Headhunter is a small sunscreen brand made for surfers, and its name comes up in almost every Reddit thread about face sunscreen. The SPF 45 face stick is the version you can still buy easily on Amazon.
This review covers how well the stick stays on, what it is like to wear and what has been going on with Headhunter's supply.
What It Is: A Mineral Stick for Long Sessions
The face stick is a mineral sunscreen, which means it uses minerals that sit on top of your skin to block the sun. Headhunter's stick uses 12.4% titanium dioxide and 4.8% zinc oxide for SPF 45 protection, with 80 minutes of water resistance.
The stick is small, about 3 inches long, and Headhunter says it is melt-proof, so it won't turn to liquid in a hot car or bag. It goes on white.
In the Water: It Stays On
Staying power is why surfers love it. One surfer said the Headhunter face stick is the most effective they have ever found. Another uses it for long sessions in the tropics and called it the best long lasting mineral sunscreen they have used.
Owners in strong sun agree. One surfer called it Hawaii tested. Another said it is the only sunscreen that has really worked for them in Florida summers. A surfer who lives in Hawaii orders it by the box.
Where It Excels
Headhunter shines for surfers who spend hours in the water in strong sun. One surfer who had a red face after a 3 hour session was told to try Headhunter because it does not seem to come off during a surf. Another surfer added that a small bottle lasts forever.
It also works on lips. One surfer uses the stick on both their face and lips and said it lasts a long time.
Where It Falls Short
Taking it off is the trade-off. One surfer said it stays on nearly all day and they need an exfoliating soap and a washcloth to remove it. Others joke that you need steel wool and degreaser. Plan on a strong face wash after each session.
Not everyone gets the same result. One surfer said they had issues with Headhunter staying on, despite all the recommendations.
It also leaves you white. One surfer summed it up as going full whiteface.
The "What's Going On With Headhunter?" Question
You'll find this question in recent threads. One surfer said Headhunter's sunscreen had been out of stock for over a year and the support email had gone quiet. Most of those complaints were about Headhunter's original white cream in a tube, not the stick.
Other owners say the brand is still running. One surfer who knows the owners said the tubes should be back soon, and a later comment said the lightly tinted lotion was back in stock as of July 2026. Another surfer ordered 3 face sticks from Headhunter's site and received 6.
Here's the take from owners: the face stick is still easy to buy on Amazon. If you want the tube cream, check Headhunter's website.
Pro tip: Keep a pack of face wipes or makeup remover in your car. Owners say that is the easiest way to get Headhunter off.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Headhunter face stick if you surf long sessions in strong sun and want a sunscreen that stays on.
Look elsewhere if you hate scrubbing sunscreen off your face or want a clear finish.
Alternatives
The Vertra Ehukai Beige SPF 38 Face Stick is the other face stick surfers name most often, with a tint. Read our full Vertra Ehukai Beige SPF 38 Face Stick review.
The Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick costs less and is easy to find in stores. Read our full Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick review.
Verdict
The Headhunter SPF 45 face stick is one of the most trusted surf sunscreens on Reddit, and owners say it stays on through long sessions in Hawaii and Florida. It is hard to wash off and leaves you white. If staying power matters most, it is the face stick to beat.