Best Sunscreen Sticks (2026) Reviewed
Sunscreen sticks make reapplication effortless—no messy hands, no spills, and easy to toss in a bag. Here are the best options for face and body protection across every budget and skin type.
What to Look For
- SPF Level — SPF 30 is the minimum for adequate protection; SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays and is ideal for extended outdoor time.
- Mineral vs. Chemical — Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sits on skin and reflects rays; chemical filters absorb UV. Mineral formulas are gentler for sensitive skin but may leave a white cast.
- Water Resistance — Look for 40 or 80 minutes of water resistance if you’re swimming or sweating. Reapply immediately after towel drying.
- White Cast — Clear or transparent formulas work better under makeup and on deeper skin tones. Some mineral sticks now use microfine zinc to minimize residue.
- Skin Type — Fragrance-free and oil-free formulas suit sensitive and acne-prone skin. Hydrating ingredients like vitamin E benefit dry skin.
Product Recommendations
Supergoop PLAY Everyday Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 — Best Overall
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The Supergoop PLAY Stick delivers reliable SPF 50 protection with a completely clear finish that works on all skin tones.
This teardrop-shaped stick glides on smoothly and targets hard-to-reach areas like ears and nose. The formula is water and sweat resistant for 80 minutes and layers well over or under makeup. Sunflower oil and vitamin E provide antioxidant benefits.
- Pros:
- Applies completely clear with no white cast
- 80 minutes water and sweat resistance
- Non-greasy, lightweight feel
- Works well under and over makeup
- Cons:
- Chemical sunscreen (not mineral)
- Slightly higher price point
Best for: Anyone who wants a versatile, invisible sunscreen stick for daily use and outdoor activities.
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 — Best for Sensitive Skin
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CeraVe’s mineral stick combines dermatologist-trusted ingredients with gentle zinc oxide protection ideal for reactive skin.
This 100% mineral formula uses InvisibleZinc technology for a clearer finish than typical mineral sunscreens. It includes three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support the skin barrier. Fragrance-free and oil-free, it won’t irritate sensitive areas like around the eyes.
- Pros:
- 100% mineral with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Hawaii reef-compliant formula
- Cons:
- May leave slight white cast on deeper skin tones
- Only 40 minutes water resistance
Best for: Those with sensitive, eczema-prone, or easily irritated skin who want mineral protection.
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ — Best Premium
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Shiseido’s flagship stick uses patented technology that actually strengthens protection when exposed to water and heat.
The WetForce and HeatForce technologies create an additional protective layer when you sweat or swim—the opposite of most sunscreens that break down. It applies invisibly and works beautifully over makeup without disturbing it. The lightweight formula prevents visible signs of aging.
- Pros:
- Protection increases with water and heat exposure
- Completely invisible application
- 80 minutes water resistance
- Elegant, cosmetically refined formula
- Cons:
- Premium price
- Smaller stick size
Best for: Those willing to invest in high-performance sun protection that excels during active, sweaty days.
EltaMD UV Stick SPF 50+ — Best Dermatologist-Recommended
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EltaMD’s mineral stick delivers serious SPF protection with the gentle, no-fuss approach dermatologists trust.
This zinc oxide formula provides broad-spectrum protection without chemical filters. It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and won’t clog pores—safe for the whole family including kids. The mess-free application makes it easy to use on squirmy children or for quick touch-ups.
- Pros:
- 100% mineral zinc oxide formula
- No white cast after blending
- Safe for kids and sensitive skin
- Larger 1.3 oz size
- Cons:
- Requires blending for invisible finish
- Higher price per ounce
Best for: Families and anyone seeking a dermatologist-recommended mineral option.
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Face Stick — Best Scent
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Sun Bum brings beach vibes with its signature banana coconut scent and reliable broad-spectrum protection.
This chemical sunscreen stick is enriched with vitamin E and goes on smoothly without feeling greasy. It’s water resistant for 80 minutes and small enough to fit in a clutch or pocket. The nostalgic tropical scent makes application feel like a mini vacation.
- Pros:
- Pleasant tropical fragrance
- 80 minutes water resistance
- Compact, travel-friendly size
- Smooth, non-greasy application
- Cons:
- Only SPF 30
- Fragrance may irritate sensitive skin
Best for: Beach and pool days when you want effective protection with that classic sunscreen smell.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Stick SPF 50+ — Best Mineral for Reactive Skin
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Blue Lizard’s zinc-only formula is built for the most sensitive skin with zero chemical filters or fragrances.
This Australian brand has earned dermatologist trust for over 20 years. The stick uses only zinc oxide—no titanium dioxide or chemical actives—making it one of the gentlest options available. It’s reef-friendly without oxybenzone or octinoxate.
- Pros:
- Zinc oxide only—no other active ingredients
- Paraben-free and fragrance-free
- 80 minutes water resistance
- Reef-friendly formula
- Cons:
- May leave white cast
- Smaller 0.5 oz size
Best for: Those with highly reactive skin, rosacea, or anyone who needs the gentlest possible mineral formula.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 50 Mineral Stick — Best Drugstore
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Neutrogena delivers serious mineral protection at a pharmacy price point with an impressive no-residue finish.
This 100% mineral formula contains 21.6% zinc oxide yet claims to leave no white residue—a tall order it largely delivers on. It’s vegan, fragrance-free, and won’t clog pores. The dry-touch technology keeps skin feeling soft rather than sticky.
- Pros:
- 100% mineral with high zinc oxide content
- No white residue claim
- 80 minutes water resistance
- Widely available at drugstores
- Cons:
- May still show on deeper skin tones
- Can feel slightly dry
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want mineral protection from a trusted brand.
e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Invisi-Stick SPF 50 — Best Value
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e.l.f. delivers an impressively clear formula at an unbeatable price that works seamlessly with makeup.
This chemical sunscreen stick applies completely invisible on all skin tones with zero white cast. Sunflower seed oil adds moisture while bisabolol soothes. It’s non-comedogenic and safe around the eye area—perfect for reapplying over makeup without disturbance.
- Pros:
- Truly invisible on all skin tones
- Excellent price point
- 80 minutes water resistance
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Cons:
- Chemical sunscreen (not mineral)
- May sting if it gets in eyes
Best for: Makeup wearers on a budget who need invisible SPF for daily reapplication.
Supergoop Glow Stick SPF 50 — Best for a Dewy Finish
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The Glow Stick doubles as a highlighter and sunscreen, delivering luminous protection for cheekbones and shoulders.
This dry oil formula provides SPF 50 protection while leaving behind a gorgeous, dewy glow without feeling greasy. Amazonian oils packed with hydrating fatty acids nourish skin. It’s perfect for touching up the high points of your face throughout the day.
- Pros:
- Beautiful luminous finish
- Works as highlighter and sunscreen
- Hydrating dry oil formula
- Mess-free travel-ready format
- Cons:
- Only 40 minutes water resistance
- Too dewy for oily skin types
Best for: Those who want a multi-tasking SPF that adds a healthy glow while protecting skin.
Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Face Stick — Best for Kids
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Sun Bum’s kid-friendly stick applies to wet or dry skin, making it easier to protect squirmy children.
This clear formula was designed specifically for active kids who won’t sit still. It can be applied to wet skin right after swimming—no need to dry off first. The formula is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and synthetic fragrance.
- Pros:
- Applies to wet or dry skin
- Clear formula with no white cast
- 80 minutes water resistance
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Cons:
- Chemical sunscreen (not mineral)
- Small stick size for whole-body coverage
Best for: Parents who need a fast, fuss-free way to keep kids protected during pool and beach days.
Verdict
For most people, the Supergoop PLAY Everyday Stick offers the best combination of invisible application, strong protection, and ease of use. If you have sensitive skin or prefer mineral sunscreen, the CeraVe Mineral Stick delivers gentle protection with ceramides at a reasonable price. On a tight budget, the e.l.f. Invisi-Stick punches well above its weight with truly invisible SPF 50 coverage.
