Best Sunscreen Sticks

Updated March 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Shiseido Sun Protection Stick Foundation
Shiseido
Sun Protection Stick Foundation
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Bottom Line

This sunscreen is easier to apply than the Coola brand, and it comes in a choice of tints, for a more finished look.

Pros

SPF 37. Glides on easily. Doesn't wear off with sweat. Holds up to swimming. Good for sensitive skin. Skin-friendly ingredients. Comes in a variety of tints, which help hide sun spots and age spots.

Cons

On the higher end of the price spectrum.

Best Bang for the Buck
COOLA Sport Mineral Sunscreen Stick
COOLA Sport
Mineral Sunscreen Stick
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Bottom Line

Loved by swimmers and those with sensitive skin, this thick sunscreen stick gives good coverage and ample protection.

Pros

SPF 50. Goes on smoothly and doesn't leave your face white. Good for sensitive skin. Pleasant, spicy scent. Uses safe organic ingredients. Shea butter keeps your skin soft, nourished, and protected from moisture loss. Tamanu oil protects skin from UV rays. Coconut and avocado oil soothe the skin, while vitamin E protects skin from environmental damage. Comes in tinted and untinted option.

Cons

Can feel heavy on the face if you're not used to mineral-based or beeswax sunscreen. Sunscreen does not do well over makeup.

EiR NYC All Natural Surf Mud Pro Stick
EiR NYC
All Natural Surf Mud Pro Stick
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Bottom Line

The EiR sunscreen stick is well-loved by surfers, who need serious protection. The product can be a bit dry and hard to apply, though.

Pros

SPF 50. A strong, thick sunscreen for surfing, hiking and other active sports. Good for sensitive skin. Smells delicious. Doesn't melt in the heat. Waterproof and hydrating. Contains zinc oxide for UV sun protection. Contains cocoa butter for deep hydration and antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free of parabens and sulfates. Cruelty-free.

Cons

Product is a little hard and dry.

Raw Elements Eco Stick
Raw Elements
Eco Stick
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Bottom Line

Invented by an ocean lifeguard, this sunscreen is good for your skin and good for the sea life and coral reefs around you. Some, however, are turned off by the smell.

Pros

SPF 30. Can be applied under water. Can also work on lips. Reef safe. Doesn't run into the eyes when you sweat. Withstands harsh environmental conditions. Contains biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and extracts. Protects beyond 80 minutes. Formulated with unique organic Eco-Shield performance technology.

Cons

Oblong stick shape makes it difficult to apply to some parts of the face. Some do not like the scent.

Clarins Sun Control Stick
Clarins
Sun Control Stick
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Bottom Line

Some reviewers swear by this product, but we think there are better options available.

Pros

SPF 30. Offers great nose and lip protection. Helps regenerate and revitalize your complexion. Increases skin's firmness while moisturizing.

Cons

Pricey for the quantity you get. Doesn't dry as expected.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

29 Models Considered
7 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
147 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Sunscreen sticks are a favorite way to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays for their convenience and portability. Throw one in a bag or use the quick application method of a few quick swipes on a struggling little one who hates the feel of lotion stay safe as you play in the great outdoors. Sunscreen sticks tend to be lighter and more comfortable on the skin, but still pack a powerful, protective punch to help prevent sunburns. Many are safe for sensitive skin, and won’t clog pores. Some also contain zinc, which will leave a white residue where applied, but deliver optimal sun protection. Some people only use this on areas that tend to burn easily, like the nose, ears, and scalp.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Neutrogena
Beach Defense Water-Resistant Body Sunscreen Stick
Babo Botanicals
Clear Zinc Sport Sunscreen Stick
Neutrogena
Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body
Sun Bum
Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick
Neutrogena
Wet Skin Kids Water Resistant Sunscreen Stick for Face and Body
The team that worked on this review
  • Kristin
    Kristin
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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COOLA Sport

Mineral Sunscreen Stick

COOLA Sport

Mineral Sunscreen Stick

Loved by swimmers and those with sensitive skin, this thick sunscreen stick gives good coverage and ample protection.

$26
×

Shiseido

Sun Protection Stick Foundation

Shiseido

Sun Protection Stick Foundation

This sunscreen is easier to apply than the Coola brand, and it comes in a choice of tints, for a more finished look.
$68
×

EiR NYC

All Natural Surf Mud Pro Stick

EiR NYC

All Natural Surf Mud Pro Stick

The EiR sunscreen stick is well-loved by surfers, who need serious protection. The product can be a bit dry and hard to apply, though.
$30
×

Raw Elements

Eco Stick

Raw Elements

Eco Stick

Invented by an ocean lifeguard, this sunscreen is good for your skin and good for the sea life and coral reefs around you. Some, however, are turned off by the smell.

$32
×

Clarins

Sun Control Stick

Clarins

Sun Control Stick

Some reviewers swear by this product, but we think there are better options available.
$48

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