These 13 Dermatologist-Approved Sunscreen Sticks Make UV Protection So Easy (2024)

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

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

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

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

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

What reviewers say: “As someone who burns very easily, I have tried every sunscreen under the sun. And time and time agai, sunscreen with zinc oxide has proven to be the most effective at preventing burns. This handy dandy super stick is my essential for reapplying on-the-go,” says Madeleine Haase, Prevention’s assistant editor.

SPF level: 50

Water resistance: 80 Minutes

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

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: “This product’s small size makes it so easy to throw in a purse, or even a clutch during summertime. It won’t melt in my bag, it offers great-smelling sun protection, and it goes on so smoothly!” says Prevention Digital Director Allie Early.

SPF level: 30

Water resistance: 80 Minutes

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

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

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

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: “When I went through a bout of extremely sensitive skin, this sunscreen stick was a lifesaver to have on the go. Super gentle formula and easy application all day!” says Madeleine Haase, Prevention’s assistant editor.

SPF level: 50

Water resistance: 80 Minutes

This editor’s pick is features a teardrop shape for precision application and a smooth, tug-free glide. Reviewers say it goes on clear and leaves a non-greasy finish perfect for use under makeup or over makeup. Bonus: this stick contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to deliver deep hydration and help minimize the appearance of pores, as well as ceramides to help strengthen skin barrier.

What the reviews say: “I recently used this sunscreen stick on a trip to Costa Rica and kept it in my bag 24/7 for touching up my face SPF. It goes on so smoothly (no tugging), didn’t feel greasy at all, and—to my surprise—didn’t disrupt my tinted face sunscreen underneath,” says Shannen Zitz, Prevention’s assistant editor

SPF level: 45

Water resistance: Not listed

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.

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.

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.