My Secret to All-Day Sun Protection? These Sunscreen Sticks

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If there's one thing you need to know in this world, it's that sunscreen is the most important part of your skincare routine (ya know, if you want to prevent skin cancer and fine lines—AKA everyone on Earth). But reapplying midday is a frickin hassle, especially if you're out and about. My secret weapon? Sunscreen sticks: An efficient, compact, and portable option that makes sun protection so damn easy. Just glide the stick across your face, and boom, you're protected.

But is it as effective as slathering on your go-to facial sunscreen? Eh, it depends. Ahead, I chatted with top dermatologists and skincare experts about how sunscreen sticks work, their benefits and disadvantages, and how to choose the best one for you. I also shared my 12 favorites below, so no matter your budget, preference for mineral or chemical formulas, or desired finish, there’s one that you’re sure to love.

Keep scrolling for all of the best sunscreen sticks of 2024, including Shiseido, Coola, CeraVe, Colorescience, and more. Then, read expert-led tips on applying your stick sunscreen for the best coverage and protection.

Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outside breaking a sweat or even swimming, this water-resistant option is our top pick. With an SPF of 50, you’re protected no matter your activity level. Aesthetician Elizabeth Hand also praises this sunscreen stick for containing 13 percent zinc oxide, leaving zero white cast behind. “Super smooth and easy to use, this formula doesn’t feel greasy whatsoever," she says. "This stick is great for all skin tones seeking maximum coverage with a transparent application."

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: SPF 50

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing customer review: “Super easy to use, it glides onto the face! I have combination skin (normal/oily). The formula doesn't feel greasy whatsoever and doesn't leave a white cast. It offers maximum coverage with a transparent application.”

Sun Shield On-The-Glow transparent Stick Sunscreen SPF 40

My vibe is wet, glossy, glowy skin à la Hailey Bieber, which is why I stan this sunscreen stick from Kopari. It mimics a highlighter stick, thanks to the shimmery sheen it leaves on my skin without making my face greasy. It goes on completely clear otherwise, though, so it's ideal for all skin tones. Plus, it's loaded with aloe vera, so it hydrates and soothes my skin a lil bit, mitigating some of the redness I’m prone to. But it also contains some coconut oil to help add a dewy look to my skin, as well as majorly moisturize when my skin gets dry.

• Type: Chemical

• SPF level: SPF 40

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing customer review: “I love how well the Sun Shield On-The-Glow transparent Stick absorbs into my skin. It also leaves a shimmer, which sparkles against my skin. It has a similar smell to the un Shield Body Glow, but prefer this item because it doesn't make my hands feel greasy. I highly recommend.”

transparent Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body

Sensitive-skin bbs, rise: If every sunscreen leaves your face burning, itching, and irritated, try this mineral stick from Cetaphil. It’s actually formulated specifically for sensitive skin, so it uses super gentle and hypoallergenic ingredients, like zinc oxide, beeswax, and vitamin E. And if you're also a sensitive-skin queen who burns easily (relatable), this itsy-bitsy stick is easy to stash in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: SPF 50

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing customer review: “Easy to apply on face and neck. Easy to blend out. No bad white cast on medium dark summer skin. Also helped prevent sunburn with easy application to hands behind the wheel of my car in the summer sun on long drives. Great on sensitive dry skin. Plan on buying more for vacation in the sun for easy applications while out.”

Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen and Sunblock SoftStick

Applying sunscreen on the go can be a messy experience. First, you’ve gotta make sure your hands are squeaky clean, then there's the sticky residue afterward. Thankfully, sunscreen sticks like this one from Bare Republic make life hella easier. It actually features a soft, sponge top that glides easily and doesn’t require you to use your hands to rub it in. And if you're all into clean beauty, rest assured Bare Republic is free of synthetic fragrances and parabens. Plus, it’s Hawaii Reef Compliant, so you can take care of yourself without worrying about harming yourself or the environment in the process.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: SPF 50

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing editor review: The sponge tip of this sunscreen stick is so comfortable to apply and actually makes me look forward to putting on my sunscreen!

Ultra transparent SPF 50 Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Stick

This affordable, mineral sunscreen stick is not only one of my favorites, but loved by aesthetic nurse practitioner Jodi Logerfo, too. “I like this because it is made with zinc, so it's mineral-based," she says. "It provides broad-spectrum protection—UVA and UVB—and spreads easily on the skin in my experience," says Dr. Logerfo, adding that it's also quite moisturizing. FYI: Mineral sunscreens often get a bad rep due to the white cast they leave behind (a result of the zinc oxide in the formula), and this one does go on white. But not to worry—it's nothing a little rubbing in won’t fix.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: SPF 50

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing customer review: “It's embarrassing how excited I got for this sunscreen stick. It is so convenient! I walk outside but hate the smell of spray sunscreen. This stick makes it so easy to reach those awkward, hard-to-reach places. It does apply white but once rubbed in, it disappears. I love being able to throw this in my bag for reapplying and on-the-go activities.”

Glow Stick SPF 50 PA++++ Dry Oil Sunscreen Stick

Now that I've experienced the magic and ease that is a sunscreen stick, I honestly often prefer it to my other go-to liquid sunscreens. But they're not all super great under foundation and concealer—except Supergoop's Glow Stick. It gives my skin a radiant, glowy finish before blending creams and powders on top. Hand loves it too: “The glow it leaves is really unmatched," she says. "It's perfect for dry to normal skin types, but even oily skin types who want to be mistaken for a glazed Krispy Kreme might love it too,” she adds.

• Type: Chemical

• SPF level: SPF 50

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing customer review: “As someone who has extremely dry and acne-prone skin, this is amazing!! My skin was hydrated throughout the day and it is acne friendly. Highly recommend!!”

Refreshing Water Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Sticks can sometimes translate to sticky, but not this one from Coola. It glides on easily and also works to moisturize your skin, thanks to niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, some of the best skincare ingredients for hydration.

Cosmo's beauty editor Beth Gillette swears by this for reapplying her sunscreen in the summer: "When I'm at the beach, or on a boat—you know, just ~summer things~—the last thing I wanna do is cover my face with a goopy sunscreen," she says. "But this Coola stick feels so lightweight while still being super hydrating, making me look dewy but not greasy at all."

• Type: Chemical

• SPF level: SPF 50

• Waterproof or sweatproof? No

Glowing customer review: “After using this product for over a week every single day- I am very pleased with the results. I am on my vacation in Florida- so the sun is pretty intense here now. Not sticky- hydrating- and very easy and convenient to apply”

Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Live Tinted is all about making products for tan to deep skin tones, so trust when I say this sunscreen stick goes on completely clear—no white cast in sight. I can swipe it on a few times throughout the day, and I never notice that it starts to pill or get sticky either. Instead, the stick just hydrates my skin, leaving behind a dewy finish that works with your makeup rather than against it. For those who spend a lot of time outside or sweat easily, it’s also water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you don’t have to worry.

• Type: Chemical

• SPF level: SPF 50

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing customer review: “I got this not knowing what to expect and I love it!! No more putting sunscreen on my face and not having it soak in my skin! No more white marks. Love how this doesn’t make my skin dry either.”

Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40

I'm a huge fan of MDSolarSciences tinted sunscreens, so when I found this stick formula, I was v intrigued. Now, it's become one of my go-tos when I want a tiny bit of extra coverage with my sunscreen stick. It has a very lightweight tint that helps counteract any potential white cast (since it's a mineral, zinc-based formula), all the while ever-so-slightly evening out my skin tone and reducing a lil redness.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF Level: SPF 40

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing customer review: “This sun stick is easy to apply, glides on smoothly, blends instantly onto the skin, and feels great. It is gentle enough for kids 6 months and older. It is so light and doesn't feel greasy and it doesn't leave a white cast.”

UV Stick Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 50+

Nearly every derm I speak to sings the praises of EltaMD's sunscreens. Board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur describes this UV stick as one of her go-tos. “It has a clean, all-mineral formula, non-greasy texture, and can be used everywhere,” she says. It’s also TSA-friendly, so you can get through security without worrying about having to throw it away and getting burned on your beach trip.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF Level: SPF 50+

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing customer review: “I love it. Perfect for flight. Get to your destination, sun exposure ready. Goes on clear. The only way to go in my book. Highly recommended!”

Mineral Sunscreen Stick

Another Dr. Marmur approved pick, this stick goes on smoothly and is “water-resistant, with a clean formulation infused with hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides." TBH, it's actually formulated with kids in mind, so it’s excellent for very sensitive, delicate skin, allergic dermatitis, or even for those with rosacea. And because it’s safe, don’t forget to apply it to your lips, nose, earlobes, and around the eyes.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF Level: SPF 50

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing customer review: “Great sunscreen to leave in your purse, so when you forget to put on some sunscreen on your face and arms you always have one at the ready. It goes on nicely, and is not too oily.”

Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

If the thought of rubbing a stick across your dry cracked skin makes you wince, try this sunscreen stick from Shiseido. It’s super moisturizing (shout out vitamin E and castor oil), which is especially nice for those who have wrinkles, dull skin, or dry patches they don’t want to draw any extra attention to. It has an invisible finish too, so you can apply it underneath or over makeup without worry. A favorite of both Dr. Marmur and Dr. LoGerfo, it’s also derm-approved. “I love it because it is transportable, moisturizing, convenient, and easy to use,” says Dr. LoGerfo.

• Type: Chemical

• SPF level: SPF 50

• Waterproof or sweatproof? Yes

Glowing customer review: “Great product! No white cast, easy to use over or under make up. On the go and makes my skin look hydrated as well.”

Are sunscreen sticks any good?

Yep, sunscreen sticks are good—not just a gimmick. They’re usually mess-free, making them great for those areas you constantly want to reapply, such as your ears, nose, eyes, and any scars on your body. Lightweight and easy to carry around, they’re also handy for quick touch-ups. “I recommend them over traditional sunscreen, especially for reapplying every two hours,” says Dr. Marmur.

They’re also great for children as they’re essentially big crayons for your skin (which is also ideal for people like me who really are just children in adult bodies).

What are the disadvantages of sunscreen sticks?

The biggest disadvantages of sunscreen sticks are that they can be cumbersome to apply across large areas, like your legs or back. Also, it can be more difficult to spread a sunscreen stick evenly on the skin. “You may also need to apply it a few times to achieve a smooth application on the skin’s surface for suitable protection,” says Dr. LoGerfo. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a sunscreen stick four times over the same area to ensure correct and even application.

How to choose the best sunscreen stick for you:

Determine your go-to type

Are you a chemical sunscreen person, or more into mineral options? Lemme explain: Chemical sunscreen uses chemical-based filters (like avobenzone, oxybenzone, or homosalate) to absorb the sun's rays, convert them into heat, and then release them from your skin. Mineral, however, use filters (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that essentially create a physical shield between your skin and the sun. This is why mineral sunscreens tend to be thicker and have a white cast.

Is one better than the other? Not exactly. Dermatologists often recommend mineral filters for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as chemical sunscreens can be a bit irritating. But if you have a deep skin tone, you might not be able to use a mineral sunscreen due to the intense white cast. In that case, opt for clear, chemical sunscreen stick formulas.

And as always, the best sunscreen type is the sunscreen you're gonna use every day. But most important of all: You should opt for a product with at least SPF 30 or higher (FWIW, every single stick on this list is above SPF 30!).

Assess your skin's needs

As with all skincare products, make sure you’re shopping for your skin type. With so many different finishes and ingredients out there, you want to find options that work with your skin rather than against it. If you've got ultra-dry skin, choose a formula with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane. Meanwhile, those with oily skin should opt for lightweight sunscreen sticks that aren't filled with oils and butters that could make you look greasy.

Meet the experts:

• Ellen Marmur, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Marmur Medical in New York, NY. She’s also the founder of a skincare line called MMSkincare, which offers topical products and LED light masks.

• Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, is a nurse practitioner at Orentreich Medical Group in New York, NY where she specifically treats acne, as well as cosmetic dermatology.

• Elizabeth Hand is a licensed aesthetician and founder of Ställe Studios in New York, NY.

Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?

Iman Balagam is a beauty contributor at Cosmopolitan with nearly three years of experience writing beauty stories that range from gel nail removal to mini flat irons. She’s an authority in all skin categories, but is an expert when it comes to sunscreen sticks, thanks to years of personally researching and testing different skincare products.

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