Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29’s global call-to-action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there’s no such thing as safe sun.
Sunscreen sticks are a must-have skin-care hack. They make applying and reapplying SPF throughout the day easy, helping us avoid the sticky, goopy mess that lotions or sprays can leave. Most of the options in this roundup are mineral sunscreen sticks that are broad-spectrum, which means they protect skin from both types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. They also don't leave white casts, are water-resistant, dermatologist-recommended, and can be reapplied over makeup. You'll also find options for different skin types and sensitivities as well as different textural desires, from matte to dewy.
From popular SPF formulas like Shiseido and Neutrogena to Korean sunscreen sticks that went viral on TikTok, we've compiled the best sunscreen sticks for your face and body to keep you protected on the go this summer (and always).
Note: With most of these best sunscreen sticks, the general rule is to generously apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it at least every two hours or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating for the best sun protection.
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 50 Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Stick
This popular Neutrogena sunscreen stick has vitamin E to fight skin-aging free radicals, zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection, and a sheer, dry-touch finish so you won't look greasy. Plus, it's suitable for sensitive skin since it's free of fragrances and harsh chemicals and water-resistant, so you can go running or swimming without the fear of sunscreen sweating into your eyes.
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 50 Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Stick, $, available at Ulta
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Much like the previous option, this popular Cetaphil sunscreen stick is good for sensitive skin, thanks to a hypoallergenic formula. It likewise contains vitamin E, is water-resistant, noncomedogenic (i.e., it won't break you out). Cetaphil's dermatologist-tested mineral sunscreen stick is also super-moisturizing and hydrating. And if, like me, you're laser-focused on covering every inch of your face, this lightweight formula is recommended for ears, around the eyes, nose, and even lips.
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Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $, available at Target
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
You've likely seen or heard about this wildly popular Shiseido sunscreen stick because it's great for all skin types. The SPF 50 reef-friendly formula is infused with skin-care ingredients like soy lecithin and licorice extract, which helps prevent wrinkles. And its sun protection technology becomes even stronger when it meets water or heat. Like any good sunscreen stick, this one is also non-comedogenic, and can be effortlessly re-applied under or over makeup throughout the day.
Shop Ulta
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+, $, available at Ulta
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick & Glow Deep Serum
I discovered this viral Korean sunscreen stick through TikTok and haven't looked back since trying it. The matte sunscreen stick is able to be non-oily, thanks to a powder that helps regulate our skin's natural oil production for a smooth finish. It contains Artemisia capillaris, a species of mugwort plant that leaves a brightening and cooling effect. Plus, it can be applied over makeup throughout the day without getting clumpy. Beauty of Joseon's Amazon store currently offers this stick in a duo.
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Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick & Glow Deep Serum, $, available at Amazon
Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
If you're not about the matte look and instead want a glowy one, we've got you covered. R29 readers love Supergoop! so we couldn't leave out this invisible dry oil sun stick. Use it after moisturizer to lock in hydration and reapply on your cheekbones, bridge of your nose, décolletage, and shoulders for a dewy finish. This sunscreen stick includes Buriti, Pracaxi, and Tamanu oils for added antioxidants, moisture, and protection against free radicals.
Shop Ulta
Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++, $, available at Ulta
Coola Organic Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
If you're all about that sunscreen scent, Coola's organic SPF stick is naturally scented with tropical coconuts to transport you to a faraway vacation. It's not only sheer, water-resistant, and non-greasy, but it also features antioxidant-rich nutrients to fight free radicals and nourish the skin as well as plant-derived actives to protect against blue light, infrared, and pollution.
Shop Dermstore
Coola Organic Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30, $, available at DermStore
EltaMD UV Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
The dermatologist-favorite (and R29 editor favorite) brand offers a ton of sunscreen options. This particular oil-free sunscreen stick is ideal for sensitive skin, though it could really do us all well. EltaMD's UV stick has zinc oxide and broad-spectrum sun protection for on-the-go reapplications. It contains antioxidants to fight skin-aging free radicals and is water-resistant.
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EltaMD UV Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, $, available at Target
Sun Bum Water Resistant Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30
With UVA and UVB protection and vitamin E to help neutralize free radicals, this sunscreen stick will leave you fully protected from the sun. It also contains a unique yet much-appreciated ingredient — aloe lotion — for a super-calming and soothing feel on your skin. And for true Sun Bum fans, this sunscreen contains the brand's lovable OG scent, which "smells like summer."
Shop Ulta
Sun Bum Water Resistant Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30, $, available at Ulta
Live Tinted HUEGUARD Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
I've personally tried this clear sunscreen stick, and I am a fan of the dewy yet non-greasy finish. It's water- and sweat-resistant while still being very hydrating. Dragon fruit and cloudberry extracts help hydrate, soothe, and firm the skin. Live Tinted's sunscreen formula protects against sun damage as expected, but it also helps prevent the formation of new skin hyperpigmentation or sun spots.
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Live Tinted HUEGUARD Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $, available at Ulta
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Formerly Aveeno's popular "positively mineral" sunscreen stick, this mineral sunscreen is still a fan favorite. It contains zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection and pure oat essence for nourishing sensitive skin. The clear sunscreen is water- and sweat-resistant, paraben- and fragrance-free, and it can be used on your face and body.
Shop Amazon
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $, available at Amazon
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Developed alongside dermatologists, this allergy-tested titanium oxide and zinc oxide sunscreen stick protects skin from sun damage. It also includes three essential ceramides, the "glue" found in skin cells that keeps our skin barrier intact. This sunscreen is also non-comedogenic and water-resistant but only up to 40 minutes, so make sure to reapply often.
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CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $, available at Target
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+
This TikTok-popular Korean sun stick has a curved design that can easily glide over your face and body. The lightweight formula controls oil production, and the added ceramides and cucumber soothe and hydrate the skin's barrier. Plus, the brand claims that it can be reapplied multiple times over makeup without pilling or clumping.
Shop Amazon
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+, $, available at Amazon
Salt & Stone Tinted Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
This sunscreen may be tinted, but it's designed to blend into all skin tones. It leaves a clear, matte finish and is water-resistant. Salt & Stone's reef-safe sunscreen also contains organic shea butter, cocoa seed butter, and vitamin E, which are all hydrating and nourishing ingredients.
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Salt & Stone Tinted Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $, available at Salt & Stone
Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50
Yet another mineral sunscreen stick that trades a white cast for a sheer, dry-touch finish. Perfect for your sweatiest activities, this water-proof SPF is very hydrating, conditioning, and non-comedogenic. It contains antioxidants, but more importantly, it doesn't include parabens, sulfates, oil, dyes, or fragrances — helping make it hypoallergenic for those of us with sensitive skin.
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Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50, $, available at Colorscience
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 70
One of Bare Republic's best-sellers (currently sold out on its website) is also the highest SPF mineral protection level in this roundup. The advanced SPF 70 formula is lightweight, sheer, and non-greasy. It contains zinc oxide as well as shea butter, raspberry seed extract, and carrot seed extract to help soothe, moisturize, and nourish skin. And it leaves out any chemical sunscreen active ingredients.
Shop Amazon
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 70, $, available at Amazon
AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF 50+
This Korean sunscreen stick is full of skin-care ingredients, including bamboo and cotton seed extract to soothe skin and five types of natural water, such as glacier for an extra dose of hydration. It blocks UV rays and heat from the sun. If you're looking for a dewy finish actually suitable for sensitive skin, this dermatologist-tested formula is the one for you.
Shop Amazon
AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF 50+, $, available at Amazon
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