toiletries to travel with

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Toiletries (with Printable Checklist)

Toiletries , TOILETRIES

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Packing toiletries is like an art form. You want to pack the essentials, but you don’t want to overpack and weigh down your suitcase. Follow our ultimate guide to creating the perfect travel toiletries list and master the art of packing!

Toiletries are a serious struggle for many travelers. How do you take everything you need especially if you’re traveling carry on only?

Store-bought travel size toiletries are convenient but they’re not always the best option.

This article will help you plan what toiletries you should bring on your trip by giving you a step-by-step walk through of a suggested planning process.

It will also provide you with travel size toiletries examples, a printable checklist, answers to the most common questions, and will also show you how to downsize your favorite beauty products.

Photo Credit: E-bags Shop: eBags | Walmart

What is a toiletry item?

When I started traveling, someone took me by surprise when they asked me, “What are toiletries?” Before we get started, I want to quickly clarify what they are.

The toiletries definition from Cambridge Dictionary is: “articles used in washing and taking care of one’s body, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste”.

To be as helpful and efficient as possible, we’re including a variety of items in our toiletries list including grooming items, beauty products, and other essentials.

The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide !

What toiletries can I take on a plane?

One of the most important things to know before you start planning for your trip is what you are allowed to bring in your suitcase. The toiletries you can take on a plane depend on whether or not you are checking your luggage.

Image Source: US Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

For cabin or carryon toiletries: airlines require that liquid products be no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and all bottles must fit in a clear quart size ziplock bag when traveling with a carry on. Products that need to be inside the quart size ziplock bag are liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. This is called the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule .

Clear Travel Toiletry Bag

For checked toiletries: items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters (regardless of amount ) should be in checked baggage. Visit this TSA page to find out exactly what items are allowed in a checked bag. It’s actually an interesting read!

These guidelines are for US-based airlines. However, these tend to be the general guidelines across all airlines. For specific items, always check the website of the airline or contact them and ask them directly.

Shop Sea To Summit Toiletry Bag: Amazon | Backcountry

What’s the best toiletry bag?

The two toiletry bags our readers love the most are the eBags Pack it Flat Toiletry Kit and the Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag.

For more suggestions, read our article rounding up the ten best toiletry bags and the best hanging toiletry bags .

Tip: Make sure that you keep the quart-size ziplock bag (storing your carryon toiletries) accessible when you get to the airport. Once you get through security, place them back into your toiletry bag.

How do you keep your liquids from leaking?

Here’s a tip I shared on Oprah to help you prevent liquids from leaking in luggage: remove the cap from the bottle, place a small square of plastic wrap over the opening, and replace the cap.

The reason your bottles leak or explode on a flight is due to changes in air pressure. As the plane goes up, the pressure causes the bottle to compress (as if you were squeezing it with your hand). The plastic wrap acts as a seal to prevent leaks.

YAMYONE Leakproof Travel Bottles

This is the reason why store bought travel size toiletries are never completely full. You need to allow a little bit of extra space so the liquids don’t get pushed out by the changes in pressure. (This is also the reason why your ears get plugged while flying.)

The solution: Don’t fill your bottles all the way to the top. Instead, only fill them by 2/3 or 75%.

How to Pack Toiletries for Travel

Follow the below step-by-step guide on how to pack toiletries to determine what you will and will not need to bring along with how to downsize items.

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Step 2: eliminate, step 3: downsize, step 4: travel containers.

Start by laying out all the grooming and beauty products you use on a day to day basis. Which of these can you take on your trip and which will you need to leave behind? Choose anything and everything you think you may need.

Then, place each item into one of these categories:

Not required
Not applicable

Safehaven Products – 8 Piece Hygiene and Toiletry Set

There are certain things you might find non-negotiable such as your favorite brand shampoo or premium face moisturizer. You can save a lot of space and weight in your luggage by minimizing toiletries and eliminating certain items altogether.

Round Clear Jars

Would you be willing to use the shampoo and body moisturizer provided by your hotel for a few days? A few weeks? If not, don’t worry. There are tips in the next steps in the article that will provide a solution to this problem. (Hint: Reusable travel containers !)

If you’re unsure whether your accommodation provides complimentary travel size toiletries, check their website or better yet, send them an email. Want a faster response? Call them.

To help you determine the products you may or may not need, you’ll find a list of toiletries examples below:

Sample Travel Size Toiletries List:

(Click any item for product suggestions)

Conditioner
Body Wash/Soap/Oil
Face Wash/Scrub
Feminine Wash
Shaving Cream
Face Moisturizer
Body Moisturizer
Body Powder
Leave in Conditioner
Dry Shampoo
Anti-heat Spray
Styling Gel/Mousse
Hair Smoothing Cream
Hand Moisturizer
Hand Sanitizer
Nail Polish
Nail Polish Remover
Hair Removal Cream
Makeup Remover
Styling Brush/Styling Comb
Flat Iron/Straightener
Curling Iron

Are there any additional beauty products you use such as other shower essentials ? If so, add them to your initial list.

Printable Toiletries Checklist

You can write in an item’s weight (lighter items mean less overall baggage weight)
You can note if you need to purchase something or if you already own it
And most importantly, you can organize where you’ll pack each item including suggested packing organizers like these

Read this post for a printable packing list that includes clothes, shoes, and more!

Now that you’ve gone through the entire list of every possible beauty product you own, create two piles: one for items you don’t need to take and one for items you absolutely do.

AmoVee 2 in 1 Flat Iron – Dual Voltage

For example:

Do you need five hair styling products or can you choose just one? Use something like this 2-in-1 curling/flat iron duo
Instead of razors and hair removal creams, how about a wax before your trip? I like no-heat strips like these
Can you leave behind your nail polish and get a gel manicure instead? Read this post on making your vacation nails last
Do you need several items to comb or brush your hair or can you use just one like this foldable wet brush with a mirror?

Is it possible to temporarily hold off on using any products? If so, do it!

TRAVEL BEAUTY TIP: Find out if your accommodation offers products such as shampoo, shower gel, hair dryer, etc. Some hotels even have additional complimentary items at reception such as razors, toothpaste, and other small essentials. Just ask!

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps

One of the best ways to minimize toiletries is to choose multi-use products or items. Determine if there are any products you already own that can work double-duty. Choose between two products that serve the same purpose.

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps and Sea To Summit Wilderness Wash are two of the most popular travel all-in-one travel products.

Other items to consider:

Is it possible to pack 4-in-1 facial cloths like these instead of taking face wash, scrub, and makeup wipes?
Can you use a 2-in-1 shampoo plus conditioner like these ?
Would you consider a tinted moisturizer or BB cream? This one’s my fave.
Can you use your straightener as a curling iron? Better yet, choose a 2-in-1 curling/flat iron duo like this
Have you ever seen double ended makeup brushes? Save space with these

There are various multi-use products on the market, or you can use a few long-term travel hacks like I do, such as:

Baby powder as dry shampoo
Shampoo as shower gel (only for short periods of time)
Conditioner as shaving cream
Face scrub as body scrub
Body moisturizer to smooth hair flyaways

Nars Multiple | Eco Tools Brush Set

You’d be surprised at how many products can be used for multiple needs. Things like coconut oil or other natural oils can be used as a body moisturizer, shave gel, and split end treatment! Tip: The best coconut oil is cold-pressed, unrefined, and good enough to eat.

There are also various multi-use makeup products such as my all-time fave: Nars The Multiple !

Read these tips on how to minimize toiletry products for even more tips!

Have you ever paid attention to how much shampoo you use? I only wash my hair every other day, so a 3 oz. travel size can last me a week!

How long is your trip? Make note of how much product you use for the duration of that time. Now that you know what items you absolutely have to pack, it’s time to determine how much of them you actually need.

Essentials such as shampoo, toothpaste, and moisturizers are particularly important. Don’t forget to test out bath, skincare, and makeup products. Make note so you can refer back when you’re ready to make the final plan.

Tip: avoid taking liquids in your carryon by replacing them with solid toiletries and travel wipes !

Editor’s Favorite Reusable Makeup Remover: Kiki & Josie

Once you have a better idea of what you actually need then consider other ways to downsize such as:

Instead of taking nail polish remover, can you take a few individual wipes like these instead?
Do you need an entire bottle of foundation or can you use a small container like this to take only what you will use?
Mini-nail polish bottles like these are a good choice, if you can’t stand chipped nails.
Read these travel makeup hacks for more ideas!

Skincare tends to be more personalized, but try not to bring more than three skincare items: a cleanser, treatment (for acne or wrinkles), and moisturizer. If you use a skincare system different from this one, try to cut it down to three products.

To downsize your makeup routine, read The Beauty Junkie’s Guide to Packing a Minimalist Makeup Kit and How to Create a Capsule Makeup Collection !

Empty Lip Gloss Balm Container

Choose appropriate travel containers. Many times, 3 oz bottles are too big for a one or two-week trip, so buy various sizes and take only the amount you will use.

Instead of immediately buying “travel-size” containers in 3oz or 100ml bottles, get a range of sizes including 1oz , 2oz , and smaller jars like these , too.

Tip: Replace glass containers with plastic to minimize weight and avoid breakage.

Read this post on the best travel containers for more info!

Do a test run to see if everything fits in your toiletry bag. If your belongings don’t fit, consider using multi-use products such as a shampoo/conditioner combo, using conditioner as shaving cream, or baby shampoo for your hair and body.

Travel Toiletries Comparison Chart

Watch this video for more tips on how to fit all your toiletries into a carryon:

TRAVEL BEAUTY TIP: For long-term trips, don’t pack full-size toiletries. Purchase travel-size products as you go. Some local drug store brands are common around the world. Here are more toiletry tips for long trips!

And for every single trick in my packing book, read my full course “ Stop Overpacking “. I created the STOP OVERPACKING program to teach you my exact packing process. Every secret, every detail, nothing is spared.

Learn more about Stop Overpacking here !

What items are a must have on your toiletries list? Share in the comments below!

For more tips on travel toiletries, please read:

10 Best Travel Toiletry Bags
The Ultimate Guide to Hair While Traveling
Ways to Fit All Your Toiletries into Your Carry-on
The Simple Guide to Essential Travel Beauty Products

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69 Comments

Probably the biggest impact on my packing has been the tips to reduce and decant toiletries. I have followed this website and FB page for several years and the first thing I realized was that my toiletry footprint in my suitcase can be much smaller. This, in turn, makes for more room in small bathrooms (I typically cruise). Thanks for all your great info!!!

This is a great post, very helpful for thos of us that think we need to bring it all with us. Thank you for helping us travel lighter!

Sort of in the toiletries category, if traveling to South East Asia, I highly recommend getting a small pack of toilet seat covers and travel toilet paper (or carry tissues). No guarantee that there will be any available in locations other than your hotels. Otherwise, there is a hose with a spray handle for you to use, and that’s it. :0

I struggle with packing toiletries and overpacking things. I really appreciate this step by step guide that holds my hand and walks me through every step of packing so I don’t get overwhelmed, confused, or frustrated trying to figure everything out.

This is the most helpful travel blog, as I have always struggled with my liquids leaking when I fly. Thx for posting your excellent resources!

I love the compass rose packing cubes and look forward to taking them to Paris and Amsterdam the end of October.

This article has been a lifesaver as my toiletry bag is out of control! I learned many new ways of pairing it down and found some great containers to make that happen. The tips will also help my clear liquids bag be more manageable! Thank you for the great ideas.

I love all of these suggestions! I now have the flat-it pack it from eBags and also the lip balm containers which are genius! Thank you!

Lots of good tips, but beware of local restrictions when traveling; e.g., many African countries are very restrictive about plastics. Plastic bags are bad for the animals… If the plastic bag could be a 1-use bag, it might be prohibited even though you plan to use it multiple times during your trip. Some countries prohibit the shopping bags from the duty-free shops. There could be fines and imprisonment. Just a reminder to check restrictions in your designation country.

Very good point, thanks for sharing Dot!

I find it very informative to see what everyone says about downsizing toiletries. Thanks for sharing a great post. And the comments!

So glad you found this guide helpful!

Minimizing my toiletries and my toiletry case is the challenge I must overcome. I just came back from a 16 day trip to Austria. Individual zipper pouches not only create more bulk but also more weight. Reading your well written articles will assist me in this challenge.

I used those round clear jars on my last trip, but I couldn’t really get a grip on the lid and base to separate the two 🙁 I’m going back to using old empty jars of product and decanting into them instead.

I just want to thank Travel Fashion Girl and everyone that is part of this community for the inspiration and know-how for successful travel when abroad and also when dreaming from home. Taming toiletries remains a challenge! Using multi-purpose (lips, cheeks, eyes) make-up helps minimize make up, and sample sizes (like tiny mascara) are helpful, as is repotting items into much smaller containers versus buying travel sizes. Thanks for all the tips!

Great tips. Toiletries are the most challenging for me.

Great info – toiletries are always a challenge for me!

I loce the tips and be learned from following TFG and pass it a long to friends often! Thanks for the tips

Unbelievably thorough! Thank you for these hugely helpful tips and examples. I’m so excited!

This is the most thorough and well-written toiletries packing article out there! Thank you 🙂

Suggestions for toner bottle? Everything pours out too fast!

Packing now for my first trip carry on only … and I am finding toiletries are the most challenging part! Thank you for all the info, tips, and tricks!

The empty lip gloss containers … life changing! Thank you!

Another great lesson from Alex at TFG! I have more toiletries and medicines than clothes to take on my 15 day trip to the UK. I leave Thursday and am still refining my packing. These toilette tips are sooo helpful! In fact, all of Alex’s blogs are so helpful! I’m so glad I found this group!!

We first started traveling internationally in 2013 and were determined to do carry-on only. I thought it was impossible until I discovered TFG. Toiletries were the most difficult for me to figure out. 9 years later I still use all the tips I’ve learned from here.

Thanks to your tips I was able to downsize my toiletries and pack in a carry on only for my recent 11 day trip to Europe. Never did I ever think I could make this happen!

I got so much helpful information! I never thought of downsizing from Travel size for my liquids. This has been a game changer for me when packing my toiletries! Thanks!

Such great information! Can’t get enough of TravelFashionGirl!

My first trip traveling with only a carry on suitcase was an epiphany! Easier to pack and unpack. I wear all the pieces during the trip and there is less stuff to deal with while traveling.

Great blog – so many tips (with links) to help pair down toiletries especially for carry-on only – especially buying different sizes to decanter products! Using these tips for trip next week – thanks!

These tips are great! Honestly, in past trips, I have done fine packing with limited clothes but my toiletries have taken up half my suitcase! Looking forward to using these tips to scale back and miniturize.

So many great tips for toiletries. I learned alot and will be applying these ideas on my next trip. Thanks for the great info.

Thanks for this great post. Details very helpful! And practical!

Great information. Used these tips on recent flight to Maine. Worked great!

These tips saved me on my recent trip to Italy! Thanks for all of the great advice.

A packing list! I will totally use this and hope to whittle down further. Thank you for another great resource!

I’m so scared to travel with a checked bag theses days and my toiletries are the thing that I was most concerned about fitting into a carry on. I love all the downsizing tips and can’t wait to use them for my next trip in October! Thanks Alex.

I like shopping the travel size section in my drug store and at Target. I find lots of different size containers there. I sometimes buy items just for the containers and then fill them with my products.

This post helped me so much when I was packing for my trip to France in April 2022. I think I was fairly successful in packing only the toiletries that I needed and was planning to check my bag, anyway. I also watched the video again when packing for a shorter trip to NY and was able to take even less toiletries on that trip! Thanks for all of your tips and tricks on safety too in the Paris 2022 Packing Guide!

It’s amazing how little I actually need when I travel—I use lots of products but a tiny amount goes a long way and helps so much with both volume and weight. I decant into a combination of the tiny “lip gloss” tubes and have the tiny deodorant sticks as well for solids (perfect for using up the end of a large stick that wouldn’t have come out anyway). Feels good to not purchase more throwaway plastic for travel sizes since I just refill when I get home and then I’m ready for the next trip! Also I highly recommend lotion bars.

Oh my goodness! This has helped me so much. Packing my liquids was my number one worry about consolidating to a carry on.

What a helpful post! I’m just going to be traveling stateside, but this gave me some great ideas as our space is limited. Thanks TFG!

I have learned so many great ideas for decanting makeup etc. I now have lip gloss tubes, contact lens cases and travel size. It makes traveling so much easier – thank you!

We all have such different needs and non-negotiables, but this article really takes us through the steps to figure out what works for us. Using these tips (and with some trial runs) I’ve been able to get down to a small Sea To Summit toiletry bag. Still refining with each trip….

Downsizing my toiletries is my biggest challenge! Thank you for these great tips.

Wow this information is so helpful. I will use many of these tips.

thank you for these tipps. I always feel very accomplished after I pack my clothes but than comes everything else, like toiletries and electronics and my backpack is bursting.

Your suggestions and tips have been so helpful when preparing for an adventure. Thank you!

Every article you write is helpful, but packing toiletries is my biggest struggle. So thank you for this one!

Using contact lens cases were a game changer on my recent Safari. We were limited to a soft -sided duffle and we wanted to carry on due to Heathrow so this was the way to go. It is amazing how much product fits in each case and how much product you actually use on a trip. I then used the cases on our recent road trip to Arizona. Never had a single spill either trip.

This is my all-time favorite post. Life -changing, making carry-on travel the only way to go now. Huge eye-opener!!!

This post is incredible. So much useful information! Thank you!

I have sliced up solid shampoo and conditioner bars into smaller pieces, to make ones the right size for a weeklong trip.

Thanks for the list!

There is now available shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, soap, laundry detergent in sheet form, and mouthwash and toothpaste as tablets, lotions in bar form,

Hi Vicki, thank you for sharing your great toiletries tip with us! ?

We love solid toiletries and have a range of options here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/solid-toiletries-for-travel/

One trick I found on the web that works great is to use contact lens cases. You can put a few days/week supply in them, mark them with a black sharpie, and put in your toiletry bag.

Hi Rick, thank you for sharing your great travel hack for packing your toiletries with us! Happy travels! ?

Someone on your blog had mentioned she uses plastic paint cups from Michaels to put her make up in. What a great idea! I just purchased (16) 1/6 oz cups for $2 ( with 50% off coupon) and put my eye cream, under eye concealer, blush…. in them. They are awesome! And they are airtight, so the product won’t dry out! Thank you, whoever you are!

Wow, that is amazing Barbara, so happy to hear it worked so well with packing your toiletries!! Thank you for sharing! Happy Travels!

I wear contacts and somehow have loads of extra contact cases. I use them for putting my face moisturizer, BB cream, salve (in case of cuts or infections) in for trips up to a week. I just use a sharpie to mark something on the outside of the case so I know what is inside.

Hi Jessica, thank you for sharing your great travel tip! 🙂

Love your tips! They have helped me to be a more confident traveler!

I do the same because I know how much I need for products compared to others.

Two products worth the money (and I’m a cheapo). Blinc mascara. Order online. It is water-proof and rub-proof. To remove, rub with fingers and warm water. No remover required.

ColoreScience sunblock, SP 50. It’s a powder, with the brush built in. No need to pack powder. And who re-applies gloppy lotion every 2 hours? My dermatologist says the best sunblock is the one you use.

Hi Kay, thank you so much for sharing your travel toiletries! 🙂

🙂 sounds great! Thanks.

I have found that some doctors offices have small and very small bottles that you can get for free, if you ask nicely. One example is eye doctors, who have these bottles for sample eyedrops. I’ve gotten 6 in this way….for free. And they are the perfect size for travel!

Hi Connie, thank you so much for sharing your great travel tip for toiletries! 🙂

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Home » Gear » toiletries

THE ULTIMATE Toiletries Packing List: Hygiene Travel Essentials

Toiletry packing lists are a real pain in the patootie. Figuring out all your toiletry essentials and then compacting that down to a travel-ready state is nothing short of a gargantuan task!

Not too long ago, I was a young professional preparing for my very first backpacking trip. I scoured the internet in search of advice from nomads and wise travelers. And all the toiletry packing lists I found… well… they just didn’t cover my needs.

You can, of course, pick up some travel toiletries on the road, however, that’s really not the best call. The prices stack up quick and constantly going shopping for something you already have at home is really just a nuisance.

Plus… they might just not have your favorite brand!

So, I got to writing my own list of travel toiletry essentials. While this list is going to vary depending on your gender, hygiene maintenance, preference, and more, I’ve listed the most important travel-size items to add to your toiletries packing list.

At the end of the day, there is no magic one-size-fits-all list for the best toiletries for travel, but traveling with the essentials is key. As a woman, I’ll be including many woman-specific toiletries, but I’m also not ignorant to the needs of men since I live with one. So I’ve got you boys covered too. 😉

So let’s hop to it!. This is the ULTIMATE list of toiletry packing for travel for both genders and keeping Mama Nature in mind.

Woman washing with her packed toiletries

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What are toiletries? (For the purpose of this packing list.)

Travel-size toiletries packing list – the essentials, other nice-to-have toiletries, women specific toiletries packing list, tips for packing less & better, faq about the best travel toiletries, final thoughts on my travel toiletries packing list.

Let’s call them ‘hygiene products’. Toiletries are anything used to maintain your hygiene: soap, toothpaste, hairbrush, nasal douche… (For the record, nasal douche is NOT on this toiletry packing list, but I just really wanted to say ‘nasal douche’.)

Generally, as a rule of thumb, if they make you cleaner or prettier than it’s a toiletry. The difference here is that this is a toiletry list primarily for backpackers . That means two things:

They need to be travel-size appropriate i.e. not too heavy, compact, and good for airport security.
Ideally, they need to be eco-friendly. Now, I know that doesn’t matter to everyone but it’s something we take seriously and we try to impart on the glorious globetrotting masses. Take care of Mother Nature: you only get one mom.

I feel that sums it up best. That’s the general view of what is considered toiletries and what items you’ll find on this packing list. Ready then? Let’s get clean!

Toiletries can be heavy and take up a ton of space, and it’s important to try to eliminate anything you won’t be using daily from your packing list . Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable, lightweight alternative toiletries designed for travel.

You should also be aware of how to pack for flying when it comes to liquids and powders, especially for carry-on luggage.

Below, I have listed the essential toiletries everyone should bring on their trip. Don’t forget these when you’re crafting your own personal toiletries packing list!

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Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0

The above hanging toiletry bag is a good all-rounder; it’s not too expensive and does the job nicely. However, for those who do mess around with their toiletry packing, there can be only one toiletry bag: the Nomatic Toiletry Bag (2.0).

It’s a toletry bag so serious it got a second edition.

It still hangs from walls, but it also comes in two sizes, is made of incredibly durable and water-resistant material, and the interior pocket setups is supreme (top-notch organization is Nomatic’s homeboy). It even has a dedicated toothbrush pocket to keep your toothbrush separate. I’m so in love with this feature!

If you’re travelling with a Nomatic Travel Bag , the thing slots in like a dream. Really, the only caveat to this toiletry bag is the premium pricing, however, you get what you pay for. And in this case, that’s the best of the BEST! It’s size also make it ideal for packing light and one bag travel .

Travel-Size Silicone Bottles

Silicone travel-size bottles for toiletries

I suggest carrying your travel toiletries in your carry-on luggage for a couple of reasons. One, you may want to freshen up mid-flight or after you land. Two, exploding shampoo bottles tend to be a regular occurrence in check-in luggage.

For this reason, you’re going to want to invest in a few reusable travel-sized bottles. Buying one-time use travel-sized toiletries is a low-key waste of money and a waste of plastic .

Soap – Dr. Bronner’s

Dr Bronner's Soap - an eco-friendly toiletry essential

I never travel without Dr. Bronner’s. If I am checking in my luggage I make sure to bring a good-sized bottle because it can be used as non-toxic laundry detergent and dish soap too! Dudes, you can even use it as your shampoo as my boyfriend does.

Dr. Bronner’s is a godsend company doing good in this world. Their products are entirely bio-degradable, and their soaps smell and feel amazing! No more having to travel with multiple types of soaps or buying expensive ones on the road. Just use this all-in-one soap and go minimal.

You can also get their soap bar. I love traveling with bars because you don’t have to deal with liquid restrictions, and they last way longer for backpacking trips! You can still use the soap bar for those days you do your laundry at the hotel room.

Shampoo (+ Conditioner)

Shampoo bar for light travel toiletry packing

If you’re traveling for a few months, then I highly recommend a shampoo and conditioner bar! They last 3+ months and take up way less space. Plus, you don’t have to worry about liquid restrictions. If you go this route, invest in a soap bar container too.

Dental Health Toiletries

ALWAYS use a toothbrush cover to protect your toothbrush .

Toothpaste can be slightly annoying to pack as carry-on regulations are strict. You may have to get paste in a 3.5 oz bottle, though many times I’ve been able to carry-on my half-used paste.

Another suggestion is to try out “ Unpaste Zero Waste ” toothpaste! I haven’t used these tablets yet (because I just discovered them), but they sound like another solution to long-term travel + less plastic waste. A win-win and perfect for toiletries packing!

While not a toiletry essential, a small roll of floss and heck, even a tongue scraper fall onto this list since they barely weigh a thing.

You’ll want to go for the solid kind rather than the spray to avoid those liquid restrictions and spills! Generally, you never have to worry about running out, which your new friends will thank you for.

Travel Towel

In a nutshell, microfiber travel towels were created for backpackers and travelers. I typically travel with a large towel for drying off after a shower and a smaller face towel.

Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer

Having a facial cleanser and moisturizer is KEY, especially to refreshen after long layovers and flights. Don’t bother bringing your entire bathroom routine. Leave the toners, serums, and fancy kits behind as they take up way too much weight and space in your bag.

Hand Sanitizer Spray

While I’m not a germaphobe or crazy about it at home, hand sanitizer easily makes the list of necessary toiletries. There will be plenty of times you’ll come across soapless bathrooms, or less-than-hygienic bus and train stops. Trust me on this one.

Reef-Safe Sun Block

Dude surfing lathered in his sunscreen toiletries

If you’re going to be spending hours and hours in the sun, then you’re going to need protection. While I’m a fan of high-tech modern inventions, such as the hat, long sleeve shirt, and shade, I always bring sunblock in my toiletry bag.

Bear in mind, places like Hawaii, Key West, Florida, and Palau are banning many sunscreen brands because they harm and bleach coral reef and aquatic life.

Furthermore, there is a lot of research on endocrine disruptors and carcinogens found in sunscreen… YIKES! Generally, a Non-Nano Zinc Oxide is perfectly safe, effective, and doesn’t harm aquatic reefs, which is why I’m recommending Raw Elements.

Ear Plugs and Eye Mask

Sleep mask toiletry essential for a good night's rest

I always add a few extra pairs of earplugs and my favorite eye mask to my toiletry list for a vacation. You’ll use earplugs and your eye mask in noisy hostels, on flights, bus rides, getting shut-eye in cities, etc. I never leave home without them.

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Medication + First-Aid Kit

First Aid Kit and super necessary for any toiletry packing list

You need to check each country’s rules and regulations for traveling with medication. CBD might be federally legal in the US, but you would NOT want to end up in an Indonesian jail cell because of it. Get all the necessary Doctor notes and prescription refills you may need too!

Also, having a small first-aid kit is necessary for travel! You may only need to bring tape (an absolute necessity), moleskin if you’re hiking, a couple of gauze pads, alcohol wipes, a few band-aids, and Neosporin. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

If you have long hair, then this is probably a necessity for you. Consider grabbing a Tangle Teezer if you’re hair is manageable because they are so tiny. Remember, small and lightweight is the key!

Razor for travel and a semi-essential toiletry

Although not a necessary toiletry for all travelers (you may wax or just let it all hang out), for many, this is still essential toiletry packing for any trip. Grab some high-quality razors that’ll last several weeks while you travel. Or better yet, get a reusable razor like the Weishi for the closest shave you’ll ever get from a hand razor.

While you can find razors pretty much anywhere in the world, picking up disposable razors can be annoying. Another alternative is to bag yourself an Electric Travel Shaver .

Moving along to the next section; this part of the toiletries packing list aren’t strictly necessary items but they are creature comforts. Sometimes, when you’re on the road, all you need is your baby blanket!

Uhh, I mean favorite nail clippers.

Mosquito Repellent

This may be considered part of your first-aid kit, but since you put it on your skin, I’m including it in the toiletries list! Depending on where you are visiting, you are going to NEED repellent . Don’t forget to get a travel-size bottle for your carry-on!

Nail Clippers

Another multi-purpose item! And don’t worry – these are fine to carry in your carry-on.

Some people can’t live without chapstick, so this might be essential for you. If you’re going anywhere with extreme cold or hot weather, then it’s good to have.

Tooth Picks

Not a necessity, but it’s nice to have several and they don’t take up much space. I’m a fan of the tea tree oil and mint ones.

Same explanation as above: not a necessity, but it is easy to pack a few and they don’t take up much space.

Roll of Toilet Paper

Happy Frogs packing toilet paper with their toiletries list

Carrying toilet paper is a necessity if you’re backpacking… less so if you’re only staying in hotels. If you are traveling in places like Pakistan, Southeast Asia , and so on, you will come across bathrooms without TP. Pull out the cardboard roll if you want to save space.

TP is also great to have on hand to clean a quick spill, blow your nose, or for getting a campfire started. Tissue paper is obviously more plush and fancy.

Contacts and Prescription Glasses

If you need ’em, don’t leave them at home! That being said, daily contacts can take up a lot of space if you’re traveling for more than a month! I don’t like using monthly due to hygiene, so if I’m traveling for a long time, I just pick up contacts every couple of months with my prescription on hand.

Health Supplements

There are a few supplements I choose to travel with that help me on the road to keep my immune system in check! Vitamin supplements are also awesome toiletries packing for countries where you may be eating a more meagrely spread diet then you’re used to, however, generally in sountries like that, buying supplements can be super cheap.

For the ladies and the men packing for their ladies, this is the list of toiletries you’ll either definitely need (see below) or at least want to consider.

Feminine Care

Mestrual cup - toiletries packing for women

Stock up on your feminine care products before your trip because they can be hard to find in some countries.

Consider a Menstrual Cup . I used to travel with tampons because they are pretty difficult to track down in certain countries. I finally made the switch to the Diva cup a few years ago and never looked back. It’s WAY better for the environment and they take up way less space!

Honestly, my cosmetic bag has shrunk significantly over the years. If you’re on a long backpacking trip, I can guarantee you’ll stop wearing most of your make up.

When you’re traveling in humid countries, lounging on the beach, hiking in the mountains, or taking overnight buses, the last thing on your mind is blending your foundation.

That said, it’s nice to dress up once and a while, so feel free to add your go-to mascara and blush to your list of toiletries. Just remember that it will be difficult to replace your favorite brands on the road. It’s the perfect excuse to give your skin a break and go au natural .

Make-up Remover Pads

But if you do bring make-up you have even more toiletries to pack. My life changed when I realized I started to use carrier oils (like argan and coconut oil to remove my make-up.) Now, I just carry a couple of bamboo make-up remover pads (less waste, better for the environment), and use whatever oils I have on hand.

Now, you could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card! REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Extra Hair Ties

I guess this one goes out to you long-haired men too.

I tried to keep this list short and sweet. The toiletry essentials should cover most people’s bases, and then from there, you can add a few things depending on your type and length of the trip.

As someone who has packed for more trips than I can count, I am so happy that my toiletry bag has shrunk over the years. Toiletry packing truly takes up so much space and weight, and then you rarely end up using half of them when you’re on the go-go-go.

Here are my top tips for packing less!

Go through your daily routine and make note of each thing you use. Pack nothing else.
Always choose multi-purpose items. Dr. Bronner’s is a great example of this.
Girls, ditch the make-up and straighteners. I promise you won’t use any of these things (unless you are on a business trip or weekend out on the town).
Invest in a versatile toiletry bag to keep your things organized. If it doesn’t fit in this, it doesn’t come on your trip!
Use liquid containers for carry-on but also checked bags to save space and weight
Choose solid over liquid whenever possible. This includes soap and deodorant.
Plan accordingly!

What NOT to take in your toiletry bag

Unsealed Liquids
Bottles larger than 3.5 oz in your carry-on
Anything you don’t plan to use every day.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What are the most important toiletries to pack?

These toiletries should be in everyones bag: 1. Shampoo and Conditioner Soap 2. Travel Towel 3. Nail Clippers 4. ChapStick

What is something that should not be missing in your toiletry bag?

Very simple: Deodorant . It won’t just make you smell fresh and clean, but it’s also great for everyone around you. You don’t want to stand out due to a smelly body odor.

How do you store your travel toiletries?

A toiletry bag is the perfect way to store all of your bathroom essentials. The Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0 is our favorite one.

Can you take all toiletries on an airplane?

Toiletries like liquids, nail clippers, scissors and other forbidden objects can be carried in a suitcase, but not in your carry-on luggage.

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I have covered all of the essentials you should include on your toiletries packing list and then some!

My main advice remains this: take a hard look at your daily routine and bring ONLY those items.

Furthermore, bring your favorite essentials with you, for the most part. Many areas may offer convenience and cheaper local prices where you can buy things on arrival. On the other hand, many destinations won’t carry your favorite brands, or pricing can be far higher.

For example, buying that sunscreen you forgot in an airport or a small island store will be more expensive!

Do a little bit of research before you go – which you’re doing right now (yay for you) – and pack your travel-size toiletry essentials in your toiletry bag. Heed my advice and you’re well on your way to traveling efficiently and comfortably!

Oh and one last tip for any toiletries packing list: write that sucker down!

Ana Pereira

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The Complete Travel Toiletries List – Pack Right Every Time!

Looking for a travel toiletries list to help you organise your packing? If you’re traveling soon, I’ve put together a helpful list of toiletries that work for any trip. As someone who travels very frequently, I’ve narrowed down exactly which toiletries for travel are actually essential. I also know of a few toiletry items that you might not have heard of before or thought you needed. This is the only toiletries packing list you’ll ever need! I’ve put together a printable toiletries list for travel that you can download as a PDF and print off at home to make packing easy every time.

I’m also going to share a few tips for packing toiletries , how to lighten your load and share some of the best travel toiletries I’ve come across over my years of packing toiletries for flying, cruising, road tripping or backpacking. You’ll know exactly what toiletries to pack for a trip by the end of this post!

What You'll Find in This Post

The Complete Travel Toiletries List

Essential toiletries.

These are your travel toiletry essentials. Most of this stuff will feature on everyone’s toiletry bag checklist. If there are any things on this list of toiletries items that you don’t use at home then they’re probably not essential travel toiletries for you. A few of these items are personal preference only like hand cream or cotton buds. For guys, this is basically you whole toiletries list for men.

Shampoo – Packed in GoToob Travel Bottles if you’re traveling less than 2 weeks or traveling carry on only.
Conditioner – Packed as above
Hair brush / comb
Soap / body wash
Toothpaste – Get a travel sized toothpaste if you’re traveling with carry on only
Toothbrush – Folding toothbrushes like this are great for travel
Dental floss – Pick a small travel size one
Deodorant – Make sure it’s under 3oz if you’re traveling carry on only
Facial wipes / cleanser – Wipes are easy and less messy than a liquid cleanser
Facial moisturiser – I use Rosehip oil as it’s small, easy to pack and lasts a long time but whatever you use at home is right for you
Body moisturiser – You can leave this out if you’re staying in hotels but bring it if you’re using Airbnb, cruising or prefer a specific brand
Hand cream – Great for the flight!
Lip balm – Great for the flight, sun or skiing
Coconut oil – One of my top essential toiletries for traveling! Packing in a GoToob , it is so useful for travel as a moisturiser, after sun, shaving gel, hair treatment, make up remover etc. If you plan on using this, you can omit other items on this list as necessary.
Razor – I use this small women’s travel razor
Shaving gel / oil – Shaving oil is more space efficient and is a an essential for a men’s toiletries list
Small mirror – I use this small magnifying mirror which has suction cups so you can use it on a hotel room window or mirror
Nail clippers
Cotton buds / cotton pads

Nice to Have / Trip Specific Toiletries for Vacation

These items are either things that are just nice to have or depend on the type of trip you’re taking. Here are some of the extra toiletries to take on vacation:

Sunscreen – This sunscreen smells amazing!
Insect repellent spray
After sun lotion / aloe vera – For sunburn or moisturising your skin after sun exposure, toiletry bag essentials if you’re at the beach!
Anti-chafe balm / powder – Get this anti-chafe balm if you’re traveling somewhere humid, doing a lot of activity or walking a lot.
Foot powder – Pick up a travel size foot powder if you’re doing lots of hiking or walking around cities, you can also use anti-chafe balm for this.
Tiger balm / Deep heat – If you’re on an active vacation like a ski trip this is great to have.
Hand santizer
Menstrual cup / Tampons / Sanitary pads – An essential part of any female toiletries list depending on what time of the month you’re traveling!
Personal lubricant
After shave / beard oil
Contact lenses and solution
Essential oils – If you need them, pack them in these small travel bottles for essential oils

Hair & Beauty Toiletries for Women

A lot of these are women’s toiletries. Mens travel toiletries are a little more simple so guys can skip this section almost entirely. Most of these are toiletries to pack for vacation, when you’re going on a cruise, to a nice resort or on a weekend city break. If you’re backpacking toiletries like this probably aren’t necessary.

Hair ties – Wrap your hair ties around the handle of your hairbrush and then slot your bobby pins in over the top!
Travel Flat iron – If you have hard to control hair, consider bringing a flat iron. Here’s my list of the best travel flat irons.
Travel hair dryer – Most hotels have a hair dryer in the room but bring your own if you’re staying in an Airbnb or at a friend’s house. Here’s my list of the best travel hair dryers on the market.
Dry shampoo – Get a travel size dry shampoo spray
Hair styling products – Travel size versions of hairspray and styling gel are easy to find or put your gel into a GoTubb
Shower cap – If you’re staying in a hotel, it’s not necessary but if you’re in an Airbnb or staying at a friend’s then it’s useful
Make up brushes
Make up remover
Eye cream – You can scoop some into a little pot like this for travel
Solid perfume – These are great for travel! The Pacifica brand has some lovely Hawaiian scents in their range.

First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit is a very useful addition to your travel toiletries list. I pack mine into a Ziploc sandwich bag and just tuck it away until I need any of the items. You don’t need to bring the whole box of Bandaids or rehydration sachets, just a few of each item is enough.

Bite / sting cream
Immodium – Anti-diaharreal tablets for any emergency situations!
Pain relief – Ibuprofen, panadol or asprin
Antacids – These are so useful if you’re going somewhere that has spicy food!
Rehydration salts – In case of any Delhi belly, important for kids.
Vitamin C sachets
Throat lozenges
Digital thermometer – This should definitely be on your toiletries travel bag list for any families traveling with small kids.

The 10 Best Travel Toiletries Items

Add these to your toiletries shopping list! After many years, I’ve worked out these are some of the best toiletries for travel . Pack your favorite items, of course, but give these items a try when putting together your toiletry kit list.

Folding toothbrush

One of my latest travel toiletries essentials is a folding toothbrush. Not only do they take up less space and fit into a Ziploc bag but they also protect your toothbrush bristles from germy surfaces or cross-contamination.

One of my favorite travel kit toiletries for packing light! These squeezey silicone tubes are perfect for shampoo, conditioner, coconut oil, body wash or any liquid you want to turn into travel mini toiletries. It’s easy to squeeze the liquid out and they don’t leak at all. They come in 2oz or 3oz sizes so are ideal for traveling carry on only.

The tub version of GoToobs, a GoTubb lets you put an thicker creams or gels into smaller containers for travel. Very useful for things like eye cream or hair gel. You can also use them for pills, vitamins or even snacks.

Coconut oil

One of the most useful toiletries to take travelling! You can use coconut for so many different purposes. It’s one of the toiletries travel bloggers most often recommend. It does just about anything! I use mine in lieu of eye make-up remover, body moisturiser, shaving gel, massage oil, hair oil and after sun cream.

Solid perfume

I love having a little pot of solid perfume to travel with because it’s such a nice pick me up when you’re feeling travel tired, smelly or just want to juzz yourself up for a night out. This Pacifica one comes in lots of great travel themed scents also!

Ziploc bags

Ziploc bags are so useful for packing toiletries for plane trips as they make it easy to pull your liquids out for security checks. If I’m traveling carry on only then my toiletries for air travel go into a Ziploc bag. You can also use Ziploc bags to tip vitamins into and leave your bulky bottles at home. Just write the contents and dosage on the outside of the bag.

Magnifying mirror

A small magnifying mirror like this one is so useful for travel because it has suction cups so you can stick it to a hotel window or mirror when you’re doing your eye make up or using your tweezers.

Small brush

A decent travel size hair brush saves a lot of space in your travel toiletry bag.

Menstrual cup

For all the ladies, if you haven’t tried out a menstrual cup then you should definitely give it a go as it’s so useful for travel. A menstrual cup is a reusable tampon alternative that gives you 12 hours of protection and can simply be rinsed and reused. This collapsible one saves a lot of space and comes in a neat little travel container.

Another one for the ladies, BB cream is for your travel make up kit! It gives light coverage which is great for wearing make up in hot climates and also contains a sunscreen. I love this Tarte BB cream because it is very light and dries to almost a soft powder. Plus it comes in a 1oz travel size so is perfect for traveling light.

Tips for Packing Toiletries

Using my travel tips packing toiletries is easy! Here are a few of my best tips for traveling with toiletries and avoiding spillage or overpacking.

Packing toiletries for flight – I always pack my flight toiletries in Ziploc bags in case of spillage as the air pressure of the plane can cause bottles to squeeze in and push the contents out, even if the lid is screwed shut! To avoid messy situations pack anything that might leak into a Ziploc bag and then put it inside your toiletry bag. You’ll notice that my toiletries list for air travel includes packing shampoo and conditioner into GoToobs. This is because these won’t leak. Still, be careful with any liquids.
Packing toiletries for international travel – Unless you’re going somewhere very remote or off the beaten path, you will be able to buy most essential toiletries for travel when you’re abroad. You might not be able to get certain brands you love so if you’re picky, bring them with you.
Packing toiletries for carry on luggage – When packing toiletries for air travel you need to adhere to the guidelines of items under 3oz or 100ml. It’s easy to purchase travel-size versions of most ladies toiletries and mens toiletries. Or you can decant your larger shampoo/conditioner bottles into GoToobs. Another alternative is to use a solid shampoo bar although I personally don’t like these and many of them require you to rinse your hair with vinegar afterwards anyway.
Pick the right toiletry bag – When picking a toiletry bag, look for one that has good waterproof/spill-proof fabric in case of any leakages. A hook for hanging is also really useful so you can hang up your toiletries when there isn’t a lot of counter space. I really like this eBags flat toiletry kit because all the items lay flat in one layer so it’s very easy to find what you’re looking for in your bag. Here’s my full review of the eBags Pack It Flat Toiletry Kit.

Printable Travel Toiletries Checklist

You download my complete toiletry items list here and print it out to pack for your trip. Now you can get organised and get all your toiletries to bring on vacation together. packing list toiletries

>>>>>Click here to download the printable PDF toiletries list for vacation here <<<<<

Any questions or comments on what toiletries to pack for vacation?

I hope you’ve found my list of toiletries for travel useful. As it’s written from my perspective it’s obviously more a women’s toiletries packing list, but guys can definitely adapt it to a list of travel toiletries for men by cutting off the hair and beauty items and all the fancy creams. For families, these travel essentials toiletries are all the same so you’ll just need to add in your kids’ toothbrushes and make sure you have child suitable pain relief and a digital thermometer.

Here’s a quick summary: When you travel pack toiletries that you use at home, go for mini versions or put them in GoToobs, bring any trip specific items as needed and then use the best way to pack toiletries for air travel by putting them in Ziploc bags or a great toiletry kit bag.

What’s on your toiletry bag list? Do you have any trips on what toiletries to take on holiday? I’d love to hear from you if you have any great products or ways of packing them.

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Travel toiletries packing list | a curated guide of the best travel toiletries.

The best travel toiletries and personal-care products.

Travel toiletries have posed a challenge to just about every traveler — specifically, how does one strike the balance between packing what’s needed and packing way too many toiletries. It’s tough, even for seasoned travelers.

So don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed by knowing what you should (and shouldn’t) pack for your trip — that’s exactly why I created this travel toiletries packing list.

Ok, let’s dive in.

My Philosophy On Travel Toiletries

Before we jump into this packing list, let’s look at a few major considerations that will impact the kinds of toiletries you pack and might shape your packing philosophy.

Packing Light and Carry-On Regulations

Personally, I travel as light as possible. Ideally, I only travel with a single carry-on sized backpack/suitcase — which drastically reduces the number and size of toiletries I travel with. It also means having to stick to TSA liquid regulations .

Obviously, carry-on travel isn’t for everyone.

However, every traveler should make it their goal to travel as light as possible. At the very least, you need to be able to carry your bag up multiple stairs without any trouble.

Unfortunately, toiletries are often bulky and heavy so reducing the amount you pack is one of the best ways keep down your luggage weight.

Buy As You Travel

Unless you’re traveling to the far corners of the Earth, there is an excellent chance you can purchase just about any toiletry you need at your destination.

My general philosophy is to only pack the things I 100% know I’ll use and then buy things if the need arises. Furthermore, some items are better purchased once you arrive.

Additionally, many hotels/hostels/rental apartments come stocked with some toiletries so double check as this might help reduce what you need to pack.

Travel-Sized Products

Travel-sized products have always annoyed me because they’re not only expensive but some feel wasteful as well. I prefer to find alternatives (like using refillable travel-sized bottles).

On that same note, I’m rarely a fan of normal items that have been turned into “travel-versions” of themselves. For example, “travel toothbrushes” are just worse versions of normal toothbrushes and it’s not like a standard toothbrush isn’t travel-friendly.

Travel Toiletries Packing List

Here’s a list of recommended travel toiletries that you might want to pack for your next big trip.

Toiletry Bag

A quality toiletry kit is a must-have because it helps keep all your stuff organized and easily mobile between your bag and the bathroom.

I highly recommend choosing a toiletry kit that has a hook so you can hang it up — don’t be surprised if your accommodation has little to no counter space.

Personally, I’m a fan of minimalist toiletry kits because they take up less space in your bag and it helps you limit the amount of stuff you pack.

GoToob+ Leak-Proof Travel Bottles

Some of my favorite travel-specific products are the carry-on sized GoToob+ refillable bottles — specifically, because GoToob makes some of the best leak-proof bottles that I’ve tested.

And trust me, you want leak-proof bottles.

These silicon bottles come in a variety of sizes (1.7, 2.5, and 3.4 ounces are all carry-on sized) and a variety of colors — they come in a few larger sizes as well if being carry-on compliant isn’t an issue.

GoToob+ bottles are sold in multiple configurations from single bottles to multi-packs. Expect to pay around $15-$30 for a set of three.

Shampoo, Conditioner, & Body Wash

Normally, I purchase things like body wash and shampoo once I arrive. However, if you have products you like then I recommend putting them in smaller travel bottles like the GoToob+ bottles .

Toothbrush, Toothbrush Cover, Toothpaste, & Floss

I bring a regular toothbrush when I travel (skip the “travel” toothbrushes — they’re all a waste of money).

Throw in a roll of floss as I’ve found floss to be expensive outside the US. I prefer to pack a travel-sized toothpaste so I can brush right away, but I often buy a regular tube when I arrive.

I’m also a big fan of Steripod clip-on toothbrush covers as they help sterilize your brush (the plastic is infused with thymol, a safe ingredient found in many types of mouthwash) while giving it a physical barrier from other stuff in your toiletry case.

Shaving Razors and Shaving Cream

I highly recommend packing a few of your own favorite razors as changing up your shaving routine on the road is a recipe for disaster — especially if you’re traveling overseas as the brands and quality of razors might be different. I typically buy razors in multi-packs via Amazon for the best price.

I often buy shaving cream once I arrive at my destination because you can find essentially the same shaving products worldwide. That said, EOS Shave Cream (for women) and C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream (for men) are travel-sized and non-aerosol shaving creams that get good reviews.

I’ve found that different countries use different deodorant formulas so I always pack a regular-sized stick of whatever I normally use — stick with a solid deodorant instead of liquid/aerosol since they don’t count against TSA restrictions. You can find plenty of mini-sized deodorants on Amazon if you’re concerned about space.

If you want to be ultra-minimalist, consider the SweatBlock Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Wipes which are supposed to help offer up to seven days of protection per wipe (I haven’t used these but they get great reviews).

Flying (and travel in general) can be incredibly dehydrating so I always travel with a few things of lip balm. I bring multiple sticks and divvy them up between my day bag, carry-on, and toiletry case — plus, I tend to lose a few along the way so it doesn’t hurt to pack a few extras.

Pepto-Bismol Tablets

I never travel without packing a few Pepto-Bismol chewable tablets. You can find these easily overseas but I’d rather them have on-hand as soon as I need them.

I have no idea if vitamins actually help keep you healthy but I figure any extra protection against germs (especially if you’re flying) can’t hurt. Zinc and Vitamin C are cited as the most helpful supplements.

Travel Wet Wipes

I always throw in a few individually wrapped wet wipes into my bag as sometimes travel can wreak havoc on the ol’ digestive system.

If nothing else, wet wipes can also be used to freshen up your face/hands after a long flight or train ride.

Blister Bandages

Travel usually means a lot of walking so the last thing you want is a painful blister. I always throw in a few band-aids that are designed specifically for blisters — notably for your heels.

Anti-Friction Body Powder

In addition to blisters, excess walking can cause a lot of friction/chafing so I like to pack some kind of body powder — especially in the summer. Anti-Monkey Butt Anti-Friction Powder is a cult favorite but there are other options as well.

Pain Medicine and Prescription Drug

In many countries, you can only purchase over-the-counter pain medicine from a pharmacy (which might have limited hours) so bring a few with you. I’m also a fan of Tiger Balm for sore muscles.

Additionally, prescription drugs can also be difficult to get so pack enough for your entire trip. That said, bring the original bottle/box as the local pharmacist might be able to help you get what you need.

Hand Soap Sheets & Hand Sanitizer

Hand soap and hand sanitizer are not interchangeable — they both kill germs but trying to “wash” your hands with hand sanitizer simply doesn’t work. That’s why I pack both.

I’ve found that hand soap sheets are the best for travel since they take up virtually no space and weigh basically nothing.

Makeup & Skincare

Makeup and skincare products can add considerable weight and bulk to your bag so sticking to the basics is recommended.

Favorite Cosmetics: Pack a few of your favorites but stick to the basics.
Face/Body Moisturizer: A good moisturizer will help with the dreaded travel dehydration.
Dry Shampoo: A lot of people swear by dry shampoo when traveling so you might pick up a few travel-sized cans from Amazon .
Makeup Brushes: Stick to one or two of your favorites.
Small Magnifying Mirror from Amazon .

Ways to condense makeup and skincare products:

Leak-proof liquid bottles from Amazon .
Leak-poof cosmetic cream jars from Humangear , Bariho , and Peak Gear .
Makeup wipes are a lightweight solution to keeping your face clean — Olay Daily Facial Wipes are a good all-in-one solution.
Disposable nail-polish remover wipes from Amazon .
Bioderma Cleansing and Make-Up Remover from Amazon .

Cologne/Perfume

Perfume and cologne are unneeded luxuries but I’ve always been a fan of traveling with them. That said, I never travel with a full bottle so I either spray some in a mini refillable atomizer or I pick up a few samples.

Contact Lens Solution/Disposable Lenses

Anyone who uses reusable contact lenses knows the struggle of contact lens solution. If possible, I recommend traveling with disposable lenses so you don’t have to deal with finding solution in a foreign country. That said, in many countries, you can only buy solution from a pharmacy so head there if you need something.

Hair Care and Styling

If you have a specialized hair care routine, then I recommend putting your shampoo and conditioner into refillable no-leak travel bottles like the GoToob+ bottles , or check out Amazon to see if your favorite product comes in a travel-sized option . Otherwise, consider buying shampoo and conditioner once you arrive as there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find similar products.

You should also bring a duel voltage hairdryer or buy one that’s made specifically for the correct voltage (recommended).

Here are some affordable travel hairdryers that get good reviews on Amazon :

Conair 1600 Watt Compact Hair Dryer with Folding Handle
BaBylissPRO BABNT053T Nano Titanium Travel Dryer
Conair 1875 Watt Compact Hair Dryer with Folding Handle
BaBylissPRO BABTT053T TT Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer

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Throw a pack of condoms into your bag so you have them if needed — Amazon has a wide selection.

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Essential Travel Toiletries Guide for Your Trip: Carry-On Approved

Guide for essential toiletry items for every traveller! Carry-on bag approved.

Hi! I am very excited to share another packing guide , this time focusing on essential travel toiletries!

Finding the perfect travel sized toiletries for a trip can be a challenge. There are so many to choose from and it can be difficult to know exactly what you need for a trip.

That’s where this guide comes in! In this guide you will find all of our favorite travel toiletry products and packing tips! These toiletries are essential for any trip, no matter the length, and won’t take up too much space in your suitcase.

As some of you may know, Kate and I almost always pack only in carry-ons, so most of the products mentioned below will be travel size (under 3.4 ounces) in order to comply with TSA regulations. However, if you are packing in a full size suitcase, I recommend bringing whatever size products you have in order to reduce waste and money spent purchasing new travel size ones.

Ready for your essential travel toiletry guide? Keep on reading!

Essential Travel Toiletries – Overview

Toiletry bag, reusable containers, moisturizer.

Facial Mist / Spray

Refreshing Wipes / Spray

Dry shampoo, chapstick / lip oil, storage + packing.

Per TSA regulations, airline passengers are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. The easiest, and most common, way to accomplish this is by using a Ziploc or other brand of disposable plastic baggie.

A more sustainable way to travel is to purchase a clear toiletry or makeup bag. For some clear, TSA-approved makeup bags, check out this affordable 3-pack from Amazon !

If your products are too large to bring, consider investing in some reusable travel bottles ! This will help to reduce waste and allow you to bring all of your essential travel toiletries from home! Amazon has lots of great options with varying prices, sets, and sizes!

Skincare products are some of the most important items you can pack for a trip. When traveling, your skin can be exposed to different germs, climates, and water. In order to help your skin adjust, make sure to bring along the skincare products you use daily. Below are some of my favorites!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CeraVe Skincare (@cerave)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Differin US (@differinus)

When packing for a trip, make sure to throw in your daily facial cleanser. My personal favorite brand of face wash is CeraVe . Their Hydrating Facial Cleanser is great for dry skin, while the Foaming Face Wash works wonders for oily and acne-prone skin. This cleanser is affordable and comes in full-size , travel-size , and eco-friendly bar options .

Facial moisturizer is an absolute must, especially when traveling. Personally, I use a lighter daytime option and a heavier cream for nighttime usage. That being said, when going on a trip, I often will only bring one moisturizer to keep my packing light.

For a light, oil-control moisturizer I highly recommend Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer Balance . This product looks great on its own, but it also allows for makeup to apply seamlessly on top.

For a more heavy-duty product, Differin’s Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30 is a great option. Its versatility makes this product awesome for traveling. However, it is 4 ounces, meaning it is not TSA compliant for carry-ons. After a few weeks of using, I had used enough product to bring it through airport security in my backpack and had no issues. Additionally, you could always transfer to a reusable TSA-compliant toiletry container , such as the ones recommended above.

Sunscreen is arguably the most important product on this list. From anti-aging/wrinkle prevention to reducing your chances of sun-related illnesses, make sure to use sunscreen all over your body, including your face and neck. Check out our post on the best travel sunscreens here!

When choosing a sunscreen, make sure to check that it’s reef safe and eco-friendly !! This is essential for protecting and preserving our oceans.

Facial Mist

While I do not use a facial mist or spray daily, I do find them useful for traveling, especially when flying. Facial mists are great for refreshing your skin and leaving it glowing. Check out Vacation’s Super Spritzer calming and soothing mist that is made for use with water-resistant sunscreens! If you’re going on a tropical vacation, definitely check out Vacation’s full line of paraben, sulfate, cruelty free and reef-safe products!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vacation® (@vacationinc)

Personal Hygiene

Before any trip, be sure to pick up some multi-purpose wipes! Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes and Cottonelle’s Flushable Wipes are two of my recommendations. The latter also is great for traveling in countries that do not provide toilet paper in public restrooms, but be sure to know if flushing toilet paper/wipes is allowed.

For a pick-me-up, Love Beauty and Planet’s Showerless Cleansing Mist is perfect for traveling. Just spray this on to feel refreshed during a long travel day.

Dry shampoo is an absolute must when traveling! R+Co’s Dry Shampoo works wonders on second (or third) day hair. Plus, their travel size options are perfect to throw in a purse or backpack. Batiste is a tried and true dry shampoo, and it’s very affordable.

You never want to be caught with dry, chapped lips on vacation! Glossier’s Balm Dotcom is an essential universal salve – great for lips, hands, dry patches, and more. Plus, the flavors are to die for. And, of course, for a classic chapstick, Burts Bees is always a great choice.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Glossier (@glossier)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Burt’s Bees (@burtsbees)

Additional Essentials

Hand Sanitizer
Toothbrush / Toothpaste (we recommend bamboo for a sustainable option)
Makeup Remover
Deodorant (Native is all natural and awesome!)
Razor + Shaving Products
Perfume / Body Spray

I hope you enjoyed my essential travel toiletries packing guide! As a disclaimer, the products I recommended are from personal opinion and experience. Before using any of these, check with a doctor or dermatologist, read the ingredients, and swatch test for allergies/sensitivities.

Let me know your essentials and favorite products in the comments below!

Guide with essential travel toiletries for all travelers and all trips! What you need to pack for your vacation.

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24 comments.

Dry shampoo is a necessity! This is such an important list, I must refer to it on my next trip!

Great recommendations..esp about keeping skin hydrated… esp during summer months, my skin gets so dry when I don’t bring my favorite products with me.

Great list. I’ve always wondered what facial mists are actually for, but can imagine on a long haul flight that it could be nice on your skin.

Great idea on the TA approved makeup bags, I thought the plastic bags were a requirement, but it’s great to know a sustainable alternative is acceptable!

Packing your toiletries in a carry on always adds a lot more consideration. I have not yet tried a facial mist so might want to add that to my kit. And I am definitely on the search for a good dry shampoo.

Awesome list! We are slowly learning how NOT to overpack and travel just by carry-on. We have already invested in some smaller bottles for travel, as well as a small toiletries bag for carry-ons. But no matter what way you travel, this list is awesome.

I sometimes travel with a big toiletry bag that I check, but it is so much more convenient to carry on my luggage (and my husband appreciates not checking). It requires a lot more thought on my part for sure!

This is a great list of basic toiletries to always have with you while traveling. It took me years to decide to get the refillable bottles, but so glad I did – I now use them all the time!

This is such a great article, I always forget something so this is a great list to have! I’ve never thought about facial mist but it sounds like something I should get into when flying.

Chapstick is definitely a must when travelling, especially if you’re on a plane. I like the idea of carrying some dry shampoo around too.

Awesome! Thanks for putting these together! Reusable containers + a toiletry bag definitely help to keep everything well organized. I like the TSA-approved makeup bag — yay for sustainable options! :]

Awesome list! So many great sustainable products too, definitely going to purchase some of these when my current ones run out!

Will use this as a check list for my next trip! It’s so useful to have a list like that because we always forget something haha. Well done!

Great tips! I started using solid soap and shampoo for sustainability reasons but it has also made carry on luggage so much easier!

Love your suggestions. I have been thinking of switching to a bar shampoo and bar conditioner.i love the sustainability and decreasing my bulky liquids.

Great travel packing tips, and I love your choice of skin care products! (I’m a dermatology nurse). Our skin gets so dry when we travel, moisturizer and facial mists are key!! 🙂

Great list! I’ll be honest, I don’t use half of these. But I think refillable containers are for sure a must have

Such a great! it’s so expensive and hard to buy these things in other countries. Wipes is such a great idea for long flights too.

Great list! I always forget at least one thing on my list when I travel. And then going out and buying it is such a pain.

Great list! I’m annoyingly good at overpacking my luggage. I could share a medium luggage with my partner and his stuff will only take up 1/3 of the space while I use the remaining 2/3, a small hand carry luggage and a backpack. Will try out your list when I travel in May.

Great blog and so many helpful tips and links! Dry shampoo saves me every time when travelling!

What a great list! I’ve been looking for a decent sized travel dry shampoo, I’ll be sure to look into this one 🙂

I always tend to overpack but I love the idea of mini travel size EVERYTHING. Definitely going to use some of these recommendations for my next trip to Houston

I’m sure an amateur when it comes to packing toiletries. All of my skincare products leaked on our December trip. Thanks for these handy tips!

I Flew 46 Times Last Year, and These Are the Toiletries I Packed in My Carry-on

This first appeared on the Strategist U.K. , our recently launched, Brit-specific shopping-recommendation site. Since these travel toiletries are also available to buy here, we are publishing it for our readers on this side of the pond.

As a travel editor and general holiday enthusiast, I visited over 23 different places last year, catching over 40 flights. After the umpteenth time, when waiting for my bag to appear from the hold meant that work meetings had to be pushed back, I decided it was time to commit to carry-on only. The main issue I came up against was the airport liquids regulations. There’s a number of rules to navigate. First of all, the clear plastic “liquids” bag all your liquids go in must have a regulation size of 20 x 20 cm. It must also be able to be closed (no overstuffing; believe me, I’ve tried this tactic and failed), and contrary to what many believe, you are only allowed one bag. See also: nothing in the bag over 3.4oz. You can push this — I’ve definitely squeaked through with 4oz face creams in there, but anything over 5oz is going to be pulled. Plus, a “liquid” in airportspeak is anything that “conforms” to the container it’s held in, so looser creams and pastes are going to need to go in, too.

This isn’t a forever problem. Heathrow will be relaxing its liquids rules in 2020 when it introduces new 3-D scanners, and it’s been ruled that all other U.K. airports will have to do the same [ this is, unfortunately, not the case here in the States — though TSA is now allowing some CBD oils through security ]. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee on how long it will take international airports to get onboard (pun intended) with the pricey new scanners, so it’ll still be worth planning for restrictions on your return leg even if it’s liquids-a-go-go in the U.K.

Measuring the plastic bag — I hung on to one of the free ones they hand out at airports and reuse it — helped work out the optimal combo of travel-size items I can fit in there, but even with every inch filled, I found it extremely difficult to travel for an extended time with an entirely liquid-reliant grooming routine. When all your toiletries are liquid or creams, you end up either compromising on what you bring, i.e., using terrible hotel shampoo so you can bring your regular moisturizer in its bulky packaging, or resigning yourself to itty-bitty amounts of everything that run out within a week. Plus, with the rise of airlines no longer including a checked bag as standard on long-haul flights, the instances where I can pack full-size liquid toiletries in hold luggage without paying for the privilege are getting fewer and fewer. The solution is switching to solids, like a well-traveled toddler. I’ve listed the solid beauty alternatives I’ve now started traveling with below. All are as good as their liquid counterparts.

Instead of toothpaste

Denttabs Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride

I was highly suspicious of toothpaste tabs until I tried these ones from Denttabs . They taste minty, have fluoride, and are surprisingly easy to use — just crunch one in your mouth to make a paste. Don’t get the one- or two-month supply as they come in metal containers, which security scanners don’t like. Instead, I get a big refill pouch and fill up a small jar to take on my travels.

Instead of roll-on deodorant

Solid deodorant is the trickiest thing to get through airport security, as it frequently reads on the scanners as a liquid. When I traveled with Mitchum’s sticks, my suitcase got pulled about 65 per cent of the time, while a square of Lush’s Aromaco (which I love) in a jar has a 100 percent fail rate. Flagging it with security staff pre-scanner can help with this, but only if the staff actively show it to the person operating the scanner to say it’s a solid (which doesn’t happen often). Most of the time — and especially when security is heaving — pointing out the stick will just get it tossed into a separate tray, which still gets pulled into the queue for inspection.

The only solid deodorant I’ve tried that gets through seamlessly every single time is the deodorant stick from Agent Nateur . It’s natural, but actually pretty effective — I wouldn’t work out in it, but it’s gotten me through full days schlepping round cities in full summer heat. FYI, the Holi Rose scent is $5 more expensive than the original version but worth it.

Instead of travel wash

Dr Bronner's All-One Hemp Citrus Pure-Castile Orange Bar Soap

You can get dedicated laundry-soap bars (and even laundry-soap sheets ) to wash your clothes on holidays no problem, but Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap works just as well and you can wash yourself with it, too. If you want something specifically targeted toward stains, these stain wipes are great, but the Dr. Bronner’s bar is pretty good, too. I spilled a Pret breakfast pot — the bean-and-egg one, of course — all down my white T-shirt running to catch a flight a little while ago, and a targeted scrub in the airplane bathroom with the bar got everything out.

Instead of perfume

There are so many beautiful solid-perfume options (Diptyque! Le Labo! Tony Moly’s Pocket Bunnies!), but on holiday, like in my day-to-day life, I want to have access to more than one. That means (1) shelling out for more than one solid fragrance and (2) having more things rattling around your suitcase. The new perfume palette from Jo Malone that lets you fill it with more than one fragrance is not only the perfect reasonably priced solution to this but also a pretty cheap way of trying out a new Jo Malone scent. I love Mimosa & Cardamom as my daytime scent and then Pomegranate Noir as a sexy nighttime scent.

Instead of a face mask

Ready, Set, Glow! I'm Sheet Mask 10 Pack

There’s no greater pleasure than bathing in a fancy bath in a fancy hotel bathroom. So much nicer than gazing at the dirty grout framing my bath back home. And what’s a bath without a face mask? Sheet masks are fine going through security sans baggie (my carry-on is practically lined with them), and Tony Moly’s are my absolute favorite. Get them in a pack rather than separately; it’s much cheaper ($24 for ten versus $3 for one).

Instead of shampoo

I am ridiculously fussy about my hair, but the Lush shampoo bars are a revelation. I can’t see any difference in results between them and my usual Pureology shampoo. The Jason and the Argan Oil bar is my go-to as it also makes my whole suitcase smell amazing. I’d recommend pairing it with a soap pouch , as the bar breaks into bits as it gets smaller.

Instead of face wash

I am obsessed with Milk Makeup, who does just about everything you could want in solid stick form. As well as not needing to go in your plastic bag, they have really good leak-free packaging. If you’re only picking one, go for the Matcha Cleanser, which is great for soothing travel-induced redness and breakouts, but honestly everything from the puffiness-busting cooling water stick to the hydrating oil serum are fab on-the-go skin care.

Instead of your regular skin-care routine

Milk Makeup’s sticks are excellent, but if you don’t like the idea of traveling with lots of different bits, the Frances Prescott Tri-Balm is a good pick for streamlining your liquid-free routine. It seems expensive at $60, but it’s actually a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer in one — as a dry-skin girl, I can confirm I miraculously don’t need moisturizer after using this.

Instead of sun cream

I don’t really trust any of those “travel-friendly” powder sunscreens, and if you’re going away for longer than a weekend in the sun, you should definitely be using more than a mini-size bottle. Just buy some Nivea in duty-free! The only thing I do pack is this factor 50 stick sun cream from Elizabeth Arden as it’s really convenient for quick top-ups when you’re out and about and as a face sunscreen if you’re staying covered up. Though it’s a sun “cream,” don’t worry, it doesn’t count as a liquid, as the stick doesn’t “conform” to any container it’s put in, i.e., it holds its shape when the stick is rolled up.

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21 Top Toiletries Packing List Items for 2024 + What NOT to Bring

One thing you definitely don’t want to forget when traveling is your toiletries! At the end of the day, there is no magic one-size-fits-all toiletry list that’ll work for everybody, but repurchasing items in foreign countries can get expensive and you don’t want to risk throwing away your favorite products because they exceed the TSA limits.

If you’re traveling by plane, bringing your necessary toiletries with you on board is a good idea, in case of lost luggage or if you need to freshen up mid-fight. From deodorant to floss, make sure you check this list twice before leaving home!

What Toiletries to Pack – 21 Essentials

1. hanging toiletry bag.

Hanging toiletry bags are a game-changer. Once you travel with them, you will never go back to the days of spilled shampoo in your suitcase or digging to find a toothbrush. This creates a shelf-like system in any bathroom, simply by hanging it on the door, shower, or a hook. I use it for camping or when there is zero countertop space, it really saves my sanity! And it holds the entire family’s essentials (haircare, skincare, makeup, towels, etc.).

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Deodorant Wipes

Unfortunately, travel can leave you feeling sticky, sweaty, and stinky. These wipes really help alleviate that feeling without harsh chemicals and without leaving a sticky residue. They have a nice scent and come in little packets, so you can carry a few with you in case you need them during the day.

3. Natural and Gentle Solid Sunscreen

The Sun Bum brand is known for its gentle and effective skincare products, and this solid sunscreen is no exception. Not only is it as effective as other, more chemical-laden sunscreens, but it’s also extremely good for your skin. This product even boasts natural agents that help prevent premature aging! It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, easy to apply, and smells nice to boot. I can’t get enough of it when I’m in the sun.

4. Folding Toothbrush

Any space that can be saved in your luggage is valuable, and a folding toothbrush is handy for that purpose. It’s also great because instead of having to bring along a separate sterile toothbrush cover, your toothbrush folds into itself to protect the bristles without any extra accessories!

5. Itsy Bitsy Razor

In keeping with the space-saving theme: look how tiny this razor is! It may not seem like much, but if you think about the length of standard razors, a shorter version tends to be much easier to pack and won’t have to be shoved awkwardly into a too-short toiletry bag or plastic baggie. This set comes with a handle and two blade heads and will deliver the quality shave that can be expected from Venus brand products.

6. Motion Sickness Patches

If you’re prone to any motion or sea sickness, these patches are stellar! On days when you’ll be bobbing up and down on any boats, driving down windy roads, or flying by on high-speed trains – these will be a huge relief to any nausea or dizziness you experience. We field-tested many brands and these holistic patches came out on top!

7. Travel Shampoo and Conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner set is just awesome. This formula includes Vitamin E and other high-quality ingredients to help you pamper yourself while protecting your hair. It can be safely and effectively used on keratin-treated hair, color-treated hair, and even extensions.

8. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

We use travel towels for all of our travels! Since it dries 10x faster than cotton, it’s very muti-purposeful and easy to reuse throughout the day. It can double as a sweat rag, makeup remover wipe, microfiber cloth, beach blanket, and more.

9. Dry Shampoo

If you haven’t tried dry shampoo before, you should. It’s becoming common knowledge that washing your hair too often is not very good for it. When you’re traveling, sometimes you can’t wash your hair as often as you’d like anyway! On the other hand, we all know the gross feeling of having dirty hair. Dry shampoo is like magic for these situations. I use my spray version at least once a week to absorb excess oils at the roots of my hair so that I don’t have to strip the healthy oils from the lengths and ends of my hair by washing it. Perfect for on-the-go!

10. Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Your underarms are hugely related to your lymphatic system, and these nodes fight against cancer. Since they can absorb toxins more easily than other parts of your body – ensure that your main deodorant is all-natural and aluminum-free. This one smells amazing, comes in many scents, and is unisex for both men and women.

11. TSA-Approved Travel Bottles

If you’re a big enough fan of your usual products to want to bring some along with you instead of opting for travel-sized products, I highly recommend using these flexible, leak-proof silicone travel containers. They’re easy to fill, pack, squeeze the product out of, and clean. They’ve quickly become my favorite containers to use, and because of the silicone, I don’t have to worry about them being squished or cracked and popping open in my suitcase.

12. Awesome Makeup Case

When traveling with makeup and other beauty products, it’s important to keep them safe en route. Clattering about can cause your favorite products to crumble or become otherwise ruined. I personally don’t want to have to replace my entire collection after every trip, so I use this great little makeup case to keep everything divided and safely cushioned for the trip! It’s a small investment to keep your expensive brushes and makeup products in good condition.

13. Hand Sanitizer Spray

Hand sanitizer is a must-have when traveling, especially when traveling with kids (they touch everything). I fell in love with spray sanitizer after trying it once, and I much prefer it to the sticky gels that take too long to dry. Alcohol-based sanitizers work by evaporation, so you don’t want to have to wave your hands around and wait a long time for that to happen, right? This spray is perfect, plus it is beautifully scented and not harsh on your skin – or your kids’ skin!

14. Makeup Removing Cleanser

Have you heard of the “sleep naked” concept? Well, it’s been studied and concluded that sleeping with makeup on your face ages you incredibly quickly and can even lead to terrible skin conditions. A good makeup remover will be gentle on your skin and do its job thoroughly without stripping your skin of its own natural protective layers. That’s why I love this Bioderma cleanser – it’s an oil-free facial cleansing and makeup-removing water for sensitive or allergy-prone skin, and it feels great to use. Your skin will thank you for using it, even on the most exhausting of travel days.

15. Packing Cubes

These suitcase organizers are perfect for any vacation to any destination! Since each cube can be labeled with index cards, you can keep track of shirts, pants, pajamas, socks, essentials, makeup, and more. They’re great for transferring between drawers and backpacks without having to tear apart your hotel room, and this set even comes with laundry bags for your clean and dirty clothes. Booyah !

16. Organic Rosewater Spray

This naturally toning, alcohol-free spray is delightful. A toner balances oils and conditions your skin to help heal and protect it. These are important qualities while traveling when your skin is exposed to all kinds of internal and external stresses! This serum is made from roses and is the perfect way to freshen up, rehydrate, and protect your sensitive skin. It also smells lovely, which adds to the whole self-care ritual.

17. Leave-in Conditioner

Doesn’t it always seem like your hair gets frizzy, staticky, and a little wild while you’re traveling? Mine certainly does. That’s what these products are for – they’ll replenish, restore, protect, and help you style your hair while you’re on the road. These products are known for their effectiveness and their great smell – reviewers rave about them!

18. Solid Shampoo

Solid shampoo is a fantastic alternative to liquid shampoos and will save you space in your quart-sized baggie when going through security at the airport. Some solid shampoos aren’t as effective, but this particular bar is great. It’s soap-free to prevent stripping of natural oils and to minimize residue It works extremely well and smells nice.

19. Tide-to-Go Pen

After ruining several tops and pairs of pants by spilling delicious food on them, I’ve learned never to go anywhere without my stain-remover pens. This is especially important when traveling, as you may not have access to laundry services right away to prevent that stain from setting! In my experience, Tide pens work much better than other brands.

20. Biodegradable Toilet Paper

It’s wise to be prepared for all lavatory-situations you may face. And there are no guarantees that you’ll have toilet paper available at all times. Whether you’re on safari in Africa or at a restaurant in New York City, not everyone stays on top of stocking the essentials. I always bring a couple of rolls of toilet paper, just in case. This brand is degradable so it’s great for campsites where you’re required to leave no waste behind, or squat toilets in less developed countries.

21. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

If you’re flying to your destination, secure your suitcase with these luggage locks before checking them. They are TSA-approved so security can check your bag with their universal keys, but no one else will be able to break into your bags or look through your things. We’ve had items stolen out of our checked luggage, so now we know that you can never be too safe. They also give you peace of mind for backpacks in crowded areas, public lockers, and more.

Other Toiletry Packing List Items Not to Forget

Lightweight Towel
Cooling Towel
SPF Lip Balm
Dry Shampoo
Hand Sanitizer
First-Aid Kit
Neck Wallet
Crest White Strips
NordVPN Wi-Fi Security
Travel Insurance
Global Excursions

What NOT to take in your toiletry bag

1. liquids that are unsealed.

The last thing you want is to open up your toiletry bag or carry-on and find a sunscreen explosion! Make sure you tape each bottle closed, and then separate your liquids into a waterproof ziplock bag.

2. Bottles that are larger than 3 oz

TSA has some pretty strict rules! Make sure you follow all the liquid rules while packing to ensure that you don’t have to throw anything out while you’re in line for security.

3. Anything flammable

TSA rules aside, it’s probably just a bad idea in general to bring flammable liquids on an airplane.

FAQs about traveling with Toiletries

1. what toiletries can i bring on my carry on bag.

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in a ziplock bag, and separate the bag from your carry-on baggage while going through security screening. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage. For more information click here

2. What are some tips for packing toiletries?

Go through your daily routine in your head (or pay special attention to it the morning before you leave) and make a list of each thing you use. Pack only the items on that list, and nothing else! Keep an eye out for items that have dual or triple purposes, and definitely leave the “just in case” items at home.

3. There is a lot I want to pack in my toiletry case! How can I pare it down?

Try to pack makeup/toiletry samples rather than the full products. Put your liquids into even smaller containers that are meant for travel. It’s also extremely helpful to opt for dry or solid forms of your toiletries, such as shampoo and conditioner bars or deodorant wipes.

4. Is it better to bring everything I need or to buy toiletries at my destination?

It depends on your destination. There are many areas where convenience and local prices for items make it much more worth it to buy some things when you arrive. However, with most destinations, you’ll find that you either can’t get what you need easily, or the pricing on the toiletry items is far higher there than at home. Do a little bit of research before you go if possible, but it’s generally best to pack most of your own stuff.

13 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles: Editor Tested, Leakproof, & Reusable

By Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Beauty and skincare products like shampoo, moisturizer, and face wash are essential on every packing list , whether you're heading to a hotel or are staying with friends or family. Since buying miniature versions of your favorite products can be expensive—and typically means purchasing a whole lot of single-use plastics—having practical and reliable toiletry travel bottles you can pull out for every trip is a must.

To make sure the reusable bottles we're throwing in our Dopp kit are easy to use and don't leak, we tested out a variety of affordable travel sets to see which ones actually get the job done. Below, you'll find 13 of the best travel toiletry bottles that will protect the contents of your luggage—and all of the creams, soaps, and serums you've shelled out for—and keep you organized on the go. Even better, all of these picks are TSA-friendly in size, so you don't have to worry about any of your favorite products being thrown out at the airport. As an added bonus, many of these travel bottles are available on Amazon Prime, so you can get your hands on them quickly before a last-minute getaway.

How we tested

I scoured the internet to find the most popular travel toiletry bottles—searching a variety of retailers, reading hundreds of reviews, and considering online ratings. After my initial research, I put many reusable toiletry bottles to the test, trying out dozens of options that range in price, size, and design. I've had some of these toiletry bottles for over a year and they've accompanied me on a mix of weeklong vacations in checked luggage and short weekend trips in tightly-packed duffel bags .

Over the last several months, I tested another batch of options: I've filled them with a variety of skincare, hair care, and body products—thick body wash, contact solution, and leave-in conditioner included. I've even left these filled containers upside down overnight to see if there were any unexpected leaks. My findings: There are many great options on the market to choose from and you don't need to break the bank to find the perfect set for you. Below, the best travel toiletry bottles to pack wherever you're headed next .

Our top picks

Best overall: Tocelffe 18-Pack travel bottles
Best for easy packing: Cadence The Capsule Flex System
Best for in-shower products: LiquiSnugs silicone travel bottles
Best for perfume: Vonovo mini refillable perfume bottles
Best for contact solution: Cauyuan portable contact lens case

Browse reusable bottles for:

Hair and body wash, cleansers and serums, contact lens care, a variety of products.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

No matter how organized I try to stay, my bathroom counter at every hotel always becomes cluttered with my many toiletries and hair products . The LiquiSnugs look like your classic silicone travel bottles, but they feature a clever suction cup on the back that allows you to stick them onto any shower wall—freeing up limited counter space. These are great for in-shower products like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. This set of four bottles features two 3-ounce bottles and two 2-ounce bottles, so you can choose how much product you need depending on the length of your trip. Another smart design feature: Twist the top to adjust the label name so you won't forget what's inside. I've had these for about a year now and I consistently reach for these to pack shampoo and conditioner.

Pros : The unique suction cup design makes them great for shower products.

Cons : These occasionally will fall off shower walls if there's not a little bit of water to keep them in place.

This Amazon bestseller is versatile enough for every type of traveler. The 18-pack from Tocelffe features four silicone bottles of varying size (two 3-ounce bottles and two 2-ounce bottles), four small jars for creams and serums, two spray bottles, two spatulas, a funnel, labels, and a cleaning brush. These all come in a waterproof toiletry bag that you can reuse to carry makeup or tech essentials. In this set, I find myself mostly reaching for the ultra-soft silicone bottles, which are great for products like body wash, face cleanser, and micellar water. Each of these bottles feature three-layer leak-proof tops so you don't have to worry about spills in your bag. Something I love about these bottles is how they can be bent and squeezed easily to get every last bit of product out of them.

Pros: Very affordable, comes in a clear toiletry case, and the bottles' wide opening makes it easy to refill. Cons: The small plastic jars are not as reliable as the silicone bottles in this set.

If you're just looking for a few affordable no-frills travel bottles, these are for you. Available in a variety of colors, the silicone bottles do just what they say they will. They're leakproof, come in a set of four, and are easy to refill and clean. While there’s no bells and whistles, these three-ounce bottles pleasantly surprised me with just how much product they fit compared to some of the other classic silicone bottles we tested, making them an ideal option for a longer vacation. Plus, these have an average of 4.5 stars on Amazon with over 11,000 global reviews.

Pros: Versatility; available in many colorways

Cons : This set doesn't come with labels or a proper toiletry case.

Another solid choice for travelers is this set of four 3-ounce silicone travel bottles. These are squeezable, leakproof, and versatile enough to use for everything from shower products and soaps to sauces and baby food. These reusable bottles are all the same size and each a different color so you can differentiate them. Bonus: This set comes in a transparent toiletry case to keep them all organized in.

Pros : This set is available in a dozen colorways; wide opening makes them easy to refill without needing a funnel. Cons : This set doesn't come with labels.

If you prefer to bring along a bar of soap instead of using what's provided at the hotel, this compact soap box is a great travel companion. Inside, there's a soap mat that absorbs any excess water and prevents the soap from becoming mushy. I've used other plastic soap cases before without a mat and it always leaves a mess. This one features a silicone band that wraps tightly around the box for extra protection, and is about the size of a deck of cards.

Pros : Fits most commonly used soap brands, affordable, and features a simple-to-use design.

Cons : The soap box needs the band to stay secure so be careful not to lose it.

I've been a fan of Cadence's capsules for a few years now. These leakproof, airtight, and watertight magnetic capsules are unlike any other travel bottles I've used and are a true game changer when it comes to packing your own beauty products. The individual capsules magnetically snap together to take up as little space as possible in your Dopp kit and are designed without any right angles or edges, so you get every last bit of product available.

The original .56-ounce individual capsules are great for weekend trips and storing small items like daily vitamins and safety pins. The Capsule Flex System allows you to customize your own bundle with your choice of small , medium , and large sizes, as well as The Extender —an add-on that allows you to increase the size of the bottle when you need more room. This makes it so easy to customize your travel routine, whether you want to pack extra product for longer trips or bring enough body wash for you and your travel buddy. With The Flex System, you can still choose your own label for each capsule (the labels are interchangeable), as well as the color and number of capsules in your bundle.

Pros : It's easy to get every last drop of product inside each capsule and they are so easy to rinse out and reuse. The custom labels can be swapped out depending on what you're packing.

Cons : These are the most expensive option on our list.

I was eager to test out the Ries travel bottles after hearing a lot of buzz about the product and seeing them make their way into retailers like Sephora and Goop. These are a more elevated, aesthetically pleasing take on the classic reusable travel bottles you may have used in the past. Ries prioritized sustainability and design with these essentials: Each bottle is made from recycled plastic and features a large opening at the top, which makes it easy to refill and clean (not to mention, they're dishwasher safe). Travelers can purchases these bottles individually (a 3.4-ounce bottle or a 1.7-ounce bottle) or in a set with both sizes . My favorite thing about these bottles is the airless pump—I feel so glamorous while doing my nighttime skincare routine with these, and it makes it easier to use products like face wash or cleanser on the road. The bottles are pre-labeled (shampoo, conditioner, body, face) and you can twist the top to the side to conceal the opening, so product won't spill out.

Pros : Sustainably made; if you prefer a pump, these are for you.

Cons : On the pricier side; the bottles are a bit bulky and take up a little more room in my makeup bag than most travel-size products I use.

Finally, a solution to my contact lens woes. I can't count the number of times I've stopped into a drugstore to buy a mini bottle of contact lens solution before heading out on a trip, or to pick up rewetting drops because I'm dealing with dry contacts while away from home. This compact case makes cleaning and caring for contacts on the go much easier—it comes with an easy-to-fill reusable dropper that gives me a long weekend's worth of solution, a contact case, and has a mirror to help get them in and out. (I don't like to fly in contacts, so this is particularly handy if I forget to switch to my glasses before leaving home.) It weighs next to nothing, and will fit in all but my smallest handbags, so I've been keeping it on me regularly, not just when traveling. — Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Pros : It comes with a tiny pair of tweezers to make removing contacts from the case less messy. Cons : The contact solution holder isn't large enough for weeklong trips.

I admit I've also been guilty of buying mini versions of my favorite contact solution. As much as I love reusable toiletry bottles for my skincare and hair products, I've never had anything that felt right for the consistency of my contact solution. I wear daily lenses, meaning I don't need a whole lot of solution with me when I travel, so it is a little frustrating to carry around a bottle that takes up precious space in my Dopp kit. Lately, I've been carrying about the Cauyuan eye glass case which comes with a super small dropper for contact solution. This refillable dropper holds just enough contact solution for weekend trips and shorter vacations and takes up such little space (I've even found myself tossing it in my handbag in case my eyes get a little dry.) This durable case keeps all of my eye care essentials together and protected, with a separate compartment for eye glasses, and another that holds the dropper, tweezers, a contact case, and a mirror.

Pros : All of my eyewear essentials are now in once place and stay organized; the dropper is small enough to fit in a tiny purse. Cons : The compartment for your eye glasses is on the small size—if you have thick or bulky frames, they might not fit.

I've never found a reusable spray bottle for my perfume that I've liked, so I've always relied on buying miniature versions of each of my favorite fragrances. But let's be real—those travel-size perfume bottles are expensive! They're often made of glass, too, making them vulnerable to breaking in your luggage. Enter the Vonovo mini refillable perfume bottles: Each of these holds 0.2 ounces of your favorite scent, more than enough for a long vacation. This set comes with five spray bottles, so you can bring along any of your favorites—or all of them. And they are so easy to use—simply pull off the top of your full-size perfume, press the bottom of the mini bottle on top of it, and keep clicking until its refilled. Each of the bottles have a clear vial inside so you can see how much product you have left. My favorite part: These are so tiny—think the size of a lipstick— meaning I can even bring them with me on a date night when I'm only carrying a small purse .

Pros : Easy to refill and compact enough to fit in even the tiniest of travel bags Cons : These spray bottles wont match the look of your full-size perfume and don't have labels, so you'll have to remember based on the color of the mini bottle you choose. Also, these can be refilled with the same perfume, but I wouldn't recommend reusing them with another scent.

For those with a more rigid skincare or haircare routine, this 16-pack lets you bring along every last product you want—and it all fits into one reusable case. The set comes with four silicone bottles, four jars, two spray bottles, two scoopers, a funnel, and a cleaning brush. The variety means you can pack everything from soap and shampoo to serums and sprays in here, and the cleaning brush makes the bottles easy to clean and re-use. I like this set best for packing my more expensive skincare serums and creams in the small jars that have a scooper to use.

Pros : A variety of types of containers

Cons : The toiletry case the bottles come in isn't the best quality.

The Kitsch Ultimate travel set includes leakproof holders that are compact and lightweight enough to pack in a purse or tote bag . In addition to three flat pouches, this set also comes with two pump bottles, two mini jars, one mini funnel, one mini spatula, and one mini pipette. This set is best for a longer trip—say, a European vacation or a cross-country road trip —as you can store a lot more shampoo, conditioner, and lotions in the pouches without going over any TSA limits (plus, they'll get lighter as you use them).

Pros : The flat pouches are easy to pack and take up less room in a Dopp kit than bulkier bottles.

Cons : The pouches are a little bit harder to refill than bottles with a wide opening.

If you're packing toiletries for your entire family , this 21-pack of travel bottles has you covered. This package comes with four silicone bottles, four cream jars, four toothbrush covers, two spray bottles, two pump bottles, two trowels, a funnel, and labels to keep everything straight. Whether it's a trip to Disney World or multi-generational cruise , this set makes packing for the whole family easy.

Pros : These come with toothbrush covers–a nice travel accessory that none of the other options on our list offers.

Cons : Not ideal for weekend trips or light packers.

20 Essential Toiletries for Travel You Should Never Forget

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Assure any trip away runs smoothly by packing these essential toiletries for travel , freeing up your time and energy to focus on having fun and making memories while away.

Essential Toiletries for Travel

You need a good travel shampoo for your hair. You can go with your regular brand of shampoo and just pack it in a leak-proof travel bottle .

If you already have too many liquid products, you may want to go with a solid shampoo bar . And you get bonus karma points if you go with an eco-friendly brand!

A great addition, if you have more space, is a dry shampoo , which will reduce the number of liquid toiletries you need to take.

2. Conditioner

As with the shampoo, you can bring conditioner in a leak-proof travel bottle or choose to pack a solid conditioner bar .

3. Body Wash

To cut back on liquids, bring a travel-size bar soap which will save you some space. I really prefer body wash to bar soaps, but you can jazz up the bar soap by picking something like this Bali soap scented with coconut, papaya, vanilla, lemongrass, or jasmine.

If you’re going on a short trip and don’t need a whole bar soap, you can always cut a bar soap in half and bring only half with you, saving space in your bag.

4. Deodorant Wipes

These wipes can help you clean whenever you feel sweaty during your trip but don’t have immediate access to a shower. Great for those trips to warm climates or active trips that involve hiking and other sweat-inducing activities.

There are many types of deodorant wipes nowadays, but it’s probably the best to choose the type which doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or leave a sticky residue after use. These alcohol-free deodorant wipes from Dove will leave you smelling fresh like cucumber and green tea.

5. Facial Moisturizer

Pick a moisturizer with SPF for the best protection while traveling.

6. Toothpaste and Toothbrush

Toothpaste is the most commonly forgotten toiletry item among travelers. So, make sure you don’t forget it together with your toothbrush.

You can go green and choose an eco-friendly toothbrush .

When it comes to your toothpaste, you can pick toothpaste, toothpaste powder or even toothpaste tablets to cut back on weight and space.

7. Dental Floss

Besides being important for your oral health, floss can also help tie bits and bobs together.

8. Nail Clippers Set

You should know not everyone around the world follows the same rules as the TSA. In Cambodia, one of my friends had to throw away her nail clippers when going through airport security (despite having gone through multiple countries and airports already with the same nail clippers). So, bring them in your carry on at your own risk.

9. Deodorant

You’d be surprised how hard it can be to find your favorite deodorant in some places. My personal favorite is Secret Clinical , and it’s impossible to find it when traveling in certain countries outside the U.S.

Therefore, bring your favorite deodorant with you, and if you want to cut back on liquids, pick the solid version of your favorite deodorant.

You can now find travel-sized razors that are just as good as their larger versions.

11. Cotton Pads and Q-Tips

Versatile and useful for removing makeup, fixing makeup, cleaning your ears, and more — make sure to pack a handful of cotton rounds and q-tips. You can even find eco-friendly cotton rounds and cotton swabs .

12. Travel Bottles

You can use flexible, leak-proof travel bottles to bring some of your products at home, such as shampoo, body lotion, or body wash, instead of buying travel-sized products. They are travel-sized, easy to pack, fill, and squeeze the product out.

They are easy to clean as well, so you can reuse them for all your trips.

13. Hand Sanitizer Spray

This product can be very handy when traveling and not being able to wash your hands whenever you want, or when traveling with kids. You can choose a spray, foam , gel, or wipes sanitizer.

Bring a portable travel mirror with you, preferably one made of metal or thin acrylic. Although this type of mirror material is heavier, it’s less prone to breakage than glass.

15. Sunscreen

Make sure you pack sunscreen to keep your face and skin protected from the harmful sun rays. You can buy powder sunscreen you can apply with the built-in brush.

16. Hairbrush

You don’t want your hair messy during your entire trip, so find a travel-sized hairbrush, like this small wood hairbrush , and bring it with you.

17. Hand Lotion

Even though this may be an extra toiletry item for many people, others can’t go a day without a hand lotion. If you belong to the second group of people, find a travel-sized hand lotion you can carry with youu.

18. Feminine Hygiene Products

In Hoi An and Da Nang, Vietnam, it was practically impossible to find tampons. So, if that’s what you prefer to use on your period, definitely bring them with you on your trip.

19. Toiletry Bag

Pick a toiletry bag with room for all your makeup as well. If you bring beauty products, including makeup on your trips, you’d want them safe while traveling instead of getting them crumbled or ruined.

20. Travel Towel

Pack an absorbent microfiber travel towel , which can fold up super small and dry quickly. This type of towel is great for hostels, the beach, or anywhere you go. It may cost a little more than a regular towel, but it’s definitely a smart decision.

Don’t leave things to chance when leaving home to go on a trip, be it domestic or abroad.

A little planning and forward-thinking can go a long way to keeping you comfortable and safe, particularly if you’re traveling somewhere remote where pharmacies and supermarkets are hard to find.

Pack these essential toiletries, and never have to worry about finding these important items while away. That way, you can enjoy every minute of your trip, the way it was intended to be.

Related: Packing Hacks: The Top 10 Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Keep this essential toiletries packing list for safekeeping, ready for an upcoming trip, by saving this article to one of your boards.

20 Essential Toiletries for Travel You Should Never Forget

The 7 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Avoid spills and score style points with these liquid containers

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Leticia Almeida

There’s nothing worse than arriving excitedly at your destination to find that your toiletries have spilled all over your suitcase. Or to be the person who holds up the line at security while the TSA agents discard your oversized liquids. Both of these scenarios are easily avoided by investing in a set of appropriately sized, 100 percent leakproof travel toiletry bottles. There are lots of options out there in terms of bottle quantity, size, and design, with the right one for you depending on factors such as how long you’ll be traveling and the complexity of your beauty routine.

To help you narrow down the choices, our team of travel experts put 14 toiletry bottle sets to the test. Each one was scored for ease of use, quality, design, performance, and value, with average scores used to determine the winners of categories ranging from “best budget” to “most durable.”

Final Verdict

How we tested.

What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, liquisnugs premium leak-proof silicone travel bottles.

Ease of Use 5 /5
Quality 5 /5
Design 5 /5
Performance 5 /5

Very secure, with no leaks during testing

Stick to vertical surfaces

Easy to stay organized

Lack of variety

The LiquiSnugs Premium Silicone Travel Bottles offer flawless performance at a price so reasonable our tester was shocked by it. The set includes two 2-ounce bottles and two 3-ounce bottles, both of which adhere to TSA carry-on regulations. We liked the flexibility afforded by the two different sizes since there are always products we need more and less of on vacation. We were able to easily fit all four in a quart-sized Ziploc bag simultaneously without placing pressure on any of them. All bottles are made of flexible, food-grade, BPA-free silicone, making them easy to pack and dispense.

With a dripless valve and bottleneck design, the bottles are advertised as 100 percent leakproof—a claim we can support, with no spillages even after being dropped and thrown around repeatedly during testing. We liked that the bottles’ wide mouths made them simple to fill, empty, and clean as needed. Other highlights include the suction pad on the back of each bottle (great for attaching them to the bathroom wall) and the changeable labels. Options for the latter include shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, soap, and lotion, enabling you to switch up the uses on each trip.

Number of Bottles: 4 | Sizes: (2) 2-ounce, (2) 3-ounce | Materials: Silicone

TripSavvy / Tamara Staples

Best Budget

Vitog travel bottles kit.

Ease of Use 4 /5
Performance 4.5 /5

Multiple dispensing methods

Comes with several functional extras

Good value for money

Capacity could be larger

Retailing for half the price of our already affordable overall winner, the Vitog Travel Bottles Kit is a no-brainer for budget-conscious buyers. It includes six 1.4-ounce bottles and two 0.4-ounce bottles. The larger ones consist of two pump bottles with a removable clip to prevent accidental deployment, two spray bottles, and two flip-cap bottles. The smaller ones are miniature cream jars. All eight are made from clear PET plastic, which we found durable yet lightweight enough for travel. We also liked that we could easily see how much product was left.

We appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of a pipette, a funnel, and a spatula to help with decanting products from their original containers. They made the bottles relatively easy to fill, although we did experience some spillage when decanting thick body lotion. Nevertheless, there was no leaking or visible wear and tear after our intensive testing process. The set also includes a sheet of labels and a clear plastic toiletry bag. The only real drawback? None of the bottles are particularly big, making this option suitable for short trips only.

Number of Bottles: 8 | Sizes: (2) 0.4-ounce, (6) 1.4-ounce | Materials: PET plastic

Cadence The Originals Set

Design 4.5 /5
Performance 4 /5

Unique design

Performed well throughout testing

Customizable

More of an investment than others

Limited capacity

The Originals from Cadence are small, hexagonal capsules with screw-top lids that connect magnetically together in any shape or configuration you like. Aesthetics are at the forefront of this brand, as you can choose different colors for each capsule as well as printed, switchable, magnetic labels. In fact, they look so cute that you could even buy toiletries in bulk and decant them into these capsules for use at home. Sustainable practices like these are reinforced by the fact that the capsules are made from 20 percent recycled ocean-bound plastic.

We love that the capsules’ wide mouths and rounded interiors make them effortless to fill, use, and clean. They’re also 100 percent leakproof, waterproof, and airtight, as proven by our testing process. We found them incredibly durable and can’t imagine a scenario that would result in them being punctured or crushed. They are small (each one carries just 0.56 ounces), which could be a drawback. However, a capacity calculator on the brand website suggests you can carry approximately a week’s worth of products, depending on how regularly you use each one.

Number of Bottles: 6 | Sizes: (6) 0.6-ounce | Materials: Hard plastic

Most Durable

Mrsdry travel bottles.

Ease of Use 3.5 /5
Design 4 /5

Soft yet rugged silicone construction

Effective leakproofing

User friendly

No diversity in size or design

If your primary concern when packing liquids in your hand luggage is leaking, you’ll love the Mrsdry Travel Bottles Set. It consists of four 3-ounce bottles, each made of thick silicone that feels ultra-durable, and they stood up perfectly to our squeeze and drop tests. We were particularly impressed with the bottles’ no-drip valves, which successfully prevented leaks. All four bottles use the same shape and dispensing method—a pro for those who want lots of capacity for fewer products, and a drawback for those with a more complex personal care routine.

Having said that, we did feel that this set is so reasonably priced, there’s nothing to stop you from buying multiple sets if you have more products to pack. Instead of labels, the bottles come in four separate shades to distinguish between them. We also liked that their wide opening makes them easy to fill, even with thicker liquids and gels. And when it comes to cleaning them, the bendable silicone easily accommodates a bottle brush. All colorways include a transparent carry case.

Number of Bottles: 4 | Sizes: (4) 3-ounce | Materials: Silicone

Best Variety

Morfone 16 pack travel bottles.

Ease of Use 4.5 /5
Quality 4.5 /5

Good array of containers

Burly silicone handles rough treatment

Jar lids are weaker than expected

Multicolored style may not suit everyone

The Morfone Travel Bottles Set caters to travelers with an extensive beauty routine. With 10 containers in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and dispensing methods, you can take a broad range of products in just the right quantities for your time away. Options are as follows: two 1-ounce spray bottles, two 3-ounce squeeze bottles, two 2-ounce squeeze bottles, two 1-ounce jars, and two 0.3-ounce jars. We were impressed by the capacity of the largest bottles, which we felt could easily hold at least four washes’ worth of shampoo and conditioner.

The bottles are made of durable yet flexible food-grade silicone, with wide mouths for easy filling and cleaning. We appreciated the inclusion of two scoopers, a funnel, and a cleaning brush to help with these tasks, as well as a sheet of labels. Most of the containers held up well to our durability tests with no leaks or spills. The only exception was one of the jars, which suffered a broken lid. The set comes in a transparent carry bag and could fit into a quart-sized Ziploc (a TSA requirement) with some skillful maneuvering, although it was tight.

Number of Bottles: 10 | Sizes: (2) 0.3-ounce, (4) 1-ounce, (2) 2-ounce, (2) 3-ounce | Materials: Silicone

Best for Larger Capacities

Insfit tsa carry-on approved containers.

Great value for money

Well-designed lids

Choice of cute color palettes

Can be finicky with certain products

The INSFIT set is ideal for those who like to keep things simple with only a handful of essential products but also tend to travel for longer and need as much capacity as TSA will allow. It features four identical 3-ounce silicone bottles large enough to hold at least one to two weeks’ worth of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and sunscreen (or similar). The bottles are squeezable, which makes dispensing simple, although we found that thicker lotions and gels were easier to squeeze if the bottle was at least half full.

Other highlights include fully removable caps and wide mouths for mess-free filling and easy cleaning, and three-layered lids that are essentially leakproof. Even during our pressure test, caps remained securely in place, and afterward, the bottles still looked brand new. In fact, we were shocked to find out how affordable this set is given its evident quality. We also liked the stylish, see-through carry bag and the fact that there’s a special place on the caps to stick the included labels so that they adhere properly.

Best for Backpacking

Matador flatpak toiletry bottle.

Ideal for reducing heft and bulk

Thoughtful design elements

Proved durable during our testing

Difficult to fill with thicker consistencies

Made of waterproof 30D Cordura ripstop nylon with proprietary welded construction, the Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottles are by far the most technical option on this list. With their flat-pack design and sturdy quality, they’re designed especially for adventures and expeditions where saving on space and weight is a priority . With a capacity of 3 ounces each, they’re five times lighter and 3.5 times more compact than standard silicone bottles, and pliable enough to fit into tight spaces: the ultimate backpacking companion.

We found them easy to fill with any liquid that was the consistency of shampoo or thinner. Thicker gels and lotions were tricky since the mouth wasn’t as wide as that of standard travel bottles. Still, any mess is easy to clean off the waterproof exterior. They fit easily into a quart-sized Ziploc, and we love the snap hook for attaching to the outside of your backpack for on-the-go use. The loop also features a spot for writing a description of the contents with a permanent marker. As expected, the packs survived all our tests with zero leaks or signs of damage.

Number of Bottles: 3 | Sizes: (3) 3-ounce | Materials: 30D Cordura ripstop nylon

Our overall favorite was the LiquiSnugs Premium Travel Bottles set. These bottles stood out for their durable, leakproof silicone construction and thoughtful extras including adjustable labels and individual suction pads. For the most budget-friendly option, choose the small yet sturdily versatile Vitog Travel Bottles Kit .

Upon receiving the bottles, our first step was to examine their overall quality and design and note any unique features. Then, we filled at least three of the bottles in the set: one with lotion, one with micellar water, and one with shampoo. For each one, we noted how easy it was to fill without spilling, how easy it was to clean if spillage did occur, and how appropriate each bottle would be for holding different types of liquid. We also tested how easy it was to open the bottle and dispense the product inside.

Next, we compressed the bottles in our palms to mimic pressure. We shook them, rolled them, squeezed them, and threw them to stimulate rough handling in transit, noting how well they withstood this treatment. Our final test was to put all of the bottles from the set into a quart-sized Ziploc bag, and then inside a toiletry bag. Then, we dropped them from waist height three times, always from different angles, to see whether any breakages or leaks occurred and whether the bottles showed any signs of wear and tear.

Each set was scored on a scale of one to five for ease of use, quality, design, performance, and value. Average scores were used to determine our category winners.

Other Travel Toiletry Bottles We Tested

GLOBEGEAR Travel Bottles : This nine-piece set features a solid range of containers and tools made of hard plastic that doesn't feel flimsy. We deducted points for the skimpy capacity of the bottles, which would only last a few days or applications (and made filling the bottles difficult), though the affordable price makes this a good option for the infrequent traveler.

Kitsch Travel Containers : Fans of variety will appreciate the range of products included in this compact kit. It won't set you back much and, accordingly, we feel it also won't last long. We like the idea of the flat containers but found them somewhat difficult to fill.

Cosywell Travel Containers : The Cosywell Containers are all the same shape in 10- and 20-milliliter capacities. We found the plastic and silicone jars easy to fill and well-designed, but they're more suited to thick liquids such as gels and creams.

What to Look For in Travel Toiletry Bottles

Durability is key when choosing travel toiletry bottles since containers that are easily punctured or cracked will result in a mess that’s at best inconvenient and at worst potentially expensive or upsetting depending on how much product is wasted and whether any other items in your carry-on are affected. Look for options made out of sturdy hard plastic or thick, flexible silicone, then check user reviews to get an idea of how the construction holds up under real-life travel conditions. If you’re planning an extreme adventure, technical options like the waterproof flat-pack bottles from Matador may be worth the extra expense.

Leakproofness

A bottle doesn’t have to break for leaks to occur—all it takes is a poorly constructed seal or lid. Look for bottles with a triple-layered leakproof cap and jars with a secure screw top. Pump bottles should come with a removable clip that prevents them from being deployed accidentally. Again, user reviews help check how efficient these measures are (it’s easy for a brand to advertise their product as leakproof, even if it’s not). Some brands, like Cadence, actually guarantee the efficacy of their leakproof design. Just in case, we always recommend storing toiletry bottles in a waterproof bag or Ziploc as a second line of defense.

If you plan on packing your toiletry bottles in your carry-on bag, you must make sure that none of them exceed the TSA-approved limit of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Some sets are made up of identical large bottles of around 3 ounces, giving you the maximum allowable capacity for each of your products. However, because all bottles must fit in a single quart-sized Ziploc bag, this limits the number of bottles to around four.

If you have more products to pack, you may prefer a set that divides this capacity between a greater number of smaller bottles and containers—especially if you only require some of your liquids in very small quantities. The length of your trip will also dictate how big you need your bottles to be unless you only plan on using your carry-on liquids as a backup in case the full-size versions in your checked luggage get delayed.

Toiletries can be stored in opaque, translucent, or transparent bottles of any color as long as each individual bottle does not exceed the maximum capacity limit. For carry-on bags, most authorities including TSA set that limit at 3.4 ounces. Liquids can be in their original container or decanted into any container of your choosing (even one that’s labeled incorrectly), as long as these size restrictions are adhered to.

Most airport authorities—including TSA—rule that bottles containing liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes cannot exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) if you wish to pack them in your carry-on luggage . In addition, all of these bottles must fit inside a quart-sized Ziploc bag and be screened separately from the rest of your luggage at security. Containers that exceed this limit will not be permitted, even if the volume of the product inside is less than 3.4 ounces (for example, if you have a half-used bottle of conditioner). Note that these restrictions do not apply to checked luggage.

Although toiletry bottles don’t have to be labeled from a legal perspective, many people like to do so to ensure they don’t end up brushing their teeth with expensive moisturizer, or vice versa. Some travel bottles come with waterproof stickers, especially for this purpose, and you can also purchase them separately online. This is a better option than writing on a standard office label by hand since toiletry bottles frequently get wet and ink can run and cause staining or become illegible. Alternatively, a permanent marker applied directly to the bottle could be an option if you’re always going to use the same container for the same product.

Jessica Macdonald is a regular contributor of travel-related commerce articles. She has visited more than 50 countries across six continents and lived out of a backpack for several months on many occasions. As such, she knows firsthand the value of travel bottles that allow you to reach your destination without any spillages. Products featured in this article were chosen according to tests carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts.

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Essential Travel Toiletries Checklist for Your Carry-on

October 10, 2021 | Posted in: Travel gear reviews

Do you also hate to wait for your luggage once you've arrived and then having to drag it onto public transportation and to your hotel? Yeah, me too. That's why I often try to travel carry-on only and to show you how you can do the same, I put together this essential travel toiletries checklist.

It holds all of my essential travel toiletries and a few extras – you know, things that aren't absolutely essential but that are definitely nice to have with me.

At the bottom of this post, you'll also find a handy packing checklist to help you pack for your next carry-on only trip!

Lastly, I share some general tips that make packing toiletries for carry-on easier.

General tips for traveling with toiletries in a carry-on

1. buy solid toiletries.

So I don't.

Instead, I take solid forms of whatever toiletries I can find solid forms of. Solid shampoo bars, solid deodorant, solid toothpaste tabs… Not only do these solid toiletries not count toward the liquids limit, they also can't open up and run all over your other toiletries. Bonus point.

Don't know what toiletries for travel you can find solid versions of or where to get them? I'll share which ones I use a bit further down.

2. Buy mini toiletries or travel-size containers

On Amazon , you can find all kinds of 100 ml travel toiletry bottles, but also tubes and other types of travel containers for toiletries in different sizes. Think about what you usually pack before buying a set. I find bottles easiest for shampoo or body lotion, while tiny pots are handier for facial cream.

For facial and body care, some brands also sell travel pack toiletries. Usually, these are packs with three or so mini versions of their regular products. I don't recommend getting these as they're usually more expensive than just buying the normal versions of the products and pouring them over into mini travel bottles.

3. Use a clear toiletry bag or Ziploc bag to stow your toiletries for traveling

I prefer using a Ziploc bag because it takes up no extra space and I can just stuff it into my bigger toiletry bag after passing security.

Travel Toiletries Checklist

Below you can find a list of all toiletries I usually pack when traveling carry-on only. What I bring may vary a bit as I'll leave some things at home when I know that I'll be staying at a hotel that provides soap, shampoo etc.

If you'd like an easy-to-use and printable version of this toiletries packing list for yourself, scroll down to the bottom of this post, where it's waiting for you :-)

1. Basic body maintenance and medication

I don't bring solid soap because I usually won't finish it on one trip and then it gets all sticky in my toiletry bag.

2. Toothbrush: At home I use an electric Oral B toothbrush , but when I'm traveling it's just a regular one from the supermarket. I'm not loyal to a specific brand.

3. Toothy tabs: I love Lush's dry version of toothpaste . Sometimes I run out before I can get new ones, and then I'll just put some regular toothpaste in a mini container. Some dentist also offer travel size toothpaste samples, so try to stock up on those if you can :-)

4. Dental floss: I have very sensitive gum and so flossing is a must for me. I use floss from Oral B .

5. Solid shampoo: Also from Lush .

6. Solid deodorant: I use Lush's Aromaco and it works well, but it doesn't come in a container which means you have to find a container for it yourself. It lasts ages, but once I've finished it, I'll probably go for a travel size deodorant stick .

7. Razor: At home I use a Venus razor , but on the road, I usually take one of those small throw-away razors. Not the best for the environment, I know, but I have to admit also these often come from hotels.I never pack shaving cream but use soap if needed.

8. Travel size comb and brush

9. Diarrhea, nausea and headache/painkiller medicine

10. Bandages: I pack pre-sized bandages for sensitive skin and Compeed against blisters .

11. Condoms: I don't pack these myself as I've been with Boyfriend for 10+ years now, but if you're single, you better be safe!

12. Q-tips: Both for the ears and for makeup misdrawings :D

13. Tweezers

2. A little bit of luxury

2. Body lotion: Usually I pack travel size lotion bottles I got at a hotel as well, as these are the perfect size, just like the other toiletries you often get at hotels. Otherwise, I'm not loyal to a specific body lotion brand and will go with what's cheapest.

3.Facial cream: I always put a bit in a mini container. Not really loyal to a specific brand.

4. Travel-sized sunscreen: From whatever brand has a travel-sized version and is paraben-free .

5. Nail clippers or a travel size vile: I prefer iron-ish viles .

6. Cottons: I prefer flat round ones. They don't take up a lot of space.

2. Eye pencil: I'm not loyal to a particular brand.

3. Lipstick: I only travel with lipstick when I know I'll be attending a conference or another event for which I need to look a bit fancier. I love Rimmel's Provocalips . While these are liquid and thus not as suited for carry-on only travel as solid lipsticks, they really do stay on for 16-hours straight, even when you drink and eat as usual. It's magic.

4. Concealer stick: I use a stick instead of liquid concealer. It's a bit of a compromise as I do find liquid concealers usually work better. I usually go for one of the cheaper brands.

5. Mascara: I always buy mascara from Rimmel's Scandaleyes series. Usually the ExtremeMascara . It's good, it stays on and it's not expensive.

6. Facial wash and make-up remover: I used to buy Nivea, but now I switched to a cheaper store brand. I put these in small travel bottles for toiletries as well.

Custom stuff and other things

2. Case for glasses

3. Prescription medication

4. Menstrual cup : Obviously only when I'll be having my period while I'm traveling.

5. Earplugs: I don't like wax earplugs and have been buying these colored ones by Quies for years now.

Toiletry bags

1. Clear toiletry bag for liquids security check: Make sure this is big enough and zips shut. You can take 1000ml in total in your carry-on, so that's 10 travel-size toiletry bottles of 100ml. It would be a shame if they didn't all fit into your bag, wouldn't it? Now, I've seen people with two small bags as well, but I rather not risk it and just make sure everything fits into one Ziploc bag.

2. Main toiletry bag: This is where all your other stuff goes. I use a simple square one in which I stuff a small make-up bag as this combination is easiest to squeeze together and fits just about anywhere in my trolley or backpack. I've seen other people rave about hanging toiletry bags, though, so I might check those out sometime. Just don't get a hard case. It'll never completely fit around your stuff and will always take up more space than needed.

And that's it! I hope this post has given you an idea of how to pack toiletries for travel with a carry-on only. Have a top if your own? Share it in the comments!

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The editorial team at Wonderful Wanderings brings together travel experts with backgrounds in travel writing, web development and digital marketing. The team, through their collaborative effort, provides readers with relevant travel experiences and up-to-date digital content. The vast expertise within the team ensures an informative blend of travel stories and useful online travel guides and trip experiences, built on a foundation of both industry recognition and hands-on global adventures. Learn more about Wonderful Wanderings

I signed up, confirmed and never received the free packing checklist… kinda a waste of time.

Hey Evan, There must have gone something wrong there. I’ll send it over via email!

Blessing. says

Nice read, useful tips; thanks.

You’re welcome!

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14 Brilliant Travel Hacks for Packing Toiletries

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: January 15, 2023 - Last updated: December 27, 2023

14 Brilliant Travel Hacks for Packing Toiletries

Share with your friends!

Packing toiletries for air travel (especially if you’re flying carry-on only) is always the hardest part of preparing for a trip.

But since I fly carry-on only about a dozen times per year, I’ve perfected my method of bringing all my bathroom supplies with room to spare and no spillage.

Here are my best travel hacks for packing toiletries whether you’re flying with carry-on or checked luggage (including tips about how to eliminate unnecessary liquids).

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

14 Travel Hacks for Packing Toiletries

Use a quart sized ziploc bag for liquids.

If you’re flying carry-on only, you’re allowed one quart-sized bag for all your toiletries that are considered liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.

There are dozens of toiletry bags that are marketed towards travelers as being TSA compliant, but beware.

In reality, I’ve seen so many travelers get caught in the security line having to remove items from their bag because it is too large.

All you need is a quart-sized ziploc bag !

These bags are exactly 0.97 quartz in volume, so they will always pass the TSA test.

Not only are they the cheapest option out there, they seal airtight and watertight (which can’t be said about the zippered liquids bag).

Use Liquid Pouches Instead of Bottles

Most people tend to use refillable squeeze bottles when traveling with liquid toiletries. Unfortunately, these take up unnecessary space.

This is because if you don’t fill up the entire bottle, the bottle still takes up the same amount of space.

And if you’re only traveling for a few days to a week, chances are you’re not going to need an entire 3.4 oz (or 100 mls) of product.

Instead, opt for liquid travel pouches .

17 Pack Travel Pouches for Toiletries, TSA Approved, Travel Size Refillable Portable Containers for Shampoo Conditioner Lotion Soap Liquids

These take up less room than bottles and allow you to bring a bigger variety of liquids!

They come in multiple sizes and are compact and lightweight.

Since they’re a ‘pouch’ and not a bottle shape, they only take up as much space as you fill them.

I have been able to bring so many more different liquids in my carry on this way.

Using these travel pouches are the easiest way to pack shower gel for travel.

Cut Up Bars of Soap

I always pack a bar of soap instead of body wash, and this eliminates a large amount of liquids space.

If you’re only going for a few days or a week, you can even cut a bar of soap into smaller pieces to save even more space.

Try Toiletry Sleeves for Spill-Proof Travel

Silicone Bottle Covers, Travel Essentials for Women Men, Travel Size Toiletries, Cruise Ship Essentials, Accessories Luggage, Travel Must Haves, Elastic Sleeves for Leak Proofing

Leak-proof all your toiletry bottles - a must-have if you're flying carry-on only!

These toiletry skins are the coolest new travel hack product.

They’re a plastic film with one closed end that you slip over the tops of your toiletry bottles, making them completely spill proof.

If you’ve ever tried to place a piece of plastic wrap under the cap of your bottle, this is a much better method.

While these skins should fit travel sized bottles, they were designed for full-sized bottles if you’re checking luggage.

Check out the toiletry sleeves here .

Use Water Activated Facial Wipes

Facial wipes have always been handy for travel, but using ones that are water activated have so many benefits.

First, you won’t have to pack a liquid face wash or makeup remover.

Second, these these ones won’t dry out since there’s no liquid in them to begin with.

And they also double as a wash cloth.

The Olay Daily Facials are my favorite because they’re gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Use a Hanging Toiletry Bag to Save Space

Using a hanging toiletry bag has been my favorite toiletry travel tip.

Many hotel bathrooms never have enough counter space, so I use this bag to hang up in the bathroom and then I can also see everything that’s in it.

The genius thing about this bag is that the big compartment has zippers on both ends, so if you need something from the bottom, you can access it without having to take everything out first.

Another reason why this bag is a travel game-changer – you can pack it flat if it’s unfolded in your luggage.

Read more: What to Pack for a Hotel Stay (13 genius ideas)

Use Lotion Bars and Lotion Sunscreen

Another favorite travel hack is to use a lotion bar or stick instead of a liquid.

Not only is it not considered a liquid, there’s also no need to worry about it spilling or exploding!

You can also find sunscreen that comes in a stick.

Please note that for many North American airports, a lotion stick is not considered a liquid.

If you’re in Europe, Asia or Australia, double check your airport’s rules to make sure this is allowed.

Use Shampoo Bars

One of my favorite toiletry packing hacks is to bring a sha m poo bar instead of liquid shampoo.

As an added bonus, a shampoo bar is basically a zero waste travel toiletry since there’s virtually no packaging or plastic, especially if you go with a natural based bar.

Put Deodorant in Chapstick Tubes

To save space, in the microwave, melt down your solid deodorant and then pour it into an empty chapstick tube. You can either clean out an old one or order empty ones for cheap .

Deodorant sticks are quite large on their own, and you won’t go through a whole tube on your trip.

Plus, this method saves you money!

It’s a great way to use up the last bits at the end of the stick that usually just gets thrown out.

Use Multi-Purpose Products

Free & Clear Shampoo and Conditioner, 2 Ounce Travel Size

These can also be used as a body wash, face wash and even shaving gel. Multi-purpose products to save space!

Instead of using multiple different products, find one that can be used 3 or 4 ways.

Squalene oil can be used as a face and body moisturizer, as hair oil or even as a leave-in conditioner.

As an added bonus, squalene oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce puffiness after a long day of travel.

Or use a gentle shampoo that can also be used as a body wash, face wash and even shaving gel.

Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo is one of the best multi-purpose products for this, and they even come in handy travel sizes.

Use Cornstarch Instead of Dry Shampoo

If you normally pack dry shampoo, this counts as an aerosol and needs to be packed in your liquids toiletry bag.

To save space, you can use cornstarch or baby powder as your dry shampoo!

If you have darker hair, you can also mix cornstarch with cocoa powder to avoid white-looking roots.

Contact Lens Cases for Makeup and Lotions

Cadence Travel Containers - Haircare Set - Magnetic Travel Capsules - For Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Styling Product - Medium (1.32oz)

Don’t throw out your old contact lens cases – clean them and use them for makeup, lotions and creams.

This is a great way to pack your toiletries without having to buy extra jars or reusable containers.

They hold the perfect amount for a weekend trip and they seal rightly so no worries about any leaking.

Otherwise, you can use these inexpensive cream jars , perfect for moisturizer, foundation, lotion, even pills.

Use 1oz Dropper Bottles

Set of 4, 1 oz Eye Dropper Bottles with 1 Stainless Steel Funnels & 4 Labels - 30ml Thick Dark Amber Glass - Leakproof Essential Oils Bottle for Storage and Travel

If you use hair or facial oils, order yourself some empty 1 oz dropper bottles as the perfect space-saving toiletry accessory.

Use Toothpaste Tablets

100 Toothpaste Tablets, Fluoride Free & Eco Friendly, Sensitive Bites for Kids and Adults, Chewable Spearmint

100 tablets so you can pack this for the whole family, or perfect for an extended trip.

Another way to eliminate a liquid is by using toothpaste tablets instead of your cream or gel toothpaste.

These are especially useful if you’re going on a long trip.

How Do You Pack Toiletries for a Carry-On?

When you’re flying carry-on, pack all of your liquids, aerosols, creams and lotions in a clear, quart-size ziploc bag.

Since a quart isn’t that big, use my tips mentioned above to reduce the number of liquids you have.

Since you don’t have much room, I like bringing only the amount of liquids I’ll need – which is why I like the fillable liquids pouches.

All my non-liquid toiletries (bar soap, floss, toothbrush, hairbrush, bandaids, etc) go in my hanging toiletry bag, and I pack all my liquids in the ziploc bag separately.

When I’m the security line at the airport, I can easily grab the clear liquids bag to put in on the scanner.

After I’m through security, I usually leave my liquids in this ziploc bag, just in case anything does spill, it’s all contained and doesn’t mess up anything else in my carry-on.

Catch my full video where I demonstrate all these products and provide extra tips for packing toiletries:

The Best Toiletry Bags

Seven toiletry bags of different models and styles lined up on a vacuum counter.

By Kaitlyn Wells

After nine years of testing, we know that no one toiletry bag works for all travelers.

To find the best solutions for carrying what is, essentially, a bathroom in a bag, we stuffed, shook, dunked, and examined toiletry bags meant for all sorts of travel scenarios.

After researching 69 and testing 23, we chose five bags that we liked for their style, packability, and quality of construction.

We looked at a variety of zippered sacks, hanging bags, and structured, standing toiletry cases that open from above (what we’re calling “dopp kits”).

We selected picks for a variety of travelers and those using it in their bathroom: a versatile bag for most travel situations , a dopp kit with loads of organizational compartments , an open-style dopp kit with plenty of space for larger toiletries , a compact hanging bag for light packers , and a hanging bag big enough for a family to share .

The research

The most versatile toiletry bag: state bags bensen toiletry kit, best dopp kit for organization: peak design wash pouch, best dopp kit if you need more space: topo designs dopp kit, the lightest toiletry bag: sea to summit hanging toiletry bag (small), the best bag for couples and families: l.l.bean personal organizer toiletry bag (medium), how we picked and tested, what to look forward to, the competition.

Our pick for most versatile toiletry bag, the State Bags Bensen Dopp Kit, shown upright on a bathroom countertop near a sink.

State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit

The most versatile toiletry bag.

This bag is not, by our definition, a dopp kit, since it opens flat, like a book. Yet it offers organizational options (including a detachable pouch, handy for quick trips) that should work for light and heavy packers alike.

Buying Options

Get this if: You want a bag for both long and short trips.

Why it’s great: Though it’s not the best bag for every type of trip, the State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit is a good option for more scenarios than any other bag we tested. It’s also a great choice for travelers who need a versatile kit that can hold enough for longer excursions as well as keep smaller, travel-size items organized.

The bag (which is made of nylon, polyster, or cotton, depending on what color you pick) unzips flat like a textbook (7 by 9 by 3 inches) instead of opening at the top, like a traditional brick-shaped dopp kit. So it offers more flexibility to stash larger and wider items, like a full-size shampoo bottle, shaving cream canister, or large makeup palette. It also has a hook, so you can hang it from a towel rack. To keep your gear organized, one side of the toiletry bag has two open pockets, and the other has a mesh zip pocket. When we stuffed the main compartment full of toiletries, the seams didn’t pucker, and it was still easy to zip closed.

There’s also a removable plastic pouch that holds up to four 2.7-ounce travel bottles. When we first tested this bag, in 2019, the plastic pouch was translucent; we loved that you could easily unsnap it for airport security checks without unloading the entire bag. In later versions of the bag, the plastic was too opaque to serve that purpose. But as of 2023, only one of the dozen or so color options (the nylon black/floral) incorporates that opaque plastic. The other options all now come with a translucent pouch.

Our pick for most versatile toiletry bag, the State Bags Bensen Dopp Kit, shown opened and hanging on a bathroom wall.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This bag is the most expensive of our picks. The Bensen’s plastic hook didn’t break in our tests, but it’s still thinner (by a millimeter or two) than those on most of the hanging bags we reviewed. Under pressure, it bends more easily than most of the other hooks, so we’ll be watching how it holds up during long-term testing.

The detachable plastic pouch isn’t as waterproof as it appears. The pouch’s edges are lined in fabric, which sops up liquids like a sponge before leaking the contents everywhere.

Capacity: State Bags couldn’t tell us the capacity; we estimate it to be 3.5 liters.

Dimensions: 9 by 7 by 3 inches

Colors: about 20 frequently changing options—some solid, some mulit-colored, and some printed with patterns

Peak Design Wash Pouch

Countertop organization.

Minimalist-looking on the outside, this water-resistant dopp kit has lots of specialized pockets inside to hold—and keep safely separate—your essentials. Although it has a hook, it works best sitting on a bathroom counter.

Get this if: You want a water-resistant toiletry case with lots of pockets and you don’t usually need or want to hang your bag.

Why it’s great: The Peak Design Wash Pouch has several organizational pockets for your sundries; it was the most thoughtfully designed dopp-style bag we tested. Most dopp kits have at most one small pocket in addition to their main compartment, but this bag kept our items separated, so that our toothbrush didn’t have to mingle in the same pocket as our razor.

The toiletry bag opens like an accordion, and its wide base keeps it upright even when it’s full. There’s an open compartment on one side of the bag that’s big enough to hold a 12-ounce shampoo bottle or an electric razor. The other side has three mesh pockets great for keeping travel toiletries in their place, as well as a large zip pocket for stashing cotton swabs and facial tissues. Testers were pleasantly surprised to learn the bag is divided in half by a magnetically closed toothbrush pocket; it doesn’t seal completely, though, so moisture can evaporate. On the outside, there’s a pocket for a small beard trimmer or body razor, so you won’t cut yourself on a blade when digging through the main compartment for tweezers. “I love it. The compartments seem thoughtfully conceived,” said Wirecutter’s Winnie Yang. “It could hold enough for all three of us in my family times two.”

The teal grey peak design toiletry bag hung from a shower shelf.

This dopp kit is also tough. It’s made of recycled, 200-denier nylon and coated with durable water repellent (DWR), so it’s light and flexible, and water-resistant too. (There weren’t any leaks in our tests.) It has large zippers and reinforced pull tabs that didn’t snap off when we tugged hard. The internal mesh pockets are coated in silicone, so it’s easier to wipe them clean than dealing with traditional mesh pockets. As a bonus, all pockets turn inside out for cleaning.

The Peak Design Wash Pouch has a lifetime warranty.

A close up of three toiletry bag hooks on a shower shelf.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Peak Design’s hook has a shallower shape than the hooks on our other picks, so it’s more likely to slide off a towel bar when, say, you’re digging for a contacts case at the bottom of the bag. (Peak Design’s arc radius is roughly 200 degrees; the hook on the L.L.Bean Personal Organizer , by contrast, has an arc of 270 degrees.) We preferred to use it like a dopp kit, letting it sit on the counter; that way, it was easy to access all its different compartments without worrying about it slipping and scattering our toiletries.

Capacity: 2.5 liters

Dimensions: 10 by 6 by 4.3 inches

Colors: black, sage green

Topo Designs Dopp Kit

An expansive dopp kit.

This contemporary-looking bag packs down flat but is still roomier when expanded than most of the dopp kits we tested. It does, however, lack pockets and a hook.

Get this if: You’re a heavy packer who doesn’t need a lot of organizational compartments.

Why it’s great: The Topo Designs Dopp Kit is fun to look at. It’s shaped like a prism and comes in solid colors or complementary color combos. It remains upright when full, yet packs completely flat for storage. Its spacious main interior holds oblong toiletries well, including a full-size hair spray canister or electric razor kit. And the structure has some give, so you can stuff the bag into sharp suitcase corners without compromising packing space.

The unzipped topo designs dopp kit showing toiletries and a brush inside.

The dopp kit is covered in an abrasion-resistant 1,000-denier nylon that’s textured like canvas and zips closed with a heavy-duty YKK zipper. The inside of the kit is lined in nylon pack cloth for easy cleaning; it doesn’t trap moisture or leak between layers. There’s also a long strap that makes it easier to grip the bag with one hand. And it has a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the bag’s nylon lining helped trap small leaks, bigger spills may still seep through the bag’s zipper teeth. Like most dopp kits we’ve seen, this one has no hook. Unlike most dopp kits, though, this one has no pockets at all apart from the main compartment. If you prefer a toiletry bag that isn’t a gaping hole, opt for one of our other picks instead.

Capacity: 3 liters

Dimensions: 11 by 5.5 by 5.5 inches

Colors: about a dozen frequently changing solid and multi-colored options

A lime green Sea to Summit Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag sitting on a bathroom counter.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

Get this if: You’re a light packer who wants to hang up your bag for easy access.

Why it’s great: The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is our previous top pick, and we still love it. It’s compact, holds enough gear for a week-long trip, and is durable.

Unassuming in size and appearance, the Sea to Summit is small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair care products.

The sea to summit bag hanging open from a shower shelf.

This toiletry bag is also tougher than it looks. Its ripstop nylon exterior didn’t tear in our tests. And the seams didn’t give when we stuffed it full of travel toiletry bottles, a toothbrush, toothpaste, facial tissues, and more. This bag comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Long-term test notes: Wirecutter’s Shannon Palus traveled with the Sea to Summit toiletry bag for two months, including a trip to Europe and weekend trips, and said she loved it: “I like how small it is, I can easily throw it in a backpack so I have meds and makeup et cetera on the plane too. There are so many random pockets, it’s easy to stash extra hair ties or a back-up $20 and not have them get lost. One complaint: One of the ties on a zipper broke off almost immediately.”

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Sea to Summit weighs just under 3 ounces, making it lighter than our most-versatile hanging-bag pick, the State Bags Benson Dopp Kit . Its willowy shape becomes lumpy when packed to the brim with travel toiletries, so some people may prefer a bag with more structure.

And though small spills are no match for this bag’s water-resistant exterior, bigger messes may be a problem because moisture leaks through the zipper.

Dimensions: 9 by 6 by 3 inches

Colors: high rise grey, atoll blue, spicy orange

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

A big bag to share.

This bag is inexpensive and sturdily constructed, and it holds enough to supply multiple users.

Get this if: You’re packing for a beach getaway for two or a family trip to a theme park.

Why it’s great: We like the L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag because it’s big enough to hold a family of four’s bathroom essentials and it’s long-lasting.

With 6 liters of capacity, the medium-size L.L.Bean toiletry bag offers more room than the Peak Design and Topo bags combined. Our testers thought the bag was intimidatingly large for solo travel and preferred its roomy size for excursions with partners or a family. There’s plenty of space for packing full-size bathroom essentials to share among the group. We fit one full-size bottle each of shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, and hair spray into this bag and still had room to add a hairbrush. And it’s loaded with storage features, so everything has its place. It has a wide handle, three external pockets, two interior waterproof zip pockets, a zip mesh pouch, and three small mesh pockets for taller toiletries, like a hairspray canister or sunscreen. There’s also a hook, removable shower caddy, and a removable mirror.

The sea to summit toiletry bag hanging open from a shower shelf.

The bag is heavy when crammed full, but when we suspended the bag (stuffed with shampoo, toothpaste, hair spray, and more ) by its metal hook for an hour, the hook didn’t break or bend. Its YKK zippers skate across the teeth, making it easy to open and close when full. And the bag’s abrasion-resistant cover didn’t scuff in our drop tests. The L.L.Bean toiletry bag has a one-year warranty.

A close up of the removable shower caddy on the l.l. bean toiletry bag.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This toiletry bag has two external side pockets for stashing smaller items, like lotions or facial tissues. But they’re too stubby for a regular toothbrush, so if that’s where you want to pack your toothbrush, you’ll need a travel-size one instead.

While moisture from a spill did bead up on the surface of this toiletry bag, it’s not completely waterproof. Major spills are still a problem, as liquids leak through the zipper teeth.

Capacity: 6 liters

Dimensions: 11.5 by 9.75 by 3.5 inches

Colors: about a dozen solid, print, and plaid options

Six different colors and styles of toiletry bags organized in a grid on a tile floor.

After nine years of reviewing toiletry bags, we have a solid foundation in what travelers value in a bag. Still, we approached this guide as first-timers and read dozens of travel blogs, message boards, and bag review guides. We also consulted a panel made up of occasional travelers and frequent fliers to find out what matters to them the most, whether traveling across town or across the continent.

From there, we compiled a list of 69 different toiletry bags and divided them into four categories: plain bags, clear TSA-approved bags, dopp kits, and hanging bags. We reviewed each contender’s design, size, weight, storage capacity, materials, notable features (like a travel shower caddy or extended warranty), availability across retailers, and third-party reviews. We narrowed it down to 23 of the best-reviewed toiletry bags with a mix of features to accommodate different kinds of uses and various tastes in style. Then we called in the bags and tested them using the following criteria:

Overall design and construction: We reviewed each bag’s materials, the quality of the seams, and smoothness of the zippers, as well as the usefulness of each compartment. We also considered the bag’s weight, the sturdiness of its hook (if it had one), and color options, wanting to accommodate a range of tastes.

Bag capacity: We filled each bag with a selection of travel-size or full-size toiletries, depending on the size of the bag. Most bags contained a combination of the following toiletries: a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, body razor, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, facial tissues, feminine hygiene products, condoms, cotton swabs, a hairbrush, hairpins and ties, sunscreen, lotion, and a pill bottle.

Shape retention and durability: We closed each bag when stuffed full of gear and noted which bags deformed and if the seams puckered or tore under pressure. If the bag had a hook, we hung it up for at least half a day and checked both the bag and hook for structural integrity.

Contents retention: We shook each bag around and dropped it on the ground to see if the contents spilled out or became rearranged during handling.

Waterproofing: We ran each bag under a kitchen faucet for a few seconds to see how well the exterior repelled water. Then we spilled a tablespoon of water inside each bag, closed it, and shook it to see how easily it would leak a less viscous liquid (like spilled eye-makeup remover or toner).

Community review: We asked a panel of staffers with varying travel needs and family sizes to look at the bags from our list and offer feedback.

We plan to call in and test new toiletry bags from Aer, Eagle Creek, and other companies. We’re also taking a look at a smaller version of one of our picks, Peak Design’s Wash Pouch.

The Matador FlatPak Toiletry Case is the thinnest and lightest bag we tested and folds flat like a sheet of paper when empty. Its roll-top design ensures there’s no wasted space, and it snaps closed with a YKK buckle. But the roll-top unfurled easily during our tests, spilling smaller items, like travel toothpaste, onto the floor.

TSA-approved clear bags

The CableintheBay TSA-Approved Clear Toiletry Bag is made of plastic that’s thinner than other clear bags we tested, so it’s easier to puncture the bag when cramming it into a suitcase. It also leaked during our spill tests.

The Tom Bihn Clear 3D Organizer Cube is made of a ballistic nylon, which is scuff-proof and tear-resistant, and it has YKK zippers, so it’ll outlast most other toiletry bags. But at just 7 by 4 by 2 inches, it’s the smallest bag we tested and barely had enough room for three travel-size toiletries. It’s also twice as expensive as other clear bags.

The Travel Smart by Conair TS78SK Transparent Sundry Bag is the largest bag in this category, at 9.75 by 6.33 by 3.66 inches. A TSA spokesperson recommended that all clear toiletry bags remain under 1 quart (typically 6 by 9 inches), and we don’t want to risk getting detained at the security checkpoint with the wrong-size bag.

The Aer Dopp Kit has narrow dual compartments that were less spacious than our dopp kit pick from Peak Design. Its compartments couldn’t hold bulky pill bottles and shaving cream canisters. And it still leaked despite its water-resistant exterior. (Since our testing, Aer has redesigned the kit—now called the Dopp Kit 2 . We’ll take a look at it soon.)

In previous years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Quick Trip was our budget pick. It has since been replaced by the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Quick Trip ; we’ll be testing that model soon.

The Herschel Supply Chapter Travel Kit 5L holds more than any other dopp kit we tested, so it’s large enough for a couple to share on an extended getaway. But it isn’t leak-proof, and the bag tips over easily when full of gear.

The KomalC Leather Toiletry Bag is roomy, with enough space for full-size toiletries. But the zippers are clunky, and the bag’s lid is a flap-top design that doesn’t close completely.

The Container Store Toiletry Kit features dual compartments, which aren’t as roomy as other dopp kits we tested. The stitching was poor and unraveled with a quick tug.

The Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag has wide storage compartments, and it didn’t leak during our tests. But those panelists who would buy a leather bag preferred the real leather of our (now-discontinued) pick from Cuyana over Vetelli’s faux leather bag; those who wanted an easier-to-clean option would have gone with one of our nylon or plastic picks.

Hanging bags

The AmazonBasics Hanging Toiletry Kit doesn’t have as many storage pockets as other bags we tested, and the bag leaked during our moisture tests.

The Freegrace Hanging Toiletry Bag is the largest bag tested, so it holds enough toiletries for a family trip. But its size makes it cumbersome to carry when full. The storage compartments are narrow, so it’s harder to fit bulky or odd-shaped items, like wide-tooth combs or hair gel, inside. The bag also leaked during our tests.

We liked the toughness of the Tom Bihn Deluxe Spiff Kit , with its YKK zippers, ripstop fabric, and reinforced carry handles. There’s also a fold-out shelf covered in Velcro that keeps four 1-ounce jars from falling to the floor. Our testers thought the jars were too small, though, and not worth the additional cost. The bag also leaked during our tests.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love , follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

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Travel Toiletries Packing List: What Can You Carry On?

Published November 22, 2023

Written by:

Jessie Beck

Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home...

Taylor Coil

Taylor is the marketing director for Tortuga, the company that built this blog. A former full-time digital nomad, she’s lived...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

Jeremy Michael Cohen

Jeremy Michael Cohen is a co-founder of Tortuga. He also works as a screenwriter and director. Aside from travel and...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Traveling light and packing carry-on-only can be a challenge. Trying to pack a second pair of shoes is the most common problem. The other is complying with the TSA’s carry on rules for liquids.

Bringing fewer clothes in your carry on backpack is one thing. Cutting your toiletries down to the right size of bottles that fit in the right size bag is a whole other challenge.

Some people simply don’t try. They pack their normal toiletries in the wrong kind of bag and hope the TSA agents don’t notice. That strategy sometimes works. But not always. I’ve had more than one bottle thrown away because I tried to sneak something non-compliant past the agents. Keep reading if you want to play it safe and avoid having your stuff tossed in the trash at security.

In this article, we’ll cover all of the rules around packing liquids in your carry on with a focus on toiletries. After the rules, we’ll discuss how to cut down the toiletries you use at home to a carry-on-friendly packing list.

Pack for trips of one week or more without checking a bag.

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Carry On Liquid Sizes

The carry on and personal item baggage guidelines are set by the airlines. But the rules for toiletries and liquids are set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Most airlines’ websites will have information about liquids on their carry on baggage page, but they’re usually restating the TSA’s guidance.

TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

The most important thing to know about carrying toiletries in your carry on is the TSA’s 3-1-1- rule . The rule states:

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

The 3-1-1 stands for:

3 .4 ounces (100 ml) or less per bottle
1 quart-size bag
1 bag per person

Note that the 3.4 ounces rule is for the size of the container, not the amount of liquid or gel. The TSA won’t allow a half-empty 6 ounces container, even if it contains less than 3.4 ounces of liquid.

Exceptions to the Liquids Rule

The TSA allows only two exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule: medications and infant and child nourishments.

For medications:

TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You are not required to place your liquid medication in a plastic zip-top bag. If a liquid, gel, or aerosol declared as medically necessary alarms, then it may require additional screening and may not be allowed.

For infant and child nourishment:

Formula, breast milk, juice in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You do not need to travel with your child to bring breast milk. Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk and juice are allowed in carry-on. If these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. You may also bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred and processed baby food in carry-on baggage. These items may be subject to additional screening.

Toiletry Packing List

Create a base packing list.

Now that you understand the rules, let’s move on to planning what to bring. Your first step will be to create a base packing list of your toiletries. Aside from a few basics, like toothpaste and deodorant, everyone’s list will differ.

If you want to travel light and not have the TSA throw out your toiletries, you’ll have to make some changes to your normal routine. You can’t pack everything you use at home as-is. Let’s start by figuring out which toiletries to bring. Don’t worry about sizes just yet. Focus on getting the right stuff.

Go through your daily routine and make note of each toiletry item that you use. Pack only those things and nothing else.
Remove any “just in case” items that you can’t be 100% sure that you’ll use on your trip. If the situation arises that you need something else, you can always buy it locally, often for less than you’d pay at home.
Remove anything that will be provided by your accommodations. For example, hotels and most Airbnbs provide soap or body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Nicer hotels also provide body lotion.

Get TSA Compliant

You’re off to a good start, even if you still have a pile of bottles that definitely won’t fit in a quart-sized bag. The next step is to consolidate, substitute, and shrink your liquids.

Consolidate

Look for ways to replace two or even three products with one that can do multiple jobs. For example, I carry a small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap which can be used as shampoo, body wash, or even detergent when hand washing clothes .
For shorter trips, pack daily instead of monthly contacts so that you don’t have to bring contact solution.
Opt for higher-quality makeup that reduces the need for “assisting” makeup like primer.
Swap in solids for liquids so that you don’t have to worry about the liquid rules at all. You can find solid versions of most toiletries, even shampoo, cologne, and makeup. Travel Fashion Girl and Pack Hacker have good guides to solid toiletries. Just don’t let this tip be an excuse to overpack because you aren’t constrained by the TSA’s rules.
Use your phone in selfie mode as a mirror instead of bringing a compact. Most places you visit will have a mirror, anyway.
Instead of cleanser, pack makeup remover wipes. Instead of acne spot treatment, pack salicylic acid pads like Stridex. Instead of a jarred mask, pack a sheet mask.

Even if you’ve swapped in some solid toiletries, you’ll still have some liquids that need to fit into the right size containers and then into a quart-sized bag.

How to get down to 3.4 ounces:

Pack toiletry and makeup samples rather than the full product. Try Ipsy, and use the makeup samples for travel.
Buy travel-sided toiletries. Large retailers like Target and Walmart have a wall of small, travel-sized toiletries from major brands. The cost per ounce is much higher if you buy this way, but you will know that your toiletries are compliant. Check your favorite brands’ websites too. Some brands, like Native , sell smaller, travel-friendly versions of their products on the website or as an impulse purchase at checkout.
Buy the full-sized versions of your favorite products then put them in smaller containers for travel. You’ll save money this way, rather than buying travel-sized versions for every trip. Plus, you’ll be able to use your favorite stuff on the road, instead of settling for the brands that happen to be available in the right size. More on these in the next section.

Reusable, Travel-Sized Bottles

Reusable travel bottles are a good option if your favorite toiletries don’t come in 3.4 ounce containers or if you only need a drop or a pea-sized amount per day. Sometimes 3.4 ounces, while allowed, is too much for your trip. That’s a great reason to downsize even more.

For most skincare, a little goes a long way. To make your travel skincare routine carry-on-friendly, bring the amount you need, not an entire bottle. Instead, decant liquid serums into small dropper bottles or bottles typically used for essential oils.

Refillable Dropper Bottle (4 for $12)

Essential Oil Bottles (12 for $15)

To pack products you’ll need more of, like face wash or lotion, transfer them into a 1.25 to 3.4 ounce GoToob bottle.

GoToob reusable, silicone bottles are available in 1.7, 2.5, or 3.4 ounces (3 for $15-20). The leak-proof caps set them apart from some of the cheaper knockoffs you’ll find on Amazon.

FAQ: Can You Bring It On a Plane?

Let’s finish up with some specific questions that we’ve heard from travelers.

Can you bring makeup on a plane?

Yes. Any liquids must be in a container that’s 3.4 ounces or less. Solids don’t need to fit any specific size or to be packed in your quart-sized bag.

Consider bringing solid alternatives or putting your skincare products in smaller, reusable containers when traveling.

Can you bring lotion on a plane?

Yes. Your lotion must be in a bottle that is 3.4 ounces or less. You could also bring a “solid” lotion that would be exempt from the size requirements.

Can you bring sunscreen on a plane?

Yes, as long as it’s in a 3.4 ounce or less container. Most sunscreens are, but always check the bottle before packing. You can also bring a solid stick sunscreen.

Can you bring shampoo on a plane?

Yes, but your shampoo must be in a container that’s 3.4 ounces or less or be a “dry shampoo.”

Can you bring face wash on a plane?

Yes. Liquid face wash must be in a 3.4 ounces container (or smaller). Solid, bar soap is also allowed.

Can you bring body wash on a plane?

Yes, liquid body wash is allowed in 3.4 ounces containers or smaller. A solid bar of soap is also fine.

Can you bring food on a plane?

Liquid rules also apply to your food, not just your toiletries. Try these healthy airplane snacks that won’t violate any TSA rules.

Traveling with Liquids

Getting all of your toiletries from home into something that the TSA allows in a carry on takes planning but is totally do-able.

To recap, the 3-1-1 rule says that all liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or smaller. Those containers must fit in a quart-sized bag. Each traveler may bring one such bag.

To get your liquids complaint:

Bring only your daily essentials
Decant lotions, face wash, and other skincare essentials into smaller bottles
Buy everything else at your destination

The Best Airplane Food by Airline

Travel Backpacks
Travel Gear

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Tortuga travel backpack pro $350.

Max Carry On Size

Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home and traveled to 45+ countries.

She now lives in San Francisco with her husband where she splits her time between traveling, adventuring outdoors, and cooking (okay, eating).

How to Pack Toiletries for Air Travel

John Parker

Toiletry products can be very messy things if they spill so the last thing you want is them leaking all over your clothes and other things in your baggage.

There are things you can do to not only ensure that your toiletries arrive at your destination without spilling everywhere but also how you can get around the carry on liquid rules by taking solid equivalents or decanting shampoo etc into travel-size bottles.

Hopefully you will find a few useful tips here to help you pack toiletries safely and also not get your toiletries confiscated at the security checkpoint.

best way to pack toiletries for air travel

How to Pack Carry on Toiletries

You cannot just scatter your toiletries around in your carry on bag and expect to get through the TSA security checkpoint at the airport without experiencing delays and problems.

Any toiletry items that are considered a liquid under the TSA liquid rules must be placed in a one quart size bag. This is basically a toiletry bag that is both transparent and resealable plastic bag. Your liquid toiletries must go in this together with any other liquids you may be carrying.

However, you cannot pack liquid toiletries that are in a container that is larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) as they are not permitted through airport security at all. Note that it is the size of the container, not the amount of liquid it contains, that is important.

What this means is that you cannot take a 7-ounce bottle that only contains 3.4 ounces of liquid as this would be confiscated by security agents.

You can carry as many liquid toiletries and other liquid items that are below this size as you can pack in your quart-size bag. Only one quart-size bag containing liquids is permitted per passenger.

Toiletries that must go in a liquids bag

The following is a list of the most common toiletry items that are considered to be a liquid so must go in a liquids bag. It is not an exhaustive list so if you have any other toiletries which can either be poured or spread then they will probably also fall within the liquids rule and will also need to go in the quart-size bag.

Deodorant /antiperspirant – this includes aerosols , roll-on and spray but not solid stick types
Dry shampoo
Shaving cream
Body lotion

Read my post 9 things considered a liquid when flying that really aren’t!

Toiletries that can stay in your carry on bag

You can take solid versions of most toiletries in your carry on bag without removing them or placing them in a liquids bag including:

Solid deodorant/antiperspirant
Solid bar soap
Solid conditioner bars
Solid shampoo bar
Any other solid toiletries

How can you take full sized bottles of toiletries in carry on bags?

air travel toiletries - buy at airport store

As you now know you cannot pack full size toiletries in your carry on bag and take them through airport security. So if that is the case, how can you actually take larger bottles of liquid toiletries on a plane?

The answer is, if you are traveling from a reasonably large airport that has stores in the lounge area after passing through the security checkpoint, you can purchase toiletries from there. Those stores are not limited to simply selling travel size products but can also sell regular size too.

Any size of toiletry you can buy in one of these stores can be taken on board the aircraft with you in your carry on bag.

How to pack toiletries in checked luggage

The checked baggage liquid toiletry rules.

Firstly, the regulations on what toiletries you can pack in your checked bag are must less restrictive than those that apply to toiletries and liquids in carry on bags.

The 3.4 ounce rule does not apply to liquids in checked bags so any liquids, including toiletries, can be larger full-size versions and not travel sizes. The one restriction that applies to aerosol toiletries is that the container cannot be larger than 18 ounces and the total no more than 70 ounces.

This is the rule on the TSA website:

“The FAA limits the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including aerosols, in checked baggage. The total aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces). See the FAA regulations for more information.”

Also , liquid toiletries do not have to go in a zip-lock quart bag so you can just pack them in your normal toiletries bag if you wish.

Don’t worry about your aerosols as they will not explode in checked bags .

See my post How much liquid can you take on a plane in checked baggage? for full details.

How to pack your toiletries

The most important thing to prevent when you pack liquid toiletries is that the containers do not get squashed and the toiletries leak out.

You can try and stop this by stuffing them into shoes and other items that will protect them.

You can also pack toiletries in a rigid toiletry bag with your other toiletries kit. This will offer them some protection and also protect items outside of the toiletry bag as the bag will be quite leakproof.

Resealable sandwich bags make a great deal of sense to use too . Pack each toiletry item that could leak in individual bags, so should one leak it will not damage anything else in your bag.

how to pack toiletries for checked luggage

Toiletries packing tips

Buy travel-size toiletries.

Some toiletry manufacturers are aware of the TSA liquid rules so manufacture small bottle versions of their products in what is referred to as travel sized bottles. These are 3.4 ounces or less in size so are permitted in carry on luggage (in your liquids bag). Hunt them out in your local store or online.

Buy refillable bottles

Decant each of your favorite liquid toiletry products into an individual refillable bottle that is designed for air travel and as they (normally) hold 3 ounces each. This way you should be able to take enough for a week-long trip if traveling with carry on only.

You can purchase them together with a TSA approved toiletry bag on Amazon here – TSA Approved Travel Bottles with TSA Approved Toiletry Bag

TSA Approved Travel Bottles for Toiletries Travel Containers with TSA Approved Toiletry Bag for Travel Size Toiletries Airplane Travel Essentials Vacation Cruise Accessories Must Haves (model GG3)

Buy solid equivalent toiletries

Since there are no restrictions on the size of solid toiletries you can take on a plane it makes sense to consider substituting your normal liquid toiletries if going on a trip, particularly if you are only taking hand luggage.

They are also easier to pack too and can save space, particularly if you dispose of any unnecessary packaging.

As well as soap there is a whole range of solid toiletries you can buy, some of which I had never heard of before researching this article, such as:

Solid stick deodorant – Dove Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick (for women) or Degree Deodorant Stick (for men)
Solid shampoo – Solid Shampoo Bar And Conditioner Effect Hair Soap
Body butter – NATUREWELL Shea Body Butter Variety Pack
Perfume – Jasmine & Clary Sage Fragrance Solid Perfume by Roots Rose Radish
Cologne – Calamity Jane Solid Cologne
Even solid mouthwash! – Listerine Ready Tabs Chewable Tablets

Share space with a partner

If you are traveling with someone, it may be that they will not be using all of the available space in their liquid bag (particularly if they are male) so you could put some of your additional toiletries that qualify as liquids in that too.

Buy toiletries at the airport

Particularly if you are flying from a larger airport, there are likely to be some stores after you pass through security where you can buy full-size toiletries. There are no restrictions on actually taking these on the flight with you if purchased after the security checkpoint.

You will probably need to use them up and perhaps throw away some that are partially used though as you will be unable to take them through security for your return flight.

Buy at your destination

Believe it or not, if you are flying to most other countries, particularly in Europe and other developed countries, they actually have these items for sale there too!

So just save weight and space in your carry on bags and buy them when you arrive.

What is the 311 rule?

The 311 rule is what the TSA refers to as the liquids rule – no larger than 3 ounces (actually 3.4), in a 1 quart liquid bag and only 1 liquid bag per passenger.

Do toiletry bags have to be clear?

A toiletry bag that is being used to take liquids through airport security must be a clear plastic bag that is resealable with a capacity of no larger than 1 quart.

Is deodorant allowed in flight?

You can take deodorant on a flight if it is no larger than 3.4 ounces (or you buy it after the security checkpoint) and you can use it during the flight.

Does stick deodorant count as a liquid?

Stick deodorant is not considered a liquid for the purposes of TSA security liquid rules so its size is not restricted and it does not have to go in a quart-size liquids bag either.

Can I take full size toothpaste on a plane?

You can take full-size toothpaste on a plane in checked bags but not in carry on as it will be larger than the maximum size of 3.4 ounces.

Is Vaseline a liquid TSA?

Vaseline does fall within the TSA’s liquids rules so to be carried through security in carry on it can only be in a container that is no larger than 3.4 ounces and must be in a toiletries bag (quart size resealable liquids bag).

Is mascara considered a liquid when flying?

As surprising as it may seem, mascara is considered a liquid under the TSA’s liquids rules so to be carried through security in carry on it can only be in a container that is no larger than 3.4 ounces and must be in a toiletries bag (quart size resealable liquids bag).

Do wipes go in liquid bag?

Wet wipes do not need to go in a liquid bag as the TSA does not consider them as being liquids even though they are wet.

Can I bring full-size shampoo in checked luggage?

You can bring a full size shampoo container in your checked luggage as the carry on liquids rules do not apply to liquids in hold baggage.

I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me

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The Ultimate Guide To Traveling With Full Size Toiletries

Last updated May 11, 2024
Difficulty Beginner

Category Travel

Are you tired of getting to your destination only to find that your favorite full-size toiletries have leaked all over your luggage? Look no further because we have the ultimate guide to traveling with full-size toiletries. Whether you're a jetsetter or a road trip enthusiast, this guide will teach you the tips and tricks to keep your toiletries safe and organized while on the go. Say goodbye to leaky bottles and hello to a stress-free travel experience. Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road with confidence!

What You'll Learn

Packing strategies for full size toiletries, tsa regulations and full size toiletries, space-saving tips for traveling with full size toiletries, choosing the right toiletry bag for full size products.

Traveling with full-size toiletries can be a challenge, especially if you're limited on space or trying to avoid checking a bag. However, with a few packing strategies, you can easily bring your favorite products along on your next trip.

Evaluate your toiletries: Take a look at the toiletries you plan to bring and consider if they can be downsized. Many brands offer travel-sized versions of their products, which can save a lot of space in your luggage. If you can't find travel-sized versions or prefer to use your own products, it's important to pack them efficiently.
Check travel regulations: Before packing your full-size toiletries, make sure to check the travel regulations of your destination. Different countries have different rules regarding liquids, gels, and aerosols. The most common rule is the 3-1-1 rule, which states that all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and fit into a clear, quart-sized plastic bag. Make sure to comply with these regulations to avoid any issues at airport security.
Consolidate your products: To save space, consider consolidating your toiletries into smaller containers. Purchase a set of travel-sized containers or reuse small containers from previous trips. Transfer your full-size toiletries into these smaller containers, making sure to label them properly for easy identification. This allows you to bring multiple products without taking up unnecessary space.
Use travel-friendly packaging: If transferring your full-size toiletries is not an option, look for travel-friendly packaging. Some companies offer squeeze tubes or travel kits specifically designed for full-size products. These packaging options are usually more compact and leak-proof, making it easier to bring your favorite toiletries.
Pack strategically: When packing your full-size toiletries, consider their weight and shape. Place heavier items, such as bottles of shampoo or lotion, at the bottom of your toiletry bag to distribute the weight evenly. If you're bringing fragile items, wrap them in clothing or place them in a padded bag to protect them from damage. Utilize every inch of space by filling gaps with smaller items, like makeup brushes or cotton pads.
Consider solid alternatives: Another option for traveling with full-size toiletries is to find solid alternatives. Many products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap, are available in solid versions. These are not subject to the liquid restrictions and can be easier to pack. Look for solid options that come in travel-friendly containers, or invest in reusable tins or containers to store them.
Plan to restock: If you're traveling for an extended period or don't want to deal with the hassle of packing full-size toiletries, consider buying them at your destination. Most destinations have stores where you can purchase your favorite brands. However, keep in mind that this may not be an option in remote or exotic locations, so plan accordingly.

Traveling with full-size toiletries doesn't have to be a burden. By evaluating your toiletries, consolidating and transferring them into smaller containers, and utilizing travel-friendly packaging, you can easily bring your favorite products with you on your next trip. Remember to check the travel regulations of your destination and plan accordingly. Happy travels!

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Traveling with full-size toiletries can be a challenge, especially when it comes to complying with TSA regulations. Knowing what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on bag can save you time and hassle at the airport security checkpoint. In this article, we will outline the TSA regulations for full-size toiletries and provide tips on how to travel with them.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict guidelines when it comes to carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on bag. These rules apply to both domestic and international flights. According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. These containers must be placed in a clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag, which must be removed from your carry-on bag and placed separately in a bin at the security checkpoint.

However, if you have full-size toiletries that exceed the 3.4-ounce limit, there are a few options you can consider:

Check your luggage: The most straightforward option is to pack your full-size toiletries in your checked luggage. Since there are no restrictions on liquids, gels, and aerosols in checked bags, you can bring full-size containers without any issues.
Use travel-sized containers: Instead of bringing full-size toiletries, transfer them into smaller, travel-sized containers that meet the 3.4-ounce limit. You can find travel-sized containers at most drugstores or purchase empty travel-sized bottles and jars online. Remember to label your containers to avoid confusion.
Purchase toiletries at your destination: If you prefer not to pack full-size toiletries or transfer them into smaller containers, you can always buy what you need at your destination. This option is especially convenient if you are staying at a hotel or visiting a location where toiletries are readily available.

It's important to note that certain rules apply to specific toiletries or personal care items, such as medications, baby formula, and breast milk. These items may be exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit, but additional screening or documentation may be required. It's always a good idea to check the TSA website or contact your airline for specific guidelines on these items.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it's also helpful to pack your toiletries strategically. Place your quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols on top of your carry-on bag for easy access during the security screening. Additionally, consider using a toiletry bag with multiple compartments to keep your items organized and prevent leaks or spills.

In summary, traveling with full-size toiletries requires careful consideration of TSA regulations. You can either pack them in your checked luggage, transfer them into smaller containers, or purchase them at your destination. Regardless of your choice, always check the TSA website or contact your airline for the most up-to-date guidelines to avoid any surprises at the security checkpoint. Happy travels!

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Traveling with full-size toiletries can be challenging, especially if you want to save space in your luggage. However, with some clever packing techniques, you can easily bring all your favorite full-size products without sacrificing any valuable space. Here are some space-saving tips for traveling with full-size toiletries:

Use travel-sized containers: Invest in a set of travel-sized containers that are specifically designed for toiletries. These containers are usually small, lightweight, and leak-proof, making them perfect for transporting your full-size products. Transfer your favorite shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other liquids into these containers, ensuring you have enough for your entire trip.
Opt for solid toiletries: Instead of bringing liquid products, consider switching to solid toiletries. Solid shampoos, conditioners, and body washes are travel-friendly and can save a lot of space in your luggage. Additionally, solid products are not subject to liquid restrictions imposed by airlines, making them even more convenient for air travel.
Use multi-purpose products: Look for multi-purpose products that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a moisturizer that can also act as a sunscreen or a cleanser that doubles as a makeup remover. By bringing multi-purpose products, you can eliminate the need to pack several separate items, saving space in your luggage.
Consider sample-sized products: If you're not ready to invest in travel-sized containers or solid toiletries, consider using sample-sized products. Many beauty stores and brands offer sample-sized versions of their products. These small sachets or bottles take up minimal space in your luggage and are ideal for short trips. Additionally, using sample-sized products allows you to try out different brands and products without committing to a full-size version.
Utilize compression bags or packing cubes: Compression bags and packing cubes are excellent tools for maximizing space in your luggage. Roll or fold your full-sized toiletries tightly and place them inside a compression bag or packing cube. These bags not only save space but also keep your toiletries organized and protected from any potential leaks.
Take advantage of hotel amenities: If you're staying in a hotel, take advantage of the complimentary toiletries provided. Most hotels offer basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. By relying on these amenities, you can free up space in your luggage for other items, such as clothing or souvenirs.
Coordinate with travel companions: If you're traveling with friends or family, coordinate with them to avoid duplicating toiletries. Discuss who will bring what and divide the products accordingly. This way, you can share the load and save space in everyone's luggage.
Follow airline liquid restrictions: If you're traveling by air, make sure to comply with the airline's liquid restrictions. Typically, liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations regarding liquids to avoid any hassles at the airport.

Remember, when traveling with full-size toiletries, it's crucial to be mindful of the space they take up. By using travel-sized containers, opting for solid or multi-purpose products, and utilizing compression bags or packing cubes, you can save valuable space in your luggage while still enjoying your preferred toiletries. So, pack smart and travel with all the necessities without the worry of carrying bulky items.

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When it comes to traveling, one of the biggest challenges many people face is packing their full-size toiletries. From shampoo and conditioner to body wash and lotions, these products can take up a significant amount of space in your suitcase or carry-on bag. However, with the right toiletry bag, you can easily and efficiently travel with your full-size toiletries without sacrificing space or organization.

Here are some tips on choosing the right toiletry bag for your full-size products:

Size and Capacity: The first thing you should consider when choosing a toiletry bag is its size and capacity. Look for a bag that is large enough to accommodate your full-size products, but not too bulky that it takes up too much space in your luggage. Consider the length, width, and height dimensions of both the bag and your toiletries to ensure a proper fit.
Compartments and Pockets: A toiletry bag with multiple compartments and pockets is essential for organizing your full-size toiletries. Look for a bag that has designated sections for different types of products, such as one for skincare, one for haircare, and one for body care. This will make it easier to find what you need without rummaging through a jumble of products.
Waterproof or Resistant Material: Toiletries can be messy, and leaks and spills are not uncommon during travel. Look for a toiletry bag made of waterproof or water-resistant material to protect your other belongings from any potential spills. Additionally, a wipeable interior lining will make cleaning up any spills or product residue a breeze.
Sturdy Construction: Another important factor to consider when choosing a toiletry bag is its construction. Opt for a bag with sturdy zippers and reinforced seams to ensure durability. This is especially important if you plan on traveling frequently or if you have heavy products.
Hanging Hook: A toiletry bag with a built-in hanging hook can be incredibly convenient, especially if you're staying in a hotel room with limited counter space. A hanging hook allows you to easily access your toiletries without having to unpack or clutter up the bathroom counter.
TSA Compliance: If you frequently travel by air, it's crucial to choose a toiletry bag that complies with TSA regulations. Look for a bag that is transparent and meets the quart-sized bag requirements for carrying liquids in your carry-on luggage. This will help you breeze through airport security without any issues.

Now that you know what to look for when choosing a toiletry bag, it's time to start packing your full-size toiletries. Remember to consider the size, compartments, material, construction, hanging hook, and TSA regulations. With the right toiletry bag, you can travel with your favorite full-size products without any hassle or compromise. Bon voyage!

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Frequently asked questions.

No, according to TSA regulations, liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) are not allowed in carry-on luggage.

Yes, you can pack full-size toiletries in your checked luggage without any restrictions on the size of the containers. However, it is advisable to place them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent any potential leaks or spills.

To prevent breakage, make sure to pack your full-size toiletries in a sturdy toiletry bag or a padded bag. You can also use bubble wrap or clothing to provide extra protection. Additionally, place the containers upright and ensure they are tightly sealed.

Yes, to save space and adhere to TSA regulations, you can opt for travel-sized toiletries or decant your favorite products into smaller, reusable containers. This allows you to bring essential products without exceeding the liquid restrictions.

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Travel Packing

Packing Toiletries: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated: January 23, 2024 References

Making a Packing Plan

Saving space in your bag, keeping your bag neat, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS . Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years. This article has been viewed 41,720 times.

When it comes to packing for a trip, finding the best way to bring the necessary toiletries along is a challenge. It's easy to overpack, and following proper security protocols if you're traveling by air can make the process even tougher. Bringing the fewest products possible is always a good strategy, but finding the right way to pack them so they don't leak all over your suitcase can save you a headache when you reach your destination. Keep reading for our full guide on how to pack and organize your bag for the smoothest travel experience.

Step 1 Go through your daily routine for products that you use.

Don't forget to include tools that you might need, such as cotton balls or cotton swabs.

Step 2 Eliminate unnecessary or luxury items.

Keep in mind that most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap, so you may not need to pack those items.

Step 3 Include additional products based on your destination.

Check with the airports that you’re traveling through to determine their guidelines to ensure that you pack your toiletries appropriately for security checks.

Step 5 Invest in a compartmentalized toiletry bag.

Many skincare, bath, and makeup companies provide free samples when you buy from them, so it’s a good idea to have a drawer in your vanity to keep them organized. That way, you can just go through the samples to find what you need before your trip.
Many stores sell travel size versions of common toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste, so you can buy smaller versions of the products you use.

Step 3 Transfer products to travel-size containers.

You can also save smaller bottles and jars from samples and other products as you empty them throughout the year. Rinse them out well, and add your favorite toiletries for your trips.

Step 4 Consider sharing with travel companions.

Just be sure that you bring enough of each item for every member of the party. A travel size tube of toothpaste isn’t going to be enough for a week long trip with 4 people.

Step 1 Choose non-liquid items when possible.

↑ http://blog.tortugabackpacks.com/how-to-pack-toiletries/
↑ Archana Ramamoorthy, MS. Chief Technology Officer, Workday. Expert Interview. 26 February 2019.
↑ https://herpackinglist.com/2013/09/how-to-pack-liquid-toiletries/
↑ https://www.tsa.gov/videos/travel-tips-3-1-1-liquids-rule
↑ https://www.tripsavvy.com/packing-tips-for-air-travelers-2973049

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Essential Travel Toiletries Checklist for Your Carry-on
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The Ultimate Guide to Travel Toiletries (with Printable Checklist)
Step 1: Planning and Preparation. Sample Travel Size Toiletries List: Printable Toiletries Checklist. Step 2: Eliminate. Step 3: Downsize. Step 4: Travel Containers. Travel Toiletries Comparison Chart. Store-bought travel size toiletries are convenient but they're not always the best option. E-bags eBags Walmart.
25 Best Travel Toiletries (for Your Next Trip in 2024)
Travel-Size Silicone Bottles. I suggest carrying your travel toiletries in your carry-on luggage for a couple of reasons. One, you may want to freshen up mid-flight or after you land. Two, exploding shampoo bottles tend to be a regular occurrence in check-in luggage. For this reason, you're going to want to invest in a few reusable travel ...
The 19 Best Travel Toiletries of 2024
Best Face Moisturizer: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream at Amazon ($29) Jump to Review. Best Lotion: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Cream at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review. Best Body ...
The Complete Travel Toiletries List
A few of these items are personal preference only like hand cream or cotton buds. For guys, this is basically you whole toiletries list for men. Shampoo - Packed in GoToob Travel Bottles if you're traveling less than 2 weeks or traveling carry on only. Conditioner - Packed as above. Hair brush / comb.
21 best travel toiletries of 2023
21 travel-size toiletries to keep you feeling fresh on vacation without checking a bag By Holly Johnson , CNN Underscored Updated 10:48 AM EDT, Thu May 11, 2023
Travel Toiletries Packing List
Ideally, I only travel with a single carry-on sized backpack/suitcase — which drastically reduces the number and size of toiletries I travel with. It also means having to stick to TSA liquid regulations. Obviously, carry-on travel isn't for everyone. However, every traveler should make it their goal to travel as light as possible.
The Ultimate Toiletries List for Travel: A ...
Toiletries List for Travel: Essential Toiletries to Pack for a Trip. A Basic List of Toiletries to Pack for Vacation Regardless of whether you're a man or woman, luxury traveler or backpacker, there are some essential toiletries for travel that apply to everyone. Shampoo: Unless you're sporting a buzz cut, you'll have to clean your hair ...
Strategist-Approved Travel Toiletries 2023
Marimekko Notes: 20 Different Unikko Notecards and Envelop…. $15. Buy at Amazon. We curated a guide to the best travel toiletries from Strategist-approved brands, including Sunday Riley ...
The Best Toiletry Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Overall: Liquisnugs Premium Leak-proof Silicone Travel Bottles at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review. Best Size Range: Morfone 16 Pack Travel Bottles at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review. Best Lightweight ...
Essential Travel Toiletries Guide for Your Trip: Carry-On Approved
These toiletries are essential for any trip, no matter the length, and won't take up too much space in your suitcase. As some of you may know, Kate and I almost always pack only in carry-ons, so most of the products mentioned below will be travel size (under 3.4 ounces) in order to comply with TSA regulations.
The 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags of 2024
WANDF Toiletry Bag. The first thing to know about WANDF's Toiletry Bag is that it has a ton of capacity, so much so that our testers joked that it could double as an overnight bag. Jests aside, this was a popular bag because of how much it holds and how little it weighs (just 3.6 ounces).
Best Travel Toiletries
A travel writer recommends the best liquid-free toiletries for flying, including Denttabs Toothpaste Tablets With Fluoride, Dr. Bronner's All-One Hemp Citrus Pure-Castile Orange Bar Soap, and Jo ...
21 Top Toiletries Packing List Items for 2024 + What NOT to Bring
1. What toiletries can I bring on my carry on bag? You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
13 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles: Editor Tested, Leakproof, & Reusable
Best overall: Tocelffe 18-Pack travel bottles. Best for easy packing: Cadence The Capsule Flex System. Best for in-shower products: LiquiSnugs silicone travel bottles. Best for perfume: Vonovo ...
20 Essential Toiletries for Travel You Should Never Forget
13. Hand Sanitizer Spray. This product can be very handy when traveling and not being able to wash your hands whenever you want, or when traveling with kids. You can choose a spray, foam, gel, or wipes sanitizer. 14. Mirror. Bring a portable travel mirror with you, preferably one made of metal or thin acrylic.
The 7 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles of 2024
Best Variety : Morfone 16 Pack Travel Bottles at Amazon ($9) Jump to Review. Best for Larger Capacities : Insfit TSA Carry-on Approved Containers at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review. Best for Backpacking: Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottle at Amazon ($46) Jump to Review.
Essential Travel Toiletries Checklist for Your Carry-on
3. Use a clear toiletry bag or Ziploc bag to stow your toiletries for traveling. You'll have to present all your carry-on liquids in a transparent bag when you go through the security check. Most people use Ziploc bags (or those kinds of bags from whatever brand), but you can also use a proper toiletry bag as long as it's transparent.
14 Brilliant Travel Hacks for Packing Toiletries
Instead, opt for liquid travel pouches. 17 Pack Travel Pouches for Toiletries, TSA Approved, Travel Size Refillable Portable Containers for Shampoo Conditioner Lotion Soap Liquids. $8.39 ($0.93 / Count) These take up less room than bottles and allow you to bring a bigger variety of liquids! Buy Now.
The 5 Best Toiletry Bags of 2024
But at just 7 by 4 by 2 inches, it's the smallest bag we tested and barely had enough room for three travel-size toiletries. It's also twice as expensive as other clear bags. The Travel Smart ...
Travel Toiletries Packing List: What Can You Carry On?
TSA's 3-1-1 Liquids Rule. The most important thing to know about carrying toiletries in your carry on is the TSA's 3-1-1- rule. The rule states: Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.
How to Pack Carry on Toiletries in 2024
Toiletries packing tips Buy travel-size toiletries. Some toiletry manufacturers are aware of the TSA liquid rules so manufacture small bottle versions of their products in what is referred to as travel sized bottles. These are 3.4 ounces or less in size so are permitted in carry on luggage (in your liquids bag). Hunt them out in your local ...
The Ultimate Guide To Traveling With Full Size Toiletries
However, if you have full-size toiletries that exceed the 3.4-ounce limit, there are a few options you can consider: Check your luggage: The most straightforward option is to pack your full-size toiletries in your checked luggage. Since there are no restrictions on liquids, gels, and aerosols in checked bags, you can bring full-size containers ...
How to Pack Toiletries: Best Tips to Travel Like a Pro
5. Invest in a compartmentalized toiletry bag. You'll have an easier time packing your toiletries if you have a dedicated bag for them. A bag with compartments is especially convenient because it allows you to organize your products, and prevents spills and leaks from getting all over the inside of the bag. [5]

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Toiletries (with Printable Checklist)

Table Of Contents

What is a toiletry item?

What toiletries can I take on a plane?

What’s the best toiletry bag?

How do you keep your liquids from leaking?

How to Pack Toiletries for Travel

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Sample Travel Size Toiletries List:

Printable Toiletries Checklist

Travel Toiletries Comparison Chart

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THE ULTIMATE Toiletries Packing List: Hygiene Travel Essentials

What are toiletries? (For the purpose of this packing list.)

Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0

Travel-Size Silicone Bottles

Soap – Dr. Bronner’s

Shampoo (+ Conditioner)

Dental Health Toiletries

Travel Towel

Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer

Hand Sanitizer Spray

Reef-Safe Sun Block

Ear Plugs and Eye Mask

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Medication + First-Aid Kit

Mosquito Repellent

Nail Clippers

Tooth Picks

Roll of Toilet Paper

Contacts and Prescription Glasses

Health Supplements

Feminine Care

Make-up Remover Pads

Extra Hair Ties

What NOT to take in your toiletry bag

What are the most important toiletries to pack?

What is something that should not be missing in your toiletry bag?

How do you store your travel toiletries?

Can you take all toiletries on an airplane?

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Ana Pereira

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The Complete Travel Toiletries List – Pack Right Every Time!

The Complete Travel Toiletries List

Nice to Have / Trip Specific Toiletries for Vacation

Hair & Beauty Toiletries for Women

First Aid Kit

The 10 Best Travel Toiletries Items

Tips for Packing Toiletries

Printable Travel Toiletries Checklist

Any questions or comments on what toiletries to pack for vacation?

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My Philosophy On Travel Toiletries

Packing Light and Carry-On Regulations

Buy As You Travel

Travel-Sized Products

Travel Toiletries Packing List

Toiletry Bag

GoToob+ Leak-Proof Travel Bottles

Shampoo, Conditioner, & Body Wash

Toothbrush, Toothbrush Cover, Toothpaste, & Floss

Shaving Razors and Shaving Cream

Pepto-Bismol Tablets

Travel Wet Wipes

Blister Bandages

Anti-Friction Body Powder

Pain Medicine and Prescription Drug

Hand Soap Sheets & Hand Sanitizer

Makeup & Skincare

Cologne/Perfume

Contact Lens Solution/Disposable Lenses

Hair Care and Styling

Nail Clippers and Nail Care

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