Skincare routines have the potential to be high-maintenance — take it from someone who spends a good chunk of their time layering liquid serums, fluids, and creams on to their face each morning and night; carefully dispersing and delicately pressing into the skin like all the TikTok beauty influencers and internet dermatologist suggest. But now, solid versions of these products have been cropping up more and more for a few different reasons — one being the level of convenience they can offer. Just as the name suggests, solid skin care is solidified, often balm-like, is typically held together with help of a waxy agent, and often contains active ingredients and hydrators.
Aside from the obvious plus of being able to simply apply your favorite serum or moisturizer in just a couple of swipes ( much like you would a lip balm or a stick of deodorant), skin care solids can be a dream to travel with since there’s no risk of products leaking or not violating TSA requirements for liquids. Additionally, for products that feature temperamental ingredients like retinol, which can be potentially irritating for certain areas of the face more than others, sticks can be useful for a more targeted application. Whether you’re in the market for a solid version of a serum that targets irregular skin texture and hyperpigmentation, an antioxidant-rich sunscreen or a line-reducing retinol, keep reading on to the list ahead.
1. A protective and microbiome-boosting stick Made by the same skin care brand that brought us the internet-famous Mighty Patch hydrocolloid acne patches , this restorative gel serum is meant to boost the skin's natural microbiome, a diverse ecosystem of microbiomes that functions as a barrier to ward off potential disruptors. The soothing and dewy formula hydrates parched skin and contains antioxidants to protect skin from environmental stressor that can cause premature aging.
Get it from Dermstore for $12.99 . 2.
A collagen-infused multi balm from Korea This all-in-one multi balm by Korean-founded brand Kahi can be used all over the face, on the neck, under the eyes, and even on the lips. The plumping and dewy formula has a natural fermented jeju oil base that's meant to deeply nourish skin and uniquely contains salmon-derived collagen to target things like volume loss. Other salmon-derived ingredients, which are more common in innovative Korean beauty products, strengthen skin, and restore hydration.
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 . 3.
A firming retinol stick Most dermatologists would argue that retinol is an essential ingredient in most skin care regimens because of its proven ability to promote collagen production. This RoC firming serum stick features the brand's advanced retinol to help plump skin, smooth lines and potentially improve elasticity. The fast absorbing serum, which can be applied to the face, neck and chest, also contains skin-protecting antioxidants.
Get it from Ulta Beauty for $38.99 . 4.
A plumping stick with a retinol alternative If retinoids typically cause you irritation or you're unable to use preparations containing them, this dewy barrier hydrating stick by NudeStix contains a plant-based retinol alternative called bakuchiol, which can offer similar anti-aging benefits without the sensitivity. The cooling balm also features vitamin C to brighten uneven skin tone and squalane to address moisture loss. Get it from Sephora for $34 .
5. A targeted retinoid balm Another retinoid option is this new balm from Clinique’s Smart Clinical Repair line, which uses 1% of this active ingredient to reduce the appearance of fine lines through the promotion of cellular turnover and hydrate using hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws moisture into the skin. The stick form makes it easy to offer a targeted application in areas like around the eyes and in between the brows.
Get it from Clinique for $35 . 6. A target dry spot treatment balm Nourishing squalane, Japanese lemon balm, and a proprietary fermentation complex are packed into this concentrated serum stick by Tatcha that's convenient to apply.
It's intended to instantly hydrate skin, address dryness-related fine lines, and create a dewy cushion for makeup. Get it from Amazon for $46.55 .
7. A smoothing solid for hyperpigmentation and texture This cream-based stick uses a combination of niacinamide and vitamin C to help fade dark spots, decrease hyperpigmentation, and brighten skin tone. The formula also features the plant-based retinol alternative bakuchiol, for promoting plumping skin and reducing fine lines, without over-sensitizing the skin like traditional retinol formulations have the potential to do.
Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in two sizes). 8. A tinted skin care stick Combine the benefits of a skin serum with the skin-perfecting capability of a skin tint with the Beauty Balm by Anastasia Beverly Hills .
Available in 16 natural-finish shades that offer sheer-to-light coverage, this stick contains nourishing fatty acids and a peptide complex intended to visibly plump and hydrate skin. Get it from Sephora for $42 . 9.
A well-known enriched skin protectant in balm form Aquaphor’s cult-favorite skin protectant is a common choice for people that "slug" their skin — a nighttime skin care technique that's meant to trap in moisture — or want to heal chafed skin. Instead of dipping your fingers in a tub of goopy ointment, you can just apply it using this Aquaphor balm stick which is formulated with more than just petroleum. It also combines shea butter, a deeply hydrating emollient, and nourishing avocado oil.
Get it from Amazon for $10.12 . 10.
A nourishing face solid with butters The Saving Face serum bar from Ethique is a perfect product to apply as the last layer of your skin care routine, much like you would a moisturizer. The nourish-minded and creamy formula is packed with shea, kokum and cupuacu butters, as well as beloved oils like rosehip. Get it from Ethique for $30 .
11. An antioxidant serum sunscreen Most people are already familiar with the cult-favorite Unseen Sunscreen by Supergoop, a comfortable and undetectable SPF that that layers seamlessly under makeup and has a velvety finish that helps reduce excess oil and shine.The same screen comes in this convenient stick form that makes it easy to reapply throughout the day.
And although not entirely categorized as a serum, it does contain skin-loving ingredients like marina blue extract for antioxidant protection and meadowfoam to increase hydration. Get it from Dermstore for $30 . 12.
A cooling a de-puffing eye balm with niacinamide This hydrating eye stick is a hidden gem of sorts and has become a secret Amazon favorite product for de-puffing, toning, and smoothing the delicate under-eye while brightening dull skin tone thanks to the inclusion of antioxidant-rich niacinamide. The instantly cooling balm also contains seaweed extract and mineral water straight from Iceland. Get it from Amazon for $9.
90 . 13. A nourishing moisturizer stone with tamanu oil Though not technically a serum like the majority of options on this list, Kate McLeod's luxurious solid facial moisturizer melts into an intensely nourishing oil that's packed with fatty acids, vitamin E, and a calming blue tansy and tamanu oil blend that comforts stressed out skin.
The reusable stone is also enriched with other alimentary plant-based oils from meadowfoam to rosehip to plum kernel. Get it from Kate Mcleod for $68 . Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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