These Sunscreen Sticks Are the Easiest to Use and Kept Testers Burn-Free (2025)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

SPF: 40 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding a sunscreen that layers well with skincare and makeup can be a challenge, but this sunscreen stick does the job flawlessly. During testing, we found that not only did it apply smoothly and gently, but it also blended well with minimal effort. We love that it also works as a primer and can be reapplied over makeup.

The noncomedogenic formula is free of added fragrance and great for all skin types. It doesn’t leave any white cast behind and, like all sunscreen sticks, it’s super convenient. This sunscreen is also safe for use on the face and body, offering water-resistant protection, making it a good option for hot days when you may break a sweat.

Mikey, tester with combination skin: “I'm in love with this sunscreen stick! The stick applied smoothly right onto my face. I was able to wear this multiple days right on top of concealer and bronzer, and there was zero smudging of the makeup products.”

SPF: 50+ | Active Type: Mineral | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

We love a product that can do more than one thing, and this sunscreen stick fits the bill with a formula designed for both the face and the body. It features a rounded shape, making it easier to apply evenly, and the mineral formula provides SPF 50+ protection. Although it’s amineral sunscreen, it’s extremely gentle on the skin andglides on smoothly without any tugging. However, it can leave a dry, white cast behind, but this is easily remedied by taking a few extra seconds to ensure it’s thoroughly massaged into the skin.

This sunscreen stick is formulated with zinc oxide, a standard mineral sunscreen ingredient, bisabolol, which can soothe the skin, and vitamin E. It’s also hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, and safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Katie, tester with combination, dry skin: “If you're someone who travels a lot, this stick is labeled for face and body, so it's easy to throw in a bag and reapply whenever needed.”

SPF: 60 | Active Type: Mineral | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

A sunscreen stick that’s effective, doesn’t leave a white cast, and is budget-friendly? It does exist. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer SPF 60 Face Sunscreen Stick glides on smoothly, feels light on the skin, and dries clear. It applies so well, in fact, that our tester, Valerie, said it “felt like a massage,” and she looked forward to putting it on every day.

It’s a mineral sunscreen formulated withvitamin Candvitamin E,offering broad-spectrum protection. This sunscreen stick is also water-resistant for 80 minutes, fragrance-free, and good for all skin types—and under $15.

Valerie, tester with normal to dry skin: “My favorite thing about [this sunscreen stick] is the way it glides on. It feels like a massage, and it's something I look forward to every day after I shower.”

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Not only do you get broad-spectrum protection with this sunscreen stick, but you’ll also come away with glowy, radiant skin. The chemical sunscreen is formulated with sunflower seed oil for hydration, and it’s noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. It’s also safe to use around the eyes and is water-resistant for 80 minutes.

During testing, we were impressed by how easily this product applied and how well it layered with makeup. We also appreciate that there is zero white cast left behind, even on darker skin tones.

Aleah, tester with sensitive, combination skin: “I have sensitive skin, and it felt incredibly gentle, and I experienced no irritation at all. This sunscreen left a finish somewhere between natural and glowy; my skin looked more radiant.”

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The sun can dry the skin out, so we love this pick for those already struggling with dry skin. In addition to offering broad-spectrum protection from the sun, this stick delivers some serious hydration. The chemical formula includes squalane, an emollient, hyaluronic acid, a skin hydrator, as well as niacinamide, which helps brighten the skin. Combined, each ingredient helps give the skin the perfect dewy finish. It’s also made with watermelon, giving the product a subtle, fresh, sweet scent.

Our tester loved this product and found it gave her dry skin a much-needed dose of moisture. We appreciate how easy it is to use, how gently it glides on the skin, and its packaging (fits perfectly in yourmakeup bagorpurse. However, it isn’t water-resistant, so it’s not ideal for swimming or extremely hot days outdoors.

Ashley, tester with combination, dry skin: “I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an easy-to-use SPF stick, especially if they have drier skin or want a dewy look.”

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For those who prefer a satin finish, Vacation’s Super Stick SPF 45 Face Stick Sunscreen is an excellent pick. Our tester had a lot of great things to say about this product, but the satin finish got the highest praise. This product looks good on the skin all on its own. However, its slightly tacky texture makes it a great makeup primer.

Another feature that stands out is its teardrop shape, which allows for more precise application (super helpful for around the eyes). In fact, our tester called the shape “genius” and said it makes it all the easier to get a full, even application. Not to mention, this product has an iconic “suntan lotion” smell (if you know, you know) that only adds to its appeal.

Nicolette, tester with combination skin: “It gives a good, matte/satin finish with a tacky texture that's excellent for layering makeup. It's also no-fuss and intuitive with a teardrop-shaped stick.”

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While several of the sunscreens on this list are formulated to go on clear, Live Tinted’s Huguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 was our top-performing clear option. The broad-spectrum formula has a gel-like texture that allows the sunscreen to go on smoothly and gently without any pulling or tugging. We love that it’s also made with cloudberry and dragon fruit extracts to provide a little extra soothing effect.

During testing, we found that while it took a little longer to absorb than we’d have liked, it truly left no trace behind, even on darker skin. It also works well as a makeup primer, and its dewy finish also looks great on its own.

Jessica, tester with combination, acne-prone skin: “The stick didn’t leave a white cast, it was invisible on my deep skin. It blended well and didn’t take too much effort.”

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We love Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 for those with mature skin who can always benefit from added moisture. Our tester, whose skin is normal but prone to dry spots and redness, was pleasantly surprised by how nicely this sunscreen glided on without any tugging or irritation. It’s also easy to get even coverage (without having to blend with your fingers) and lives up to its promise of no white cast.

This formula includes licorice root extract, which can help brighten the skin, is water resistant, and is made for use on the face and body, aka, ideal for days at the pool. It’s suitable for all skin types and noncomedogenic.

Caitlin, tester with normal skin: “I didn't feel greasy at all, just fresh! The finish is natural. It doesn't look like I've applied anything at all. My skin did feel more hydrated after application.”

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Mineral | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Cetaphil excels at creating products for sensitive skin, and its Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is no exception. This hypoallergenic formula is free of commonly irritating ingredients and has received the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval. As an added benefit, this sunscreen stick is made with vitamin E, which helps lock in moisture to keep skin hydrated.

During testing, it performed well; our tester highlighted the durability of the design and packaging, as well as how effectively it covered and protected the skin. This formula does need to be massaged in, and it may still leave a slight white cast behind, but it’s safe for all skin types, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and reasonably priced (perks of a drugstore brand).

Shelby, tester with combination skin: “The best part is the durability and coverage. The sunscreen's compact size is perfect for keeping in your bag for day-to-day travel and re-applying. SPF 50 also provides more coverage than the typical.”

FAQ

• Are sunscreen sticks effective?

  “Yes, sunscreen sticks are effective—as long as they are applied generously and evenly,” says Dr. Collins. Both she and Dr. Castilla emphasize the importance of applying the sunscreen evenly and blending it in with your fingers if needed.
  

• How do you apply a sunscreen stick?

  A sunscreen stick should be the last step in your skincare routine. Swipe the product across the face, and for sufficient coverage, glide it across the face several times to ensure that you don’t miss any spots. And make sure to hit the high points of your face—“sunscreen sticks are best for targeted areas such as tops of ears, nose, and cheeks,” explains Dr. Castilla. It’s also important to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you will be sweating or in the water. While it’s a friendly gesture to share sunscreen with your friends at the beach, Dr. Castilla says that sunscreen sticks shouldn’t be shared with multiple people.
  

• How often should you reapply sunscreen from a sunscreen stick?

  According to Dr. Collins, you should reapply your sunscreen every two hours (or sooner, if the product’s instructions say so) or “immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.” Fortunately, she says, sunscreen sticks make this task incredibly easy. “You can reapply without needing a mirror or a sink—just swipe and go!”