Sunscreen Balms & Sticks: Why You Need Them + Some to Try

We all know we’re supposed to wear sunscreen, that we’re supposed to apply it liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure, that we need to reapply every two hours and right after a swim or sweating, that we need to not forget areas like in between the fingers and toes and now even your part as reports of melanoma on the scalp are a thing. But unless a sunscreen is super comfy, chances are you’re not going to want to wear it and reapply it as you should. This is why I’ve done my beauty blogger duties and have tested sunscreens so you can easily pinpoint which ones aren’t greasy and won’t make you ashy. You can check it all out in my Sun Care category.

But my latest obsession with sun protection is that of the sunscreen balm and stick. SPF in this form is a really convenient way to transport (most fit in the tiniest of bags) and are great for reapplying as well as for getting really tiny areas like the nose. And some give the skin a really pretty sheen :)

But why the balm? I spoke to Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD—CEO and Founder of Murad Skin Care as well as Jeff Murad, Vice President, New Product Development whose brand makes one of the sunscreen balms I tested for their POV.

Dr. Murad: “Not wearing a sunscreen daily is one of the worst things people can do when it comes to skincare since incidental UV exposure can happen even when you’re not directly in the sun. Environmental damage can occur anywhere – even while driving in the car or while in the office sitting near the heater and air conditioner so it is important to reapply often. Using a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection will shield the skin from both UVA (the ‘aging rays’) and UVB (the ‘burning rays’) damage, thus preventing pigmentation, lines and wrinkles.”

Jeff Murad: “We recognize that not everyone takes the time to reapply sunscreen multiple times a day. Essential-C Sun Balm was developed to provide a more desirable and handy alternative to liquid sunscreen for a quick touch-up while delivering maximum UVA/UVB protection throughout the day.”

Also seriously, a balm or sunscreen stick is one of the laziest ways to apply SPF…lol. It’s so easy—just glide it on and rub it in :)

So here’s my take on several I recently tried…

Murad Essential-C Sun Balm

Broad Spectrum SPF 35 | PA+++
(press sample)

Official Description

What it is:
A moisturizing sun balm stick featuring powerful broad spectrum protection from aging UVA/UVB rays and free radicals.

What it is formulated to do:
Essential-C Sun Balm offers powerful broad spectrum sun and antioxidant protection in a convenient stick that allows it to glide on for easy application on the go. Broccoli extract stimulates skin’s natural defense against UV damage while tangerine butter locks in moisture and leaves skin silky smooth. Antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E work together to help protect against free radical damage and support skin’s health. Essential-C Sun Balm is recommended as a step three moisturizer in any Murad Environmental Shield® regimen. It offers easy-to-use protection from damaging UV rays as part of Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health® system of care.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This product is scientifically proven, dermatologist developed, and tested on people, not animals.

My Experience

The compact size of this balm makes it perfect to fit in any bag (no excuse for not toting your SPF along with you) and it’s super convenient for touch-ups. It’s also great for areas on the face, neck, ears, etc. It blends into the skin seamless without a heavy or sticky residue. Almost feels like nothing’s on.

Price and where to buy

$25 at Sephora

Ocean Potion Dab-on Sport Stick

Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Official Description

Non-Greasy Protection For: Face, Scalp, Nose, Ears

*Easy to Apply
*Dab-On Application
*Dries Instantly
*Matte Finish
*Fortified with Vitamin D3
*Water Resistant (80 Minutes)
*Oxybenzone Free
*Fragrance Free
Ocean Potion® Broad Spectrum SPF50 Dab-On SpotStick™ is a lightweight, fragrance free liquid that absorbs quickly to provide on the spot protection. Dab-On’s unique application and formula goes on clear and smooth, leaving a matte finish that can easily be worn under cosmetics.

My Experience

I bought this because I was specifically looking for sunscreen that would work on the scalp. I like this one because you dab it on and it dries quickly. It’s easily portable and fits into any bag and can also be used on the face, ears, nose, etc. It’s not really big enough or ideal for reapplying all over, but it’s nice for small areas and especially the scalp.

P.S. I didn’t experience any reversion from using this on my natural but heat styled straight hair. Meaning the product didn’t cause my hair to revert although other factors like sweat and humidity could.

Price and where to buy

$4.99 at Drugstore.com

Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Stick

Broad Spectrum SPF 55

Official Description

*Stays on strong when you sweat; won’t run into eyes and sting
*Designed to provide spot protection for exposed areas such as ears, nose and face
*Photostable, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
*Water resistant (80 minutes)
*Hypoallergenic
*Fragrance free
*Dermatologist tested
*Portable

My Experience

I didn’t love this one as much. It’s easy to apply, fits in any bag, and is a great size for areas like the ears, nose, and face but I found it to be too sticky/balmy and it smelled like crayons…lol. BUT it’s also great for a run because it won’t run into your eyes when you sweat.

Price and where to buy

$4.89 at Target

Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen Stick

Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Official Description

Banana Boat® Sport Performance® Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is always handy. Rub on your ears, nose, lips or face for quick application, then move along. There’s sun to enjoy!

*Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection
*Water Resistant (80 Minutes)
*Great for sun-sensitive areas – Ears, Nose, Lips and Face
*Portable 0.55oz stick
*Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation

My Experience

It fits into any bag, great for reapplying and for areas like the ears, nose, lips, and face. It has a pleasant smell and blends well into the skin, but I did find it to be a bit oily—which is great if you want some sheen on your arms and legs—not so much for your face if you have oily skin.

Price and where to buy

$5.99 at Drugstore.com

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Defense Sunscreen Stick

Broad Spectrum SPF 50
(press sample)

Official Description

What it is:
A non-sticky cream with SPF 50 protection that dries weightless and undetectable to the touch.

What it is formulated to do:
This unique, oil-free sun cream for on-the-go use helps prevent sunburn, spots, and discoloration as it reduces the sun’s harmful effects on skin. Best for all skin types and anytime protection, antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E help defend against free-radical damage and environmental aggressors. This non-sticky, non-greasy cream absorbs quickly, leaving the skin nice and moisturized.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates

What else you need to know:
If used as directed, this product decreases the risk of skin cancer, early skin aging, and sun damage.

My Experience

Loved this. It’s more of a lotion sunscreen in stick form—you twist the bottom to dispense the product. But it’s really easy to drop in any bag and carry around for touch-ups. The formula blends right into the skin and dries down to a weightless, undetectable finish. Great for the face, neck, ears, nose and also great for touch-ups on the body (though I’d use it more for the face because of the size and price).

Price and where to buy

$26 at Sephora

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen

Broad Spectrum SPF 70
(press sample)

Official Description

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Sunscreen Stick delivers powerful sun protection in a breakthrough lightweight stick for daily protection from the sun.

Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Stick glides on easily for a hands-free, no-mess application. With a weightless feel and non-shiny finish, it provides beach strength broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection.

Water resistant (80 minutes)
Lightweight, fast absorbing
Oil free, PABA free

My Experience

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! It’s a little bigger than the others, but that makes it perfect for face AND body. It also makes applying sunscreen a relatively quick experience. The product blends into the skin well with no residue and even gives it a healthy sheen.

Price and where to buy

$9.99 at Ulta

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Barrier Stick Sunscreen

Broad spectrum SPF 50+
(press sample)

Official Description

Neutrogena Beach Defence Sunscreen Stick provides superior skin protection from harsh elements at the beach, when used with other sun protection measures, helping to defend against the signs of sun damage.

Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick glides on easily for a convenient, hands-free, no-mess application. Forming a breathable barrier, it provides beach strength broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection, ideal for outdoor skin protection of the active family.

Water resistant (80 minutes)
Lightweight, fast absorbing
Oil free, PABA free

My Experience

This one is my absolute favorite out of the bunch. The scent for the Neutrogena Beach Defense is sooooo good—it’s light and fresh and sweet at the same time. I love that it blends into the skin and feels like nothing and it gives the skin a gorgeous sheen. It’s also formulated to resist water and sweat (I can testify to this as I used it for a brisk walk around my neighborhood on a VERY hot day where i was listening to a Soca mix that included these songs). But as with all sunscreens, you want to make sure you reapply every two hours and immediately after getting out of the water/sweating and toweling off.

Price and where to buy

$9.99 at Ulta

L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm

SPF 15 press sample

Official Description

Indulge your lips with Colour Riche® Balm. This tinted lip balm provides a hint of luscious, kissable color, smoothing lips instantly and for a full 8 hours of continuous hydration. Lips are softer and more supple all day long—and keeps conditioning even after it’s been removed. Available in 8 wearable shades.

My Experience

Obviously you aren’t going to put a lip balm all over your body, but the lips are also an important area that also need sun protection. These have an SPF 15, are super moisturizing on the lips, and are pretty enough to look great on their own (they’ll give you shine with a slight hint of color depending on the natural hue of your lips) or can serve as a base for your favorite lip colors.

Price and where to buy

$7.99 at Ulta