Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, especially during the summer months. With so many options available in the market, choosing the right sunscreen can be a daunting task. One of the most popular types of sunscreen is the stick form. It is convenient, easy to apply, and perfect for on-the-go use. In this article, we will be discussing the best stick sunscreens available in the market.
Stick sunscreens are ideal for people who prefer a mess-free application. They are compact, lightweight, and can be easily carried in a bag or purse. They are also perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and playing sports. Stick sunscreens come in different SPF levels, which means you can choose the one that suits your skin type and needs.
When choosing a stick sunscreen, it is important to consider the ingredients. Look for a sunscreen that contains broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It is also important to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant, especially if you plan on spending time in the water. Additionally, consider the texture of the sunscreen. Some stick sunscreens can be thick and greasy, while others are lightweight and absorb quickly.
We spent hours researching and testing various stick sunscreens to identify the ones that offer the best protection and are easy to apply. In the following sections, we will be discussing our top picks and what makes them stand out.
Top 3 Best Stick Sunscreen Brands
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Looking for a convenient and easy-to-use sunscreen option? Look no further than stick sunscreens. These compact and portable sunscreens are perfect for on-the-go application and touch-ups throughout the day. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are worth your money. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best stick sunscreens available on Amazon. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed each product to bring you our top picks. Whether you’re hitting the beach, going for a hike, or just running errands, these stick sunscreens will help keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant SPF 50+ Sunscreen Stick
If you’re looking for a sunscreen stick that’s perfect for on-the-go, the Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant SPF 50+ Sunscreen Stick is a great option.
Pros
- Glides on easily for convenient, hands-free, no-mess application
- Provides superior broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons
- May leave a greasy residue on the skin
- The stick may be too small for full-body coverage
- Some users may not like the scent
Our experience with the Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant SPF 50+ Sunscreen Stick has been positive overall. We appreciate the convenient stick form, which makes it easy to apply sunscreen without getting our hands messy. The sunscreen stick is also lightweight and easy to carry around, so we can reapply it throughout the day as needed.
However, we did notice that the sunscreen stick may leave a greasy residue on the skin, which some users may not like. Additionally, the stick may be too small for full-body coverage, so you may need to purchase multiple sticks if you plan on using it for the whole family. Finally, some users may not like the scent of the sunscreen stick.
Overall, we recommend the Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant SPF 50+ Sunscreen Stick for those who are looking for a convenient, on-the-go sunscreen option. Its superior broad-spectrum protection and water-resistant formula make it a great choice for outdoor activities.
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+
If you are looking for a portable and easy-to-use sunscreen stick, the Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+ is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The sunscreen stick is ultra-lightweight, making it easy to apply without any sticky feeling. It does not leave a white cast, even after several reapplications.
- The sunscreen stick contains Acacia-Peptide, Ceramide, Cucumber, and Centella extract that help soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier, making it perfect for all skin types.
- The sunscreen stick comes in a portable size, making it easy to carry around and apply on the go.
Cons
- The sunscreen stick may not be suitable for people who prefer scented products as it is unscented.
- The sunscreen stick may not be suitable for people who prefer a higher SPF.
- The sunscreen stick may not be suitable for people who prefer a larger size.
Overall, we highly recommend the Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+ for its lightweight formula, easy-to-use stick design, and skin-soothing ingredients. It is perfect for all skin types and ideal for those who are always on the go.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick
We highly recommend the Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick for anyone looking for a lightweight, convenient sunscreen that provides excellent sun protection without leaving a greasy residue.
Pros
- The sheer formula blends quickly into the skin, making it easy to apply and perfect for on-the-go use.
- The mineral-based formula is gentle on sensitive skin and won’t clog pores.
- The mess-free stick application is perfect for delicate areas like the lips, nose, and around the eyes.
Cons
- Some users may experience a slight white cast upon application.
- The small size of the stick may not be suitable for those who need a lot of sunscreen coverage.
- The stick may feel a bit dry upon application for those with very dry skin.
The Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick is a great option for anyone who wants a convenient, mess-free sunscreen that provides excellent sun protection. The formula is gentle on sensitive skin and won’t clog pores, making it perfect for daily use on both the face and body.
The sheer formula blends quickly into the skin, making it easy to apply and perfect for on-the-go use. The stick application is also great for delicate areas like the lips, nose, and around the eyes.
However, some users may experience a slight white cast upon application, which may not be suitable for those with darker skin tones. Additionally, the small size of the stick may not be suitable for those who need a lot of sunscreen coverage. Finally, the stick may feel a bit dry upon application for those with very dry skin.
Overall, we highly recommend the Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick for anyone looking for a convenient, mineral-based sunscreen that provides excellent sun protection without leaving a greasy residue.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Mineral Face & Body Stick, SPF 50
Protect your skin from the sun while helping reduce signs of skin aging with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Mineral Face & Body Stick, SPF 50.
Pros
- The mineral sunscreen stick provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with 21.6% zinc oxide mineral and vitamin E.
- It has an easy-to-apply, non-greasy, dry-touch formula that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth with no white residue.
- This vegan and 100% mineral active ingredient sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, never tested on animals, and free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates and mineral oil.
Cons
- It might leave a white cast, even after rubbing in well.
- The stickiness can make the skin feel a little heavy.
- It may not be suitable for people with darker skin tones.
We highly recommend the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Mineral Face & Body Stick, SPF 50 for anyone looking for a convenient and easy-to-use sunscreen stick. Its mineral-based formula provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays with a formula that spreads easy on skin and leaves it feeling soft, smooth and moisturized.
The sunscreen stick is gentle and mild for sensitive skin, vegan, and not tested on animals. It’s also free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates and mineral oil. When used as directed with other sun protection measures, this SPF 50 face and body sunscreen decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.
The stick is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes and doesn’t run into the eyes and sting, making it perfect for outdoor activities. However, it may leave a white cast, even after rubbing in well, and the stickiness can make the skin feel a little heavy. Additionally, it may not be suitable for people with darker skin tones.
Overall, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Mineral Face & Body Stick, SPF 50 is a great sunscreen stick that provides excellent protection against harmful UV rays while being gentle and moisturizing on the skin.
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick
This sunscreen stick is a great purchase for anyone who is looking for a reef-friendly, mineral sunscreen that is easy to apply.
Pros
- We love the reef – Contains no oxybenzone or Octinoxate to help protect delicate coral reefs
- SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen, no chemical active ingredients – protects your skin by acting like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away before they enter your body
- Paraben-free, fragrance-free, dye-free and 100% vegan – Contains no parabens, fragrances or dyes, which are common causes of skin irritation
Cons
- May leave a white cast on skin if not blended in properly
- Some users may find the stick formula to be a bit dry
- Can be pricey compared to other sunscreen options
We recently tried out the BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick and were impressed with its performance. The stick formula made it easy to apply without any mess or fuss. We also appreciated that it didn’t have a strong scent or any irritating ingredients.
One of the biggest pros of this sunscreen is that it is reef-friendly. It contains no oxybenzone or Octinoxate, which can be harmful to coral reefs. Instead, it uses mineral ingredients to reflect UV rays away from the skin. We also liked that it had a high SPF of 50+.
However, one potential downside is that the stick formula may leave a white cast on the skin if not blended in properly. Some users may also find it a bit dry, so it’s important to moisturize before applying. Additionally, it can be a bit pricey compared to other sunscreen options.
Overall, we would recommend the BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick to anyone who is looking for a reef-friendly, mineral sunscreen that is easy to apply and provides great protection.
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Kids & Adults
If you’re looking for a convenient and effective sunscreen stick, the CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Kids & Adults is worth considering.
Pros
- Provides broad-spectrum sun protection with 100% mineral-based sunscreen filters
- Mess-free application with a clear finish
- Contains 3 essential ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier
Cons
- May leave a slightly heavy feeling on the skin
- Can leave a white residue if not blended well
- Small size may not last very long with frequent use
This sunscreen stick is perfect for on-the-go application, and its compact size makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go. It’s also Hawaii-compliant, meaning it doesn’t contain oxybenzone or avobenzone, which are prohibited in sunscreens sold in Hawaii.
One of the standout features of this sunscreen stick is its 100% mineral-based sunscreen filters, which provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays. The micro-fine zinc oxide spreads easily and evenly, leaving a clear finish that’s perfect for sensitive areas like the lips, nose, earlobes, and around the eyes.
Another benefit of this sunscreen stick is that it contains 3 essential ceramides, which help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. This is important because sun exposure can damage the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and other issues.
One potential downside of this sunscreen stick is that it may leave a slightly heavy feeling on the skin, especially if you apply too much. It can also leave a white residue if you don’t blend it in well, so it’s important to take your time when applying it.
Overall, we recommend the CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Kids & Adults for anyone looking for a convenient and effective sunscreen option. Its mess-free application and 100% mineral-based sunscreen filters make it a great choice for on-the-go protection.
Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen Face Stick | Wet or Dry Application | Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Sunscreen | 0.53 oz
We highly recommend the Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen Face Stick for parents who want to protect their children’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Pros
- The sunscreen glides on clear and is water-resistant, making it perfect for wet and dry application.
- The formula is made without oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten, parabens, and synthetic fragrance, making it safe for all skin types.
- It is compact and easy to carry in your pocket, bag, or backpack, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Cons
- The product needs to be reapplied after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, which can be inconvenient for some users.
- It does not last as long as some other brands, so frequent reapplication may be necessary.
- The price may be higher than some other sunscreens on the market.
The Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen Face Stick is perfect for parents who want to protect their children’s skin while they play outside. The sunscreen glides on smoothly and is easy to apply, even on wet skin. The compact size makes it easy to carry with you, so you can reapply as needed throughout the day.
The formula is safe for all skin types, as it is made without oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten, parabens, and synthetic fragrance. This means that even children with sensitive skin can use it without any problems.
While the product does need to be reapplied after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, this is a small inconvenience compared to the benefits of using a high-quality sunscreen. It is also important to note that the sunscreen does not last as long as some other brands, so frequent reapplication may be necessary.
Overall, we highly recommend the Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen Face Stick to parents who want to protect their children’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It is a safe and effective sunscreen that is easy to apply and carry with you wherever you go.
Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
If you’re looking for a sunscreen stick that can keep up with your active lifestyle, Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Stick might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- Provides superior endurance against sweat and water
- Lightweight and breathable formula
- Clinically proven broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays
Cons
- May leave a shiny finish on the skin
- The stick may run out quickly with frequent use
- The scent may not be appealing to some users
We’ve had the chance to try out Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Stick, and we’re happy to report that it’s a great option for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. The stick is easy to apply, and the formula is non-greasy, so it won’t weigh you down during your workout or hike. We also appreciate that it’s water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can enjoy your time outside without worrying about reapplying every few minutes.
One thing to keep in mind is that this sunscreen stick may leave a shiny finish on your skin, which may not be ideal for everyone. Additionally, the stick may run out quickly if you’re using it frequently, so you may need to purchase a new one sooner than expected. Lastly, the scent of the sunscreen may not be appealing to everyone, so it’s worth checking out the product in-store before purchasing.
Overall, we think Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Stick is a great option for anyone who needs a high-performance sunscreen that can keep up with their active lifestyle. With its lightweight and breathable formula, superior endurance against sweat and water, and clinically proven broad-spectrum protection, this sunscreen stick is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best stick sunscreen, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you get the right product for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
SPF
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. The higher the SPF, the more protection you’ll get. We recommend choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which will block 97% of UVB rays.
Broad-spectrum protection
In addition to SPF, you’ll want to make sure your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause skin aging and skin cancer. Look for sunscreens that are labeled “broad-spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection.”
Water resistance
If you plan on being in the water or sweating, it’s important to choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Keep in mind that no sunscreen is completely waterproof, so you’ll need to reapply after swimming or sweating.
Application
Stick sunscreens are a convenient option for on-the-go application, but it’s important to make sure you’re applying enough to get adequate protection. We recommend applying a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and any other areas that may be exposed to the sun.
Other considerations
Other factors to consider when choosing a stick sunscreen include your skin type, any allergies or sensitivities you may have, and your personal preferences for scent and texture. Be sure to read product labels and reviews carefully to find the best option for you.
In summary, when choosing the best stick sunscreen, look for a product with a high SPF, broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance. Make sure to apply enough sunscreen and consider your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stick sunscreen is best for sensitive skin?
For those with sensitive skin, it’s best to look for a stick sunscreen that is labeled as hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Some recommended options include Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Stick and Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick.
What are the top recommended stick sunscreens by dermatologists?
Dermatologists often recommend stick sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. Some top recommended options include EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Stick and La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Stick.
How effective are stick sunscreens compared to other forms?
Stick sunscreens are just as effective as other forms of sunscreen as long as they are applied correctly. It’s important to apply a generous amount and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Which stick sunscreen is most suitable for oily skin?
For those with oily skin, it’s best to look for a stick sunscreen that is labeled as oil-free and non-comedogenic. Some recommended options include Supergoop! Defense Refresh (Re)setting Mist SPF 40 and Coola Organic Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 50.
What are the best stick sunscreen options for acne-prone skin?
For those with acne-prone skin, it’s best to look for a stick sunscreen that is labeled as non-comedogenic and oil-free. Some recommended options include Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Stick and CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Stick.
Are there any stick sunscreens that leave no white cast?
Yes, there are stick sunscreens that leave no white cast. Some recommended options include Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick and Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+. These options blend in easily and do not leave a white residue.
