The 5 best sunscreen sticks of 2025 are potent and reliable
lf you've tried finding a new sunscreen recently, you've probably noticed that the market has expanded somewhat wildly: Today there are many, many new ways to protect your skin. From pricey luxury-brand gels and foams to traditional creams, sprays and even the best sunscreen sticks, there are seemingly endless options for shielding yourself from the sun's harmful rays. (The selections don't end with product type, either: There are the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, the best sunscreens for faces, the best reef-safe sunscreens — the list goes on.)
This is, in part, due to the fact the global sun-care industry is bigger than it's ever been — and growing by the day. According to a report by CNN and an analysis by Grand View Research, the value of global sun care is expected to reach $14 billion by the end of the decade, up nearly 25% since 2020. With more products flooding the market, consumers are left wondering: "What's the best sunscreen for me?" "How should I choose a quality sunscreen?" And, of course, relevant to this story: "Wait, what does a sunscreen stick even do?" For answers to your most pressing sunscreen stick questions, see our FAQ below.
And remember, while sunscreen sticks can provide powerful protection in small areas like the bridge of your nose: "The efficacy of sunscreen is not indefinite," says Los Angeles facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kay Durairaj. "It diminishes over time due to factors like perspiration, swimming and even the mere passage of time."
In short, no matter which type of sunscreen you use, always — always — reapply.
The best sunscreen stick overall
Other top sunscreen sticks we recommend for 2025
Factors to consider
Sunscreen stick FAQs
Meet our experts
Update, Apr. 14, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and added a section on factors to consider when purchasing stick sunscreen. Our number one pick for the best sunscreen stick remains unchanged.
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Active ingredients: Look for mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide or chemical versions that contain UV filters such as avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, oxybenzone, octocrylene or homosalate. Chemical sunscreens typically have more than one active ingredient to ensure both UVA and UVB protection.
SPF: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Higher SPF values, such as 50+, give slightly more protection, but the most important factor is to reapply when necessary.
Water-resistance: If a stick sunscreen is water-resistant, it will typically indicate this on the label with an estimated effectiveness duration while swimming or sweating. If you're going to be sweating or getting wet, a water-resistant sunscreen is ideal. It's still important to reapply afterward and at least every two hours.
Reef-safe: Mineral-based sunscreens are generally considered a better choice for reef safety. Look for ones that indicate "non-nano" zinc oxide or titanium dioxide so the particles are large enough that they won't be absorbed by coral, which damages them. Chemical sunscreens and those with oxtocrylene, homosalate and parabens can also harm coral and contribute to coral bleaching.
Cruelty-free: Look for cruelty-free certifications like Leaping Bunny or PETA's "Beauty Without Bunnies" logo, which indicate the company doesn't test on animals. Products labeled as vegan also omit any animal-derived ingredients like beeswax or lanolin.
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It all comes down to ease of use. "Stick sunscreens are good for smaller areas, like the face," said cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. They also work especially well for protecting harder-to-reach places like the tops of your ears, and it's quick to swipe them onto sunburn-susceptible areas like the tip of your nose.
Of course, they're also portable: Stick sunscreens are often pocket-sized and easy to carry, and they allow you to reapply on the go without dirtying your hands. This makes them ideal for hikes, sports or other active situations when it's more challenging to re-up your sun protection, like when your skin is damp just out of a pool. Because they're solid, they're easy to pack for travel — you don't have to worry about a giant bottle of lotion exploding in your bag or holding you up at security. And while many stick sunscreens are mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide, they're not like the zinc sticks you remember from childhood that gave lifeguards white noses: Most modern versions blend easily without leaving ghost-like stripes.
Short answer: No. Stick sunscreens "do not cover as much surface area with ease as lotions, mists or sprays," Shamban said. Since full coverage is key with sun protection, sunscreen sticks are meant only for more precise applications, not for preventing sun damage to larger areas like the entire back, chest or torso.
The experts I spoke with recommend making several passes across your skin with a sunscreen stick, and, whether or not you rub in the product, using enough to ensure the fullest coverage possible.
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Dr. Kay Durairaj, Los Angeles facial plastic surgeon, owner of KD Skincare
Dr. Ava Shamban, Beverly Hills cosmetic dermatologist
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