Small, compact and «Made in Korea»: Nivea sunscreen stick review
15.5.2026
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
Korean sunscreen sticks are in a league of their own, so the bar is pretty high. How does Nivea’s latest launch stack up?
There’s nothing left of the once glossy, mirror-smooth surface. My Sun UV Specialist Silky UV Stick from Nivea looks like it’s been through the wringer: hairs, flakes of skin and dust are stuck to the yellow stump, which I’ve twisted up as far as it goes. That’s a good sign. A testament to how often I’ve reached for the stick. Clearly, Nivea has done something right.
I’ll spare you the gore and won’t show you a photo of the state it’s in. But, of course, I won’t hold back on my thoughts.
Déjà vu
I’m familiar with the teardrop shape. My favourite sun stick from the K-beauty brand Isntree has a similar design.
Nivea has slapped a «New from Korea» sticker onto its stick to promote the fact that it’s manufactured in Korea. In addition, the brand emphasises the product’s «state-of-the-art Korean stick technology» on its website. Coincidence? Hard to say. Compared to my holy grail sunscreen stick from Isntree, the Nivea is much handier with its 15 grammes of product compared to Isntree’s 22 grammes. Sure, that’s less product, but it also takes up less space in your bag – and that’s great for my use case.
What the stick promises:
- SPF 50+
- UVB and UVA (PA ++++) protection, chemical filters
- No perfume
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula
- Sweat-resistant
- Free from microplastics and the UV filters octinoxate, oxybenzone and octocrylene
How the stick performs
I used the stick regularly for three weeks on walks, day trips, while jogging (ok, this part was tested by someone else) and the like. At the end of the three weeks, I was left with six millimetres of product. So, what’s the verdict?
The packaging is simple and functional, and the slim, elongated teardrop shape is versatile. Held vertically, you can reach the tricky nooks and crannies of your face. Held horizontally, you can cover larger areas such as your cheeks, arms or legs fairly quickly too. I’m pleased Nivea’s formula contains no fragrances. I tested another, strongly scented sunscreen, and that experience sure stank.
After two layers, the stick leaves a barely visible, silky finish. But I can feel the product on my skin. It’s hard to describe; it’s neither greasy nor sticky. I find it a tiny bit too rich for use on my face in warm weather, given I have combination skin – though it could really suit dry skin types. On the rest of my body, it doesn’t bother me.
A word of warning: be careful around light-coloured clothing. The stick’s yellowish tint stained my boyfriend’s white T-shirt.
In a nutshell
A solid choice
The fact I’ve nearly used up the Nivea stick speaks volumes. All in all, the Silky UV Stick delivers a no-frills formula suitable for everyday use. It doesn’t quite measure up to my favourite from Isntree, but with four stars, it’s still a top-tier product.
Pro
- Versatile teardrop shape
- Unscented
- Silky finish
- Handy format (4.5 × 7 cm)
Contra
- May stain light-coloured clothing
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs 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.
Beauty
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