Hello, sunshine! As much as we all love summertime sunshine, the sun doesn’t necessarily love us back. Remembering to apply (and reapply) sunscreen is a big ask for adults and children alike. Nobody loves the slippery, gooey mess that comes as a result of applying sunscreen to a wiggly kid. But, that’s where sunscreen sticks come in to save the day.

The best sunscreen sticks are easy to apply and they protect against the sun’s harmful rays. They’re compact which makes them great for throwing in your beach bag and heading out for the day. Plus, the stick form means your child can apply it themselves! (With you to check their work, of course!) Scroll down to check out our favorite sunscreen sticks for little faces, including mineral sunscreens.

How to apply stick sunscreen

Sunscreen sticks make life a whole lot easier but you might be wondering how to use sunscreen stick. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has two recommendations. First, you’ll want to “apply four passes back and forth.” Second, be sure to rub it in afterwards. These rules apply for every area of the skin you cover.

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Are sunscreen sticks effective?

The long and short of it is, yes! Your sunscreen is only as effective as your use of it. This means that it’s a good idea to apply before your fun in the sun, every two hours and especially right after your children are done swimming. The golden rule is to make sure that you rub it into the skin just as you would with a lotion. Because they make a kind of film on the skin, that increases the protective barrier and therefore makes it even more effective. The AAD recommends sunscreen be just one tool in your arsenal. Other tools could be sun hats, protective clothing and sun glasses. Check out these indestructible sunglasses that even your toddler can’t break.

How to clean sunscreen stick

Cleaning your sunscreen stick is easy peasy. Just wipe the top with an alcohol wipe or with some rubbing alcohol. If you’re in a bind, then some warm water and a clean cloth can also do the trick. You don’t necessarily need to wipe it after every single use but somewhere between two and three uses is a good idea.

Best sunscreen sticks

sun bum stick

$12.49

Sun Bum

This one glides on totally clear so you don’t have to deal with any white cast. New from Sun Bum—they also have a baby line called Baby Bum. Huge fans of both. 

cerave sun stick

$8.99

Cerave mineral stick

This is a great drug store option for kids and adults. It leaves no residue, protects your skin and it’s under $10. Wins all around.

supergoop stick

$24

Supergoop

Who doesn’t love Supergoop, amiright? I use everything from their sunscreen to their cc cream and I love it all. This gentle formula is specifically for babies and kids. Click here for options for everyone else.

mustela stick

$13.50

Mustela

This fragrance-free formula is gentle on skin—great for my son who has eczema and sensitive skin.

blue lizard stick

$8.99

Blue Lizard

It’s the perfect size to fit in any size bag but it also glides on clear and provides up to 80 minutes of water resistance. The reviews on multiple sites speak for themselves but you really can’t beat the EWG score either.

think baby stick

$11.49

Think Baby

This sunscreen stick glides on like a dream and doesn’t leave any sticky residue. Between the clean ingredients and the easy application it’s no wonder that the reviews are filled with mamas who use it for themselves and their kids.

baby bare stick

$16.99

Bare Republic Sunscreen Baby Soft Stick

No greasy finish and an almost powdery finish? Sounds too good to be true but it is and it’s totally fragrance-free. The amazing applicator features a spongy top that glides instead of pulling on your baby’s soft skin.

shieseido stick

$30

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

While it’s not targeted specifically to kids, Shiseido’s formula is as clear as it gets. It’s lightweight and smooth. Plus, you can reapply right on top of your makeup.

my derm stick

$22

My Dermatician Helios Stix

This oil-free formula slides on sheer and clear on skin. It’s water resistant, broad spectrum and you get about 80 minutes of protection before you need to reapply.

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