5 UV sticks tested: which are best for a sun protection quickie?

Natalie Hemengül

30.5.2025

Translation: machine translated

Pictures: Natalie Hemengül

Sunscreens in stick format are practical, but not every one is pleasant to apply. I tested five and found two favourites that couldn't be more different.

Since I discovered the «Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick» from Isntree, I've been hooked. The twist-out UV stick has been my faithful companion for the last two summers. With its powdery formula and perfect format, it's super easy to top up your sun protection on the go. Do I also love other products from this category? I picked out five products from our range, tested them primarily on my body (not on my face, because I wear make-up in everyday life) and created a ranking list. Here are the candidates, starting with the runner-up.

Caution!

Yes, the stick format is practical, but it also has its pitfalls. Sticks are no substitute for thoroughly and generously moisturising your face and body with a liquid sunscreen. This is because, unlike creams, with sticks you can't easily see whether you've covered every area and applied enough sun protection. What's more, most sticks are designed for use on the face. I have burnt myself badly in the past. So it's better to think of the format as a supplement that you can use to top up your UV protection on the go. Otherwise, it will quickly look like this:

Place 5

«Matte Sun Stick» by Beauty of Joseon

Protection claims: SPF 50+, UVB & UVA (PA++++)

Filter type: chemical

Last place? I am shocked! The Korean brand usually tops my personal skincare hit parade. However, the sun stick with mugwort (contains vitamins A and C) falls far short of my expectations.

The ultra-dry formula only glides over my skin with bumps and leaves a crumb trail. On dry areas of skin, hairy legs and bearded faces (my boyfriend was kind enough to test it too), there was a lot of visible residue. What's more, the slight green tinge that the stick owes to its plant-based ingredients is visible on the skin. At least until I work the sunscreen in with my fingers, which is exactly what I don't want to do with a stick. The product is not fragranced and contains silica, which keeps the skin's oil production in check and contributes to the matte effect. This also explains the powdery finish.

Sunscreen

CHF23.95 CHF1330.55/1l

Beauty of Joseon Matte sun stick

Sun cream face, Sun stick, SPF 50+, 18 ml, 18 g

62

Place 4

«Super UV Sunstick» from Garnier Ambre Solaire

Protection information: SPF 50+, UVB & UVA (also long-wave)

Filter type: chemical

You cannot use it on large areas of the body. However, Garnier's Sunstick is all the more suitable for the face with its one and a half centimetre diameter. Ears, nostrils, lips and eye area? No problem in terms of shape. Only the waxy texture causes noticeable resistance during application and requires a little more patience compared to the other products tested. The product with vitamin E (has an antioxidant effect) moisturises a little thanks to shea butter and leaves the skin feeling velvety smooth. The stick is unscented but has an unobtrusive odour that reminds me of cardboard.

Sunscreen

CHF13.20 CHF1466.67/1l

Garnier Ambre Solaire

Sun stick, SPF 50+, 9 ml, 9 g

3

Place 3

«SunsiStick KA» from Avène

Protection information: SPF 50+, UVB & UVA, waterproof

Filter type: chemical + mineral

«It smells like Amaretto», says my colleague Stephanie Vinzens happily as she sniffs my arm. I knew the scent would remind me of something I don't like. I was all the more surprised to learn that, according to Avène, there are no fragrances in the product. Instead, the yellow stick glides over my skin like butter without melting excessively. Of all the sticks, it moisturises the most. A slightly greasy, transparent film remains. In terms of shape, it can be used on the face as well as the body. According to the manufacturer, the product is suitable for sensitive and sun-prone skin, as well as skin prone to actinic keratoses.

Sunscreen

CHF18.90 CHF945.–/1l

Avène SunsiStick KA

Sun cream face, SPF 50, 20 ml, 15 g

6

Place 2

«Protective Lotion with Stick» from Daylong

Protection details: SPF 50+, UVB & UVA, IR, water and sweat resistant

Filter type: cream chemical, stick chemical + mineral

Daylong's «Sun To Go» is a hybrid product and consists of a tube with a protective lotion and a screw cap containing a mini stick. The nourishing cream can be applied in a flash and leaves no residue or sticky film. It contains no fragrances, but aloe vera and vitamin E.

The small stick stick complements the tube for quick touch-ups. It is particularly pleasant and velvety on the lips. The vanillin it contains also gives the lipstick a pleasant scent. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for larger areas as it would otherwise be used up after just one application. If the stick was available in a larger format, I would definitely buy it because the formula is fantastic.

The cool combination concept is also available from Sherpa, but I have not tested this product.

Sunscreen

Quantity discount

CHF13.30 per piece for 2 units CHF700.–/1l

Daylong Sun to go

Sun cream face, SPF 50+, 20 ml, 39 g

21

Place 1 «Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick» from Skin1004

Protection details: SPF 50+, UVB & UVA (PA++++), sweat-resistant

Filter type: chemical

We have a winner. This unscented stick from the «Madagascar Centella» range delivers what it promises: the formula glides perfectly over the skin, provides sufficient moisture thanks to the hyaluronic acid it contains (comparable to Garnier's product) and is barely noticeable. I am left with matte skin and a soft feeling without a film. Almost as if I hadn't applied anything. Thanks to the flat, oval shape, it can be used to moisturise hard-to-reach areas (e.g. around the wings of the nose) as well as larger areas such as legs and arms. Everything is just right for me.

Sunscreen

CHF25.– CHF1250.–/1l

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick

Sun stick, SPF 50+, 20 ml, 20 g

3

Conclusion

None of the products tested knocked the drop-shaped stick from Isntree off its throne. However, the blue «Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick» from Skin1004 and Daylong's combination product are close runners-up to my undisputed favourite. Although the former can keep up with my number one in terms of formula, the shape is not quite as versatile. Instead, Daylong impresses with a travel-friendly combination that I've never tried before and is surprisingly comfortable to wear.

Natalie Hemengül

Senior Editor

Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions. more

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