Best sun sticks that provide maximum protection with minimum effort

No more excuses to skip sunscreen

Getty
Getty
Share this article

Have you applied sunscreen today? If you have been lurking on TikTok, you may have come across the viral image of a truck driver of 28 years having flawless complexion on the right side of his face, but wrinkled and riddled with hyperpigmentation on the left — a stark contrast that is a result of prolonged sun exposure on one side.

Reapplication of sunscreen is important, sure, but how many of us put that thought into action on the go? For fear of ruining our makeup and out of pure inconvenience, protecting ourselves by constantly reapplying SPF could be a chore for many. Sun sticks, however, paint a different story. Not only are they portable and small, they are also mighty bars that actually do their job, making them a game changer when it comes to sun care especially when you are out and about. Ready to jump on the bandwagon? If so, here are some sun sticks to start you off.

Hawaiian deep sea water, Tahiti vanilla extract and nymphea alba flower extract are used in this AHC sun stick, which means the sunscreen is also able to hydrate and soothe, on top of providing sun coverage.

According to the K-beauty label, just one or two swipes per area is enough, and it can be used to replace your regular sunscreen as well as to provide touch-ups on the go.

This sunscreen stick from Cetaphil provides a shield for sensitive skin against the sun's harsh rays, preventing sunburn.

It's formulated entirely with mineral actives, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, that work by reflecting the sun's rays.

Infused with prebiotics and soothing vitamin E, this sun stick helps safeguard your skin from environmental damage and keep it hydrated.

Dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to be gentle, it's the ideal sun stick for anyone with sensitive skin.

The Baby Bum Sun Stick is a 100% mineral sunscreen that glides on smoothly and offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

It's lightweight, non-greasy, and water-resistant.

Specially formulated with naturally moisturising ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, this SPF 50 sunscreen nourishes and hydrates at the same time.

It's fragrance-free, dye-free, cruelty-free, and dermatologist and pediatrician-tested, ensuring it's gentle enough for the most sensitive skin, and even children and use it.

Developed in collaboration with influencer and cosmetic chemist Ramón @glowbyramon, this fabulous matte formula offers a seamless, non-greasy application, perfect for reapplying over makeup without any clumps or greasiness. 

Infused with sebum-control silica powder, it delivers a matte finish while regulating oil production. The inclusion of artemisia and green tea extracts not only soothes but also hydrates, ensuring your skin remains smooth and well-protected. 

Compact and easy to use , this is ideal for those with more oily complexions.

An invisible formula is probably the best invention when it comes to sun care. No unsightly white cast and pilling, the Clear Suncare Stick with SPF50+ PA++++ formulated by Shiseido glides on smoothly without resistance and tackiness. A moisturising bar that acts as a primer under makeup, this sunstick is a holy grail for many.

Containing both chemical and physical UV filters, Shiseido offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays to make sure your skin is well equipped with its armour and is also great for water activities thanks to its water-resistant formula.

Created for all skin types in mind, this sunstick is especially beneficial for those with dry skin.

Meet your skin’s new best companion - a reef-safe chemical sunscreen from SKIN1004 that leaves a silky satin finish when applied. Known for infusing high quality centella extracts (cica) from Madagascar into their products, SKIN1004 has created yet another hit product in their sun care range. The naturally derived dreamy blue bar boasts an optimum ratio of hyaluronic acid as well as cica that calms, soothes and relieves your skin from irritation and dryness.

With SPF 50+ and PA++++, the sunstick is also sweat-proof and made to improve sebum levels at the same time. Incorporated with superfood such as chia seed and blue agave extracts, they work together in synergy to give a softer, well-hydrated and soothed complexion after being out in the sun.

Do you dread heavy sunscreen formulas? Do you find reapplying SPF using your fingers while outdoors a chore? Fret not, for Isntree offers a one-stop solution to all your sun care woes. It may look simple at first glance, but this bar acts tough against UVA and UVB rays.

It has 8 types of hyaluronic acid that replenishes moisture to the skin and protects you from sun damage. Thoughtfully sculpted in a tear-drop shape, it reaches into narrower areas such as the philtrum, sides of the nose and under the eyes for a fuller coverage and protection.

The airy sunstick is also unscented, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Zero white cast but equipped with a brightening tone-up effect, one can expect seamless application with its non-sticky, non-greasy formula, which also sits great on top of makeup without shifting anything underneath.

Are you prone to hot flashes and rashes due to humidity or long periods of sun exposure? If so, the Houttuynia Cordata Calming Cooling Sun Stick could be the one for you. Not to be intimidated by its scientific name, it is more commonly known as the Heartleaf herb, which is widely utilised recently especially in K-beauty products.

It has excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, as well the power to protect your skin barrier from free radicals and sun damage such as premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. Picked specifically from Jeju, the heartleaf used in this sunstick by Goodal also helps to balance sebum levels and visibly calm red, irritated skin; coupled with a whopping 10 types of hyaluronic acid, they help to deliver a nice, cooling effect when applied while keeping your face hydrated but matte and shine-free.

Crank up that dial, your new favourite sunstick is about to change your skincare game. Supergoop has always been that ‘it’ sunscreen, but one that takes the shape of a sunstick? Say no more. A mineral sunscreen with SPF50, rest assured that you will be fully protected with its water-resistant and hydrating formula.

Packed with skin-loving ingredients such as antioxidants, BHAs, avocado and chia seed oils that are loaded with Omega-3, this sunstick nourishes, hydrates, softens, and calms your skin while preventing signs of ageing as you soak up the sun outside.

Apply liberally onto your face, neck, ears and even on the lips on the go and never worry about sun protection again.

Refresh your skin with Banila Co’s sunstick made for combination to oily skin types. Infused with goodies such as superfood spirulina, birch tree extract, and apple mint extracts, the Hello Sunny sunstick aids in bestowing your complexion with a healthy glow and ample hydration.

Besides just protecting you from sun damage, it also reduces the appearance of large pores and blurs visible wrinkles and textures while controlling sebum production. No matter the weather, the mess-free application and satisfying oil-free finish coupled with a broad-spectrum and high SPF coverage will have you reaching out for it every time without fail.

Known for its remarkable weightless formula, the Airy Sunstick by Abib is a chemical sunscreen that goes on clear with zero residue, streaks or white cast. This ergonomically curved SPF50+ PA++++ bar hugs the curvature of your cheeks for a comfortable application as well as extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas especially around the nose and eyes for fuller protection from harsh UVA and UVB rays, hence helping with wrinkle and hyperpigmentation care.

What wows us the most, however, lies in its power to keep makeup intact during reapplication. Swipe it on top of your foundation or setting powder while you’re out throughout the day and be in awe of its semi-matte finish without shifting any of your makeup underneath. Waterproof and reef safe, the Airy sunstick makes a great companion especially if you’re an outdoors girlie.

A multi-functional sunstick, this SPF50+ PA++++ formula not only helps with sun protection. In fact, it also absorbs excess sebum that fixes makeup and mattifies oily skin after spending hours outdoors thanks to its embedded micro powder. Much like skincare, the Cotton Soft Sun Stick has anti-inflammatory and calming properties that helps to better manage acne.

It also delivers moisture to the skin at the same time while protecting your skin barrier from external aggressors. Despite it being a hybrid sunscreen with both mineral and chemical filters, the formula of this sunstick is gentle and non-irritating which makes it suitable for sensitive skin.

All the items are independently selected by our editorial team. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But we only recommend products we love. Promise.

Share this article