Sure, sunscreen sticks are relatively newer as compared to sunscreen lotions, gels and powders, but they come with a long list of benefits that are just too hard to ignore. While internationally, there are cult faves made famous by TikTok and the like, such as the Shiseido Clean Sunscreen Stick and the Supergoop! Glow Stick, we’re happy to report that a number of Indian skincare brands have finally taken the hint and launched stick sunscreens as well.
But what are sunscreen sticks you ask? These are simply SPF in a solid format that usually come in twist-up tubes, much like deodorant sticks.
It’s clear, we can’t resist getting our hands on them, but before you ‘add to cart’, see what a dermatologist has to say. We asked skin expert Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder and Medical Director of Yavana Skin Aesthetics for her opinion on sunscreens in a stick format and she says, “It is a good option to use, especially for smaller areas like the face, neck, hands. If you’re travelling, you can use it for kids also, so it’s very practical too use on smaller parts of the body, whereas lotions work better for larger areas.”
She further adds, “Sunscreen sticks are also more concentrated with sun protection benefits. When applied, they stay on longer and are more water resistant, and hence, require less reapplication.” The only challenge with these, she points out, are that some can clog your pores, because they tend to be a bit sticky and thicker in consistency. “So it’s not the best option for people with oily and acne-prone skin, but yes, they too can use it on other areas besides the face such as behind their ears, hands, etc.”
Ready Set Reapply
Now if you’re a skincare enthusiast, you already know this – sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2-3 hours to be effective, thought this gets tricky especially if you try and slather on a lotion or gel over makeup. But with the stick format coming into play, you now literally have no excuse for not reapplying your sunscreen! These work extremely well for reapplication, and in fact, should be used for this purpose mainly, points out Dr Madhuri. “I
recommend the stick for reapplication rather than the first application of sunscreen. It works better to top up or touch up spots when you’re out in the sun. Sure, it can be used as a first application for smaller areas like your ears, back of the hands when on the go. But for the face, I would still recommend using other sunscreen formats like lotions, gels, etc. first.”
Let’s go into the other upsides of sunscreen sticks…
Benefits:
Easy to use and no wastage: These sunscreens can be swiped on very easily, and there’s literally no way you’d squeeze out extra sunscreen from a stick! You swipe and go, and end up using only however much is needed.
Great for reapplication: Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2-3 hours, but it gets tricky especially if you try and slather on a lotion or gel over makeup. This is where sun sticks come into play. Many of them work well for reapplying sunscreen by gently swiping them on.
Mess-free and perfect for on-the-go: These are extremely convenient to carry around, be it in your daily handbag or your travel beauty bag. There’s also no worry of a leaky bottle with a sunstick, you literally just toss it in your bag and go!
Targeted application: The skin around the eyes is more delicate and sensitive and also prone to signs of aging, which is why you mustn’t miss sunscreen there. Stick sunscreens can easily be applied on the around the eyes, without the fear of getting it in the eyes. It’s also relatively easier to swipe these onto the ears and neck as well.
Want to give stick sunscreens a try this summer? Take your pick from these Indian and international options available.
Earth Rhythm Sunstick SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
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This Indian brand has launched not one but two stick sunscreens, a Mineral one (white in the tube) and Invisible (clear in the tube) one. They tackle skincare woes such as sunburns, age spots, and discoloration and both leave no white cast. They also help moisturise your skin & protect it skin against signs of premature ageing.
40g for ₹699/-
The Derma Co. Hyaluronic Sunscreen Stick
Another new kid on the block from an Indian skincare brand, this sunscreen comes packed with SPF 60 & PA++++. It is infused with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and works well over makeup too. Its skin-loving ingredients hydrate and nourish as they protect, and the sunscreen leaves no chalky cast or greasiness.
20g for ₹999/-
Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick
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With broad spectrum SPF 50, PA++++ coverage, this lightweight sunscreen stick is a photostable & acne safe sunscreen that does not leave any white cast on application. This sunscreen has been formulated with three new-age, very effective UV-filters, namely, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB), Ethylhexyl Triazone and Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine to provide protection from UVA & UVB. Boosted with adenosine, rice bran oil and vitamin E, it not only protects and repairs skin after sun exposure, but also helps soothe, nourish and hydrate skin. It is also fragrance free and non-comedogenic.
20g for ₹799/-
SunScoop Mineral Sunstick SPF 50 PA++++
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An Indian brand dedicated to sun protection, they’ve now launched a sunscreen in stick format. This quick-absorbing formula is infused with zinc oxide and leaves no white-cast, is non-comedogenic and offers blue-light protection. It is also sensitive-skin friendly with its photostable ingredients. It is enriched with almond oil to hydrate, moisturise, brighten dry & dull skin and fade acne marks, and also geranium oil that has skin-soothing and astringent properties helping in skin brightening and firming.
15g for ₹799/-
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++
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The sun stick from this K-beauty brand comes in a teardrop shape which works well for application on the contours of the face. It offers SPF50+ PA++++ protection against harmful UV rays and is suited to sensitive skin as well. This stick goes on smoothly on top of makeup without smudging it. It also contains ice plant, an ingredient known for cooling and soothing skin, plus hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin deeply.
22g for ₹2,740/-
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Silky Calming Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++
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Another stick from a K-beauty brand, this provides long lasting sun protection against UV rays and blue light. It contains a blend of effective ingredients like centella asiatica, calamine, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid which soothe irritated skin. The sunstick does not leave a white cast and is water- and sweat-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
14g for ₹2,399/-
AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick
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A relatively older stick sunscreen among the many available today, this offers sun protection with its broad spectrum of SPF50+ PA++++. Its patented UV IR Block protects against UV rays (sunlight) and infrared rays (sun heat) at the same time. Its Phyto Protect Complex helps soothe and protect delicate skin from external aggressors. It is non-sticky and can be easily swiped over makeup as well. Just toss it in your bag and you’re good to go.
14g for ₹2,400/-
CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
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Like all of CeraVe’s skin-loving products, this one too is formulated with three essential ceramides that help restore and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier. It features zinc oxide and titanium dioxide UVA and UVB filters in a fragrance-free, oil-free formula and when applied, dries with a clear finish. It is suited to all skin types even the most sensitive skin and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes.
13.32g for ₹1,250/-
