Best sunscreen sticks: 10 top picks for targeted protection

Sun protection is a must, but who has time for messy lotions or greasy creams that disrupt your makeup? Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day can feel like a chore and may also get messy. Sunscreen sticks are the solution to this problem. Protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays is essential, and sunscreen plays a crucial role in shielding your skin from the damaging effects of the rays. Packed with hydrating, moisturising, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, sunscreens help to prevent premature ageing and reduce the risk of cancer, sunburn and more. These lightweight and compact skin care products can make the application process seamless. By providing targeted application, the best sunscreen stick for the face allows you to use it on ears, noses and around sweaty brows. They have a dry consistency, which means they won’t leave greasy residue on the skin. This helps reduce the risk of clogged pores or breakouts. So, discover the best sunscreen sticks and enjoy full-day protection from sun damage.

10 best sunscreen sticks

The best sunscreen sticks in India may make your skin care routine more targeted and smooth.

1. The Derma Co Hyaluronic Sunscreen Stick

The Derma Co Hyaluronic Sunscreen Stick is packed with the goodness of hyaluronic acid and ceramide. It promises to offer SPF 60 Pa++++ protection against harmful UV rays. Regular use of this sunscreen may help retain moisture and make your skin smooth. It may also improve the elasticity of your skin, control excess oil production. This derma co sunscreen stick claims to make the sunscreen reapplication easy without leaving any white cast.

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2. DOT & KEY Sunscreen Stick

DOT & KEY Sunscreen Stick is infused with the goodness of strawberry, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and UV filters. It claims to provide SPF 50+ protection against UV rays and glides well over makeup. This sunscreen promises to make the reapplication easy and mess-free. Regular use of this product may strengthen the skin barrier, block UV rays, heals sun damage and uneven skin tone. The Dot and Key sunscreen stick can also keep your skin hydrated and dewy, without making it feeling greasy.

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Also Read: 7 best sunscreen body lotions to prevent sun damage

3. Minimalist Women & Men SPF 50 Sunscreen

If you are looking for stick sunscreens with SPF 50, try this one from Minimalist. Enriched with the goodness of rice bran oil, vitamin E and adenosine, the minimalist sunscreen stick claims to give a lightweight finish. It promises to reduce the signs of ageing, prevent sun damage and make your skin smooth.

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4. The Face Shop The Therapy Vegan Sunscreen Stick

The Face Shop Sunscreen Stick contains edelweiss extract, Swiss budleja and organic thyme. This skin care product promises to replenish the lost moisture, providing a firming effect, revitalise your skin and leave it moisturised. It also contains antioxidant properties that may help protect your skin from free radicals. This water-resistant sunscreen is formulated with 24 additives, which makes it suitable for skin type. The brand claims that this stick sunscreen is 100 percent certified vegan.

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5. THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Silky Calming Sun Stick

THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Silky Calming Sun Stick is packed with the goodness of madecassic acid, centella asiatica, asiatica acid, madecassic acid and calamine. This sun stick promises to revitalise your skin, strengthen the skin barrier, soothe inflamed skin and reduce irritation. It is a compact, water-resistant sun stick that can give a soft touch to your skin without leaving any white cast. The brand states that this product can also moisturise and hydrate your skin.

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Health Shots Recommends: Best sunscreen for normal skin: 5 options to keep your skin safe

6. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick contains avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene. It claims to be lightweight and fast absorbing, which makes it an ideal choice for you. This sun stick promises to protect your skin from skin ageing, UV rays and skin burning. It may glide easily on your skin, making your reapplication process mess-free. The brand also states that this product is free from paraben and oxybenzone.

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7. Sun Bum Premium Sunscreen Face Stick

Sun Bum Premium Sunscreen Face Stick is loaded with the goodness of vitamin E. This sun stick promises to provide protection against sun damage. The brand also states that this product is water and sweat-resistant. Adding to that, the product also claims to be vegan and free from cruelty and paraben.

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8. Earth Rhythm Glow Sunscreen Stick

Earth Rhythm Glow Sunscreen Stick claims to feel light on your skin. This travel-friendly sunscreen is easy to apply, suitable for all skin types and may glide smoothly without leaving any white cast. It may help to reduce sunburns, age spots and discolouration. Formulated with zinc oxide, this sunscreen stick can help protection against harmful UV rays maintain oil balance and nourish your skin. It also contains vitamin C and brightening properties that can help protect your skin against free radicals and provide a radiant glow.

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9. Lakme Sun Expert Invisible Sunstick

Lakme Sun Expert Invisible Sunstick is suitable for all skin types. It promises to provide SPF 50+ PA++++ sun protection. The brand claims that this skin care product can provide a 100 per cent invisible finish, and has a tinted formula, which can blend effortlessly. This sunscreen stick has an oily texture, which may feel lightweight on the skin and it can be applied under or over makeup.

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10. Sotrue SPF 50+ Daily Sunscreen Stick

Sotrue SPF 50+ Daily Sunscreen Stick is packed with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, octocrylene octyl salicylate and avobenzone. This water-resistant sunstick promises to offer broad spectrum PA++++ leaves no white cast and provides a smooth gliding experience. The brand also claims that this product is free from fragrance, suitable for all skin types and provides a natural finish.

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Are sunscreen sticks effective?

Sunscreen sticks are effective as they offer convenient and targeted sun protection. It can help protect areas like ears, face and lips from sun damage. These skin care products provide broad-spectrum protection without causing any mess. The best sunscreen stick for oily skin can be applied evenly to ensure adequate coverage. It can complement other sun protection methods like wearing hats and seeking shade.

Also Read: Sunscreen vs sunblock: What is better to protect your skin?

What are the benefits of sunscreen sticks?

Sunscreen sticks allow you to reapply the sun protector in a mess-free manner. Some of its advantages are:

• The primary advantage of a sunscreen stick is its convenient application. In comparison to lotions and creams, these products come in solid form that allows precise and mess-free application.
• These products are compact, portable and travel-friendly, which allows you to shield your skin against UV rays irrespective of the place.
• The solid consistency of these sticks makes them ideal to use on scars and other specific areas that are often overlooked or prone to sun damage.
• Most of these products are formulated to be water-resistant, which means they can provide long-lasting protection even during activities like swimming.
• Sunscreen sticks can also help improve the condition of hyperpigmentation. According to the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, using sunscreen sticks twice a day can provide high coverage, protection against UV rays and treat hyperpigmentation.

How to use a sunscreen stick?

The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests applying four passes of the stick sunscreen back and forth. This will help ensure that your skin is getting enough sunscreen to be protected from UV rays and their damaging effects. Once you have applied the product, rub it in afterwards for an even coverage.

How to choose the right sunscreen stick?

• Check the SPF level of the sunscreen stick. Make sure the the best sunscreen stick for acne prone skin promises to offer SPF 30 or higher for improved protection against UV rays.
• Look for products that are labelled as “broad spectrum”. It will help protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Opt for a water-resistant sunscreen stick. It will help maintain the effectiveness of the product for a certain period, even after getting exposed to water or sweat.
• Pay attention to the ingredients of the sunscreen, especially if you have sensitive skin. Look for gentle, non-comedogenic products that are free from fragrances and chemicals.
• Opt for a sunscreen stick that comes with a smooth glide-on texture, which is easy to apply directly to the skin.
• Make sure that the best sunscreen stick for combination skin is compact and easy to carry. Choose a sunscreen stick that can fit easily into your bag while travelling.
• Read reviews and take recommendations from a dermatologist before including these products in your daily routine.

How to treat sunburn?

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends the following tips for treating sunburn:

• Consider taking cold baths or showers frequently to relieve the pain associated with sunburn. Gently pat dry yourself but leave a little water on your skin.
• Apply a moisturiser that is enriched with aloe vera or soy to soothe the sunburned skin. If your skin feels uncomfortable, consider using hydrocortisone creams.
• Don’t treat your sunburned skin with “-Caine” products. They may irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.
• You can also consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce swelling, redness and discomfort.
• Make sure to drink enough water to help prevent dehydration.
• If your skin blisters, don’t pop them as they can help protect your skin from infection.
• Take extra care of your skin while it heals to prevent future damage.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• How long does sunscreen last?

Sunscreen with SPF 30 and above can last on the skin for up to 8 hours, as per the National Library of Medicine. You must apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out.

• Which one is better: sunscreen or sunscreen stick?

Both regular sunscreen and sunscreen stick offer optimal level of protection as depends on the SPF level. But when it comes to reapplication, sunscreen sticks have an edge as they provide seamless, mess-free and targeted protection. It can easily be applied to areas that often get overlooked.

• How much sunscreen stick should be used?

A minimum of four passes of suncreen stick should be used on the skin for effective protection against the UV rays as per the AAD.

(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)