6 Sunscreen Sticks Worth Your Hard-Earned Money
Sunshine and summertime go hand in hand, but so does the importance of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. While slathering on sunscreen lotion is a tried-and-true method, there’s another, more convenient way to protect your skin from harmful rays: sunscreen sticks.
Mostly used around the eyes and on the face, sunscreen sticks are compact, convenient, and ridiculously easy to apply. They offer precise application and are portable enough to toss in your bag. The formula is lightweight and breathable, and most importantly, the whole process is mess-free.
Mostly used around the eyes and on the face, sunscreen sticks are compact, convenient, and ridiculously easy to apply. They offer precise application and are portable enough to toss in your bag. The formula is lightweight and breathable, and most importantly, the whole process is mess-free.
Why Choose Sunscreen Sticks?
The type of sunscreen you choose should be the one you’ll use over and over again. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends, “Just make sure it offers broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, has an SPF of 30 or higher, and is water resistant.” SPF of at least 30 will block out 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher-number SPFs will block out slightly more, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of the sun’s UVB rays.
Top-Rated Sunscreen Sticks
Here are the top-rated sunscreen sticks on store shelves right now:
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is a featherweight sunscreen featuring a protective shield that only gets stronger when it comes into contact with water and heat. Its non-greasy formula is enriched with naturally sourced skincare components to help combat wrinkles and dark spots. Users have praised its ability to be reapplied over makeup without making their face feel greasy.
Key Features:
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50+
- Water and heat-activated strength
- Non-greasy formula
- Can be applied over makeup
- Enriched with anti-aging ingredients
EltaMD UV Stick Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 50+
The EltaMD UV Stick Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a high-performance sunscreen stick with powerful sun protection to keep your skin safe from harmful sun damage and blue light from screens. Its lightweight and non-greasy formula gives you a no-white-cast appearance without clogging your pores or leaving a sticky residue behind. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
The EltaMD UV Stick Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a high-performance sunscreen stick with powerful sun protection to keep your skin safe from harmful sun damage and blue light from screens. Its lightweight and non-greasy formula gives you a no-white-cast appearance without clogging your pores or leaving a sticky residue behind. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Key Features:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
The cruelty-free Ultra Sheer Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 by Neutrogena uses Dry Touch technology to go on clear without feeling greasy. Packed with 21.6% zinc oxide sourced naturally and enriched with vitamin E, this mineral sunscreen is gentle even on sensitive skin. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50+
- Protects against blue light
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- No white cast
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
The cruelty-free Ultra Sheer Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 by Neutrogena uses Dry Touch technology to go on clear without feeling greasy. Packed with 21.6% zinc oxide sourced naturally and enriched with vitamin E, this mineral sunscreen is gentle even on sensitive skin. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Key Features:
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
The CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is formulated with InVisibleZincTM Technology that applies with a clear finish. The compact stick design allows for easy and mess-free application, making it perfect for on-the-go use. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50
- Dry Touch technology
- 21.6% naturally sourced zinc oxide
- Enriched with vitamin E
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Cruelty-free
The CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is formulated with InVisibleZincTM Technology that applies with a clear finish. The compact stick design allows for easy and mess-free application, making it perfect for on-the-go use. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Key Features:
AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF 50+
AHC’s Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF 50+ gives you a fresh feeling without leaving behind a sticky residue. It contains natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and have a slight lemony scent.
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50
- InVisibleZincTM Technology for a clear finish
- Easy and mess-free application
- Compact and portable
- Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes
AHC’s Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF 50+ gives you a fresh feeling without leaving behind a sticky residue. It contains natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and have a slight lemony scent.
Key Features:
Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50
The Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 is a versatile product that combines sun protection with a luminous, high-shine finish. What sets it apart is its unique formula that protects but imparts a subtle glow to your skin, leaving you with a radiant complexion. It can also double as a highlighter.
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50+
- Fresh, non-sticky finish
- Contains natural ingredients
- Slight lemon-y scent
The Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 is a versatile product that combines sun protection with a luminous, high-shine finish. What sets it apart is its unique formula that protects but imparts a subtle glow to your skin, leaving you with a radiant complexion. It can also double as a highlighter.
Key Features:
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50
- High-shine, luminous finish
- Can be used as a highlighter
- Portable and easy to apply
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen Stick
Choosing the right sunscreen stick depends on various factors including your skin type, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here’s what to consider:
Broad-Spectrum Protection
Ensure the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection to shield you from both UVA and UVB rays. This is crucial for comprehensive sun protection.
SPF Level
Broad-Spectrum Protection
Ensure the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection to shield you from both UVA and UVB rays. This is crucial for comprehensive sun protection.
SPF Level
An SPF of at least 30 is recommended for adequate protection, but higher SPFs offer slightly more coverage. Choose according to your sun exposure.
Water Resistance
If you’re swimming or sweating, opt for a water-resistant formula. Water resistance times vary, so check the label to see how often you’ll need to reapply.
Skin Type
Consider your skin type when choosing a sunscreen. Look for non-comedogenic formulas if you have oily or acne-prone skin. For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide are often gentler.
Additional Benefits
Some sunscreens offer additional skincare benefits like anti-aging ingredients, hydration, or a matte finish. Choose one that aligns with your skincare goals.
Water Resistance
If you’re swimming or sweating, opt for a water-resistant formula. Water resistance times vary, so check the label to see how often you’ll need to reapply.
Skin Type
Consider your skin type when choosing a sunscreen. Look for non-comedogenic formulas if you have oily or acne-prone skin. For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide are often gentler.
Additional Benefits
Some sunscreens offer additional skincare benefits like anti-aging ingredients, hydration, or a matte finish. Choose one that aligns with your skincare goals.
Conclusion
Sunscreen sticks are a convenient and effective way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Whether you’re looking for something lightweight, water-resistant, or with additional skincare benefits, there’s a sunscreen stick out there for you. Invest in one of these top-rated sunscreen sticks and enjoy the sunshine safely and stylishly!
