Best Sunscreen Sticks for Beach Trips, Tested & Approved

Beach trips demand reliable sun protection, and choosing the right sunscreen is the first step to keeping your skin healthy. Sunscreen sticks have become a favorite thanks to their compact, spill-proof design—perfect for travel and quick touch-ups. According to NYC dermatologist Dr. Carmen Castilla, stick formulas make reapplication easier and less messy, especially when you’re on the go. Dr. Kristina Collins, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, adds that their solid texture helps you coat high-exposure areas like the nose, ears, and lips more precisely.

To understand how they perform in real conditions, we tested today’s most popular sunscreen sticks for four weeks. Each product was used at least three times a week—on bare skin, under makeup, and during outdoor activities. We evaluated:

• Ease of application
• Absorption speed
• Comfort and wear time
• Formula quality and finish

We also consulted dermatologists for guidance on what makes a sunscreen stick both safe and effective.

Below, you’ll find our top picks—editor-tested and expert-supported—for keeping your skin protected during sunny beach days.

9 Sunscreen Sticks That Actually Perform at the Beach

1. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

This sunscreen stick stands out for its balance of performance, texture, and convenience. The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 glides smoothly across the skin and blends instantly, making it a great option for quick reapplication during beach days or outdoor travel. Its primer-like finish works well under makeup, offering a soft, non-greasy feel that suits beginners and experienced skincare users alike.

The formula is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and safe for all skin types, including combination and sensitive skin. Because it leaves no white cast, you can use it comfortably on both the face and body. Its water-resistant finish also keeps the sunscreen from slipping during heat or sweat-heavy activities.

One tester, Milla, who has combination skin, shared:
“It smooths over my skin effortlessly. I wore it over concealer and bronzer for several days, and my makeup stayed in place.”

Overall, this stick delivers invisible protection with a comfortable finish—ideal for anyone wanting fuss-free SPF on the beach.

2. EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

The EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ is a strong pick for high-level, all-around protection. Its rounded shape makes it easy to glide across the skin, especially over areas we often miss. Despite being a mineral sunscreen, the texture feels smooth and lightweight, offering dependable SPF 50+ coverage for intense sun exposure.

You may notice a slight white cast upon application, but it typically fades once you massage it in for a few seconds. The formula combines zinc oxide for UV defense, bisabolol to soothe the skin, and vitamin E as an antioxidant—all packaged in a hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic blend suitable for sensitive or irritation-prone skin.

Tester Crystie, who has combo-dry skin, shared:
“For travel, this stick is extremely convenient. I use it on my face and body, and it’s easy to reapply whenever I need.”

It’s a reliable choice for beach days, outdoor workouts, and anyone seeking strong mineral protection without heavy residue.

3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Stick SPF 60

The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Stick SPF 60 is a great pick if you want high protection without overspending. Lightweight, smooth, and free of white cast, this stick feels surprisingly elegant for an affordable sunscreen—perfect for beginners who want something easy and reliable. During testing, it glided effortlessly across the skin and blended into a transparent finish, making it ideal for layering with daily skincare or makeup.

The formula uses UV filters enriched with vitamin C and vitamin E, offering broad-spectrum protection with added antioxidant benefits. This combination helps defend your skin from sun damage and environmental stress. It’s also fragrance-free, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and suitable for most skin types, especially normal to dry skin.

Tester Vonny shared her experience:
“The way this stick glides is so relaxing—it feels like a massage. I actually look forward to applying it every morning.”

At under $15, this sunscreen stick delivers impressive value, strong protection, and a comfortable finish—making it one of the best budget-friendly options for sunny beach days.

4. e.l.f. Invisa-Stick Sunscreen Stick

The e.l.f. Invisa-Stick Sunscreen Stick is ideal if you want strong sun protection with a naturally radiant finish. With SPF 50 and chemical filters, it offers broad-spectrum defense without feeling heavy or greasy. Sunflower seed oil provides a boost of hydration, while the non-comedogenic formula helps keep pores clear—a great fit for beginners with combination or acne-prone skin.

Throughout testing, this stick performed consistently well: it applied smoothly, absorbed quickly, and layered beautifully under makeup. The glowy finish makes the skin look fresh and healthy without appearing oily. Another highlight is its truly invisible formula—no white cast, even on deeper skin tones. It’s also water-resistant for 80 minutes and safe to use around the eye area.

Tester Aisyah, who has sensitive combination skin, said:
“It felt incredibly gentle. No irritation at all, and the glow looks natural. My skin looked fresher and more luminous.”

Overall, this sunscreen stick offers strong SPF protection plus a flattering glow, making it a smart everyday pick for beach trips or daily wear.

5. Glow Recipe Sunscreen Stick SPF 45

The Glow Recipe Sunscreen Stick SPF 45 is a top choice for dry or dehydrated skin thanks to its nourishing, glow-enhancing formula. Using chemical filters for broad-spectrum protection, it blends skincare ingredients with SPF—creating a dewy, hydrated finish. Squalane softens the skin, hyaluronic acid boosts moisture, and niacinamide helps brighten and calm visible redness. Together, they deliver a fresh, luminous look without heaviness.

Its subtle watermelon scent adds a pleasant touch, especially for those who enjoy lightly fragranced skincare. In testing, the stick glided smoothly and fit easily into small bags, making it practical for on-the-go reapplication. Testers also noticed how effectively it revived dry areas throughout the day.

One note: this sunscreen is not water-resistant, so it’s better suited for casual outdoor use rather than swimming or intense sweat.

Tester Vonica, who has combo-dry skin, shared:
“I highly recommend this SPF stick for anyone who loves a dewy finish and needs extra hydration. It’s effortless to apply and feels great on the skin.”

6. Vacation Super Stick SPF 45 Face Stick Sunscreen

The Vacation Super Stick SPF 45 Face Stick Sunscreen is a great pick if you love a soft satin finish that looks naturally polished. Using chemical filters, it delivers broad-spectrum protection while leaving skin with a subtle, healthy sheen—perfect for beach days or no-makeup looks. During testing, the satin finish was consistently praised for making the skin appear smooth and refreshed.

The texture feels slightly tacky at first, but that actually works in its favor when used as a primer. Its thin layer helps makeup grip better and stay longer throughout the day. Another standout feature is its teardrop-shaped tip, which allows precise application on narrow areas such as around the eyes and down the sides of the nose. Testers found this design “brilliant” for achieving even coverage.

It also carries a nostalgic “classic sunscreen lotion” scent that adds a fun, beachy vibe without being overpowering.

Tester Aliyah, who has combination skin, shared:
“It gives the most beautiful satin look. The slight tackiness is great for makeup, and the teardrop shape makes application so easy.”

Overall, this sunscreen stick offers lightweight protection with an elegant, versatile finish.

7. Live Tinted Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

The Live Tinted Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 stands out for its true transparency and lightweight gel texture. Powered by chemical filters, it provides broad-spectrum protection while remaining comfortable even on irritation-prone skin. The gel texture glides effortlessly, making midday reapplication simple and snag-free—great for beginners or anyone with sensitive skin. Cloudberry and dragon fruit extracts add calming and antioxidant benefits to help keep skin fresh under the sun.

During testing, the sunscreen took a moment to fully absorb, but once set, it dried clear without residue—even on deep skin tones. The natural dewy finish works well as a primer under makeup, creating a smooth surface without pilling.

Tester Jessica, who has acne-prone combination skin, said:
“This stick leaves absolutely no white cast—even on my dark skin. It blends easily and takes almost no effort.”

Overall, it’s an excellent choice for those who want high protection in a truly invisible, comfortable formula.

8. Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50

The Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50 is a top pick for those seeking sun protection with added skincare benefits, especially for mature or dry skin. Formulated with chemical filters, it offers broad-spectrum SPF in a smooth, lightweight stick that glides across the skin without tugging. Testers loved how evenly it applied without needing to blend with fingers—and how it left zero white cast.

A key highlight is its licorice root extract, known for brightening and soothing the skin while reducing visible redness. The formula is also water-resistant, making it suitable for both the face and body during outdoor activities, including swimming. Non-comedogenic and gentle, it fits a wide range of skin types from normal to dry.

Tester Catryna noted:
“It doesn’t make my skin oily. It feels refreshing, and the finish is so natural—almost like wearing nothing. My skin even feels more hydrated.”

All in all, this stick delivers strong UV defense with subtle anti-aging support, making it a standout everyday option.

9. Cetaphil Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

The Cetaphil Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is a reliable choice for sensitive skin thanks to its gentle, irritation-safe mineral formula. Hypoallergenic and free from fragrance or harsh ingredients, it’s designed to protect easily reactive skin—earning approval from the National Eczema Association. Along with broad-spectrum mineral filters, it includes vitamin E to help maintain moisture and keep the skin comfortable throughout the day.

During testing, the stick provided solid protection and good longevity. Testers appreciated its sturdy packaging, travel-friendly size, and ability to coat the skin evenly. As a mineral formula, it does require a bit of blending and may leave a slight white cast, but its benefits—water resistance up to 80 minutes, sensitive-skin safety, and affordable pricing—make it a dependable pick.

Tester Gelby, who has combination skin, shared:
“I love the coverage and durability. The compact size makes reapplication easy anywhere. And SPF 50 feels more reassuring than many similar products.”

Overall, this sunscreen stick is an excellent option for anyone needing high protection with a skin-friendly, gentle formula.

How We Tested Sunscreen Sticks

Choosing the right sunscreen stick requires understanding the key factors that influence its protection and comfort on the skin. One of the most important is SPF level. According to dermatologist Dr. Carmen Castilla, a good sunscreen stick should offer at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection to shield the skin from UVB and UVA rays, which cause burning, aging, and discoloration.

For sensitive or acne-prone skin, ingredients matter just as much. Certain emollients—like shea butter, beeswax, or cocoa butter—can clog pores. Dermatologist Dr. Kristina Collins recommends mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which tend to be gentler, especially around the eye area.

Water resistance is another essential factor, particularly for beach trips, swimming, or heavy sweating. Look for formulas rated 40–80 minutes if you’ll be outdoors for long periods. For indoor use, this feature is optional.

Lastly, finish and visibility play a big role in user experience. Mineral sunscreens may leave a slight white cast, but they are often the best option for reactive skin. Chemical formulas usually apply clear and blend in quickly, making reapplication easier and more seamless.

How to Apply & Reapply Sunscreen Stick Effectively

Using a sunscreen stick is simple, but technique matters if you want full protection—especially at the beach where sweat, salt water, and sun exposure are constant. Dermatologists recommend applying it as the final step in your skincare routine, once your skin is clean and dry. If the surface is too moist or oily, sunscreen won’t grip properly.

Apply two to three passes over each area to ensure adequate coverage. A “grid pattern” (up-down, left-right) helps you avoid uneven patches before blending with your fingers. Don’t forget often-missed spots like the ears, hairline, eyelids (mineral formulas only), back of the neck, and shoulders.

Reapply every two hours, and more frequently—around 40–80 minutes—after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. One advantage of sunscreen sticks is their mess-free application, making them ideal for touch-ups on the go.

For a smooth finish, use the press-and-roll method rather than dragging quickly across the skin. You can also apply sticks over makeup: glide gently, use a light layer, then tap with your fingers to blend. Oily skin users should blot first for better adherence. For large body areas, pair your stick with lotion or spray for faster coverage.

Sunscreen Stick vs Lotion / Spray / Gel — Pros & Cons

Every sunscreen format has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and texture preference. Sunscreen sticks are extremely travel-friendly, won’t leak, and excel at precise application on small areas like the nose, ears, and eyelids. They’re perfect for reapplication and work well over makeup, though they require several swipes and are less efficient for large body areas.

Sunscreen lotions (cream or fluid) offer the most even coverage across wide areas. They’re versatile and available for all skin types, with mineral formulas typically performing best in this category. However, lotions can feel heavier, may take longer to absorb, and sometimes interfere with makeup if not designed to layer well.

Sunscreen sprays are quick and practical for the body. Their lightweight texture feels comfortable in hot, humid weather. The downside is coverage inconsistency—spraying too far away reduces SPF, and wind can disrupt application. For the face, dermatologists suggest spraying onto hands first.

Sunscreen gels are ideal for oily or sweaty skin thanks to their light, fast-absorbing texture and transparent finish. They’re great for everyday use but less water-resistant, and some formulas contain alcohol that may irritate sensitive skin. Reapplication can also feel slippery if layered too often.

Final Thoughts

Sunscreen sticks offer a practical, mess-free way to protect your skin—especially during travel or beach activities—thanks to their precision, portability, and ease of reapplication. For best results, choose at least SPF 30 with broad-spectrum protection, avoid potential irritants if you have sensitive skin, and apply using proper techniques, including 2–3 passes per area, the press-and-roll method, and reapplying every two hours or sooner after swimming or sweating.

While sunscreen sticks excel for the face and small areas, they’re less efficient for larger body zones. That’s where other formats shine: lotions deliver the most even coverage, sprays are ideal for quick body application, and gels suit those who prefer lightweight, fast-absorbing textures. Combining formats is often the most effective strategy to ensure maximum UV protection in any environment.