens and SPF products made with zinc oxide, sunscreens for sensitive skin and more. We haven't tested sunscreen sticks yet, but in a recent in-Lab and consumer sunscreen test, our scientists analyzed more than 60 sunscreens and surveyed more than 1,100 people to find the best sunscreens on the market, so they know what makes a great SPF. We also worked with Geeta Yadav, M.D., a Toronto-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, and Brendan Camp, M.D., a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, to add their expertise.

You can also read more about everything you need to know about sunscreen according to our Beauty Lab pros, and if you're looking for more sun protection options, check out our guides to the best expert-tested sunscreens and the best Black-owned sunscreen brands.

1

Best Overall Sunscreen Stick

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (9)

Pros
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (10)Contains skin-nourishing ingredients
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (11)Won't melt in the sun
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (12)Stays put even with sweat and humidity
Cons
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (13)Pricey

Colorescience's sunscreen stick has it all: broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, a mineral, water-resistant formula and several hydrating ingredients including jojoba and squalane. Though pricey, it's a favorite of both GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann and Dr. Yadav.

It "goes on white so you can see where you've applied it before rubbing it in," says Dr. Yadav, but it "glides and blends easily leaving a sheer film that doesn’t budge under sweat and it is not sticky to the touch," adds Wizemann. "Though it may soften a bit in my beach bag if left on the sun, it doesn’t liquify or melt."

2

Best Value Sunscreen Stick

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (14)

Pros
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (15)Includes skin nourishers
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (16)Can be used on sensitive skin
Cons
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (17)May be difficult to rub into face

Anyone who's on the go will love this stick, thanks to its SPF 50+ protection and skin-loving ingredients that are gentle enough for even those with sensitive skin.

Made by Australian brand Blue Lizard, Dr. Camp recommends this product; he likes it because it "contains aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil and vitamin E," which are great nourishers for skin. And at just $10, it's a well-priced buy. Take note that some online reviewers did find it a bit difficult to rub in, likely due to the mineral formulation of the product.

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Pros
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (19)Gentle mineral formula
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (20)Small size makes it easy to apply around difficult-to-reach areas
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (21)Absorbs easily
Cons
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (22)Thicker formula

Though this sunscreen stick is marketed for kids, the fragrance-free mineral formula from Mini Bloom is great for all ages. Because it's made with little ones in mind, it's full of ingredients that are delicate on the face.

"It’s made with a high 20% level of zinc oxide yet blends effortlessly into skin," says GH Beauty Director April Franzino. "And because it’s made with plant-based skin nourishing ingredients like sunflower oil and aloe, it feels soft instead of chalky on skin." The formula is on the thicker side, Franzino adds, which she likes, but some online reviewers prefer something thinner.

4

Best Sunscreen Stick for Over Makeup

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (23)

Pros
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (24)Clear formula with no white cast
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (25)Great for applying under and over makeup
Cons
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (26)Can make skin look greasy or oily

You can still get your sun protection over (or under!) makeup thanks to this editor-favorite Shiseido sunscreen stick with a high SPF 50. The popular Japanese brand created a smooth, non-sticky formula that comes in a unique gel-like solid, so it truly couldn't be easier to use.

"It glides on skin translucently so there’s no white cast, no matter how dark your skin tone is," says Franzino. "And because it's clear, it's great for touch-ups throughout the day without mess or rubbing." Those with oilier skin types may want to pick a different sunscreen stick, as some online reviewers said it makes their skin look greasy.

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5

Best Sunscreen Stick for Oily Skin

Neutrogena Mineral Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Face & Body Stick SPF 50

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (27)

Pros
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (28)Dry touch finish helps mattify skin
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (29)Well-priced
Cons
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (30)May leave a white residue

Fight premature aging due to sun damage with Neutrogena's super sheer mineral sunscreen stick. The brand's classic dry touch finish helps to fight shine, oiliness and doesn't make your skin greasy yet still blends easily on both face and body. Plus, the drugstore pick comes in at an affordable price, well under $20. "It glides nicely on skin with no friction into a faint white film that becomes sheer when rubbed in," says Wizemann. However, some online reviewers found that the white residue didn't fully dissipate for them, so this may not be the best pick for darker skin tones.

6

Best Sunscreen Stick for Dry Skin

Sun Bum Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 50

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (31)

Pros
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (32)Fragrance-free
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (33)Has hydrating ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin
Cons
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (34)Very small

Specially formulated for babies and children, Sun Bum's baby sunscreen line, aptly named Baby Bum, offers a stick that works well on adults too. GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price loves this one for her kids. The plant-based formula has coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter that help keep skin hydrated throughout the day, no matter your age.

"We all have varying degrees of sensitive skin and we can all use this without problems," writes one Amazon reviewer who has a family of four. "It works great and it's fast to apply." Users wish that it came in a bigger size, though.

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7

Best Sunscreen Stick for Sensitive Skin

Supergoop! Sunnyscreen Stick SPF 50

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (35)

Pros
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (36)Sensitive enough even for babies and children
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (37)Can be used all over the face, including lips
Cons
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (38)May leave a white cast

Supergoop's sunscreen for babies and kids is fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin for all ages. It's gentle and soft enough to use all over the face, even lips, and Dr. Camp loves its water-resistant formula for beach or pool days. "Doesn't make my super super sensitive skin break out at all," writes one reviewer. Do take note that some feel like it leaves too much of a white cast due to the mineral formula, but others don't experience any white cast at all.

8

Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick

EltaMD UV Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (39)

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (40)

Pros
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (41)Contains high level of zinc oxide
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (42)Works on all skin types for both face and body
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (43)Rubs into skin smoothly
Cons
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (44)Stick can be difficult to roll on skin

EltaMD is widely lauded for its SPF products, and this zinc oxide sunscreen stick recommended by Dr. Camp is no different. It can be used on all skin types and ages on both face and body. Thanks to an impressive 22% zinc oxide along with vitamin E and bisabolol, this stick provides broad spectrum sun protection as well as hydration to the skin. "Rubs in easily without that greasy feeling," writes an Amazon reviewer. "Easy to store a small purse or backpack to use on the go." However, some find the stick dry and difficult to roll on the skin.

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9

Best Sunscreen Stick for Acne-Prone Skin

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (45)

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (46)

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Pros
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (47)Does not contain comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (48)Can be used to nourish face and lips
Cons
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (49)Not weatherproof

Sans comedogenic ingredients like coconut butter and cocoa butter that can irritate the skin and cause breakouts, this Cetaphil sunscreen is a great choice for acne-prone skin. The drugstore bargain stick is also formulated for sensitive skin and contains hydrating vitamin E to keep you protected and nourished throughout the day. It's "great for use not only on the face but lips too," says Dr. Camp. Some online reviewers received the stick in the mail only to find it melted from hot weather, so it's not the best option to bring along for a long, hot day outdoors.

10

Best Korean Sunscreen Stick

AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF 50

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (50)

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (51)

Pros
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (52)Consumers have been able to use this on sensitive and acne-prone skin
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (53)Spreads easily
Cons
  • The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (54)Some users reported packaging issues

Cult-favorite Korean skincare brand AHC makes a sunscreen stick with SPF 50+ that's easy to bring on-the-go for quick reapplication all day long. Users are a fan of its sensitive skin-friendly formula. "I have oily skin and I had used tons of different sunscreens but they always leave my face more oily," one Amazon reviewer raves. "But this one is the exception; this sunscreen leaves my skin so smooth and matte and doesn’t make my skin break out." Several online users reported that the sunscreen would fall out of the packaging and break, so there could be some improvements made there.

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How we choose the best sunscreen sticks

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (55)

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab regularly tests and evaluates skincare products, including body and face sunscreens. Though our Beauty Lab has not performed a side-by-side category test on sunscreen sticks specifically, in our most recent sunscreen test, our scientists analyzed 62 body sunscreens and polled 1,139 people on their sunscreen habits, conducting both Lab and consumer testing to determine the top sunscreen products on the market and taking note of several factors, including ease of use, scent, texture, look and feel on skin and sun protection ability. So, our scientists know what makes a good sunscreen.

This list was curated with contributions from Wizemann, Dr. Yadav, Dr. Camp and our beauty editors to curate the top-performing sunscreen sticks on the market.

What to look for when shopping for the best sunscreen sticks

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (56)

✔️ Broad spectrum coverage: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreen products that provide broad spectrum coverage, meaning that it includes both UVA and UVB protection, says Dr. Camp. UVA is responsible for aging the skin and UVB is responsible for burning the skin, so it's safe to say you'll want to be protected from both!

✔️ SPF 30 or higher: "Always look for a sun protection factor of at least SPF 30," says Dr. Yadav. The AAD also suggests using at least SPF 30, but for even more peace of mind, the GH Beauty Lab recommends looking for SPF 50.

✔️ Formula: "Be cautious when shopping for stick-based formulas if you're prone to pore congestion or irritation," says Dr. Yadav, as sunscreen sticks tend to be thick and hydrating. "Sunscreen sticks that use coconut butter and cocoa butter, which are highly comedogenic, may not be the best choice for acne-prone skin," says Wizemann. Dr. Yadav adds that "there are plenty of lighter and/or hypoallergenic stick formulas that are suitable for oily or sensitive complexions," like some of our picks above.

✔️ Color: Decide whether you'd like a tinted sunscreen stick or not. Dr. Yadav recommends considering a tinted or color-changing formula to help determine if you've effectively protected all of your skin. "Many formulas go on clear, which can make it challenging to determine if you've applied an adequate amount of sunscreen," she says. A tinted sunscreen can also help minimize any white cast that may be left behind.

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Is stick or liquid sunscreen better?

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (57)

When applied correctly, Wizemann says sunscreen sticks should be just as effective as liquid sunscreens and vice versa. Sunscreen sticks "are the best for targeted coverage of face and body parts that get exposed to sun (nose, ears, shoulders, top of the feet, cheeks, etc.)," Wizemann adds.

Regardless of formula, the most important part of applying sunscreen is careful, even and thorough application. "When using a sunscreen stick, you should rub it over the same area multiple times and massage it in to make sure you've fully coated and protected your skin," recommends Dr. Yadav. Don't forget to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before first exposure to sun. "This is crucial for all sunscreens, sunscreen sticks included, as they all require some time to form a uniform protective film on skin before sun exposure," says Wizemann.

Does stick sunscreen work?

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (58)

Yes, but take note: Due to their often thicker and waxier formulas, sunscreen sticks may be a bit more difficult to apply than liquid sunscreen. "Typically, these formulas contain rich, plant-based emollients, like shea, jojoba and coconut oils, making them ideal for drier skin types," says Dr. Yadav. "They also may not be most practical when it comes to covering the entire body," says Wizemann.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (59)

Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn authored this article, working closely with the Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of skincare products like sunscreens, including sunscreen lotions, sprays, chemical and mineral formulas, powders and sticks. She's never without her SPF and considers it the most essential step in any skincare routine.

For this article, she worked closely with GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann, who has touched, researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products for almost a decade. She carried out various studies from sunscreens (including formulas for sensitive and oily skin and mineral types) and more. She also lends a hand when it comes to explaining skincare ingredients and verifies product claims.

We also worked with dermatologists to inform our recommendations: Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, and Dr. Geeta Yadav is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology.

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (60)

Catharine Malzahn

Beauty Assistant

Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (61)

Tested bySabina Wizemann

Beauty Lab Director

Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (62)

Tested byDanusia Wnek

Senior Chemist

Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks, Recommended by Derms and Experts (2024)

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