With silkier formulas, sophisticated scents, and skincare-grade ingredients, sunscreen is both a must-use and a treat—and with the best sunscreen sticks, application (and the vital reapplication) is a true breeze. But are the pocket-sized SPFs too good to be true? Let the pros assuage your doubts.

Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon based in Austin, Texas, says: “Sunscreen sticks are effective when used correctly. They provide a convenient, mess-free application and are particularly useful for reapplication throughout the day, especially on the face, ears, and around the eyes.”

Another upside of sunscreen sticks? They make targeted application a cinch. According to Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, “Sunscreen sticks are ideal for applying to the face since you have more control and can be precise around the edges of your eyes and mouth.”

To find the sunscreen stick that’s right for you, Dr. Collins suggests zeroing in on a formula that provides a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or above and features ingredients that suit your skin type. Her picks? Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sensitive skin, and oil-free or mattifying formulas for those with oily or acne-prone skin. If you have dry skin, Dr. Chacon suggests buying a sunscreen that’s infused with moisturizing ingredients, such as shea or cocoa butter.

One other thing: If you’re going to be working out, swimming, or sweating in the sun, a water-resistant SPF is your skin’s best friend. (Unless you want premature signs of aging, that is.)

Of course, it’s always a bonus if the sunscreen stick in question is dermatologist-approved, so we set out to find the select few sticks that dermatologists recommend again and again.

Vogue’s top picks:

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