A Sunscreen Stick Is the Easiest Way to Protect Your Skin

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WHEN IT COMES to spending time outside, you should always have sunscreen at hand. Not only will sunscreen prevent from catching a sunburn—or worst, catching sun poisoning—but the proper SPF can prevent wrinkling, age spots, and all sorts of gnarly long-term damage from sun exposure. But we get it: putting on your daily SPF can be a hassle. Lots of cream-based sunscreens are messy to put on, and many leave a greasy finish. Enter the best sunscreen sticks, which are easy to travel with, and even easier to apply.

Unlike your regular SPF, the best sunscreen sticks offer better convenience and targeted application compared to liquid formulas. "Sunscreen sticks offer precise coverage, since you can apply them to specific areas on your body," says dermatologist, Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD. To ensure even application, apply the product directly to clean skin using circular motions. This way you can easily home in on skin that's especially vulnerable to sun damage, such as around the eyes, forehead and nose.

To find the best sunscreen sticks on the market, we consulted with a group of dermatologists who broke down which active ingredients to keep an eye out for, and what works best for certain types. In addition to customer reviews, our grooming editors spent months of testing and evaluated picks based on their broad spectrum SPF, water-resistance and application. Whether you're someone who loves spending time outdoors or someone who enjoys doing laps around the pool, we've pulled together a diverse batch of sunscreen sticks that will dry down to a clear finish and provide optimal protection.

Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50

Colorscience's hypoallergenic formula comes highly recommended by dermatologist, Dr. Hadley King, MD.

"[It's] convenient for use while exercising outdoors, and less likely to run into the eyes," she says. To that point, this sunscreen stick is sweat- and water-resistant, so you can wear it on humid days at the beach or tennis courts. In terms of ingredients, the brand's offering is rich in antioxidants that hydrate, and contains zinc oxide, which sits on top of the skin to scatter and deflect UV rays—physically blocking them from the sun.

We love that the product is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't block or clog your pores. That said, it's a great option for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin.

What Do Buyers Say? "It blends in nicely goes on white but rubs in clear. Nice light feeling kept my face from burning this summer," says one Amazon user.

transparent Mineral Sunscreen Stick

Attention team sensitive skin: Cetaphil's version may be your best bet, according to dermatologist, Dr. Karan Lal. This sunscreen stick is made with a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two mineral-based ingredients that create a barrier to fight against damaging UVA and UVB rays, and prevent sunburns. Plus, the formula quickly absorbs into the skin with a clear finish and locks in moisture for maximum hydration.

During a trial run, our editors who have sensitive skin didn't experience any kinds of irritation on their face or body. In fact, they loved how gentle it felt on the surface and said it was easy to reapply without any greasy residue.

What Do Buyers Say? "The coverage is amazing. I usually reapply once or twice as a rule, but on days where I don't get the chance, I still don't burn like I would otherwise," says one Amazon user.

Clear Sunscreen Stick

Shiseido increases the strength of sun protection by using an ultra-powerful anti-UV shield, which toughens when met with heat and water. In other words, the application has staying power especially on days that you're sweating or swimming.

Plus, the Japanese brand combines licorice root extract and soy letcithin to target wrinkles and dark spots as well as reduce growth of acne-causing bacteria.

This pick comes in clutch when we want to spend time by the pool because it absorbs quickly into our complexion instead of bleeding into our eyes. We also found it to be very hydrating, which is ideal for dry skin types.

What Do Buyers Say? "Holy grail, right here. Easy to use, easy to pack, not greasy, and it works," says one sephora.com customer.

UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

On top of making one of the best sunscreens for oily skin, Elta MD is also responsible for this UV stick that caters to all skin types. Whether you're taking a dip in the pool or working up a sweat riding your bike, this sweat-resistant formula is right up your alley, according to dermatologist, Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD.

We love that it can easily fit it in your backpack or dopp kit, thanks to its compact size. Another bonus: the application stays on the skin up to 80 minutes before you need to reapply for optimal protection.

What Do Buyers Say? "I love the fact that I have not had any breakouts from using it. I have extremely sensitive skin and took a chance buying this product,"says one Amazon user.

Play! 100% Mineral SPF Stick

The best sunscreen stick will apply some serious UV protection and dry down to a transparent finish. Enter Supergoop's sweat- and water-resistant mineral version.

It's enriched with olive fruit extract as a key ingredient, which intensely hydrates without clogging pores. Plus, the formula contains a blend of oils, shea butter and cocoa butter that work together to form a protective shield to keep the elements at bay and help with firmness of the skin.

Our grooming editor, Garrett Munce uses this stick pretty much everyday and loves how it adds a natural radiance to the skin without appearing too shiny. "You can't even tell that I've applied it to my face," says Munce. "It's practically invisible, so I can put it on and go out the door without having to worry about a white cast."

Mineral Ultra transparent Dry-Touch Face & Body Stick

Looking for an option that doesn't leave a greasy texture? Then we suggest going with Neutrogena's face and body stick, which goes on like A deodorant and has a dry-touch, matte finish. The formula features zinc oxide to offer broad spectrum protection against sun rays and Vitamin E to fight against early signs of aging. Think: dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.

What Do Buyers Say? "If you’re headed to a sunny destination and you’re only packing a carry-on, this sunscreen stick will hold up head to toe for multiple applications and multiple days,"says one Amazon user.

Mineral Sunscreen Stick

Despite its affordable price, CeraVe's offering doesn't compromise on quality. In fact, Dr. King recommends the mineral formulation for its easy application and effective ingredients. "[The sunscreen stick] contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and ceramides to support the skin barrier," she says.

We're fans of this sunscreen stick because it effortlessly glides on the skin and feels super light. That said, you don't have to worry about blotting your face due to any dewy or oily layer. Plus, it's safe to apply in sensitive areas such as your earlobes, lips and around the eyes.

What Do Buyers Say? "No mess, no greasy hands, no worrying about sunscreen running in your eyes, etc. The tube is very small, but I’ve used it several times already and barely made a dent in it,"says one Amazon user.

Refreshing Water Hydration Stick

With a cooling trio of plant stem cells, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, Coola is designed to bring forth broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and blue light defense. In addition, it gently softens and offers a great amount of hydration for dry skin. Though we found that you have to use a lot of it for an even protection, so it might run out faster than other sticks on this list.

What Do Buyers Say? "I actually really enjoyed this sunscreen. It goes on well and doesn’t feel like it’s sitting on my skin like a physical sunscreen does,"says one sephora.com customer.

Signature SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Face Stick

When it comes to sunscreen, you can't go wrong with Sun Bum—hence the name. As for the brand's tinted face stick, it's earned a seal of approval from Dr. Lal. "This is great for those that want some color and glow," he says. Suitable for extended hours in the sun, this oil-free formula evens your skin tone and hides blemishes, while also protecting your skin.

What Do Buyers Say? "I’m prone to hyperpigmentation and melasma, so the tint is a plus for preventing discoloration. It feels nice on the skin and leaves a satin matte finish (I have oily combo skin),"says one Amazon user.

Australian Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen arrives in a small bottle, but has a big impact. For starters, it's packed with a host of ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and jojoba seed oil—all of which help nourish the skin, all while being a safeguard from the sun.

It's non-comedogenic and does not comprise of parabens or fragrances, which often cause irritation, making it a good fit for sensitive skin types. We love that it lasts up to 80 minutes, whether you're doing laps in the pool or sweating bullets. Best of all, the formula is nearly invisible after thoroughly rubbing it in.

What Do Buyers Say? "Although small, I don't have to use much product for it to get the job done. At first I was drawn away from the size, but I like that I can easily carry it around with me,"says one walmart.com customer.

Why Should You Use a Sunscreen Stick?

Too much exposure to the sun can really have a negative impact on your skin in the short and long term. Using a sunscreen stick will ensure precise application as you target smaller, delicate areas on your face that are prone to sunburn. Plus, they're super easy to apply on the skin. "Sunscreen sticks are great because they are incredibly convenient, compact, and lightweight," says Dr. Engelman. "You also don’t have to worry about them spilling or potentially leaking in your bag when you’re on the go."

How Should You Apply a Sunscreen Stick?

Sunscreen sticks are formulated for use on the face, especially on high-risk areas like the nose, forehead, and around the eyes. To use a sunscreen stick, apply it directly to clean skin using circular motions. To ensure even coverage, go over the same area at least 4 times. Also, don't neglect your ears and around your hairline. "For the best coverage, I recommend reapplying every two hours when you are in the sun," says Dr. Engelman. If you are using a chemical sunscreen stick, you may want to rub the product in so it fully absorbs into the skin.

What Should We Look for in Sunscreen Sticks?

When choosing a sunscreen stick, Dr. Lal recommends looking for ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxides. "These are better for those with sensitive skin (rosacea, eczema, acne)," he says. The two sit on top of the skin to scatter and deflect UV rays, physically blocking them from penetrating the skin. Physical sunscreens are less likely to clog pores and irritate complexions, particularly for those with sensitive skin.

You should also look for a water-resistant formula, as the face region is prone to sweat. And of course, choose a formula that has an SPF of 30 or higher.

"It's best to avoid chemical ingredients such as avobenzone, octisalate, or octocrylene," Dr. Engelman says. While they absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays like a sponge, they're also linked to irritation, sensitization and allergies.

How Does a Sunscreen Stick Differ From a Lotion?

Contrary to lotion, the formulation of sunscreen sticks contain very little water, so they won't easily come off when you're swimming or sweating, according to Dr. Engelman. Due to their waxy formula, they are also less likely to bleed into your eyes. Sunscreen sticks also offer precise coverage, since you can apply them to specific areas on your body. Another difference between the two is that sunscreen sticks are quicker to apply, mess-free, and perfect for on-the-go application. "Unlike a lotion, you don't have to spend time rubbing in stick sunscreen, and you aren't left with any greasy residue on your hands," she says.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, IS a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue

• Dr. Karan Lal, DO, FAAD, IS a double board-certified adult and pediatric dermatologist based in Scottsdale, AZ

• Dr. Hadley King, MD, IS a board-certified dermatologist at Dr. Hadley King Dermatology

Why Trust Us

For the past five years, Men's Health has dedicated itself to discovering and recommending the best grooming products for men via hands-on testing and in-depth research.

Men's Health grooming has been featured on national news outlets like The TODAY Show and Good Morning America, showcasing the latest new grooming products for men and presenting why we love the brands we select.

Aside from constantly updating and adding to our ever-growing grooming section, Men's Health also dedicates an annual Grooming Awards package where we break down the best new products for men—ranging everywhere from skincare to shaving.

Our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, has been testing sunscreen sticks for the past couple years, and we've enlisted the help of top dermatologists for their recommendations, so we absolutely know what we're talking about.

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