Sunscreen Sticks

Stick sunscreen allows you to apply critical SPF protection in a family-friendly format. Compared to lotion sunscreens that need to be rubbed in, or spray sunscreens that can yield spotty coverage, a sunscreen stick provides thorough protection with a convenient application—all you have to do is simply rub it onto the desired areas.

Colorescience now offers the  SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ SPORT STICK SPF 50 for families on-the-go. This broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen stick is designed with EnviroScreen® Technology for added defense against environmental aggressors and free radicals. In addition to protection from the sun’s damaging rays, our proprietary formula also protects against:

• Pollution

• Blue (HEV) light

• Infrared radiation

With Colorescience, you can count on our advanced technology to fight against aggressors in every corner of exposure. What’s more, our formula is rich in minerals and antioxidants to nourish skin while preserving its delicate health.

The Colorescience sunscreen stick works effectively with a UVA rating of PA++++ and UVB rating of SPF 50. The active mineral ingredient, zinc oxide (13.5%), remains water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and sits on top of skin to deflect the sun’s harmful rays, helping to prevent painful sunburn and permanent skin damage. Our sun stick goes beyond UV protection with unmatched defense against free radicals caused by pollution in the environment.

However, not all sunscreen sticks are made with the same ingredients as Colorescience. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful when shopping for stick sunscreen—or any skincare product—to ensure it provides the safe yet thorough protection you and your family deserve.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Make sure the stick sunscreen offers broad-spectrum coverage against both types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB light. UVA rays penetrate further into the skin and steadily destroy cellular structures that give skin its firm and elastic qualities. They’re known to be a major cause or contributor to every form of skin cancer, as well as the leading cause of wrinkles. UVB rays, on the other hand, have a shorter wavelength and are responsible for the superficial burning of skin.

• Although UVA rays account for 95% of the ultraviolet radiation that penetrates the earth’s atmosphere, UVB rays can burn unprotected skin in as little as 15 minutes when exposed to the sun. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF that can protect you and your little ones from painful burns and lasting damage.

• Any sunscreen stick you apply should offer a minimum SPF 30, which blocks up to 97% of UVA/UVB light. Colorescience’s sun stick delivers stronger SPF 50 to protect against additional UV light.  

• Read the formula label on the sunscreen stick of your choice to confirm it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals known to exacerbate skin sensitivities, trigger heat rashes, or release toxins into the body. This is especially important when applying the product on children, as their skin is much more delicate and prone to irritation.  

• Follow the application instructions to achieve the best results. Colorescience’s sunscreen stick is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, but other formulas may require more frequent reapplication for continuous coverage.

The Colorescience sunscreen stick for face glides on easily and should be liberally applied across the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. The formula appears white upon initial application so you can see the areas you’ve reached and ensure no region is left exposed. Use your fingertips to quickly blend the product into skin for even, sheer coverage and a dry-touch finish.

Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. Our pocket-sized sun stick is convenient to take to the park or playground for touch-ups as needed, sparing you from messy, greasy lotions. However, if you and your family are sweating or swimming, you may need to reapply sooner to prevent the risk of water washing the product away.

Our stick sunscreen is made with family-favored ingredients that are tough against aggressors, but kind on skin. Our formula is rich in antioxidants that prevent and counteract the damage caused by free radicals. Hydrating ingredients, such as jojoba esters and plant-based squalane, increase moisture and aid skin barrier function.

If you’re concerned about questionable ingredients found in other stick sunscreens, rest assured that all Colorescience TOTAL PROTECTION™ products are:

• Fragrance-free

• Oil-free

• Paraben-free

• Phthalate-free

• Sulfate-free

• Gluten-free

• Cruelty-free

• Hypoallergenic

• Non-comedogenic

• Non-nano

• Reef-safe

Colorescience reef-safe sunscreen is gentle on the environment and makes the perfect companion for any beach day or family vacation. We’re on a mission to deliver products that you can trust and feel good about, so while we’re mindful about damage caused by pollution, we avoid contributing to the problem with safe, carefully selected ingredients.

Not all sun sticks are safe for kids, as some may contain strong chemicals that can trigger sensitivities. Chemical SPF formulas work by absorbing into the skin, converting UV light into heat, and releasing that heat from the body. This reaction can cause itchy rashes and hot hives, but the chemicals that transcend the skin barrier can remain in the bloodstream with lasting consequences.

Oxybenzone, for example, is a common chemical sunscreen ingredient that is known to test positive in breast milk and urine samples within 15 minutes of application. When this toxin remains in the body, studies have shown that it has the ability to disrupt endocrine systems, accelerate puberty, and increase the rate of cancerous cell production.

When applying SPF on children, it’s best to stick with  sensitive skin sunscreenthat’s bereft of fragrances, chemicals, and drying agents that can trigger an allergic response. Colorescience products are safe for kids, but it’s always best to seek your doctor’s medical opinion prior to applying active ingredients to newborn skin. 

Absolutely. Our sunscreen stick for face is easy to apply for all-day, on-the-go coverage, but the Colorescience skincare collection caters to everybody’s preferences and needs, including lotion and powder sunscreen.

• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ BRUSH-ON SHIELD SPF 50: This powder formula is also easy to apply, but the loose minerals are slightly tinted to a natural color to flawlessly blend with your complexion.  

• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ FACE SHIELD SPF 50: If you prefer a liquid formula, this product offers a weightless texture that blends invisibly with all skin tones. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog pores or trigger acne breakouts.  

• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ BODY SHIELD SPF 50: To protect arms and legs from sunburn and skin damage, this product offers total-body SPF coverage. As a general rule of thumb, you should apply a shot-sized (1 oz.) amount of sunscreen to your body any time it’s exposed to the sun for longer than 15 minutes.

Colorescience is the company that prioritizes skin health above all else, so you can rely on any product you choose to be made with high-quality, wholesome ingredients.

*Sunblock is not a term approved by the FDA. Colorescience refers to our products as sun protection.