Skincare

15 best sunscreen sticks for mess-free application

02/06/2024

When it comes to SPF application, there’s nothing easier and more convenient than sunscreen sticks. They’re the perfect on-the-go tool for touch-ups at the beach or while running around in the city, and, as they’re solid, they’re completely mess-free too.

PSA: they’re also great for trips abroad as they don’t count as liquids and are exempt from airport security regulations if you’re only taking hand luggage on the plane. Better yet, they’re usually tiny too, meaning you can toss them into your giant beach bag or designer tote and reapply throughout the day.

While sticks usually aren’t the way to go for all-over application for the body due to their size, they are perfect for the face, particularly for topping up protection on those high points where UV rays catch the most. Many can even be applied on top of makeup, and considering you should really be using sunscreen every 2-3 hours, are up there with SPF mists as one of the best ways to top up.

As the skincare industry has continued to evolve, so too has the innovation in SPF sticks. These days, you can find formulas that have zero white cast, enhance glow, are family-friendly and are packed full of skin-loving ingredients. We’ve spoken to the experts and selected the very best options.

Best sunscreen sticks at a glance:

Best sunscreen stick overall: COOLA Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30+
Best family-friendly sunscreen stick: Mustela High Protection Sun Stick SPF 50 Family
Best clear sunscreen stick: Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+
Best sunscreen stick for a glowy complexion: Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50

COOLA Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30+

£22 AT SPACE NK

£18.40 AT AMAZON

Mustela High Protection Sun Stick SPF 50 Family

£17.20 AT AMAZON

COURTESY OF BRAND

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

£32 AT BOOTS

Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50

£22 AT LOOK FANTASTIC

Meet the experts:

Dr Debra Jaliman, board-certified dermatologist in New York
Dr Peter Young, medical director of Nurx Dermatology
Dr Sonia Batra, founder of Batra Dermatology
The team of experts at Cult Beauty

What are the benefits of a sunscreen stick applicator?

As mentioned, “a stick applicator is perfect for travel (no risk of it leaking in transit) and is really quick and fuss-free when you want protection on the move,” reiterates the team at Cult Beauty.

The advantage of having a stick on-hand includes the ability to protect harder-to-reach body parts, they say. “It’s also ideal for areas especially susceptible to redness (nose, ears, parting, collarbones etc.) and is effortless to use, which means you’re more inclined to top-up when you need to (no surplus sunscreen to contend with).”

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“Think of it like a parasol — if sunscreen is your outfit, then an SPF stick is an extra line of skin-nourishing defence between you and the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays.”

What ingredients should you look for?

So what should you look out for when shopping for the best sunscreen sticks? “I always recommend mineral block sunscreens made with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide for children, since these provide broad spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB ray of the spectrum,” says Sonia Batra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Batra Dermatology.

Many options that are available now really hone into the skincare aspect of things too, namely by including skin-loving ingredients such as jojoba, ceramides, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid as part of their formulas. For example, the new Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm contains watermelon, brightening niacinamide, barrier-boosting squalane and hydrating hyaluronic acid for hydration and protection.

Plus, those of us more conscious about the wellbeing of our skin can opt for products that are suitable for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin, and choose between the oil-free and fragrance-free options too. And don’t forget cruelty-free and reef-safe products that help protect Mother Earth…

What’s the best way to use an SPF stick?

Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, says sunscreen sticks are just as effective as any other mineral sunscreens or body SPFs, adding that they’re particularly desirable for an intense concentration of sunscreen in small areas like noses, ears, and the jawline.

However, they do have one downside: “While they are effective on other areas of the body, it’s really not very practical to use a small sunscreen stick for full-body application,” says Peter Young, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Nurx Dermatology, a telehealth practice. For this reason, many experts recommend stocking up on both sticks and either lotions or sunscreen sprays for continuous broad-spectrum protection all over.

For all SPFs, remember to use a generous amount and apply around 30 minutes before sun exposure.

How we tested sunscreen sticks

Over the years, the GLAMOUR team has collectively tried dozens of sunscreen stick formulations, having tested said formulas on a variety of skin types and age groups. When reviewing each formula, we’ve assessed their efficacy and whether they deliver lasting protection, as well as value for money and how innovative each is compared to other options on the market.

To help you find the best formulas out there, we asked dermatologists for their go-to’s. Plus, we’ve also made sure to include popular and best-selling options from brands such as Coola, Sun Bum, Cerave and La Roche-Posay for the most highly-rated options to add to your skincare routine. Enjoy these bestsellers.

Looking for more sun care products? Once you’ve invested in a facial sunscreen lotion, check out our guide to SPF, plus the best sun creams for your body, the best SPF makeup and scalp sunburn treatments. For more content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.

This article originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.

Best sunscreen stick overallCOOLA Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30+
- SPF level: 30
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
Why we love it: This travel-friendly coconut-scented sunscreen stick is made with organic ingredients like shea butter, avocado butter, and coconut oil. Powered by zinc oxide, this product is nourishing for the skin, glides on smoothly, and is super easy to apply.Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best sunscreen sticks using our Amazon discount codes.£22 AT SPACE NK£18.40 AT AMAZON
Best sunscreen stick for a glowy complexionSupergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50
- SPF level: 50
- Chemical or mineral: Chemical
Why we love it: One of the most best-selling sunscreen sticks on the market. This no-fuss UV stick provides strong sun protection while leaving your skin with a perfectly dewy look. What more could you possibly want?Save money when you shop for the best sunscreen sticks using these LookFantastic discount codes.£22 AT LOOK FANTASTIC
Courtesy of BrandBest clear sunscreen stickShiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+
- SPF level: 50
- Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Why we love it: The lightweight formula is perfect for all skin types and can be applied over and under makeup. It’s also made with innovative technology that responds to heat stimulus, making this broad-spectrum sunscreen form an even stronger UV barrier in the heat.Save money when you shop for the best sunscreen sticks using these Boots discount codes.£32 AT BOOTS
Best sunscreen stick for dewy skinGlow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm SPF 30
- SPF level: 30
- Chemical or mineral: Chemical
Why we love it: This new addition to the Glow Recipe range is a dream for dewy summer skin. Not only does it protect you with an SPF 30, it also applies clear with a sheer formula, and contains niacinamide and squalane for hydrated, happy skin.Make sure to check out our Cult Beauty discount codes.£27 AT CULT BEAUTY