11 Best Sunscreen Stick Formulas for SPF Protection on the Go, According to Experts

While some traditional sunscreen lotions leave a lot to be desired—convenience, for one—the best sunscreen stick can fill in the gaps. Unlike the formulas that once featured white casts, greasy residue, and nauseating scents (which can irritate sensitive skin types, no less), these portable sticks deliver UV protection in a few swipes. These days, you can find elegant formulas that smell good, leave skin dewy, and blend seamlessly into dark skin tones—simply put, as it always should’ve been.

Our Top Picks:

• Best Sunscreen Stick Overall: EltaMD UV Stick SPF 50+, $38
• Best Water-Resistant Sunscreen Stick: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+, $32
• Best Dewy Sunscreen Stick: Supergoop Glow Stick SPF 50, $30
• Best Mineral Sunscreen Stick: MDSolarSciences Solar Stick SPF 40, $22
• Best Chemical Sunscreen Stick: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm, $30
• Best Cooling Sunscreen Stick: Vacation Super Stick SPF 45, $24
• Best Rollerball Applicator: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Roll-On Lotion, $17

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Are sunscreen sticks effective?
• How much sunscreen should I be applying?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Once you find the best sunscreen stick for your preferences, it can be a great addition to lotions so long as you apply an adequate amount (four back-and-forth swipes are the baseline). Sticks, compact as they are, are also well-suited for touch-ups. Below, the 11 best broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen face sticks worth adding to your skin-care routine.

Best Sunscreen Stick Overall: EltaMD UV Stick SPF 50+

Why It’s Worth It: Dr. Fahs says EltaMD’s UV Stick SPF 50+ is one of the best sunscreen stick formulas to hit the market for its water-resistant, mineral formula. This fragrance-free sunscreen stick is infused with zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF protection, as well as antioxidants like vitamin E and soothing bisabolol. It won’t leave a white cast on skin and is suitable for kids, so you can quickly swipe it on a squirmy child as needed. Plus, it’s compact enough to tuck away in your bag for easy, mess-free application.

Editor Tip: Among this stick’s antioxidants are oryzanol and ethyl ferulate, which are lipid-soluble—meaning they actually pass through your skin’s lipid barrier to reach the deeper layers of skin.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, ethyl ferulate, bisabolol | Sunscreen Filter: Zinc oxide | Who It’s For: Everyone | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best Water-Resistant: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

Why It’s Worth It: Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is such a great sunscreen stick that it won an Allure Best of Beauty Award back in 2021 and still earns praise from our editors and dermatologists alike (including Dr. Fahs) for its lightweight, blendable formula. This nongreasy formula is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, absorbs quickly, and has a sheer, dew-enhancing finish that works well alone and under makeup.

Editor Tip: The formula features Shiseido’s WetForce and HeatForce technologies, through which it remains effective despite heat and humidity.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Sunscreen Filter: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Who It’s For: Everyone, but particularly those who exercise outdoors | Fragrance-Free: No

Best Dewy Sunscreen Stick: Supergoop Glow Stick SPF 50

Why It’s Worth It: If you’re all about glow-enhancing products, Dr. Fahs would like to introduce you to Supergoop’s Glow Stick SPF 50. This fragrance-free formula is totally transparent and boosts radiance with a blend of moisturizing pracaxi, tamanu, and buriti oils. “Unlike most SPFs, it’s completely translucent and never leaves a white cast or chalky appearance,” said our tester. “It’s beyond easy to apply—simply swipe, blend, and go—and it doesn’t dry out my perennially parched skin like so many other sunscreens.”

Editor Tip: The formula plays well with other sunscreens from the brand. Try Supergoop Triple Prep SPF 40 Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer for even more of a glow. “Triple Prep amps up the dewiness of my skin every time I wear it, with or without makeup,” says Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen in her review. We’re also fan of the brand’s Play 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 and Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40, so there’s a solid option for every preference.

Key Ingredients: Calendula extract, meadowfoam seed oil, sunflower seed oil | Sunscreen Filter: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Who It’s For: Dry skin types, or anyone seeking a gleam | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best Mineral Sunscreen Stick: MDSolarSciences Solar Stick SPF 40

Why It’s Worth It: The rare mineral sunscreen that blends seamlessly into deep skin tones, the MDSolarSciences Solar Stick SPF 40 checks all the boxes. It’s surprisingly lightweight despite its dense composition of vitamins C and E and shea butter, which provides additional protection against damage from UV rays, blue light, and other external aggressors. It’s also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and safe for the whole fam—even babies over six months can use it.

Editor Tip: It won a 2022 Allure Best of Beauty Award for best facial sunscreen—mostly because it’s a dream to swipe on the go.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, shea butter | Sunscreen Filter: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Who It’s For: Everyone | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best Chemical Sunscreen Stick: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm SPF 45

Why It’s Worth It: Sunscreen meets face serum in the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm SPF 45, which pairs the usual moisturizing ingredients—hyaluronic acid and squalane among them—with niacinamide, which fades hyperpigmentation and improves the look of pores over time. The balm is completely translucent and delivers a glowy but not greasy finish. “I wear some sort of base makeup most days so sunscreen application, while necessary, is difficult—so if I have to trade off the promise of better UV protection for potential smudging, I better get a noticeable glow that wakes up my mid-afternoon, it’s-too-late-for-my-third-cup-of-coffee complexion,” commerce editor Sarah Han says.

Editor Tip: The PA++++ is a measure of the formula’s protection against UVA rays—which are responsible for signs of aging, like wrinkles and dark spots—and is commonly found in Korean sunscreens. SPF, meanwhile, only indicates protection from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and skin cancer.

Key Ingredients: Watermelon extract, niacinamide, squalane | Sunscreen Filter: Avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate | Who It’s For: Everyone, but especially those prone to hyperpigmentation | Fragrance-Free: No

Best Cooling Sunscreen Stick: Vacation Super Stick SPF 45

Why It’s Worth It: Retro packaging meets next-gen ingredients in Vacation’s Super Stick SPF 45. What sets it apart: It doesn’t feel waxy at all and features the brand’s WaterGlide technology, which cools skin as you glide it on. It imparts a satin finish as well as ample moisture—thanks to a lineup of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin E, and aloe vera.

Editor Tip: The stick has a unique, teardrop shape; you can use the pointy end to get into crevices around the eyes and nose, ensuring proper application (and protection).

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Sunscreen Filter: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Who It’s For: Everyone | Fragrance-free: No

Best Rollerball Sunscreen Stick: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Roll-On Lotion

Why It’s Worth It: Sun Bum’s Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Roll-On Lotion makes application (and reapplication, because you still need to do that every few hours) way easier, thanks to a rollerball head that evenly distributes the formula. Speaking of the formula, this mineral-based sunscreen is infused with vitamin E to provide free radical protection and moisture retention.

Editor Tip: The formula is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or exacerbate breakouts.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, glycerin | Sunscreen Filter: Avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, ethylhexyl salicylate | Who It’s For: Anyone who wants seamless touch-ups | Fragrance-Free: No

Best-Smelling Sunscreen Stick: Coola Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30

Why It’s Worth It: Coola’s Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 may smell like a tropical vacation, but that’s not the only reason we love this coconut-scented sunscreen stick. This water-resistant formula is based on chemical sunscreen filters and contains an antioxidant-rich blend of prickly pear extract, red raspberry seed, buriti, and meadowfoam seed oils to assist in moisturizing and fighting against skin-damaging free radicals. The active ingredients are encapsulated in safflower seed oil, which allows for better absorption. (That said, the formula never feels greasy or sticky.)

Editor Tip: The brand offers something for everyone: The Refreshing Water Hydration Stick is ideal if you’re prone to dryness, whereas the Organic Mineral Sunscreen Stick is preferable for people who prefer mineral sunscreen filters.

Key Ingredients: Safflower seed oil, raspberry seed oil, buriti oil | Sunscreen Filter: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Who It’s For: Anyone who’s not sensitive to fragrance | Fragrance-Free: No

Best Shimmery Sunscreen Stick: Kopari Sun Shield On-The-Glow Sheer Stick SPF 40

Why It’s Worth It: Kopari is all about a satisfying sensorial experience, so it’s little surprise that the brand’s Sun Shield On-The-Glow Sheer Stick SPF 40 elevates the chore of applying sunscreen. Powered by chemical filters, it’s infused with sustainably sourced mica to give skin a luminous shimmer. While this glowy stick is great for reapplying SPF, you can also layer it under makeup for a boost of radiance. As for the soothing feel, there’s bisabolol, vitamin E, and ginger root extract to thank.

Editor Tip: The formula is only sweat- and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes (whereas some others have an 80-minute claim), so be prepared to reapply as needed.

Key Ingredients: Bisabolol, vitamin E, mica | Sunscreen Filter: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate | Who It’s For: Those looking for a luminous gleam | Fragrance-Free: No

Best Sunscreen Stick for Dry Skin: Live Tinted Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Why It’s Worth It: The beauty of Live Tinted’s Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is that it’s completely transparent and glides smoothly on the skin, thanks to its gel-like finish. This water- and sweat-resistant sun stick can be used all over your face and body for optimal broad-spectrum SPF 50 UV protection. It’s also jam-packed with antioxidants, thanks to extracts from cloudberry (rich in beta-carotene and vitamin E) and dragonfruit (brimming with vitamin C). It’s also non-comedogenic, so you can rest easy knowing it won’t lead to clogged pores.

Editor Tip: Hot temperatures can potentially lead to the stick breaking, so don’t keep this in your hot car or beach bag for hours.

Key Ingredients: Cloudberry seed oil, rice extract, dragonfruit extract | Sunscreen Filter: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate | Who It’s For: Those with oily skin, or people with medium to dark skin tones | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best Sunscreen Stick for Little Ones: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Why It’s Worth It: People with sensitive skin will love Cetaphil’s Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 because of its gentle formula that’s free of fragrances, parabens, and chemical filters, including avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. This lightweight sunscreen leaves behind a transparent veil of broad-spectrum SPF that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays. On top of sun protection, this sunblock provides moisture retention and helps prevent free radical damage via antioxidant vitamin E.

Editor Tip: Dr. Fahs says that her kids love this formula. Quick application with minimal fuss from the little ones? “A total win for a mom,” she says.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin | Sunscreen Filter: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Who It’s For: Everyone | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sunscreen sticks effective?

According to Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Camden, Minnesota, broad-spectrum solid stick formulas perform just as well as the best liquid sunscreens. But, as with any sunscreen, you must apply and reapply the right amount for sufficient broad-spectrum protection. (More on that in a bit.)

Another bonus of sunscreen sticks: They’re fabulous for applying SPF to smaller, more sensitive areas, such as eyelids. “The skin [around the eyes] is more fragile and thinner, making it more susceptible to fine lines and photoaging, so sunscreen is essential,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, previously explained—which is why she recommends using a sunscreen stick. Do you have a fresh, colorful tattoo you want to preserve? Sunscreen sticks are great for that, too.

How much sunscreen should I be applying?

Because you can’t see how much of a sunscreen stick you’re using up—for example, two fingers-length worth for the face—Dr. Fahs says, “The more the merrier in general, but I tell patients to apply four passes back and forth on each area of application to make sure you get a good amount on.” She also recommends rubbing in the sunscreen so every inch is accounted for. Dr. Fahs also recommends applying your sunscreen stick on dry skin—for any skin care you slather on beforehand, make sure it’s fully dry—so the formula “stays put.”

And don’t forget: Reapplication is essential for maintaining UV protection throughout the day. “Reapply every two hours at a minimum but more often if sweating or immersed in water,” board-certified dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, MD, previously told Allure.

Meet the experts

• Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Camden, Minnesota
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut
• Roberta Del Campo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami

How we test and review products

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.