We tried $168 worth of stick sunscreens to find what’s worth it

Using sunscreen is extremely important to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. You can choose from sunscreen variations such as lotions, sprays and sticks, with each of them available in different levels of sun protection or even with formulas that are water-resistant.

“Stick sunscreen is convenient and portable, making it easy to carry and reducing the risk of spills,” says Dr Lai Wen Shen, aesthetic doctor at Mizu Aesthetic Clinic. “It is convenient to use even when your hands are dirty and does not leave them feeling slippery or greasy afterwards. It allows for precise application and tends to be less greasy, providing a comfortable feel for daily use.

“In contrast, cream sunscreen is easier to apply uniformly across large areas, offering thorough coverage. It is often more moisturising and available in various formulations to cater to different skin types,” he adds.

Dr Lai recommends a stick sunscreen for smaller areas like the face – particularly around your eyes, nose, lips, ears – and even the backs of your hands. It is also suitable for quick touch-ups on areas like the neck and shoulders, providing convenient and precise protection.

How to apply stick sunscreen

There are people with certain skin types who might not benefit from a stick sunscreen.

“Stick sunscreen may not be ideal for extremely oily or acne-prone skin due to its potential heaviness or pore-clogging ingredients,” Dr Lai explains. “Individuals with sensitive skin should carefully check for irritants such as fragrances before use, to avoid any adverse reactions.”

It’s important to pay attention to the ingredients in your stick sunscreen regardless of your skin type. Dr Lai says to look out for broad-spectrum protection ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

He also recommends products with moisturising agents like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and formulations that are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, to minimise irritation while providing effective sun protection.

Once you’ve chosen your stick sunscreen, it’s also crucial to apply it properly, to maximise its benefits. Dr Lai advises to start with clean and dry skin to ensure proper adherence.

“During application, it is recommended to apply at least four passes back and forth to ensure that you’re using enough sunscreen, then rub it in to blend well to avoid missing spots,” he continues. “Lastly, similar to cream sunscreen, it is advisable to reapply every two hours for optimal protection – and more frequently if swimming or sweating.”

If you’re thinking of layering sunscreen over your makeup, a stick sunscreen might not be the most effective product to use, according to makeup artist Lasalle Lee. He suggests using a sunscreen mist that won’t glide off as easily as using a stick sunscreen.

“If you’re using a stick sunscreen under makeup, glide the balm downwards over your face as it will seep into your pores [and lift your makeup] if you swipe in an upwards motion,” he adds.

We tried out four popular sunscreen sticks to determine if they are worthy additions to your skincare rotation.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40, $45

1/4

“True to its name, the twist-up sun stick goes on completely clear. Thanks to its chubby, rounded applicator, you can easily cover wider areas of the face like the forehead and cheeks with just a few sweeps. I also found it easy to get into hard-to-reach parts of the face like the sides of the nose and eyelids. It leaves behind a light-catching sheen, which doubles up as a highlighter for the cheekbones, cupid’s bow, nose bridge and high planes of the face. Because of its glossy finish, it can lift up some of your makeup, so I would not recommend applying this over a heavy, full-coverage base.” – Letty Seah, beauty editor 

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ PA++++, $40

2/4

“The sunscreen went on smoothly and evenly. It’s also easy and convenient to apply. Bonus points for its sleek, travel-friendly packaging. Even though my skin is on the sensitive side, I didn’t experience any irritation. While I still prefer cream and gel formulas due to hygiene reasons, I felt that my complexion was adequately protected by this sunscreen. I’ve also worn it over light makeup and my base stayed intact even after multiple reapplications.” – Adeline Eng, art director

Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Dew Balm SPF 30, $49

3/4

“As someone who is typically sceptical about sunscreen sticks due to concerns about bacteria build-up, I was pleasantly surprised by this product. It doesn’t feel greasy at all, which is a huge plus for my combination skin. I liked that it contains niacinamide. While I haven’t noticed significant brightening effects yet, it’s still nice to have this skin-healing ingredient in my sunscreen. The convenience factor is undeniable – it’s easy to apply and perfect for travel.” – Cheryl Lai-Lim, senior features writer

Caudalie Vinosun SPF 50 Invisible High Protection Stick, $34

4/4

“Like a SPF-infused chapstick for your face, this formula is extremely lightweight and feels like nothing on the skin. It glides on smoothly, leaves no white cast or sticky residue, and can be easily reapplied throughout the day on your face, lips, or any part of the body that needs sun protection – a must-have especially if you’re always under the sun.” – Shazrina Shamsudin, senior digital writer 

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.