Choosing a healthy sunscreen for you or your family doesn’t have to mean the stereotypical thick white goop that invariably makes a mess every time you try to apply it. There are easier application methods available for you to take advantage of while still maintaining high standards for the sunscreen formula you choose.
I’m not talking about a sunscreen that’s a spray – with the growing body of evidence that these are no good, it’s probably best to steer clear of those for now.
I’m talking about a different, equally portable option: sunscreen sticks.
Stick formulas allow for precise, mess-free application. They also tend to come in smaller packages which makes them great to slip into a diaper bag or to keep with you when running a marathon.
If you haven’t bought these before, you may be unsure about what makes a great sunscreen stick and how to choose one for your family. Don’t worry, this guide can help.
After thorough research into requirements for stick sunscreen to be effective, SimplySunSafe recommends Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick SPF 30 as the best stick sunscreen. Read on for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 stick sunscreens.
Buyer’s Guide
To ensure the stick sunscreen you choose is not just convenient, but also provides amazing sun protection there are a few must-have features you should look for:
Broad spectrum protection
As with any other type of sunscreen, when searching for the best stick sunscreen, you want to make sure you choose a product that offers broad spectrum protection.
This type of protection shields your skin from both UVA and UVB, while inferior formulas will only shield from UVB rays.
These rays are what is responsible for skin damage due to sun exposure. Unlike sunlight, these rays are not visible, but they are always present so finding a good product to shield you as much as possible is a must.
UVA rays are the more insidious of the two types of UV ray. The damage they cause usually isn’t noticeable until it’s too late to be reversed, and they can even penetrate glass if the glass hasn’t been treated properly.
Your skin is targeted by these rays on a deeper level than UVB rays, and can actually damage the DNA of your skin cells. As the damaged cells replicate, this accelerates the visible signs of aging such as thickened, saggy, leather, or wrinkled skin.
UVB rays cannot pass through glass, and cause damage closer to the surface of the skin where it is usually visible very quickly.
Too much exposure causes skin to become red and tender; skin will even blister is exposed for too long. This is what we typically refer to as a sunburn. Repeated sunburns can cause discolorations of the skin known as sunspots, which are a result of your skin increasing melanin production to try and protect itself.
Neither type of UV rays is something you want a whole lot of. Both of them cause skin damage, and both of them can contribute to skin cancer.
If you’re going to spend money on sunscreen, then you ought to be getting the absolute best protection possible. That’s broad spectrum.
Best SPF for stick sunscreen
What does the SPF on the sunscreen packaging mean?
It seems like a question with a simple enough answer, but only on the surface. Most of us understand that this number is some sort of indicator as to how well a sunscreen is going to perform. We figure that bigger must be better and go with that logic.
The problem, though, is that this sort of approach is logical but not completely correct when it comes to SPF. To better understand how this rating should affect the products we buy, let’s take a closer look at exactly what it is, what it means, and how it works.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. Yes, a factor like the one you learned about in math class.
The idea is that and SPF 15 sunscreen will keep you from burning for 15 times as long as not wearing any protection at all. It’s important to remember that because SPF is only concerned with keeping you from burning, it is only a measure of UVB protection and not UVA.
Most broad spectrum products have UVA protection that is only about 30% as effective as the UVB protection.
However, SPF 100 is not twice as effective as SPF 50, and there is a limit to the usefulness of going for high SPF products. This is especially true because no sunscreen is effective for more than a few hours at a time, so it doesn’t really make a lot of sense to say that an SPF 50 sunscreen will keep you from burning for 50 times as long.
Take a look at this table for a better way to look at SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
When you look at SPF ratings in terms of the percentage of UVB protection, you can see that after about SPF 30 they don’t seem all that different.
In fact, the majority of dermatologists recommend SPF 30 as sufficient for most people.
If you want the higher SPF for the extra boost in protection, just make sure you aren’t shelling out an arm and a leg to get it.
Physical is better than chemical
The types of active ingredients used by sunscreen manufacturers in order to deliver adequate sun protection matter too. Based on which ingredients are used, sunscreens can be broadly classified as either physical or chemical.
Whenever possible, it is advisable to stick to physical sunscreen options.
Physical sunscreens are made with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or a combination of the two. These ingredients form a protective barrier over your skin to keep UV rays from being able to attack the skin.
This type of sunscreen is effective immediately upon application, and is known for its thicker texture and more noticeable finish when compared to chemical options.
These active ingredients do not cause irritation, and zinc in particular can be calming to conditions such as melasma and rosacea. Both ingredients offers broad spectrum protection, though of the two zinc does a better job.
Chemical sunscreens are made with a combination of ingredients, because not all of them offer broad spectrum protection. These ingredients typically include: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.
These are not effective until about 20 minutes after application because they work by soaking into your skin and absorbing UV rays before they damage skin.
These ingredients and known to cause irritation similar to allergy with repeated use, and can upset conditions like melasma and rosacea.
They are typically chosen because their formulas are more invisible after application and are typically thinner and easier to apply.
While chemical sunscreens may be a little bit easier to use, they are definitely worse for you in the long run. It’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and try to choose only product that are made with physical sunscreen ingredients rather than chemical.
Water resistance
A big part of the reason why so many folks choose stick sunscreens is convenience for on-the-go. Many of them also offer a period of water resistance in light of consumer’s tendency to use them for athletic pursuits, so it’s important to understand how that affects the finish of your sunscreen.
You may or may not need this feature, but it’s good to keep in mind when shopping for stick products.
Products offering water resistance are typically rated as water resistant for either 40 or 80 minutes. These products usually have more waxes/oils in them. They also tend to leave a more pronounced white cast and have a shinier finish that doesn’t blend well with cosmetics and is usually quite noticeable.
Whether you need 0, 40, or 80 minutes of water resistance depends on what activities you have planned. If you’ll be sweating or in the water at all, you should go for 40 minutes water resistance at minimum.
If you plan on spending the whole day sweating or participating in athletic or water sport activities then a sunscreen that’s water resistant for 80 minutes is a must.
It’s important to remember to err on the side of caution – while water resistant sunscreens can help protect your skin in these conditions, they can only do so with your help. You absolutely must remember to reapply within the allotted time limit, reapply after towel-drying your skin, and to apply and adequate amount every time to do reapply.
Best Stick Sunscreen Comparison
| Babo Botanicals Sport Stick |
 Adorable Baby Sunscreen Stick |
 Badger All Season Face Stick |
 Babyganics Mineral Stick |
 All Good Sunstick |
|
| SPF | 30 | 30 | 35 | 50 | 30 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (15.0%) | Zinc Oxide (24.7%) | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Zinc Oxide (6.7%) & Titanium Dioxide (7.9%) | Zinc Oxide (20.0%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | 40 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | No |
| Price | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon |
5 Best Stick Sunscreens
After thorough research that combined discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has chosen the 5 best stick sunscreens.
All of these sunscreens provide broad spectrum, physical protection of SPF 30 or greater, do not contain oxybenzone, and are in convenient stick form.
1. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick SPF 30
- 100% GOOD FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY: A fast-absorbing & non-greasy 100% zinc-based sunblock to protect the face, lips, nose and ears. This water resistant sunscreen SPF 30 stick helps you enjoy the sun safely. Convenient, travel-friendly for families on the go.
- FORMULATED FOR VERY SENSITIVE SKIN: This sunscreen is specifically developed with 100% non-nano zinc to provide you with 80 minutes of water and sweat resistant coverage. Safe for baby and perfect for the entire family. Fragrance free.
- ZINC-BASED, MINERAL FORMULA: Specially formulated with skin-soothing organic oils like jojoba. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free. Enriched with Babo's Organic Nutri-Soothe Complex. Reef friendly.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. Reef Safe. No Oxybenzone. Mineral Based sunscreen.
- NO HARSH CHEMICALS OR IRRITANTS: Hypoallergenic to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Clinically tested and rated number #1 in safety by Environment Working Group (EWG). Gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, almond and walnut free. Made in USA and B Corp Certified.
Last update on 2021-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick provides broad spectrum, physical protection of SPF 30 using zinc oxide (15%) as the sole active ingredient.
Babo Botanicals has several sport stick formulas – this one is unscented. The unscented formula wins out for the greater simplicity of ingredients, ensuring that even if you have sensitive skin or don’t like scented products on your face, you can still get the benefits of one of the best sunscreen sticks.
This stick sunscreen is water resistant for 80 minutes, giving you the best water resistance available while staying reliable. Remember, though: it only works if you reapply regularly.
For one little 0.6 oz tube, the price may seem a bit high. However, with stick sunscreens you are paying for the extra convenience and taking advantage of a concentrated application method at the same time. That does quite a bit to offset the price.
You’ll like this sunscreen for its ultra easy application. Upon first applying, you may notice a bit of a white cast. However, if you rub the product in a little bit that will typically disappear.
The finish is not overly greasy, but you will probably still notice that you have product on your skin similar to when you apply a heavier lotion to the skin.
- High concentration of active ingredients
- Water resistant 80 minutes
- Moderately priced
- Some white cast
2. Adorable Baby By Loving Naturals Sunscreen Stick SPF 30+
- 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS Our Natural Sunscreen for kids is made of all natural ingredients to ensure a natural and healthy feeling for your child
- TOP RATED FOR SAFETY Natural Sunstick is safe for babies toddler's kids and adults no synthetic or chemical Ingredients are ever used and is fully vegan
- BROAD SPECTRUM UVA/UVB PROTECTION Our Natural Sunstick offers a SPF 30+ Coverage which we achieve through a synergistic combination of non-nano zinc oxide and organic oils
- WATER RESISTANT Natural Sunstick for Babies and Children can be applied on body and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes before reapplying
- BROAD SPECTRUM UVA / UVB PROTECTION Our Natural Sunstick offers a SPF 30 + coverage which we achieve through a synergistic combination of non nano zinc oxide and organic oils
Last update on 2021-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the cheaper options in this lineup, Adorable Baby by Loving Naturals makes a sunscreen stick that offers broad spectrum, physical protection of SPF 30 using zinc oxide (24.7%) as the sole active ingredient.
This is water resistant, but only for up to 40 minutes. It’ll be good for days where you might get wet once or twice, but you don’t necessarily want the heavy duty protection of a sunscreen that’s rated as water resistant for longer periods of time.
While it’s designed with the sensitive skin of babies in mind, anybody can use this. If using solely on the face or if using on children, it may be a good idea to let the tube warm up in your hand a little bit before applying.
This is because some folks have trouble applying if the tube is on the cooler side, probably due some of the oils in the formula solidifying at room temperature.
It’s not a big deal to apply this way, but the slightly harder texture requires more pressure to apply which can irritate sensitive areas on the skin.
Overall, this is probably a good pick if you specifically want the best stick sunscreen for babies.
- High concentration active ingredients
- Water resistant 40 minutes
- Baby-friendly
- Can be hard to apply
3. Badger All Season Face Stick Sunscreen SPF 35+
- SIMPLY THE SAFEST SUNSCREEN - Badger sets the standard for simple safe sunscreens that protect you and your family. This broad spectrum mineral sunscreen stick has only 6 simple ingredients: clear zinc oxide, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic beeswax, organic cocoa butter, organic shea butter & sunflower vitamin e. Hypoallergenic & fragrance-free this all natural sunscreen stick is perfect for sensitive skin and all skin types.
- PROTECTS WITH NON-WHITENING MINERAL ZINC OXIDE - Badger’s SPF 35 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Sport Stick protects your face, ears, nose and lips. Rubs in clear to blend with most skin tones. The mineral zinc oxide stays on top of your skin, scattering and absorbing UVA & UVB rays, and won’t absorb into your bloodstream. This sport sunscreen stick is naturally water and sweat resistant for at least 80 minutes, great for swimming, surfing, skiing and other sports.
- REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN - Safe for coral means safe for you too! Badger sunscreens are made without oxybenzone or any chemicals shown to harm coral or humans. All Badger sunscreen sticks are top rated for safety and efficacy by the EWG sunscreen guide. This eco-friendly biodegradable sunscreen protects you without endangering marine life.
- 97% ORGANIC INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTHY SKIN - The certified organic sunscreen base ingredients are antioxidant rich, ultra-moisturizing, and great for your skin. Non-GMO, fragrance free, and contains no dyes, parabens, or other artificial ingredients. Healthy botanical ingredients promote healthy skin.
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST - Badger is a family owned, women run B Corporation (Benefit Corp) making mineral sunscreen sticks and other organic skin care products that we use on our own families in rural New Hampshire since 1995. We are the leaders in safe natural sunscreens. Don't just take our word for it, read our ingredients, see what others say about Badger sunscreens, and try them for yourself.
Last update on 2021-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Badger’s All Season Face Stick offers broad spectrum, physical protection of SPF 35 using zinc oxide (22.5%) as the active ingredient. Considering the high concentration of active ingredient, this is a very reasonably priced stick sunscreen option.
It’s also water resistant for 80 minutes, giving you hardworking protection that you can take in the pool, for a hike, and wherever else life takes you.
You’ll love this sunscreen because it applies smoothly. It also does leave a white cast with application. Though this may fade with extra rubbing, it will still be noticeable to some degree or another depending on your skin type.
Because of its high concentration of active ingredient and strong water resistance, you’ll want to be sure to use soap to remove this sunscreen when it’s no longer needed – the formula is too thick to completely dissipate on its own.
- High concentration of active ingredients
- Water resistant 80 minutes
- Hard to remove
- Some white cast
4. Babyganics Pure Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
- Contains 2 sunscreen sticks
- REEF SAFE: Made without oxybenzone and octinoxate
- Formulated with: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
- Formulated without: Nanparticles, Paba, phthalates, parabens, fragrance
- Perfect for high exposure areas and targeted protection
Last update on 2021-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Babyganics Pure Mineral Sunscreen Stick offers broad spectrum, physical protection of SPF 50 using a combination of zinc oxide (6.7%) and titanium dioxide (7.9%) as the active ingredients.
It’s so good, we picked it as the best baby sunscreen available on the market!
While the high SPF is certainly a bonus for folks with sensitive skin who want an extra boost in protection, the lower concentration of active ingredients is part of the reason this product appear so far down the list of recommendations.
It’s water resistant for 80 minutes, giving you the maximum available amount of protection against water and sweat.
This sunscreen stick is definitely noticeable when applied. I suggest, however, that this is precisely why it is one of the best stick sunscreens for face – it’s a great reminder to reapply often and keep your delicate facial skin protected!
It applies quite thick, which reassures you that you are applying enough to adequately protect the skin. While it is thicker and noticeably white, the finish isn’t overly greasy so you won’t have that urge to constantly rub your face and accidentally remove some of the sunscreen.
- High SPF
- Water resistant 80 minutes
- Inexpensive
- Low concentration active ingredients
- White cast
5. All Good Sunstick SPF 30
- GREAT FOR OUR KIDS: Zinc oxide is a topical, non-nanoparticle, mineral-based ingredient that sits on top of your skin and won’t absorb into your body
- SKIN-SAVING CERTIFIED: It’s made from non-nano zinc oxide and skin-saving certified organic oils like jojoba, coconut and avocado. Thanks to an organic oil and mineral formula, this mineral sunstick acts as a skincare moisturizer while still protecting against sunburn, harmful UV rays, break-outs and sun damage.
- GREAT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN & WATER RESISTANT: All Good SPF 30 mineral zinc sunscreen stick provides UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sun protection without leaving your face chalky or greasy. The oil and wax base goes on smoothe, absorbs well, and holds up against water (80 minutes water resistant).
- CORAL REEF FRIENDLY AND NO HARMFUL ADDITIVES: All of our All Good reef-friendly suncare products meet broad-spectrum and reef friendly criteria. Our ingredients do not include chemical UV absorbers, parabens or harmful additives (and especially no octinoxate, oxybenzone, and the other chemicals in the “Awful Eight”).
- ALL GOOD INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide 20% (Non-nanoparticle), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Sesame Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Tapioca Starch*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil*, Non-GMO Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Last update on 2021-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last but not least in this guide’s lineup is All Good’s Coconut Sunstick. This product provides broad spectrum, physical protection of SPF 30 using zinc oxide (20%) as the active ingredient.
It isn’t waterproof though, so won’t make a good choice if you need protection from water or perspiration. As far as stick sunscreen options go, it is also fairly inexpensive making for a great budget buy.
It applies easily, doesn’t leave too much of a white cast, and doesn’t feel thick on the face.
Because of the coconut oil in the formula it also has a lovely conditioning effect on the skin, helping to improve texture and moisture levels while preventing sun damage.
You’ll love this because of its natural pleasant scent – if you aren’t a fan of the smell of (natural) coconut though you may want to try the unscented version of this product.
- High concentration active ingredients
- Moderately priced
- Not water resistant
Conclusion
Ready to shop? I hope this guide has helped you understand what to look for when shopping for you new stick sunscreen, and that these product recommendations work as a good springboard for you in terms of choices.
While SimplySunSafe does recommend Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick SPF 30 as the best stick sunscreen, all five of these products are great choices.
Every person has different needs, and different skin. As such, you may find yourself trying multiple products before you find the perfect one for you. This is perfectly normal, so don’t worry and keep persevering until you find a product that’s the best sunscreen for you.
I love learning about new products and working to make these guides better for all my readers so if there is a sunscreen stick that you are in love with and think I might have missed, please let me know!
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