Frequently Asked Questions
What are the downsides of sunscreen sticks?
While sunscreen sticks are incredibly convenient and precise, they do have their limitations—namely, they can’t really serve as a body sunscreen. “The other side of the coin is that it’s hard to cover a large body surface area,” says Dr. Levit. “The stick won’t do the heavy lifting—you’ll need to supplement that with cream or lotion that can cover a broader surface area.”
That said, there are obvious benefits to your skin-care routine. “Sunscreen sticks offer a convenient and mess-free method for applying sun protection, making them ideal for targeted areas like the face, ears, and shoulders,” explains Dr. Badreshia-Bansal. “Their solid form ensures portability and ease of use without the risk of spillage”—a significant plus for travel, reapplication, and anyone constantly on the go
Are sunscreen sticks effective?
According to Dr. Fahs, broad-spectrum solid stick formulas perform just as well as the best liquid sunscreens. But, as with any sunscreen, you must apply and reapply the right amount for sufficient broad-spectrum protection. (More on that in a bit.)
Another bonus of sunscreen sticks: They’re fabulous for applying SPF to smaller, more sensitive areas, such as eyelids. “The skin [around the eyes] is more fragile and thinner, making it more susceptible to fine lines and photoaging, so sunscreen is essential,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, previously explained—which is why she recommends using a sunscreen stick. Do you have a fresh, colorful tattoo you want to preserve? Sunscreen sticks are great for that, too.
How much sunscreen should I be applying?
Because you can’t see how much of a sunscreen stick you’re using up—for example, two fingers-length worth for the face—Dr. Fahs says, “The more the merrier in general, but I tell patients to apply four passes back and forth on each area of application to make sure you get a good amount on.” She also recommends rubbing in the sunscreen so every inch is accounted for. Dr. Fahs also recommends applying your sunscreen stick on dry skin—for any skin care you slather on beforehand, make sure it’s fully dry—so the formula “stays put.”
And don’t forget: Reapplication is essential for maintaining UV protection throughout the day. “Reapply every two hours at a minimum but more often if sweating or immersed in water,” Miami-based board-certified dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, MD, previously told Allure.
Meet the experts
- Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf expert based in Danville, CA
- Roberta Del Campo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Camden, Minnesota
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut
- Noah Levit, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut based in Fairfield, Hamden, and Norwalk, CT
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best sunscreen sticks, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Done reading? Now, watch the I Love Boosters cast spill secrets after sipping the truth serum:
