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Sunscreen on the Go: Your Guide to the Top 11 Sunscreen Sticks in India

“Sunscreen, in the world of beauty, is the ultimate in adulting.”_ Emily Weiss

Reapplying sunscreen is so important, especially when you’re outdoors. But let’s be honest, slathering traditional sunscreen outside could be very messy.

This is where sunsticks come to save you! These pocket-sized sunscreens are your ticket to hassle-free sun protection.

Now get ready to discover the eleven best sunscreen sticks (or sunsticks) available in India. I’ve made quick notes for you with everything you need to know to pick the sunstick that best suits you.

So, let’s dive in.

Disclosure: Please note this post might contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you purchase through the links, at no extra cost to you. Know that I only recommend products that I’ve used personally or believe will add value to my readers.

1. Sotrue Daily Sunscreen Stick

SPF

50+ PA++++

Pros

• Water-based.
• No white cast.
• No paraben.
• Gives a very natural finish.
• Broad spectrum protection with SPF 50+ PA++++.
• No fragrance.
• A combination of physical and chemical sunscreens.
• Contains licorice extract which helps in brightening your skin.
• Contains carrot seed extract which protects your skin from free radical damage.
• Free from skin offenders like parabens, dye, phthalates, mineral oil, and sulfates.
• Suitable for all skin types.
• Non-comedogenic.
• Cruelty-free.
• Waterproof.
• No sulfates.
• Lightweight.
• Very affordable.
• Free from oxybenzone.
• Could be applied under and over makeup.
• Has skin identical fats which have hydrating and antioxidant benefits.

Cons

• Some ingredients may not suit you if your skin is sensitive or skin conditions like rosacea or eczema.
• Has avobenzone which might result in breakouts.
• Not pregnancy-safe as it contains octocrylene.

Price

599 INR for 15g

2. Minimalist Sunscreen Stick

SPF

50+ PA++++

Pros

• Water-based.
• No fragrance.
• No paraben.
• Has new-generation chemical sunscreen agents which are very photostable and give strong protection.
• Contains adenosine that boosts collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
• Has vitamin E which gives your skin anti-aging benefits.
• Contains non-comedogenic rice bran oil which soothes and moisturizes your skin. It also provides anti-aging benefits.
• Has skin goodie niacinamide.
• Can be applied over makeup.
• Lightweight.
• Gives no white cast.
• Safe for pregnancy and lactation.
• Free from oxybenzone.
• Is reef-safe, which means it is free from chemicals that harm coral reefs and marine lives.
• Suits all skin types.

Cons

• The price is a bit high.
• May feel a bit greasy for oily and combination skin types.
• Not water resistant.

Price

799 INR for 20g

3. The Derma Co Hyaluronic Sunscreen Stick 

SPF

60 PA++++

Pros

• Chemical sunscreen.
• Gives a non-sticky matte finish. So it best suits you if you’re oily skin type.
• No fragrance.
• Controls oil production.
• Free from alcohol, essential oils, and fragrance.
• Contains jojoba oil which is non-comedogenic. It helps your skin in a bunch of ways like promoting collagen production and controlling extra oil.
• Has sodium hyaluronate which is the salt form of popular hyaluronic acid.
• Contains ceramides which moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier.
• Has skin-identical fat which supports the skin’s barrier and is helpful for acne-prone skin.
• Free from oxybenzone.
• No paraben.
• Water resistant.

Cons

• The price is a bit high.
• If your skin is sensitive talk to a derm doc first as it has octocrylene.
• Not pregnancy-safe.
• May not be a good fit for dry skin type due to its very matte finish.
• Contains hydrogenated vegetable oil which may not suit acne-prone skin.

Price

999 INR for 20g

4. Happier Dewy Sunscreen Stick 

SPF

50 PA+++

Pros

• Water-based.
• Lightweight and quick absorbing.
• No fragrance.
• A combination of physical and chemical sunscreens.
• Free from skin offenders like parabens, alcohol, dye, phthalates, mineral oil, and sulfates.
• Gives a soft satin-like finish.
• Leaves no white cast.
• Contains skin goodies like licorice extract which helps in skin lightening.
• Contains vitamin E and blueberry extract which fights against aging.
• Has stearic acid which softens your skin and strengthens your skin barrier. It also suits sensitive skin.
• Very affordable.
• Has skin identical fats which have hydrating and antioxidant benefits.
• Glides smoothly.
• Non-greasy texture.
• Can be used on makeup.
• Water resistant.
• Free from oxybenzone.

Cons

• Contains controversial methoxycinnamate, which may cause breakouts to some.
• Not pregnancy-safe as it contains octocrylene.
• Ask a derm doctor if you’ve sensitive skin or other skin conditions.

Price

595 INR for 13g

5. ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick

SPF

50+ PA++++

Pros

• A chemical sunscreen.
• Very good pick for dry skin as it is so hydrating.
• No fragrance.
• Gives a nonsticky, velvety matte finish.
• No white cast.
• Free from skin irritants like alcohol, paraben, phthalates, and essential oils.
• Has 8 types of hyaluronic acids that lock the moisture to your skin.
• Contains skin goodies niacinamide, ceramide, and glycerin.
• Contains 6 cool-calm ingredients like French Coastal pine extract, Ice plant extract, and kelp extract.
• Comes with an innovative teardrop-shaped applicator. This makes it easy to apply at every corner of your face and gives better coverage.
• Reef safe.
• Has adenosine which helps in reducing wrinkles, making your skin look younger.
• Has many antioxidants.
• Free from oxybenzone.

Cons

• Talk to your dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or some skin concerns.
• Not pregnancy-safe.
• The price is very high.
• Not waterproof.

Price

3500 INR for 21.8 g

6. CeraVe Sunscreen Stick 

SPF

Broad spectrum SPF 50 

Pros

• 100% physical or mineral sunscreen.
• Free from skin irritants like alcohol and essential oils.
• No fragrance.
• Has 3 essential ceramides. Ceramides moisturize and strengthen the protective skin barrier.
• Free from oxybenzone.
• Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
• Has microfine zinc oxide which gives a no-residue finish.
• Has sodium hyaluronate which is the salt form of popular hyaluronic acid.
• Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
• Contains skin-identical fat which supports the skin’s barrier and is helpful for acne-prone skin.
• Pregnancy safe.

Cons

• The price is on the high end.
• May not suit very humid weather.
• Some found that it doesn’t glide smoothly.
• The white cast may be visible on dusky skin tones.
• May not feel lightweight on the skin.

Price

2000 INR for 13.3 g

7. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Silky Calming Sun Stick

SPF

50+ PA++++

Pros

• Hydrating.
• Non-sticky finish.
• No white cast.
• Water resistant.
• Contains Centella Asiatica Extract which has antioxidant and soothing properties.
• Has Tocopherol or vitamin E, which helps to make your skin look healthy.
• Feels light and silky on the skin.
• Contains some popular chemical sunscreen agents.
• Contains madecassic acid which strengthens and repairs the skin barrier.
• Has Asiaticoside and Asiatic Acid which help strengthen your skin barrier.
• Contains calamine which has skin-soothing properties.

Cons

• Contains fragrance. So it could irritate sensitive skin.
• The price is high.

Price

2399 INR for 14g

8. Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick 

SPF

Broad spectrum SPF 50 

Pros

• Specifically meant for sensitive skin.
• No fragrance.
• Feels non-greasy, light, and silky on the skin.
• Free from oxybenzone.
• Pure oat essence is one of the major ingredients here which is so soothing for skin.
• Free from skin irritants like alcohol, paraben, phthalate, and essential oils.
• Has 100% zinc oxide active ingredient which is a physical UV filter.
• Has one type of vitamin E which protects your skin from various factors that cause skin aging.
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
• Pregnancy-safe.

Cons

• May give a white cast.
• The price is high.

Price

2499 INR for 42 g

9. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick

SPF

Broad spectrum protection with SPF 50+ 

Pros

• Chemical sunscreen.
• Specially designed for beach protection.
• Free from oxybenzone.
• Free from alcohol and paraben.
• Glides on easily.
• Great for you if you want to prevent tanning.
• No white cast.

Cons

• Not a very good pick for you if you have sensitive skin or other skin concerns.
• Not pregnancy-safe.
• The price is high.
• Has fragrance.

Price

2500 INR for 42.5 g

10. Undry Sunscreen Stick With Vitamin C

SPF

Broad spectrum protection with SPF 50+

Pros

• Water-based.
• Contains soothing ingredients like licorice root extract and allantoin.
• Combination of physical and chemical sunscreens.
• Has antioxidants like vitamin C, licorice extract, carrot seed extract, and raspberry extract. These all help protect your skin against UV rays. 
• No alcohol.
• Very affordable.
• No white cast.
• Blends well.
• Has skin identical fats which have hydrating and antioxidant benefits.
• Free from oxybenzone.

Cons

• Has scent. Avoid if you are allergic to scent.
• Not a good pick for oily acne-prone skin as it is designed specifically for dry skin types.
• Not water resistant.
• It contains methoxycinnamate, avobenzone, and octocrylene. Talk to your derm doc if you have sensitive skin or any other skin concerns before use.
• Not pregnancy-safe as octocrylene is there.

Price

499 INR for 13g

11. Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort+Camelia

SPF

50+ PA++++

Pros

• Lightweight.
• Gives a matte and silky finish.
• Leaves no white cast.
• Free from skin irritants like fragrance and essential oils.
• Has skin goodies like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
• Has the new generation’s best chemical sunscreen agents.
• Has turmeric root extract, neem flower, holy basil, and neem leaf which have been used in India since the ancient ages. They are well-known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial nature.
• Contains green tea extract which is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial.
• It has many natural ingredients that are beneficial for the skin which are well-tolerated by sensitive and oily skin types. Some of them are- ivy gourd extract, eggplant extract, amber powder, aloe vera, jojoba oil etc.
• Cruelty-free and vegan.

Cons

• Scented. Avoid if you are allergic to scented products.
• Not waterproof.
• The price is high.
• May leave a white cast for some.

Price

1390 INR for 18g

Final Thoughts

Sunscreen is a must-have of your AM skincare routine. In a sun-soaked country like India, it’s even much more essential. And nothing is easier than using a sunscreen stick when it comes to outdoor reapplication.  

In the Indian skincare world, you can find many sunscreen sticks. But I’ve done the research to find the best sun sticks available in India, based on user reviews and features. Hope this helps you to pick the one you‘re looking for. 

Any recommendations to add to this list? Feel free to comment down below.

Image Source: Instagram@katrinakaif, Amazon