9 Best Sunscreen Sticks to Protect Skin on the Go

In our testing, we found that there's no smell whatsoever and it actually leave skin feeling moisturized, not dry. Our only gripe is that it does have a slightly tacky feel, but it didn't bother our tester, since she wears it to exercise (versus layering it under makeup) and washes it off post-run.

Tester feedback: “I love EltaMD's liquid sunscreens for everyday wear, so this was a no-brainer for me,” says contributing editor Deanna Pai. “I use this one before I head outside to run, since it's easy to swipe on and sinks in almost instantly—rather than me having to rub in a liquid before sweating it all off. I keep it in my entryway so I can tackle my toddler with it before she heads outside, too.”

Key ingredients: vitamin C, ethyl ferulate, bisabolol | Sunscreen filter: zinc oxide | Who it’s for: everyone | Fragrance free: yes

Best Korean SPF: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Invisible Korean Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

Why we love it: In Korean skin-care culture, sunscreen isn’t a once-in-a-while thing—it’s an everyday essential. So when you try the Dr. Jart+ Every Day Sun Day Invisible Korean Sunscreen Stick SPF 40, you know you’re getting something special with this SPF—a lightweight, invisible formula that’s made for everyday wear, not just beach vacations. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid, which helps skin stay hydrated by drawing in moisture and locking it in. That means instead of leaving your skin dry or chalky like some sunscreens do, this one actually glides on to keep it smooth and comfortable all day.

Tester feedback: “If you want a matte sunscreen, this is the one to go for,” says content director Kara McGrath. “It applies without even a whisper of the usual sunscreen grease, making it great for both layering under makeup in the morning and midday touch-ups.”

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid | Sunscreen filter: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Who it’s for: everyone, but especially for uneven texture and oily skin types | Fragrance free: yes

Best Water Resistance: Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Shield & Glow Sheer Mineral Sunstick SPF 50

Why we love it: You might know stevia as the zero-calorie sweetener you sprinkle into your coffee or bake into brownies, but in the Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Shield & Glow Sheer Mineral Sunstick SPF 50, it plays a totally different role. Here, stevia is all about its antioxidant and soothing benefits, helping to calm and protect your skin while you soak up the sun (safely, of course). Powered by a mineral SPF, this formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and packed with the brand’s proprietary Dutch tulip complex, a barrier-boosting blend of antioxidants, amino acids, and natural moisturizing factors that leaves your skin looking softer and smoother.

Tester feedback: “I am always so worried about sun damage getting to my tattoos. This little stick is easy to throw in any of my bags and comes right to the rescue when anxiety gets the best of me,” says interim social media director Erika Owen. "I also like how smooth the formula is: There's no stickiness or residue getting on my clothing—which is helpful, considering most of my tattoos are within shirt-sleeve territory.

Key ingredients: stevia, tulip complex | Sunscreen filter: non-nano zinc oxide | Who it’s for: everyone | Fragrance free: yes

Best for All Skin Tones: Naked Sundays SPF 50 Clear Glow Sun Stick

Why we love it: Sometimes, SkinTok really gets it right, and the Naked Sundays SPF50 Clear Glow Sun Stick is proof. From the viral Aussie brand everyone’s talking about, this genius stick delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50 in a totally clear formula, so there’s no white cast—just a smooth, invisible finish that works for every skin tone.

In our testing, we found that it’s easy to apply and lightweight, and has yet to cause any breakouts. It’s also packed with hydrating watermelon extract (think: vitamin C, amino acids, and lycopene) to give your skin a bouncy, nourished glow while staying protected, and is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and gentle enough for super-sensitive skin.

Tester feedback: “The Naked Sundays Clear Glow Stick is one of my favorite beauty accessories to take on the go,” says senior audience development director Lexi Herrick, who carries this in her fanny pack when she goes walking, hiking, and boating. “It's lightweight, doesn't melt in high temperatures and glides on without having to get sticky sunscreen all over my hands.”

Key ingredients: watermelon extract | Sunscreen filter: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Who it’s for: everyone, but especially those with dry or dull skin | Fragrance free: yes

Best for Active Lifestyles: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50

Why we love it: If breaking a sweat is part of your daily routine, the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50 is built to keep up. This sunscreen stick defends against a full range of environmental stressors, including UVA/UVB rays, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. Perfect for outdoor workouts, beach days, and everything in between, “its water-resistant formula is ideal for active lifestyles, providing up to 80 minutes of defense during swimming or sweating,” says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Danville, CA.

Plus, it feels elegant. "It’s non-greasy, with a dry-touch, matte finish that’s completely invisible once applied,” adds Noah Levit, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fairfield, Hamden, and Norwalk, Connecticut. “It’s sweat- and water-resistant, with no stinging or burning—even when you start to perspire—which makes it especially ideal for sensitive areas like the eyelids or for people with eczema.” He also notes that it’s great for acne-prone skin.

Editor’s tip: “The beauty of sunscreen sticks is that they’re hands-free, but I’ve found this one blends best with your fingertips,” says Dr. Levit. “Once it’s applied, it disappears completely on the skin.”

Key ingredients: squalane, jojoba, candelilla wax | Sunscreen filter: zinc oxide | Who it’s for: people who are active | Fragrance free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Why we love it: French skincare brand Avène has long been a dermatologist favorite for treating sensitive skin, so it’s no surprise that the Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 ranks high on Dr. Levit’s list for a gentle yet highly effective sun protection option. “It’s got allantoin, which is incredibly calming for the skin,” he says. “It helps strengthen the skin barrier and gives an added layer of anti-pollution protection. Plus, it has the Skin Cancer Foundation’s stamp of approval, meaning it helps guard against all types of radiation that could potentially act as carcinogens.” The formula also includes tocopherol (vitamin E) and jojoba, delivering extra antioxidant protection and deep hydration.

Editor’s tip: No need to pack a separate sunscreen for your little one—this gentle mineral stick is safe for babies six months and older, making it a family-friendly go-to for sun protection.

Key ingredients: tocopherol, jojoba, allantoin | Sunscreen filter: zinc oxide | Who it’s for: sensitive skin types | Fragrance free: yes

Best Satin Finish: TiZO Mineral Stick Non-Tinted SPF 45

Why we love it: Available in both tinted and non-tinted versions, the TiZO Mineral Stick SPF 45 is a personal favorite of Dr. Levit’s. “While it does leave a bit of a white cast—even in the non-tinted version—this is one I use myself, and I really like how it feels on the skin,” he says. “I don’t mind that you have to blend it in a bit. In fact, being able to see where you’ve applied can be helpful, so it ensures you don’t miss any spots. It has more of a satin finish, not greasy or slimy, and gives a dry-touch, elegant feel overall.” We also love that it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and packed with antioxidants C and E for extra environmental protection.

Editor’s tip: Sunscreen sticks like this one are perfect for quick, mess-free touch-ups—especially on high-risk burn zones like your nose, ears, and cheekbones.

Key ingredients: ascorbic acid, sunflower wax, ginger root oil | Sunscreen filter: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Who it’s for: everyone | Fragrance free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Why we love it: It’s no surprise that a dermatologist-developed brand like CeraVe catches the attention of other skin experts. “The CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is a 100% mineral formula that combines zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to deliver reliable, broad-spectrum protection,” says Dr. Badreshia-Bansal. “It’s also enriched with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help restore the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture. The lightweight, oil-free formula works well for all skin types—including sensitive skin,” she says. It’s also water-resistant for 40 minutes, which is perfect for a short outdoor sweat session.

Editor’s tip: Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s been clinically vetted and meets strict standards for safety and effectiveness, so you know you’re getting legit protection.

Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Sunscreen filter: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Who it’s for: everyone, especially people with dry skin | Fragrance free: yes

Best Reef-Friendly: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

Why we love it: When you want a sunscreen stick that seriously does it all, Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is the one to toss in your bag. “It’s made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for solid, broad-spectrum protection, and it’s formulated specifically for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Badreshia-Bansal. “No parabens, no fragrances—so it’s less likely to irritate.” It’s also water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it won’t quit halfway through your hike or pool day; it’s also infused with botanicals like aloe vera and jojoba oil. And because it’s free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, it’s reef-safe and planet-friendly.

Editor’s tip: Oxybenzone and octinoxate are known to disrupt marine ecosystems, which is why many sunscreens now avoid them. While there's no official definition of “reef safe,” formulas made with mineral UV filters—like the ones in this sunscreen stick—are widely considered safer for both your skin and the ocean.

Key ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, squalane | Sunscreen filter: zinc oxide | Who it’s for: everyone, especially sensitive skin types | Fragrance free: yes

Best Dewy Finish: Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50

Why we love it: If you're all about glow-enhancing sunscreens, 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’s 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 Sunscreen Stick for Little Ones: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Why we love 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’s 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

While sunscreen sticks are incredibly convenient and precise, they do have their limitations—namely, they can’t really serve as a body sunscreen. “The other side of the coin is that it’s hard to cover a large body surface area,” says Dr. Levit. “The stick won’t do the heavy lifting—you’ll need to supplement that with cream or lotion that can cover a broader surface area.”

That said, there are obvious benefits to your skin-care routine. “Sunscreen sticks offer a convenient and mess-free method for applying sun protection, making them ideal for targeted areas like the face, ears, and shoulders,” explains Dr. Badreshia-Bansal. “Their solid form ensures portability and ease of use without the risk of spillage”—a significant plus for travel, reapplication, and anyone constantly on the go.

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.

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.

• Noah Levit, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut based in Fairfield, Hamden, and Norwalk, CT
• Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf expert based in Danville, CA
• 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

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best sunscreen sticks, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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More UV-protection favorites:

• 14 Best Sunscreens That Go Above and Beyond UV Protection
• 13 Best Body Sunscreens That Literally Have You Covered Against UV Rays
• 12 Best Sunscreens for Glowing Skin
• Your Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen Application, According to Dermatologists

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