To help you find the best sunscreen stick for you, I spoke to seven dermatologists about how to shop for one and everything you need to know, including how much you need to apply for it to actually be effective.
This stick sunscreen comes recommended by Yang and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach because it's easy to apply and glides over makeup. It's also very lightweight and hydrating without leaving behind a residue, says Yang. Aside from its active ingredients to protect your skin from unwanted damage, it combines negative ions and positive ions (from sweat and water) to create an additional layer of protection to make it more effective. At the same time, external heat strengthens your skin barrier, according to the brand.
This sunscreen is a favorite of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum for those with sensitive skin. It's also a great option for multiple skin tones since it has microfine zinc oxide, which means it'll dry clear and won't leave a white cast, according to the brand. Reviewers say the sunscreen is easy to blend into the skin.
This sunscreen has hyaluronic acid, aloe and coconut water, which make it especially great for those with dry skin, says Yang. The non-greasy and fast-absorbing sunscreen also has antioxidants for added protection from environmental stressors, she says. (Those skin-damaging stressors include blue light, infrared and pollution.)
If you have dry or sensitive skin, consider this mineral option from Cetaphil, which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur recommends due to its hypoallergenic ingredients, including zinc oxide, beeswax and vitamin E. However, it can produce a white cast on the skin, she says. To help offset this, you can use your fingertips to work the product in since it blends quickly.
This Dr. Jart+ option is one of our favorite Korean sunscreens because it hydrates skin and blurs pores, which makes it great to apply underneath makeup. I love using this sunscreen because it doesn't leave a white cast on my medium-tan complexion and, since it's a stick, it's easy to apply and reapply throughout the day. It's also travel-friendly.
According to Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist, this sheer stick is easy to apply and feels weightless on skin. When you first apply it, it has a silky smooth texture but then leaves your skin with a matte finish. You can apply it on your face, neck and chest as a base layer, but it's especially good for tricky spots like your ears.
If you're looking for a sunscreen stick that will make applying your sunscreen much faster, consider this Neutrogena option recommended by Nussbaum. The stick itself is bigger, which means it's easier to apply on larger areas of your face and body, she says. Reviewers say it holds up well throughout the day on both their bodies and faces.
This is a great water-resistant stick for swimming, sweating and active days outdoors all summer long, says Mraz. The stick provides all-mineral protection from UVA/UVB rays, pollution, blue light and infrared radiation, plus it has hydrating ingredients that softens skin, says Mraz. It goes on smoothly and is easy to blend without leaving behind a white cast, according to the brand.
This lightweight sunscreen is quick and easy to apply since its ergonomic curved shape helps cover hard-to-reach and difficult areas. It's also great for those who want a hydrating sunscreen that leaves a matte finish. It sits nicely under and over makeup and does not leave a white cast or sticky residue, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Connie Yang.
This is great for those worried about their sunscreen leaving a white cast because it is very sheer while still protecting you from the sun, says Nussbaum. It’s also a good choice to take with you throughout the day because it glides seamlessly over makeup, provides invisible coverage and reduces the appearance of oil and shine, says Mraz.
This Neutrogena sunscreen is Rabach's favorite to use. Reviewers say it's especially great for travel since it's safe for the whole body. This makes it easy when packing since you don't need to bring multiple sunscreens with you. Its wide face covers a lot of surface area in one pass and glides smoothly on your face and body，according to the brand.
This non-sticky，non-greasy，coconut milk-scented sunscreen is suitable for your face and body. It has an ingredient called mica，which is a silicate mineral that gives skin a glossy，dewy finish，according to Marmur. For the best results，swipe the sunscreen on your hand before applying it to your face and body，which will help distribute the mica evenly when you apply it.
"I hate getting sunscreen all over my hands because it makes them greasy，but this sunscreen stick solves that problem，" says NBC reporter Zoe Malin. "It glides onto my skin smoothly and doesn't leave a white cast behind，so it's great for wearing under makeup." The brand also has five other variations，including tinted options.
This sunscreen is great for children because it's gentle and safe for all skin types. Its packaging is also a great way to have kids learn about the importance of protecting your skin from UV rays since the cap turns pink in harmful UV light，according to experts in our guide to the best sunscreens for kids.
If you want some coverage with your sunscreen，consider this one from MDSolarSciences. The mineral formula has SPF 40 and a matte finish. Because it's sheer，it works for several skin tones，though may not be best for those with darker skin tones.
I spoke to board-certified dermatologists about sunscreen sticks and what factors to consider when shopping. Here's what they recommend looking for:
Aside from the type of sunscreen，minimum SPF and broad-spectrum protection，there are a few other characteristics to note. Below are certain factors to consider when shopping for a sunscreen stick，including ingredients，skin type and aesthetics.
When shopping for a sunscreen stick，consider your skin type，which will determine the ingredients and formula you need. Below，board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annabelle Garcia breaks down a few things to factor in:
Aside from paying attention to the active ingredient(s) listed，it's important to look at the additional ingredients because there are some you want for skin care benefits and others you want to avoid to prevent irritation.
There are a few irritating ingredients you should avoid; some common triggers include oxybenzone，added fragrances and alcohol.
Consider how you want to look after applying your sunscreen. This is important to pay attention to because some options will leave your skin looking dewy and glowing，while others will have a matte finish，according to Mraz.
While water resistance in sunscreen isn't a make-or-break factor，you definitely want to consider one that does have this if you plan on getting wet or anticipate sweating，according to Nussbaum.
"For day-to-day purposes，it's not necessary。然而，water resistance does tend to help sunscreen last longer，especially if you are in a humid climate or engaging in activities that cause you to sweat，" says Yang.
Although water-resistant sunscreens tend to last longer than those without，Rabach says it's important to remember to reapply continuously throughout the day。
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