.jpg)
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
With silkier formulas, sophisticated scents, and skincare-grade ingredients, sunscreen is both a must-use and a treat—and with the best sunscreen sticks, application (and the vital reapplication) is a true breeze. But are the pocket-sized SPFs too good to be true? Let the pros assuage your doubts.
Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon based in Austin, Texas, says: “Sunscreen sticks are effective when used correctly. They provide a convenient, mess-free application and are particularly useful for reapplication throughout the day, especially on the face, ears, and around the eyes.”
Another upside of sunscreen sticks? They make targeted application a cinch. According to Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, “Sunscreen sticks are ideal for applying to the face since you have more control and can be precise around the edges of your eyes and mouth.”
To find the sunscreen stick that’s right for you, Dr. Collins suggests zeroing in on a formula that provides a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or above and features ingredients that suit your skin type. Her picks? Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sensitive skin, and oil-free or mattifying formulas for those with oily or acne-prone skin. If you have dry skin, Dr. Chacon suggests buying a sunscreen that’s infused with moisturizing ingredients, such as shea or cocoa butter.
One other thing: If you’re going to be working out, swimming, or sweating in the sun, a water-resistant SPF is your skin’s best friend. (Unless you want premature signs of aging, that is.)
Of course, it’s always a bonus if the sunscreen stick in question is dermatologist-approved, so we set out to find the select few sticks that dermatologists recommend again and again.
Vogue’s top picks:
- The Glow Getter: Supergoop! Glow Stick, $32
- The Sport-Sanctioned: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+, $32
- The Classic Choice: EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+, $38
- The Drugstore Pickup: CeraVe Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Stick, $10
- The K-Beauty Star: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick, $18
In This Article:
Ahead, find 11 sunscreen sticks that have a stamp of approval from skincare pros and Vogue editors alike. May the UV protection begin!
The Glow Getter: Supergoop! Glow Stick
- Why We Love It: Those partial to Supergoop!’s beloved Glowscreen—paging Brooke Shields!—should add this radiance-boosting Glow Stick to cart posthaste. Just swipe the dry oil stick across your face and body for a luminous highlight and sun protection that shines in its own right. The formula boasts SPF 50 PA+++ to ward off damage from UVA or UVB rays; plus, it seals the skin with a moisturizing kiss. Its dryness-quenching ingredients include Amazonian buriti, pracaxi, and tamanu oils filled with antioxidants. “This sunscreen gives a very hydrated, dewy finish without feeling greasy,” says Noelani González, MD, FAAD, a board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist based in Puerto Rico. “It’s perfect for dry skin and is great for all skin tones.”
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%)
- Key Ingredients: Buriti oil, pracaxi oil, tamanu oil
- Water-Resistant: Yes, for 40 minutes
- SPF Level: 50 PA+++
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Doubles as a highlighter, moisturizes | The dewy finish may not suit oily skin types |
The Sport-Sanctioned: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
- Why We Love It: Vogue alum Ella Riley-Adams counts Shiseido’s stick as her sunscreen of choice. “I love the smell, feel, and effect of Shiseido’s 50+ SPF sunscreen stick, which goes on clear and stays put during a surf session,” she wrote. Crafted with the brand’s WetForce technology to become more effective in water and heat, it’s a thoughtful pick for sport and adventure enthusiasts. “This is ideal for sports and very active individuals,” Dr. González attests. That said, reviewers report it’s great even over makeup. The skin-loving formula is infused with soy lecithin and licorice extract, which can help prevent wrinkles, dullness, and hyperpigmentation.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 2.5%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%)
- Key Ingredients: WetForce technology, soy lecithin, and licorice extract
- Water-Resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes
- SPF Level: 50+
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Stands up to sweat, water, and heat | Can leave skin with a slightly shiny sheen |
The Classic Choice: EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
- Why We Love It: We’d be remiss not to feature this EltaMD sunscreen—the stick counterpart to the liquid formula dermatologists recommend again and again. Keep this vegan, mineral SPF 50+ sunscreen on hand for water-resistant, broad-spectrum, and antioxidant protection. Suited for use on the body and face, the dermatologist-designed formula protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays, while shielding it from blue light and infrared radiation. “Formulated with zinc oxide and antioxidants like Vitamin E, this sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and it’s fragrance-free,” Dr. González notes. It is excellent for sensitive skin and for the entire family.”
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (22% zinc oxide)
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, bisabolol, oryzanol and ethyl ferulate
- Water-Resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes
- SPF Level: 50+
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Dermatologist-developed and recommended, works on body and face | Some users report that the sunscreen is slightly difficult to distribute in stick form, particularly on very dry skin |
The Thirst-Quencher: Glow Recipe Watermelon Niacinamide Dew Balm SPF 45
- Why We Love It: Vogue contributor Jenny Berg is ready to call it: Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Dew Shield Hydrating Fluid will be the MVP of her summer skincare stash. “It smells like a watermelon lollipop and glides over the face like the silkiest of skincare,” she reports. In stick form, the SPF 45 formula offers the same benefits as its lotion counterpart, but in a more travel-friendly format. Infused with hyaluronic acid to quench thirsty summer skin, plus niacinamide for a brighter, more even skin tone, this dewy balm is like a cool, fruity drink for the face. It even perks up dull skin with a healthy-looking glow. Dr. Collins is also a fan. “This stick blends skin- and sun care beautifully,” she says. “Niacinamide supports brightening and oil control, while the finish is radiant but not oily—it’s great for combo skin.”
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 5%, octisalate 5%)
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Water-Resistant: Yes, for 40 minutes
- SPF Level: 45 PA+++
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Fruity scent, silky texture | Though we love the scent, it may be a bit sweet for some; the formula is only water-resistant for 40 minutes |
The Drugstore Pickup: CeraVe Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Stick
- Why We Love It: “This stick has ceramides and niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier while protecting the skin against UV rays,” Dr. González says. To reap the benefits of broad-spectrum SPF 50 and barrier-strengthening ingredients, glide on the mineral-powered sunscreen anytime, anywhere. The oil-free formula is also infused with hyaluronic acid, which brings a welcome boost of hydration to any skin type. “This is a great drugstore option for sensitive or eczema-prone skin,” Dr. Collins says. “It’s fragrance-free and non-irritating.”
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
- Water-Resistant: Yes, for 40 minutes
- SPF Level: 50
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Easy to find, dermatologist-developed, oil-free | It doesn’t stay water-resistant for long |
The K-Beauty Star: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick
- Why We Love It: Beauty of Joseon’s Matte Sun Stick has a quadruple-plus PA rating, which means it offers the highest protection against UVA rays—a.k.a., the rays most responsible for premature signs of aging. The lightweight formula has won over Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue Runway’s senior fashion news editor. “It glides on smooth, leaves no residue, and leaves your skin feeling really nice,” she writes. “But the reason why I’m obsessed with it is because it somehow also does that thing that blurring primers say that they’re gonna do and so my skin always looks great in pictures. So much so that if I know I’m going to an event where I’m going to be photographed, I use it as a finishing touch—even if it’s nighttime and I’m going to be indoors.” Dr. González adds that the sunscreen “keeps oily skin in check” with ingredients such as mugwort and silica, and it’s ideal for those looking for sun protection with a non-greasy finish.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical
- Key Ingredients: Artemisia capillaris, green tea extracts, sebum-control silica powder
- Water-Resistant: No
- SPF Level: 50 PA++++
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Offers the highest level of protection against UV rays | May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin, not water-resistant, not as readily available as some other sunscreens |
The Soft Touch: Bloom Effects Tulip Dew Shield Glow
- Why We Love It: How could a flower-filled SPF not make sunscreen application a bit more winsome? Infused with a proprietary Dutch tulip complex, Bloom Effects’s lightweight sunscreen not only protects the skin from UV damage; it also swathes it in softening shea butter and natural oils. And just when you thought it couldn’t get sweeter, the SPF 50 formula has stevia for an added dose of antioxidant protection. Though the product is steeped in petals, it doesn’t smell like a flower field; in fact, the sunscreen is fragrance-free. “This one is a skincare-first formula with SPF—it offers hydration and antioxidant protection,” says Dr. Collins. “It’s best for normal to dry skin types looking for added glow.”
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- Key Ingredients: Stevia, shea butter, grapeseed oil, jojoba seed oil, Dutch tulip complex
- Water-Resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes
- SPF Level: 50
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Reef-friendly, softens skin | Some users report that it leaves behind a white cast |
For The Sensitive Type: Blue Lizard 50 Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: Want a sunscreen that doubles as a pool-party trick? Blue Lizard’s dermatologist-loved sunscreen lotion comes in a bottle that changes color when it’s time to reapply. (Talk about a magical reminder!) Though the stick doesn’t have the same technology, the portable version still has plenty of perks. Specifically designed for sensitive skin, the Australian potion has mineral SPF 50, and it’s whipped up with complexion-pampering natural ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil. All that, and it fits in your pocket and slides across the skin with no muss or fuss. “This is water-resistant and reef-safe,” Dr. González says. “It’s ideal for kids, and for outdoor use.”
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide)
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E
- Water-Resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes
- SPF Level: 50
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Ideal for sensitive skin | Lacks some of the perks of the bottled version, may leave a whitecast on some deeper skin tones |
The Digital Detox: Coola Refreshing Water Hydration Stick
- Why We Love It: Featuring patented Blue Screen and Digital DeStress Technologies, Coola’s SPF 50 formula refreshes the skin while shielding it from high-energy visible light, which has been shown to generate free radicals that break down collagen and elastin. It also wards off damage from environmental pollution and infrared radiation. Plus, it soothes with every swipe. With a cooling, gel-like texture, the non-comedogenic sunscreen is infused with a cocktail of ingredients that drench the skin in hydration, including hyaluronic acid, organic coconut water, and organic aloe. Sought-after esthetician Jade Haifa of New York’s Jade Haifa Studio is a fan of this Coola formula, having previously told Vogue: “Although I believe the primary purpose of sunscreen is to protect the skin from UV rays, this one also aims to stimulate collagen production.” Dr. Collins puts in a plug for its texture, noting: “Lightweight and hydrating, this is a good choice for dry or dehydrated skin. The water-based texture is refreshing and layers well without feeling heavy.”
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 2.5%, homosalate 3.5%, octisalate 2.15%, octocrylene 5.0%)
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, organic coconut water, organic aloe
- Water-Resistant:
- SPF Level: 50
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Protects the skin from blue light, hydrating | Not water-resistant |
The French Pharmacy Classic: Avène Mineral Stick SPF 50
- Why We Love It: In stick form, this dermatologist-approved formula packs all the skin-soothing benefits of its classic lotion into a product made for touch-ups on the go. Infused with tocopherol (or vitamin E) to swathe the skin in antioxidant protection, the French formula also has alantoin and bisobolol to pamper stressed skin. “This is a calming and non-comedogenic formula, and it has Avène’s signature thermal water, which soothes while it protects,” says Dr. González. “It’s great for sensitive or post-treatment skin.” Think of it as the SPF-infused irritation whisperer, designed to soothe redness caused by one too many days à la plage. Though, enriched with zinc oxide to deliver blue-light protection, it also protects the skin on any old in-office day.
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 12%)
- Key Ingredients: Tocopherol, allantoin, bisabolol
- Water-Resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes
- SPF Level: 50
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Soothes stressed skin, offers blue-light protection | Some reviewers wish the product were a bit bigger |
The Sun-Protecting Tint: MDSolarSciences Solar Stick
- Why We Love It: Loving the skincare-makeup hybrid products that are taking over the market? Give MDSolarSciences tinted sunscreen stick a try for multitasking coverage. The 100% mineral sunscreen comes in one shade to provide a matte, glowy tint to all skin tones without the white cast. Enriched with vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection, plus a dash of shea butter to soften the skin, the SPF 40 also has a secret ingredient—it’s infused with the brand’s ProVention-R technology, which combines ingredients such as zinc oxide, vitamin C, and green tea, cranberry, and pomegranate extracts to flood the skin with antioxidant protection. According to González, “This glides smoothly and is ideal for active individuals with combination or normal skin.”
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (titanium dioxide 8.1%, zinc oxide 6.6%)
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, shea butter, ProVention-R technology
- Water-Resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes
- SPF Level: 40
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Gives the skin a glowy tint, softens with shea butter | Not ideal for use on the body |
Everything You Need to Know
Do sunscreen sticks actually work?
“Yes, of course sunscreen sticks work!” Dr. González says—adding one caveat. “It’s important to know how to apply your sunscreen using a sunscreen stick.” For each area of the face or body, she suggests applying four passes of sunscreen back and forth, and then rubbing the product in. “I find that concentrating on one area at a time helps,” she says. “First, do four passes on one arm, then move on to the next area.”
What are the downsides of sunscreen sticks?
“Most people don’t know how to apply sunscreen sticks correctly, and if not applied correctly, you won’t get adequate protection,” Dr. González says. The upside is that, once you get the hang of it, sunscreen sticks are very easy to apply, she adds.
How much sunscreen should you be applying?
When sunscreen is in lotion form, most dermatologists recommend applying a shot glass’s worth every couple of hours. For sunscreen sticks, González refers back to her rule of applying four back-and-forth passes to any area that will be exposed to UV rays, and reapplying regularly.
What to Look for in a Sunscreen Stick
Just as with lotions and creams, sunscreen sticks should be broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and have an SPF of 30 or higher, González instructs.
Meet the Experts
- Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida.
- Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon based in Austin, Texas.
- Noelani González, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist based in Puerto Rico.
