10 Best Sunscreen Sticks of 2024

If you’ve ever tried to reapply liquid sunscreen on a crowded train, at a kid’s soccer game, or over a full face of makeup, you already know why sunscreen sticks are having a moment.
They’re portable, mess-free, TSA-friendly, and make it way more likely you’ll actually reapply every two hours like dermatologists keep begging us to do.

In 2024, SPF sticks have gotten seriously good: sheer mineral formulas that don’t look like chalk, clear chemical options that glide over makeup, and clever hybrids that hydrate, mattify, or add a soft glow.
Below, we’ll break down how to choose the best sunscreen stick for your skin, then walk through 10 standout options that beauty editors and dermatologists can’t stop recommending.

What to Look For in a Sunscreen Stick

SPF and “Broad-Spectrum” Protection

Most dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
Higher SPFs like 50+ offer an extra cushion if you’re outside for long periods, tend to burn easily, or frequently under-apply.

Mineral vs. Chemical Filters

Sunscreen sticks come in three basic types:

• Mineral (physical) filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of skin and deflect UV rays. Great for sensitive skin, melasma, or post-procedure faces.
• Chemical filters (like avobenzone, octisalate, etc.) absorb UV rays and turn them into a tiny bit of heat. These are usually more transparent and easier to blend on deeper skin tones.
• Hybrid formulas combine both mineral and chemical filters to balance cosmetic elegance and protection.

Finish, Feel, and Skin Type

Think about how you want your skin to look and feel:

• Oily or acne-prone: Look for words like “matte,” “oil-control,” “non-comedogenic,” or “non-greasy.”
• Dry or mature: Hydrating sticks with added ceramides, squalane, or plant oils help keep skin comfortable.
• Deep skin tones: Clear or invisible sticks (usually chemical or hybrid) tend to avoid that dreaded white cast.
• Sensitive or reactive: Fragrance-free mineral sticks with zinc oxide are generally the safest bet.

Water Resistance and Lifestyle

If you’re swimming, sweating, or living in a humid climate, choose a water-resistant sunscreen stick (typically labeled for 40 or 80 minutes).
Reapply at least every two hours outdoors and immediately after towel-drying. A good rule of thumb: if you’re wondering whether to reapply, the answer is “yes.”

The 10 Best Sunscreen Sticks of 2024

These picks are based on dermatologist recommendations, editor testing, and consumer favorites from major U.S. retailers and beauty publications.
They span mineral, chemical, and hybrid formulas so you can find the right SPF sidekick for your skin and routine.

1. EltaMD UV Stick SPF 50+ Best Overall

EltaMD is a go-to brand in dermatologist offices, and its UV Stick SPF 50+ has quickly become a top pick for people who want reliable, cosmetically elegant protection in a twist-up format.

• Best for: Normal, combination, sensitive, and post-procedure skin; faces and bodies.
• Filters: Mineral-based protection with a high SPF rating and broad-spectrum coverage.
• Finish: Lightweight and non-greasy, with a soft, moisturizing feel.
• Why it’s great: Glides on smoothly, works well over or under makeup, and feels more like skin care than “thick SPF.” Ideal as a reapplication stick you keep in your bag or car.
• Possible downside: Pricey compared to drugstore options, but a little goes a long way on key areas (face, ears, neck, hands).

2. Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ Best Clear Finish

If you want zero white cast and a totally transparent finish, Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is a long-time favorite that keeps showing up on “best of” lists year after year.

• Best for: All skin tones, especially medium to deep tones that tend to struggle with mineral cast.
• Filters: Broad-spectrum chemical filters.
• Finish: Clear and slightly dewy without feeling sticky.
• Why it’s great: You can swipe this directly over makeup without lifting your base, making midday touch-ups painless. It’s also ultra-portable and beach-bag friendly.
• Possible downside: Has a bit of shine, which oilier skin types may want to tame with powder.

3. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50 Best for Outdoor Workouts

The Colorescience Sport Stick SPF 50 is basically made for people who spend serious time outsiderunners, tennis players, lifeguards, dog walkers, and anyone chasing kids around a pool.

• Best for: Sports, beach days, and sweat-heavy activities.
• Filters: Mineral-based, water-resistant broad-spectrum protection.
• Finish: Slightly creamy but sets down well without feeling slick.
• Why it’s great: High SPF, sweat-resistant performance, and strong protection for the areas that burn fastest (nose, ears, shoulders, and the back of your neck).
• Possible downside: Thickness means you’ll feel it more than ultra-light chemical sticks, though that’s often a fair trade for durability.

4. Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Shield & Glow Sunstick SPF 50 Best Dewy Mineral Glow

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Shield & Glow Sheer Mineral Sunstick SPF 50 combines sun protection with skincare-level ingredients and a subtle glow.

• Best for: Normal to dry skin that loves a luminous, “just did my skincare routine” finish.
• Filters: Mineral filters with added antioxidants.
• Finish: Sheer, lightly glowynot glittery, just healthy-looking.
• Why it’s great: Soothing botanicals help calm the skin while SPF does the heavy lifting. It’s ideal for touch-ups on high points of the face where you want both protection and radiance.
• Possible downside: May be a bit too dewy for very oily or acne-prone skin.

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

Naked Sundays has become a social-media favorite for good reason: their clear stick offers high SPF 50 protection with a shine that reads “glow” rather than “grease.”

• Best for: All skin tones, makeup wearers, and on-the-go reapplication.
• Filters: Broad-spectrum chemical filters.
• Finish: Glossy, glass-skin effectespecially pretty on cheeks and collarbones.
• Why it’s great: Leaves no chalky residue, plays nicely with makeup, and is easy to toss into a purse or gym bag.
• Possible downside: That glow can lean shiny on very oily skin; use sparingly on the T-zone if you’re already shiny.

6. Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick SPF 50 PA++++ Best for Oily Skin

K-beauty fans already know Beauty of Joseon for its beloved sunscreens, and the Matte Sun Stick is a hero for people who want SPF that actually helps control shine.

• Best for: Oily or combination skin; hot and humid climates.
• Filters: Broad-spectrum chemical filters with high PA++++ UVA protection.
• Finish: Soft matte, thanks to oil-absorbing silica powder.
• Why it’s great: Controls excess sebum while still feeling light and comfortable. Great for mid-afternoon “I’m shiny and also need more SPF” emergencies.
• Possible downside: The matte finish may cling to very dry or flaky patches, so prep with moisturizer if you’re on the drier side.

7. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 Best Budget Mineral Pick

Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Mineral Stick SPF 50 shows up repeatedly in testing roundups as a reliable, wallet-friendly SPF that still feels surprisingly lightweight.

• Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers, families, and everyday use on face and body.
• Filters: Mineral, broad-spectrum protection.
• Finish: Soft, dry-touch feel with a relatively sheer cast compared to many mineral sticks.
• Why it’s great: Easy to find at drugstores, affordable enough to buy multiples (car, backpack, kids’ sports bag), and less greasy than older mineral formulas.
• Possible downside: On deeper skin tones, you may still see a hint of cast if you apply a thick layer; take a minute to really blend.

8. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick Best for Beach Days

Sun Bum’s yellow packaging basically screams “vacation,” but its formulas are serious about protection. The Original Face Stick SPF 50 is a beach-bag staple for many surfers, swimmers, and families.

• Best for: Beach days, poolside hangs, and reapplying with sandy hands.
• Filters: Broad-spectrum chemical filters.
• Finish: Lightweight, slightly dewy but not greasy.
• Why it’s great: Water-resistant, easy to swipe across noses, foreheads, and ears on squirmy kids or impatient adults. The formula is designed to stay put through a lot of outdoor fun.
• Possible downside: Light fragrance may bother those who prefer fragrance-free products.

9. Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Stick Best for Sensitive Skin

Blue Lizard is well-known for gentle, mineral-based sunscreens, and its stick option is no exception.
It’s a go-to for people with sensitive, eczema-prone, or easily irritated skin.

• Best for: Sensitive, reactive, or pediatric skin; face and body.
• Filters: Mineral zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide with broad-spectrum coverage.
• Finish: Traditional mineral feel, but formulated to be smoother and less pasty than old-school zinc.
• Why it’s great: Free from many common irritants and designed for delicate skin. Perfect for ears, backs of hands, and the tops of feet that often get overlooked.
• Possible downside: As with many mineral sticks, a bit of blending is required, especially on deeper complexions.

10. Tula Protect + Go SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick Best Skin-Care-Boosting SPF

Tula’s Protect + Go SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick combines a convenient stick format with extra skincare benefits like brightening antioxidants.

• Best for: Normal to dry skin, anyone who wants a skin-care-forward SPF.
• Filters: Broad-spectrum SPF 50 in an easy-glide chemical formula.
• Finish: Moisturizing, with a soft, hydrated glow.
• Why it’s great: Cloudberry, vitamin C, and other skincare ingredients help support the skin barrier while the SPF shields from UV. Great as a quick swipe on cheekbones, nose, and forehead before a walk or commute.
• Possible downside: Richer texture may be a bit much for very oily or breakout-prone skin.

How to Use a Sunscreen Stick the Right Way

Sunscreen sticks are only as good as how you use them. A few key tips:

1. Use more than you think. Do multiple overlapping swipes on each areaup, down, and side-to-sideso you’re not missing streaks.
2. Blend with clean fingers. Especially with mineral sticks, press and pat the product into the skin so it forms an even film.
3. Don’t skip the edges. Ears, hairline, scalp part, tops of feet, and the back of your neck are frequent burn zones.
4. Reapply often. Every two hours outdoors, and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Sticks make this less of a chore, so take advantage.
5. Layer smartly with makeup. Use a traditional sunscreen lotion or gel as your “base” in the morning, then rely on sticks for touch-ups over foundation, blush, or bronzer.

Common Mistakes People Make with Sunscreen Sticks

• Single swipe syndrome: One quick streak down the nose is not enough. Think of SPF as painting a wallyou wouldn’t do one stripe and call it done.
• Only using them on vacation: UV exposure happens every day, not just at the beach. Keep a stick in your work bag or car console and use it on daily walks, commutes, and coffee runs.
• Ignoring cloudy days: Up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate clouds. Your skin doesn’t care if the sun “doesn’t look that bright.”
• Skipping lips, hands, and ears: These spots age quickly and burn easily. Many face-safe sticks can be used carefully around the lip border and on the backs of hands.
• Using expired sunscreen: Most sunscreens have a shelf life of about three years. If your stick is cracked, smells off, or the label date has passed, it’s time to replace it.

Real-World Experiences with Sunscreen Sticks (Extra Tips & Lessons Learned)

On paper, sun sticks are simple: twist, swipe, glow. In real life, we all learn a few things the hard way.
Here are some experience-based insights that can help you get even more out of your favorite SPF stick.

The “I Thought I Used Enough” Beach Day

A classic scenario: you do a single pass with your sunscreen stick, feel very responsible, then end the day with tiger-stripe tan lines.
Most people underestimate how much product they need. With a stick, you should feel like you’re actually coating the skinif your arm still looks totally matte and untouched, you probably need more.

A practical trick: count your swipes. For a full face, try at least 8–10 passes in different directions (forehead, both cheeks, nose, chin, ears, neck), then blend.
For body areas like shoulders or the back of your neck, do multiple overlapping streaks. It might feel excessive, but your future self (and your dermatologist) will be grateful.

Commuter-Friendly SPF Habits

One of the sneakiest sources of UV exposure is your commuteespecially if you drive. Car windows block most UVB but not all UVA, which is the wavelength most associated with premature aging and hyperpigmentation.
Keeping a sunscreen stick in your car’s center console or bag makes it easy to swipe your hands, arms, and the left side of your face before you hit the road.

If you take public transit, a stick is less messy and less socially awkward than squeezing out lotion. You can discreetly swipe your nose, cheeks, and hands while scrolling your phone, no sink or mirror required.

Gym Bag MVP

If you work out outdoorsrunning, hiking, playing tennis, or doing a bootcamp class in the parkput a sunscreen stick in your gym bag and pretend it’s part of your warm-up.
A quick pass on your face, neck, ears, and the tops of your shoulders before you start moving can be the difference between a great workout and a surprise sunburn.

Water- and sweat-resistant sticks shine here. They’re less likely to drip into your eyes, and they’re easy to reapply if you’re heading from a morning run straight to brunch on a patio.

Makeup + SPF Stick: A Team Sport

Many people skip reapplication because they don’t want to wreck their base makeup. This is exactly where sticks earn their keep.
Clear and hybrid sticks can be rolled gently over foundation and concealerespecially along the high points of the facethen tapped in with clean fingers or a sponge.

If you’re using a glowy stick, think like a highlighter: focus on cheekbones, bridge of the nose, temples, and jawline.
Matte sticks can target the T-zone when shine and sun exposure both become issues around midday.

Travel and Kids: Why Sticks Save Sanity

Traveling with liquids is annoying enough without a sunscreen bottle exploding in your carry-on. Sticks are TSA-friendly, don’t count toward your liquid limit, and won’t leak in your bag.
For kids, they can turn SPF into a game: let them “draw” stripes on their arms and legs, then you blend everything out.

Parents often find that kids tolerate a stick on the face better than a cold, runny lotion. Plus, you can reapply on a wiggly toddler’s nose in about three seconds flatcrucial when you’re chasing them across a playground or beach.

Building a Sustainable SPF Habit

The best sunscreen is the one you will actually useand reapply. For many people, that means something fast, portable, and pleasant.
A good sunscreen stick removes a lot of the friction: no need to find a bathroom, no risk of spills, and no white goop under your fingernails.

Consider keeping different sticks in strategic spots: one on your vanity, one in your everyday bag, one in your gym bag, and one in the car (just be mindful of extreme heat).
When SPF is always within reach, sun protection becomes less of a chore and more of an automatic habitlike grabbing your keys or putting on sunglasses.

Bottom line: the 10 sunscreen sticks above can make daily sun protection easier, less messy, and even a little fun.
Pick a formula that matches your skin type and lifestyle, use it generously, and your skin will thank you years down the line.