7 Best And Affordable Sunscreen Sticks

Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine. It comes in many forms, including tinted sunscreens, sunscreen sprays, and sunscreen sticks.

Some tinted sunscreens can stand in for a light foundation. If you don’t love a cakey or white-cast look, a sheer sunscreen may suit you better.

Overview

Sunscreen sticks are an easy way to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Choosing a broad-spectrum product helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays, which lowers your risk of sunburn, skin cancer, early skin aging, and dark spots.

Sticks have some practical advantages over sprays. Spray sunscreen can drift into the air, and the FDA says sprays should never be applied directly to your face.

A stick is thick rather than runny, so it is less likely to drip into your eyes and sting. It is handy for the face, ears, nose, and the back of the hands.

Important Points:

Keep these points in mind when you shop for a sunscreen stick:

Look for broad spectrum on the label, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Pick an SPF of 30 or higher, as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends.
Choose water resistant if you will swim or sweat; labels say whether protection lasts 40 or 80 minutes.
Mineral filters such as zinc oxide are a good option for sensitive skin.

Best sunscreen sticks

Here are seven popular, budget-friendly sunscreen sticks. Formulas and prices change, so check the current label before you buy.

1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body

The 1.5-ounce Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick can be used on both the face and body. It is SPF 70 and broad spectrum, protecting against UVA and UVB rays.

sunscreen stick

It is easy to apply on the go. Its formula uses Neutrogena’s Helioplex technology, and its texture is non-greasy with a matte finish.

A higher SPF adds some extra protection against sunburn, but no SPF blocks all UV rays. Reapplying is what keeps you protected.

This lightweight stick is labeled as non-pore-clogging and water-resistant. That makes it an easy way to add daily SPF to your skin care routine.

To Buy: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body (Amazon.com)

2. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick

sunscreen stick

This formula also comes as a spray and a lotion, but the stick is the easiest to carry. It glides on without running into your eyes, and you can touch it up after swimming.

It is SPF 50+ and broad spectrum. Used with other sun safety steps, broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher helps lower the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.

This sunscreen stick is made with Helioplex, Neutrogena’s broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen technology.

Its formula is labeled oxybenzone-free and PABA-free.

This SPF 50+ stick is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so plan to reapply after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

To Buy: Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Body Sunscreen Stick with Broad Spectrum (Amazon.com)

3. SolRX SPF 50 Zinc Stick

sunscreen stick

This is a zinc oxide (mineral) sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens sit on the skin and are often a good choice for people with sensitive skin.

It is easy to apply and water-resistant, which makes it a good pick for swimmers and people who sweat a lot. It is labeled oil-free and paraben-free. Note that the buy link below goes to SolRX’s matte zinc lotion in a tube.

To Buy: SolRX WaterBlock Matte Zinc Sunscreen, SPF 50, 3.4 oz tube (Amazon.com)

4. Bare Republic Mineral Sport Sunscreen Stick

sunscreen stick

This mineral stick has a coconut and vanilla scent, so it suits people who enjoy a light fragrance. If you are sensitive to scents, choose a fragrance-free stick instead.

It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is easy to keep in your bag and doesn’t feel sticky.

To Buy: Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Stick (Amazon.com)

5. Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector

sunscreen stick

This clear stick is SPF 50+ and broad spectrum, protecting the face from UVA and UVB rays. It is labeled paraben-free and sulfate-free.

It can be applied under makeup and dries to a non-oily, matte finish. It is water-resistant, but no sunscreen is fully waterproof, so reapply after swimming or sweating.

To Buy: Shiseido 0.52-ounce Clear Stick UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Plus (Amazon.com)

6. Beauty by Earth SPF Mineral Sunscreen Stick

This mineral stick uses zinc oxide as its sunscreen filter, along with coconut oil and shea butter. Zinc oxide sits on the surface of the skin and helps block UV rays.

sunscreen stick

This SPF 30 stick is marketed as reef-friendly and water-resistant. Like any broad-spectrum sunscreen, it helps prevent sunburn and early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sunspots.

It can work for the whole family, with one exception. The FDA does not recommend sunscreen for babies younger than 6 months; keep them out of direct sun and ask a doctor before using any sunscreen on them.

To Buy: Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Stick (Amazon.com)

7. Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick

Sun Bum’s face stick is SPF 30 and broad spectrum, protecting against UVA and UVB rays. It has a banana scent, goes on smoothly, and is non-greasy without a heavy white cast.

sunscreen stick

It is labeled hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten, and parabens. Its small size makes it easy to carry.

If you have sensitive skin, test any new sunscreen on a small patch first.

To Buy: Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Face Stick, Broad Spectrum SPF 30, .45 Oz (Amazon.com)

HP Thoughts: Did you know that olive oil is also used in skin care? View our post and tell us your comments: Olive Oil.

Conclusion:

Sunscreen is one of the most important parts of a daily skin routine. A stick is a convenient, mess-free way to apply it, especially on the face and on the go.

It helps protect you from UV rays that cause sunburn, skin cancer, early aging, and dark spots. Apply it generously and reapply at least every two hours, and more often when swimming or sweating.

When you buy one, look for broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance if you’ll be active. A mineral formula with zinc oxide is a good option for sensitive skin.