Best Overall

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

$32

$30 at Amazon$32 at Sephora$30 at Dermstore

SPF: 40 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding a sunscreen that layers well with skincare and makeup can be a challenge, but this sunscreen stick does the job flawlessly. During testing, we found that not only did it apply smoothly and gently, but it also blended well with minimal effort. We love that it also works as a primer and can be reapplied over makeup. 

The noncomedogenic formula is free of added fragrance and great for all skin types. It doesn’t leave any white cast behind and, like all sunscreen sticks, it’s super convenient. This sunscreen is also safe for use on the face and body, offering water-resistant protection, making it a good option for hot days when you may break a sweat. 

Mikey, tester with combination skin: “I’m in love with this sunscreen stick! The stick applied smoothly right onto my face. I was able to wear this multiple days right on top of concealer and bronzer, and there was zero smudging of the makeup products.”

Best for Face and Body

EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

$39

$38 at AmazonView on Dermstore$39 at Target

SPF: 50+ | Active Type: Mineral | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

We love a product that can do more than one thing, and this sunscreen stick fits the bill with a formula designed for both the face and the body. It features a rounded shape, making it easier to apply evenly, and the mineral formula provides SPF 50+ protection. Although it’s a mineral sunscreen, it’s extremely gentle on the skin and glides on smoothly without any tugging. However, it can leave a dry, white cast behind, but this is easily remedied by taking a few extra seconds to ensure it’s thoroughly massaged into the skin. 

This sunscreen stick is formulated with zinc oxide, a standard mineral sunscreen ingredient, bisabolol, which can soothe the skin, and vitamin E. It’s also hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, and safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

Katie, tester with combination, dry skin: “If you’re someone who travels a lot, this stick is labeled for face and body, so it’s easy to throw in a bag and reapply whenever needed.”

Best Budget

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Stick SPF 60

$11

$11 at Amazon$15 at Ulta$11 at Walmart

SPF: 60 | Active Type: Mineral | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

A sunscreen stick that’s effective, doesn’t leave a white cast, and is budget-friendly? It does exist. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer SPF 60 Face Sunscreen Stick glides on smoothly, feels light on the skin, and dries clear. It applies so well, in fact, that our tester, Valerie, said it “felt like a massage,” and she looked forward to putting it on every day. 

It’s a mineral sunscreen formulated with vitamin C and vitamin E, offering broad-spectrum protection. This sunscreen stick is also water-resistant for 80 minutes, fragrance-free, and good for all skin types—and under $15. 

Valerie, tester with normal to dry skin: “My favorite thing about [this sunscreen stick] is the way it glides on. It feels like a massage, and it’s something I look forward to every day after I shower.”

Best Glowy Finish

e.l.f. Invisa-Stick Sunscreen Stick

$15

$15 at Amazon$15 at Ulta$15 at Target

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Not only do you get broad-spectrum protection with this sunscreen stick, but you’ll also come away with glowy, radiant skin. The chemical sunscreen is formulated with sunflower seed oil for hydration, and it’s noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. It’s also safe to use around the eyes and is water-resistant for 80 minutes. 

During testing, we were impressed by how easily this product applied and how well it layered with makeup. We also appreciate that there is zero white cast left behind, even on darker skin tones.

Aleah, tester with sensitive, combination skin: “I have sensitive skin, and it felt incredibly gentle, and I experienced no irritation at all. This sunscreen left a finish somewhere between natural and glowy; my skin looked more radiant.”

Best for Dry Skin

Glow Recipe Sunscreen Stick

$30 at Amazon$30 at SephoraView on Glowrecipe.com

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The sun can dry the skin out, so we love this pick for those already struggling with dry skin. In addition to offering broad-spectrum protection from the sun, this stick delivers some serious hydration. The chemical formula includes squalane, an emollient, hyaluronic acid, a skin hydrator, as well as niacinamide, which helps brighten the skin. Combined, each ingredient helps give the skin the perfect dewy finish. It’s also made with watermelon, giving the product a subtle, fresh, sweet scent.

Our tester loved this product and found it gave her dry skin a much-needed dose of moisture. We appreciate how easy it is to use, how gently it glides on the skin, and its packaging (fits perfectly in your makeup bag or purse. However, it isn’t water-resistant, so it’s not ideal for swimming or extremely hot days outdoors. 

Ashley, tester with combination, dry skin: “I’d recommend this to anyone looking for an easy-to-use SPF stick, especially if they have drier skin or want a dewy look.”

Best Satin Finish

Vacation Super Stick SPF 45 Face Stick Sunscreen

$20 at Ulta$20 at Dermstore$20 at Target

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For those who prefer a satin finish, Vacation’s Super Stick SPF 45 Face Stick Sunscreen is an excellent pick. Our tester had a lot of great things to say about this product, but the satin finish got the highest praise. This product looks good on the skin all on its own. However, its slightly tacky texture makes it a great makeup primer. 

Another feature that stands out is its teardrop shape, which allows for more precise application (super helpful for around the eyes). In fact, our tester called the shape “genius” and said it makes it all the easier to get a full, even application. Not to mention, this product has an iconic “suntan lotion” smell (if you know, you know) that only adds to its appeal. 

Nicolette, tester with combination skin: “It gives a good, matte/satin finish with a tacky texture that’s excellent for layering makeup. It’s also no-fuss and intuitive with a teardrop-shaped stick.”

Best Clear

Live Tinted Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

$28

$27 at Amazon$30 at Ulta$30 at Target

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While several of the sunscreens on this list are formulated to go on clear, Live Tinted’s Huguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 was our top-performing clear option. The broad-spectrum formula has a gel-like texture that allows the sunscreen to go on smoothly and gently without any pulling or tugging. We love that it’s also made with cloudberry and dragon fruit extracts to provide a little extra soothing effect. 

During testing, we found that while it took a little longer to absorb than we’d have liked, it truly left no trace behind, even on darker skin. It also works well as a makeup primer, and its dewy finish also looks great on its own. 

Jessica, tester with combination, acne-prone skin: “The stick didn’t leave a white cast, it was invisible on my deep skin. It blended well and didn’t take too much effort.”

Best Anti-Aging

Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50

$33

$32 at Amazon$33 at Sephora$33 at Ulta

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We love Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 for those with mature skin who can always benefit from added moisture. Our tester, whose skin is normal but prone to dry spots and redness, was pleasantly surprised by how nicely this sunscreen glided on without any tugging or irritation. It’s also easy to get even coverage (without having to blend with your fingers) and lives up to its promise of no white cast. 

This formula includes licorice root extract, which can help brighten the skin, is water resistant, and is made for use on the face and body, aka, ideal for days at the pool. It’s suitable for all skin types and noncomedogenic. 

Caitlin, tester with normal skin: “I didn’t feel greasy at all, just fresh! The finish is natural. It doesn’t look like I’ve applied anything at all. My skin did feel more hydrated after application.”

Best for Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Sunscreen Stick

$8

$8 at Amazon$10 at Ulta$8 at Target

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Mineral | Water Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Cetaphil excels at creating products for sensitive skin, and its Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is no exception. This hypoallergenic formula is free of commonly irritating ingredients and has received the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval. As an added benefit, this sunscreen stick is made with vitamin E, which helps lock in moisture to keep skin hydrated. 

During testing, it performed well; our tester highlighted the durability of the design and packaging, as well as how effectively it covered and protected the skin. This formula does need to be massaged in, and it may still leave a slight white cast behind, but it’s safe for all skin types, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and reasonably priced (perks of a drugstore brand). 

Shelby, tester with combination skin: “The best part is the durability and coverage. The sunscreen’s compact size is perfect for keeping in your bag for day-to-day travel and re-applying. SPF 50 also provides more coverage than the typical.”