Sunscreen is an essential purchase whether you're a regular sunbather or someone who prefers to stay indoors on a hot summer's day. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays and keeps it looking healthy. Sunscreen sticks are a lightweight and convenient alternative to traditional bottled sunscreens, they're super easy to apply on the go and perfect for slipping into a travel bag or handbag.
Picking the right sunscreen stick can be tricky, however, which is why we've written this guide. First, we'll discuss key factors such as SPF levels and ingredients for sensitive skin, before introducing the top 10 best sunscreen sticks in the UK. With top brands available from Amazon, John Lewis and Boots, there'll be nothing to stop you from getting out and enjoying the unpredictable British summer!
Quick List - Top Sunscreen Sticks
Babo Botanicals
An Earth-Friendly Sunscreen That’s Kind to Extra Sensitive Skin
No7
Protect Your Skin and Keep It Looking Younger
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Table of Contents
Every sunscreen has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating. The higher its SPF rating, the more a sunscreen is able to block the sun's harmful UVB rays and prevent burning. A higher SPF is usually better, but not by as much as you'd think. According to experts, an SPF15 sunscreen blocks about 94% of UVB rays, while an SPF30 blocks around 97%.
Unfortunately, not all sunscreens provide full coverage, and in addition to UVB rays, the sun also emits harmful UVA. Prolonged exposure to UVA rays can cause damage to your skin and lead to skin cancer. That's why it's essential that you choose a 'broad spectrum' sunscreen stick to protect yourself from both types of ultraviolet rays.
Most skincare experts recommend using a sunscreen of at least SPF30 to protect your skin daily. However, if you have especially sensitive skin, it's a good idea to go even higher and look for an SPF50 sunscreen. Fortunately, we've got plenty of high SPF options in our top ten list below!
It's not just a select few individuals that suffer from sensitive skin. Around 60-70% of women and 50-60% of men report having some skin sensitivity. Although chemical sunscreens have certain benefits, such as their lightweight formula and reduced chance of leaving a white cast, they contain ingredients, such as oxybenzone and dibenzoyl methanes, that are prone to causing skin irritation.
For a wider selection of skin-friendly sunscreens, check out the Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin.
Any good sunscreen will protect your skin from damage, but did you know that many sunscreen sticks also contain beneficial ingredients that nourish your skin to help it look smoother and healthier? Take zinc oxide, for example. As it protects your skin from harmful UV rays, this incredible mineral also helps seal moisture and minimise irritation.
Plenty of sunscreen sticks also contain refreshing ingredients such as shea butter. These incredible ingredients can soothe skin problems, help fight breakouts, and even combat the signs of ageing! Scouring ingredient lists isn't much fun, though, and that's why we've done the hard work for you and noted the beneficial ingredients in each sunscreen stick in our top ten list.
Keep dry skin hydrated with the Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin.
One of the places where sunscreen is most important is the beach. You're likely to spend a few hours there, and there's usually less shade to cover you from direct sunlight. But did you know that many sunscreens aren't water-resistant, and a dip in the sea will wash them away, leaving your skin exposed? That's why water-resistant sunscreen is essential, whether you're at the beach or by the pool.
For a whole collection of ocean-friendly sunscreens, take a look at the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Babo Botanicals Super Shield Sport Stick|17 g | ![]() | An Earth-Friendly Sunscreen That’s Kind to Extra Sensitive Skin | |
2 | MDSolarSciences Solar Stick|17 g | ![]() | A Reef-Safe Sunscreen That’s Full of Antioxidants | |
3 | No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Sun Protection Stick|7.5 g | ![]() | Protect Your Skin and Keep It Looking Younger | |
4 | Supergoop! Glow Stick|35 g | ![]() | A Convenient Stick That’ll Give Your Skin a Radiant Glow | |
5 | Piz Buin Mountain Suncream + Lipstick|20 ml | ![]() | Two-In-One High SPF Sunscreen and Lip Protection Stick | |
6 | Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick|13 g | ![]() | A Fragrance-Free Sunscreen for the Whole Family | |
7 | Hello Sunday The Take-Out One Invisible Sun Stick|30 g | ![]() | A Transparent Sunscreen That’s Perfect for Protection On-The-Go | |
8 | La-Roche Posay Anthelios XL Stick|4.7 ml | ![]() | A Handy Stick That’ll Moisturise and Protect Your Face | |
9 | Aveeno Positively Mineral Sunscreen Stick|42 g | ![]() | Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin | |
10 | Ultrasun Lip Protection & Care|4.8 g | ![]() | A Miniature SPF 30 Stick for Protection Around Your Eyes |
This sunscreen stick is for you, if you've got extra sensitive skin or allergies. It's hypoallergenic and free from gluten, sulfates, parabens, dairy and much more. It's also cruelty-free and reef-friendly, so you can enjoy using it without feeling guilty.
Instead of chemicals, the Super Shield Sport Stick contains 100% zinc oxide, which means it's mineral rather than chemical-based and will better protect your skin from UV rays. It even includes shea butter, jojoba and avocado oils - a trio of moisturising ingredients to promote softer skin!
MDSolarScience's Solar Stick uses a lightweight, silky smooth formula that melts instantly into the skin, without leaving any residue or white cast. In addition, it's infused with antioxidant vitamins C and E to give your skin a radiant boost and help retain moisture.
The twist-up bottle makes it easy to apply this sunscreen on the go, and it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The environmentally conscious will also be pleased to know that the Solar Stick is entirely vegan and uses a reef-safe formula that won't cause damage to our oceans.
No7's Sun Protection Stick fits conveniently in travel bags and handbags due to its slim packaging. However, it remains wide enough to offer decent coverage when you use it. Twist the dial, and you're good to go!
More importantly, it's what's inside the bottle that counts, and this sun stick more than delivers in that regard. It contains an antioxidant complex that includes peptides, and works to improve the appearance of fine lines for smoother skin, helping to combat the sun's ageing effects.
The Glow Stick's convenient twist-up design makes it easy to apply, whether you're covering your entire face or simply topping up your nose and cheeks. It's quick to use and completely transparent, leaving no white cast.
The inside of this portable bottle is just as good as the outside, as this sunscreen uses a fragrance-free formula that boosts your skin with a blend of moisturising Amazonian oils, including tamanu, pracaxi and buriti. We love that the Glow Stick will leave your skin with a radiant glimmer, while keeping it protected.
It's not immediately apparent from looking at the bottle, but this is actually a two-in-one sunscreen stick. The main nozzle releases the SPF50 cream, with an SPF30 lipstick contained within the cap.
The main nozzle is excellent for protecting your face and body, while the small, rounded lipstick is ideal for topping up your lips and around your eyes throughout the day. It's effortless to apply to all areas of your body, and it even has a pleasant, creamy aroma, thanks to the addition of vanilla.
Baby Bum has formulated this SPF 50 sunscreen stick especially for little ones, but that doesn't mean it's not suitable for grown-ups too! Its plant-based formula contains coconut oil, shea and cocoa butter, which is great for keeping skin hydrated throughout the day.
It's also perfect for sensitive skin, especially as it's fragrance-free. The formula does run a little bit thick. However, it remains quick and easy to apply, and is an excellent choice for keeping the whole family protected while enjoying the sunshine.
As the name suggests, this 'invisible' sun stick is completely transparent when you apply it to your skin. This makes its perfect for applying on-the-go, especially as the fun purple bottle won't weigh down your bag, whilst being of a decent enough size that it'll last for a while.
It's easy to apply as it glides effortlessly over your face and body. Plus, it's both sweat- and water-resistant, with a refreshing citrus scent. It is slightly greasy, due to being infused with oils, but it's suitable for sensitive skin and perfect when applied to dry areas.
This lightweight, twist-up tube is perfect for applying to the lips and other raised areas of the face, such as the cheeks and nose. It spreads quickly over the skin and absorbs well, without leaving any white cast or requiring much rubbing in.
The Anthelios XL stick also contains skin-friendly ingredients such as shea and cocoa butter. Not only is it gentle on sensitive and easily irritated skin, but helps to improve skin condition and texture. Despite being a little pricey for a small stick, it's ideal for keeping topped up throughout the day.
Aveeno's Positively Mineral sunscreen stick is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. That's because it's hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and paraben-free. It also contains natural zinc oxide and pure oat essence, meaning it'll soothe your skin while it protects against UVA and UVB rays.
You can apply it to both face and body, and it's sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It sometimes leaves a white cast, and its scent isn't the best, although it does disappear quickly. Overall, this is an impressive sunscreen stick, especially for the price.
This miniature stick is designed to protect your lips, but also works pretty well for topping up around your eyes. Its small, twist design is easy to apply, and the lightweight sunscreen glides effortlessly onto your skin, accompanied by a subtle, sweet scent.
Don't let its size fool you! This lip balm offers factor 50 protection and includes several skin-soothing ingredients, such as argan oil, vitamin E and shea butter. However, it isn't a full-body sunscreen, so you'll need to ensure you're also equipped with another stick when you leave the house.
Written and researched by Ben Willimett
No. 1: Babo Botanicals|Super Shield Sport Stick|17 g
No. 2: MDSolarSciences|Solar Stick|17 g
No. 3: No7|Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Sun Protection Stick|7.5 g
No. 4: Supergoop!|Glow Stick|35 g
No. 5: Piz Buin|Mountain Suncream + Lipstick|20 ml
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