SPF is essential for complete skin care, and dermatologists recommend reapplying it every 90 minutes, especially when you're outdoors or sweating. However, this can be a bit troublesome for white spots, greasy surfaces, and pore-clogging formulas.
That's where sunscreen sticks come in - easy-to-use formats perfect for applying under and over makeup and for use on the go. How do sunscreen sticks work? Sunscreen sticks come in many types, such as rollers, pastes, and strips, and are easy to apply to the face or body.
Like typical sunscreens, they provide broad-spectrum sun protection. Experts recommend looking for mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide, which blocks UVA and UVB rays.
"Sunscreen sticks often appear more opaque when first applied, so you can see exactly where you're protected and where to go next," explains Dr. Samantha Karlin is a board-certified dermatologist at Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics in Covington, Louisiana.
"While sunscreen sticks are best used under makeup, you can touch up delicate areas like your nose and ears throughout the day." Another option is chemical sunscreen sticks, which use ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, all of which absorb the sun's rays
The main difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is how they react to the sun's rays - chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and carry away the rays, while mineral sunscreens sit on the skin's surface and block the rays from leaving the body.
What are the benefits of sunscreen sticks? While dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, finding the right time and the perfect product can be difficult.
"Sunscreen sticks are more convenient than using regular lotion," says Dr. Angela Lamb, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai and consultant to Veracity."They are easier to carry around and reapply throughout the day without having to worry about liquid leaks in your purse or backpack."
Sunscreen sticks are also great for reapplying after makeup because their non-greasy formula applies evenly without smudging makeup or clogging pores. Unlike traditional lotions, users can also use it on specific areas that require increased protection from the sun, such as cheeks, nose or ears.
Here are 12 of the best sunscreen sticks recommended by experts to help you reapply SPF throughout the day. The best sunscreen stick for your face. EltaMD Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+. "This is my favorite sunscreen stick because it has SPF 50+, so you get more than the recommended coverage," says Karlin.
"It's waterproof, non-comedogenic, and oil-free, so it won't clog the pores of those prone to acne. I also love that it works well with all skin types!" Living Color Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50. This sun stick provides truly invisible, lightweight protection. Associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw says it works both under and over makeup, so it's easy to take with you for easy re-applying.
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sunscreen Stick. This sunscreen that's taking the Korean beauty world by storm is popular for its matte, seamless finish that glides on easily over makeup. Due to the addition of mugwort, vitamin A, and vitamin C, it also has skin care effects.
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+: Shiseido's sunscreen sticks are popular with consumers, especially those looking for a lightweight, quick-drying stick that's suitable for reapplying throughout the day and under makeup. The unique formula uses a chemical filter and features a heat-activated shield for better UV protection.
AHC Natural Perfect Double Protection Sunscreen Stick: Korean beauty brand AHC is known for its scientific formulas and multi-functional products. The sunscreen stick is no different: It offers completely sheer coverage and broad-spectrum UV protection without clogging pores. excellent! 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50: Dr. Kenneth Mark, a cosmetic dermatologist, recommends this sunscreen stick from Supergoop! Thanks to its user-friendly applicator and high SPF. “I recommend SPF 50,” he says.
"Research shows that due to a lack of proper application and re-application, we often get less [protection] than we want, so you should give yourself some room for error." Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sports Stick SPF 50
Colorescience Sports Stick is enriched with mineral UVA/UVB protection that adapts to different skin tones for a non-greasy finish. “Colorescience Sunforgettable Stick is also packed with antioxidant-rich minerals to protect you from environmental aggressors,” notes Lamb.
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Face and Body This affordable stick from CeraVe is a great drugstore choice, with a mineral formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays. The product's flexible packaging makes it perfect for you or your child to reuse on the go.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick Neutrogena's sunscreen stick contains zinc oxide and vitamin E and comes with a convenient applicator for even application. "This is a great drugstore option because it's a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, which provides good SPF coverage," Carlin notes. "It's also free of added allergens and oils, and doesn't leave a white mark when rubbed.
It also contains vitamin E, which reduces sun damage caused by free radicals." Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 This Aveeno travel size is designed for face and body and is paraben and fragrance free. Mineral Sunscreen Stick contains zinc oxide and oatmeal extract to nourish the skin while protecting it from the sun.
Cetaphil Pure Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 Cetaphil Sunscreen Stick is designed for sensitive skin and contains a microbe-friendly formula that moisturizes and nourishes the skin. The product has received rave reviews on Amazon, with users pleased with how it feels neither heavy nor greasy.
MDSolarSciences Solar Stick SPF 40 MDSolarSciences' sunscreen sticks can be applied over makeup or as a primer and contain ingredients like shea butter and vitamins C and E to fight free radicals while giving skin a firm, seamless look. It also comes in a tinted version that helps eliminate white casts.