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

By Meaghan Kenny

13 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles Editor Tested Leakproof  Reusable

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

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The 19 Best Travel Toiletries of 2024

These are our picks for more convenient, streamlined travel necessities.

travel set for toiletries

In This Article

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  • Our top picks
  • Tips for Buying
  • Why Trust T+L

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

Travel & Leisure / Kristin Kempa

Anyone who’s adventure-bound — whether headed on a weekend camping excursion or a month-long beach stay — will need to make smart and strategic packing decisions, especially when it comes to toiletries. The best travel toiletries are portable, multi-functioning, and convenient, to help you maintain an effective grooming routine with fewer, smaller items than what you’re used to using at home. 

From compact skincare products to versatile hygiene essentials, we’ve culled the best travel toiletries in every category. And, keeping the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on luggage in mind, we’ve swapped some traditionally liquid items for solid alternatives to make packing even easier. 

Best Face Wash

Evolvetogether face wash.

Evolvetogether 

It’s lightweight, convenient, and sustainable.

It may not be as effective at removing makeup as other solutions.

Whether you’re trying to cut down on liquid toiletries for your carry-on luggage or you’re just trying to avoid potential spills in your bag, non-liquid products are very convenient for travel. This tried-and-true powder face wash comes in 100 percent biodegradable individual-use packets, so it’s easy to pack the exact amount you need for your trip.

Plus, they’re slimmer and more lightweight than even a miniature bottle of liquid. The water-activated unscented face wash turns into a foam with an ultra-fine sandy texture that cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturizes your skin. 

The Details: 30 packets, 2 x 3.5 inches each

Best Face Moisturizer

Elizabeth arden eight hour cream.

It delivers long-lasting hydration in a travel-friendly tube.

Some skin types may be sensitive to salicylic acid. 

Between the dry air in plane cabins and climate changes in a new environment, traveling can be taxing on your skin. This small but mighty tube of petroleum-based face cream delivers eight hours of hydration to help keep your skin soothed, dewy, and moisturized. Meanwhile, it’s formulated with vitamin E to repair damage caused to the skin barrier and salicylic acid to promote gentle cell turnover for healthier, smoother-looking skin. A bonus: this purse-friendly product doubles as a balm for cracked and chapped lips.

The Details: 1.7 ounces

Best Lotion

La roche-posay lipikar ap+m triple repair body cream.

The multi-tasking formula eliminates the need for multiple creams.

Be sure to layer SPF on top.

When you travel, multi-tasking products are your best friend as they allow you to lug fewer items overall. That’s why we love this prebiotic moisturizer, which can be used on your body, hands, and face. It’s packed with a combination of shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide to replenish lost moisture and soothe dry skin. The non-greasy, non-sticky formula is non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin. 

The Details: 2.5, 6.8, or 13.52 ounces

Best Body Wash

Glossier milky jelly cleansing bar.

It won’t count against the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons.

It’s pricey.

Another convenient multi-tasker, this nourishing cleansing bar can be used both on your body and face. And feel free to toss this ergonomically-designed soap bar in your carry-on luggage since it won’t count against the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. The fragrance-free vegan cleanser is safe to use on sensitive skin, and it’ll leave your epidermis feeling hydrated and never stripped. It uses chamomile extract to help balance and even your complexion. 

The Details: 3.85 ounces

Best Face Sunscreen

Summer fridays shadedrops spf 30 mineral milk sunscreen.

It’s enriched with vitamins, antioxidants, and soothing chamomile.

If you’re prone to sunburns, you may prefer a higher SPF value. 

Whether you’re headed beachside or hitting the ski slopes, dermatologists agree it’s imperative to protect your skin from the sun with SPF 30 or higher whenever you’re spending time outdoors. This sunscreen is formulated like a lightweight serum, so it has none of that greasy, sticky feeling of traditional sunscreen, nor will it leave a white cast on your skin. It’s formulated with zinc oxide (which is safe for sensitive skin), smoothing and plumping squalane, and a vitamin E-based antioxidant complex that helps protect skin against free-radical damage.

Best Body Sunscreen

Babo botanicals sheer mineral sunscreen lotion spf 50.

It has a comfortable, lightweight formula.

 There is a faint mineral smell.

When we tested 20 different travel-sized sunscreens , this nourishing, non-greasy SPF 50 formula stood out above the rest. We particularly loved the lightweight, liquid formula, which felt more like a lotion than a sunscreen and was not as heavy or sticky as old-school sunblock tends to be.

Plus, we were able to get plenty of use out of just a small dollop of the zinc oxide-based product, making the 3-ounce a better value for the price. It offers 80 minutes of water-resistance, so it’s a great pick for beach or pool trips. Plant-based ingredients including shea butter help moisturize and soothe skin.

The Details: 3 ounces

Best Shampoo

J.r. liggett's all-natural shampoo bar.

The long-lasting bar is equal to approximately 24 ounces of liquid shampoo.

The rose, lavender, and spearmint scent may not be for everyone.  

Not only are shampoo bars more environmentally friendly (due to lack of plastic packaging) and more cost-effective (since you typically get more washes out of a bar than a bottle) than their liquid counterparts, but they’re also a mess-free, TSA-friendly option for travel.

We especially love this all-natural pick because it can also be used as a body soap, a lubricant for shaving, or for hand washing clothing items such as socks and underwear. The 100 percent vegetable oil formulation doesn’t strip the natural oils from your hair and naturally conditions it, so many people find they don’t need to use an additional conditioner after shampooing (and can therefore pack one less item).

The Details: 3.5 ounces

Best Conditioner

Pureology hydrate conditioner.

It softens and moisturizes hair while controlling frizz.

It's expensive.

When subjecting your hair to new environments while traveling, it can easily get dried out. This creamy and luxurious conditioner deeply softens and nourishes stressed hair and works to restore moisture. It’s formulated with moisturizing jojoba, health-promoting green tea, and sage, which supports hair follicles. Just a small amount of this color-safe conditioner goes a long way, making it an effective choice for travel (and it helps to balance out the hefty price tag). 

The Details: 1.7, 9, and 33.8 ounces

Best Hair Serum

Christophe robin regenerating serum.

This all-in-one hair serum hydrates dry hair and protects against heat damage.

Be sure to travel with the lid so the press pump doesn't get bumped accidentally.

This regenerating serum is the only hair care item you'll need to pack in your toiletry bag (besides shampoo and conditioner, of course). It's designed to hydrate and replenish dry hair while acting as a heat protectant for up to 440 degrees Fahrenheit. The main ingredients all have specific purposes, too, including strengthening prickly pear seed oil, nourishing tucuma butter, and castor oil to provide a healthy shine that won't leave your hair looking or feeling greasy. You only need to use a small amount so the tiny bottle takes up very little room and lasts a long time.

Best Hair Brush

Putysuun travel comb brush combo.

This compact item includes two styling tools in one.

It may feel a bit flimsy.

A hair brush can be a tricky item to pack due to its awkward shape and bristles, which can get caught on and damage vulnerable items such as knit sweaters. This combination tool includes a hair brush and a fine toothed comb in one, so you can address all your hair styling needs with a single item. The best part is that it folds up into a compact tool that won’t risk snagging other items in your luggage. When folded, it becomes a pocket-friendly size that’s easy to stash.

Best Hairspray

Sexyhair spray & play volumizing hairspray.

It protects hairstyles against humidity.

It can make your hair feel a little crunchy.

When you’re traveling, it’s impractical to pack various hairsprays, gels, and styling creams for a variety of hairstyles. Instead, rely on a single product which has numerous uses. This small but mighty hairspray has plenty of hold to keep your tresses securely in place no matter your activity.

The volumizing spray provides fullness, lift, hold, and shine, and it’s suitable for use on all hair types. If you’re headed to a hot or humid location, rest assured that the product’s humidity protection will help keep your strands from frizzing for up to 72 hours. 

The Details: 1.5, 10, or 16 ounces

Best Hand Sanitizer

Touchland hand sanitizer.

It’s formulated with moisturizing aloe vera.

The scents are strong. 

Whether you’re boarding a long-haul flight or trekking through terrain where you won’t encounter a sink for quite a while, hand sanitizer will help keep your hands clean. This flat container is extra convenient because it slides nicely into a pant or purse pocket — or you can clip it to a key ring or lanyard. The aloe vera-based formula is moisturizing, and each bottle contains 500 sprays. Choose from delicious scents like lemon-lime spritz, frosted mint, and citrus grove.

The Details: 1 ounce

Best Travel Razor

Gillette venus comfortglide white tea blades.

Courtesy of Amazon

It comes with a travel case for safe packing.

The short handle may be tougher to maneuver than a larger one. 

With a mini handle and a nifty travel case, this razor is easy and safe to toss in your toiletry bag and won’t take up too much space. The pivoting head gets into tough-to-reach areas for a smooth, close shave. The three-blade razor is surrounded by water-activated gel bars that release a rich body butter lather, guarding your skin against nicks, cuts, and irritation as you shave — and eliminating the need for an additional shaving cream.

Best Mini Deodorant

Lume whole body deodorant.

It can also be used on your feet, thighs, and anywhere else you sweat.

The roll up mechanism can stick and become defective.  

When you’re traveling, it’s helpful to pack multi-functioning products that allow you to tote fewer items overall. This full-body antiperspirant helps keep your pits, feet, and any other area where you tend to sweat feeling and smelling fresh for up to 72 hours. Powerful yet gentle, the aluminum-, paraben-, and baking soda-free formula is safe for sensitive skin. 

The Details: 2.2 ounces

Best Travel First Aid Kit

Protect life small first aid kit.

It helps ease the stress of mini emergencies.

 It doesn’t include pain medication. 

It’s always a good idea to carry first aid essentials in case of small emergencies like scrapes or splinters. Don’t let the small size of this health kit fool you: it contains 100 pieces, including numerous bandages, gauze pads, an emergency blanket, a CPR mask, tweezers, a tape roll, and more. Pack the 7.5 x 5.2 x 1.5-inch container in your backpack or purse to address minor injuries on the go without having to stop at the drugstore. 

Best Travel Toiletry Containers

Liquisnugs premium leak-proof silicone travel bottles.

The TSA-approved bottles come in two different sizes.

You may need to purchase multiple sets to accommodate all your travel liquids. 

Some of your favorite toiletries may not be available in travel-friendly sizes. That’s where these nifty refillable containers come in. Available in 2- and 3-ounce sizes (use the larger containers for liquids you use more frequently), the silicone bottles are super simple to fill with your lotions, body washes, shampoos, and more thanks to a larger opening at the top. In our testing , each individual bottle held up well and there wasn’t any spillage or damage after we tossed, turned, and dropped them in our simulations. 

The Details: 2 and 3 ounces

Best Toothbrush

Kulusion dental travel kit.

It holds your toothpaste, too.

It’ll count as a liquid if you fill it with toothpaste.  

Here’s another useful tool that can replace multiple items. This travel-sized toothbrush comes with a built-in, refillable toothpaste container, which easily releases your preferred toothpaste with the touch of a button. When shut, the contraption keeps the soft toothbrush head clean and protected. 

Best Bug Spray

Off family care insect repellent ii with picaridin.

It doesn’t have any off-putting chemical smells.

It doesn’t come in a container larger than 4 ounces.

When T+L put 16 different bug sprays to the test , this OFF! pick rose to the top of our list. What we love: the highly effective 5 percent picaridin formula has a very light scent and doesn't feel sticky at all, you may even forget you have it on. Plus, the non-leak bottle is easy to use and it disperses a fine, even mist onto skin. The 2.5-ounce size can be tossed in your carry-on luggage or it can fit in your pocket for day trips.  

The Details: 2.5 and 4 ounces

Best Dry Shampoo

Living proof perfect hair day dry shampoo.

Your hair will smell fresh and clean in between washes. 

It’s not cheap. 

The less time you spend shampooing your hair on vacation, the more time you’ll get back to enjoy your trip. On days between hair washes, you can use a dry shampoo to freshen up your tresses and say goodbye to greasy strands. Living Proof’s cult favorite version goes a step further by actually cleansing your hair, so it looks, feels, and is clean. The fragrance is nice and not overtly floral or chemical. 

The Details: 1.8, 5.5, or 9.5 ounces

Tips for Buying Travel Toiletries

Know which items you truly need.

When you pack for a trip, know you won’t necessarily need to have all the comforts of home with you. Prioritize your daily essentials including toothpaste, soap, and deodorant. Consider which items you’ll realistically use, and which ones you can do without (for instance, you may want hairspray for a trip to Paris but not for a camping excursion). If you’re staying at a hotel, think about items you may not be picky about (such as shampoo and body wash) that may be provided by the facility free of charge. 

Invest in reusable containers

You may find miniature versions of your favorite products adorable to look at, but they’re not the most sustainable or cost-effective option. Plus, your favorite brands may not even have travel-size picks available. Consider investing in reusable containers in TSA-friendly sizes. That way, you can fill them with the full-sized toiletries you already buy and you can take just as much as you need for the length of your trip. 

Use a clear, ziplock bag to store your liquids and prevent leaks. This also makes it easier to see what you have and comply with airport security regulations. Try to stock up on multi-tasking products (for instance, a lotion that can be used both on your face and body) so you’ll have to pack fewer items. Use reusable travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less for any larger items that you want to pack in a carry-on.  

Pay attention to TSA travel restrictions and make sure all your carry-on items comply with the official 3-1-1 liquids rule , which states that you can bring containers equal to or smaller than 3.4 ounces that fit in a single quart-size resealable bag. When possible, try subbing in solid alternatives to liquid toiletries (for example, a bar of soap over a liquid body wash), which are not subject to liquid restrictions and take up less space.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, Talia Ergas used her experience as a beauty editor and avid traveler to research the best toiletries in every category. She also selected top-rated items from various product tests conducted by Travel + Leisure whenever possible, to ensure the highest quality selections.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

travel set for toiletries

The 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep all your bathroom necessities together

travel set for toiletries

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

TripSavvy / Tamara Staples

After you've organized your suitcase or weekender, the next and possibly biggest challenge is to pack your toiletry bag. While this might seem an afterthought, it's a pretty important step, especially if you don't want to arrive at your destination and realize you forgot to pack your sunscreen or open your bag to spilled body wash. Whether you're more of a minimalist or carry your entire 10-step beauty routine with you, there's something for everyone. 

To help you find the right one, we tested 27 toiletry bags, rating them for capacity, design, portability, and value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other toiletry bags we tested.

  • What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, sea to summit hanging toiletry bag.

  • Capacity 5 /5
  • Design 5 /5
  • Portability 5 /5

Designed for organization

Tough exterior

Plenty of thoughtful additions

Nothing yet

Sea to Summit's Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag impressed our testers, earning top marks across all categories. The Australian outdoor gear brand has been on a mission to build the lightest, most durable gear for more than three decades. Our testers loved how much space this lightweight toiletry bag has and its numerous pockets. "This is a great hanging bag because you can store different-size products inside without feeling like you're weighing the bag down," one tester noted.

The Travelling Light Bag, which weighs less than 5 ounces, is made from Cordura nylon. This material helps keep the weight down and offers stretch, allowing room for all the toiletries. Our testers liked the bag's convenient features, including a carrying handle and hanging hook. "There are tons of pockets, a mirror, hooks to hang the bag, and other unique features that are perfect for every trip," a tester concluded.

Size: 10 x 9 x 4 inches | Weight: 4.7 ounces | Material: Cordura nylon

TripSavvy / David Carr

Best Budget

Wandf toiletry bag.

  • Design 4 /5
  • Portability 4 /5

Generous amount of space

Very lightweight

Not very compact

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). "This is a great buy for someone who wants to bring a lot of skincare or other products along with normal toiletries," one tester said.

The bag's water-resistant nylon is thin but durable. It has three pockets for good organization and a handle for easier transportation. Our testers did say that it might be hard to fit in a smaller bag, especially if you take advantage of the size and pack it to maximum capacity. If you're looking for a larger-capacity toiletry bag or simply a budget bag, this was our testers' top pick.

Size: 9.5 x 5.9 x 4.7 inches | Weight: 3.6 ounces | Material: Water-resistant nylon

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Very spacious

Zippered mesh pockets are helpful

Sturdy yet compressible

Customer reviews complain about the color

This classic-looking toiletry bag impressed our testers with its durable materials, organization potential, and smart features, including a waterproof pocket. The large-capacity toiletry bag is made from water-resistant polyurethane leather, features double zippers in the main compartment, and has mesh holders to keep items like toothbrushes in place.

"The material is classic, zippers are easy to zip, and the compartment with the waterproof coating is very handy and will be easy to clean," one tester noted. "It's structured enough to keep organized but still flexible enough to fit easily in a weekender bag." Our testers said they'd pay more for this than the minimal list price. "It's a great price for something that feels durable and will last for a long time," one tester concluded.

Size: 10.25 x 6.25 x 5 inches | Weight: 0.62 pounds | Material: Polyurethane leather

Best Hanging

Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag.

Durable design

Easy to pack

Water-resistant material

Not the easiest to clean

Once you arrive at your hotel or vacation rental, finding a place to stash your toiletry bag can be tricky, especially if counter space is limited. Luckily, this bag's hook makes the most of limited or nonexistent space. This is a great way to keep items visible but still out of your way as you get dressed. The interior mesh pockets also help with visibility. There's even a smaller, removable compartment you can hang up.

"This bag fit all of the toiletries and still had room to spare, but only for travel-sized products," one tester said about the bag's capacity. "The design of this hanging bag was pleasantly sturdy." Our testers also liked the spacious organizational components and how the bag folds, which gives it a slim briefcase look. They also loved how easily the slender profile fits into a weekender bag.

Size: 12.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inches | Weight: 15.8 ounces | Material: Polyester

Best Splurge

Away large toiletry bag.

Made of recycled materials

Stores bulky items well

Lets you see everything at a glance

Limited colors

For fans of the iconic suitcase brand, the toiletry bag is another worthy addition to your Away collection. Like many of Away's bags, this thoughtfully designed bag keeps your toiletries organized and separated. The clamshell opening displays items perfectly through the mesh and clear plastic interior pockets. The nylon material is easy to clean should you ever have a spill. Bonus: The bag can even be monogrammed on the front or back.

Thanks to some unique features, our testers loved how roomy this bag was. "I packed mostly large items, such as makeup brushes, foundation, and a compact mirror, and there was still tons of room to insert more," one tester reported. "There are different types of pockets inside the bag—one for makeup brushes, one clear pocket for makeup products, and others for whatever you'd like to put in."

The bag helped with organization, and our testers liked the top handle. "The fact that it can fit so many items and still not take up so much space says a lot about the bag. It can also carry a lot of weight," a tester noted. Our testers weren't the biggest fans of the nylon material but noted that it is water-resistant. And while they said bags with similar features could be found at a lower cost, they would still recommend this one. "I'd love to purchase it if it wasn't so pricey for a toiletry bag, but if you need organization and travel often, then this bag is a must," a tester concluded.

Size: 10.2 x 3.7 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Material: Nylon

Best Organization

Peak design wash pouch.

Peak Design

Extra durable

Fits into other bags easily

Contains recycled materials

A bit on the pricey side

The first key to good organization is having plenty of room for all your toiletries. Peak Design's Wash Pouch offers exactly that, with our testers noting that they had plenty of room to fit all of their toiletries and then some. "I'd be able to put my skincare products in here along with several travel-sized toiletry bottles ," our tester said, noting that they loved the product's design. It also opens wide for easy packing and accessibility. "There were plenty of pockets and even a shallow zipper pocket to hold a toothbrush," our tester reported, also praising how it sits open upright on the counter on its own. Bonus: Despite the large size and roominess, it still packs down to a small size.

Size: 10.6 x 6 x 4.4 inches | Weight: 8.7 ounces | Material: Recycled, DWR-treated nylon

Best for Extended Trips

Dare to roam steward dopp kit.

Dare to Roam

Impressive capacity

Eco-friendly

Less likely to harbor microbes

Bulkier than other options

There's much to like about the Dare to Roam Steward Dopp Kit. It features responsibly sourced materials and ethically made construction. It uses antimicrobial and water-resistant materials—features we'd like to see in many more toiletry bags, considering the amount of liquid and moisture these containers are exposed to.

What our testers loved most about this particular toiletry bag was the amount of space available, making it ideal for extended trips. The main compartment has a ton of room and a two-way zipper entry. It also features side clips and adjustable webbing straps, making the bag expandable on both sides. Our testers had no problem fitting all their toiletries into the bag and then some. "This bag is designed well and is built to really hold up," a tester reported. "The handles and lightweight feel of the bag make it perfectly portable."

While this bag did take up a lot of space when packed in another bag, it's best used for extended trips on which travelers are likely to use larger luggage anyway.

Size: 4.5 x 8.7 x 4.7 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Polyester, nylon 

Best for Camping

Matador flatpak zipper toiletry case.

Back Country

  • Capacity 4 /5

Stripped-down but serviceable

Built to last

One large pocket

May be too simplistic for some

Toiletry bags aren't only handy for traveling. They're also helpful when backpacking and camping. For that usage, we love Matador's FlatPak Toiletry Case. The FlatPak checks off three key boxes when looking for a camping- or backpacking-focused toiletry bag. It's super lightweight (1.1 ounces), it's fully waterproof, and it has one main compartment for easy access to all items. Simply put: It's a no-frills yet incredibly practical bag.

Our testers were impressed with the bag's capacity—it fits all toiletries without getting overly bulky. They also loved its durability, waterproof material, and how the bottom of the bag expands. "For someone who goes on lots of camping or rugged outdoor trips, this bag is a great value," one tester concluded.

Size: 9.5 x 6.75 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 1.1 ounces | Material: 30-denier Cordura nylon

Best Eco-Friendly

Cotopaxi nido accessory bag.

  • Portability 4.5 /5
  • Value 4.5 /5

Nice internal organization

Not ideal for extended trips

Cotopaxi's marketing slogan is "Gear for Good." This dopp kit, which features 100 percent recycled materials, definitely falls into that category, but besides being a responsibly created toiletry bag, it's simply a good toiletry bag. The bag has three compartments to separate different items, fits a reasonable amount of toiletries, and has a convenient side carry handle. Another huge step toward planet friendliness is the longevity and durability of the product. We love that this toiletry bag is constructed to last many years and maybe decades.

Size: 9 x 6 x 5 inches | Weight: 6.5 ounces | Material: Recycled nylon with a TPU coating 

Hitting it out of the park and claiming a perfect score on all our tests for capacity, design, portability, and value, the Sea to Summit Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag is hard to beat. Another favorite of our testers for its generous capacity and reasonable price tag, the WANDF Toiletry Bag is light and comes in a range of bright and neutral colors.

To determine the products to include in this test, we researched the top-rated products on the market from multiple retailers, considered popular and traveler-loved brands, and relied on the knowledge of our travel editors and their experience with a variety of toiletry bags. We also aimed to include a variety of sizes, price points, and intended uses.

We tested all 27 toiletry bags in our New York City lab space. Bags were rated on a five-point scale and evaluated for capacity, design, portability, and overall value. We averaged scores across individual categories to give an overall score. Testers packed each bag with the types and quantities of toiletries that would last for a long weekend trip. Once the toiletry bags were packed, our testers took notes on how full the bags were and any unique organizational or structural features. Lastly, they placed the toiletry bags in weekender bags and carried them around to get a sense of how heavy the toiletry bags felt and how easily they could be packed into other pieces of luggage.

BÉIS Cosmetic Case : This case is sturdily built with a couple of thoughtful extras like a standing mirror and a separate sleeve for makeup brushes. With its generous capacity comes a larger footprint, which may be problematic in smaller carry-ons or weekenders. Finally, we felt the price was too high for the quality of the materials.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case : Another spacious pick, our tester could appreciate the capacity of this bag with its convenient carrying handle, though it needs to be packed full to keep the contents from jostling around wildly. The design and internal organization were OK but not as good as some others.

Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag : Overall, we liked the Hunter Bag. The soft neoprene exterior felt durable and easy to clean. The interior features a few pockets and two removable zipper pouches, which our tester said they would probably leave out to make better use of the space.

Everlane ReNew Catch-All Case : True to its name, the Catch-All is a roomy yet simple option with both internal and external pockets. It isn't particularly structured, so it would slip nicely into any other bag, but we worry the contents could easily be damaged or crushed.

State Bags Benson Dopp Kit : The Benson Dopp Kit is a hanging bag with a solid capacity and a well-designed interior. Because of its size, this isn't the ideal option for short trips, and we found similar models that just edged out this pick in terms of the quality of materials and design.

Tumi Response Travel Kit : Our testers were hard-pressed to find anything negative about this bag. It features a clamshell opening for easy packing, is roomy but remains a good choice for weekend getaways, and offers enough structure to protect your toiletries. The real downside is the luxury price, which we found hard to swallow.

What to Look For in a Toiletry Bag

Whether you want something you can quickly toss products into or a hyper-organized toiletry bag with ample pocket space is up to you, but it’s important to think about how organized you usually are. Our advice? Look at how your purse or backpack is organized (i.e., is it a massive tote you throw everything into, or is everything organized in its own little pocket or bag?) to figure out how you naturally travel.

TSA Requirements

If you're carrying your luggage on a flight with you, be sure your items meet TSA requirements —one quart-sized bag of containers holding liquids in quantities of no more than 3.4 ounces. If you are checking your luggage, some of the large-capacity bags on this list can come in handy for packing larger liquids. However, rather than putting all your products into a flimsy plastic bag, opt for a reusable zippered bag instead.

Hanging Capability

Sometimes, the hotel you're staying at won't have enough counter space for a toiletry bag, especially if you're traveling with others. If you want to ensure that things don’t get too cluttered, consider a bag that can hang from the towel hooks on the back of the bathroom door. Bonus: You can use it to free up space at home, too.

Because they are frequently in wet and humid surroundings, most toiletry bags are pretty easy to clean thanks to the functional materials used to make them. Simply wipe down the interior, usually made of nylon with a water-resistant coating. Toiletry bags that are made of faux or genuine leather or polyester can be spot-cleaned.

If you plan to fly and take your liquids onboard with you, make sure to follow the TSA requirements, which allow one quart-sized bag of containers up to 3.4 ounces each. While it's not required to have a clear toiletry bag, if your bag is pulled for further inspection, it might speed up the process if the security agent can easily see what you've packed.

To recommend the best toiletry bags out there, we tested 27 items across various brands and price points in our New York City lab space, scoring each on its capacity, durability, portability, and value.

The author of this article,  Nathan Allen , is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. He regularly takes toiletry bags on flights, road trips, and backpacking and camping trips. His go-to toiletry bag is the  Cotopaxi Nido  for its functionality, size, durability, and planet-friendliness.

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Travel Fashion Girl

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Toiletries (with Printable Checklist)

TOILETRIES , Toiletries

travel set for 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!

Table Of Contents

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.

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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 !

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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 .

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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.

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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.

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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.

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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.

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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.

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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

Click here to download

  • 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!

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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.

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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!

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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 !

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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 !

the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

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!

travel set for toiletries

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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travel set for toiletries

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the-ultimate-guide-to-travel-toiletries

69 Comments

Peggy Weatherington

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!!!

Vera Kozlowski

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!

Charlotte Hicks

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

Tabitha DePaolo

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.

Laurie Brown

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!

meghan brunnock

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

Melissa J.

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.

Molly Hillman

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!

Dot

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.

Alex

Very good point, thanks for sharing Dot!

NutmegsMom

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!

Rebecca

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.

Allison

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.

Zoey Blue

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!

Kelly Settle

Great tips. Toiletries are the most challenging for me.

Kimberly G. Carter

Great info – toiletries are always a challenge for me!

Sallie McFarlane

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

Jennie Woods

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

Kim Wallace

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

Cheryl

Suggestions for toner bottle? Everything pours out too fast!

Cheri

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!

Karen Rothwell

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

Christine Campbell

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!!

Charlotte

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.

Molly Zimmerman

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!

Nikki Hollier

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!

Nancy Roach

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

Laura cyr

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.

Terri

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!

LeeAnn

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.

Tracy Orr Smith

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

Denise Beisel

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

Jimmie Sue Collett

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

Krista

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

Laurie C

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

Nancy Willmore

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.

Sheila

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.

Leanne

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!

Nadja Jackson

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.

Lisa Bamburg

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

Heather

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!

valerie mudrow

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!

Christine

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….

Sandra

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

Diane

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

Simone

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.

Sandra

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

Anne

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

Robin Polito

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.

Fern Rabil

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

Tracy Trencher Morra

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

Karen

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

Katrina Gillett

Thanks for the list!

Vicki L Patterson

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/

Rick

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! ?

Barbara

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!

Jessica

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! 🙂

Elena Garcia

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

Gabriella

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

Kay Lewis

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! 🙂

Sierra

🙂 sounds great! Thanks.

Connie

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

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!

travel set for toiletries

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Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0

Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0 - the best toiletry bag money can buy

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.

Deodorant toiletry essential

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

Sea to Summit DryLite 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

travel set for toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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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!

Travel hairbrush in toiletries packing

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

Best way to avoid mosquito bites

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.

travel set for toiletries

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.

Beach vacation with few toiletries

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.

travel set for toiletries

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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!

Kermit with his first aid kit packing

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ana Pereira

Ana Pereira

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The 7 Best Travel Size Toiletries for Men

Branded content. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services.

Keep your body clean with the best travel-size toiletries for men. Men often get overlooked when it comes to self-care and grooming products, so we've gathered the best products to keep you squeaky clean on your next adventure.

When it comes to packing, we have a tip that will make your next trip less stressful – don't overthink it. The best way to prepare for an unexpected weekend trip or a quick trip home to visit the fam is to have a TSA-approved toiletry kit that's always packed and ready to go. (Take it one step further and keep it tucked in your overnight bag so it's always there when you need it).

What to consider when shopping for travel-size toiletries for men:

TSA-compliance : Liquids should be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. This includes your travel grooming kit and extras like cologne or spray-on deo. Pro-tip: When going through security, you'll likely have to take out your travel kit, so make it easy to find and place it at the top of your bag.

Shelf-life : Buying travel-size toiletries but don't travel very often? Ensure the expiration date and shelf life work with your travel style. If products are close to their expiration date, use them at home instead of waiting for your next trip.

Strong lids (that stay on) : When choosing travel-size toiletries for men, we recommend finding products that have strong, durable lids that won't pop off during a flight or bumpy bus ride!

Bottles for reusability : If you'd rather buy reusable bottles instead of a small travel-size kit from your favorite brand, that's great! Find an environmentally friendly bag and fill it with grooming products using larger at-home bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

Our list of the seven best travel-size toiletries for men will help you assemble a travel kit with all the essentials to stay well-groomed.

1. Blu Atlas Essentials Travel Set

Find everything you need to stay sparkling clean on your next trip in the Blu Atlas Travel Set. It's a four-in-one grand slam with all the bathroom essentials for your hair, face, and body.

They've taken their best-selling grooming essentials and made travel-friendly bottles so you can take their premium products wherever you go. Travel Set comes with 3 oz bottles of Blu Atlas Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, and Face Moisturizer. Each formula contains effective, skin-friendly ingredients that harness the power of botanicals to cleanse and moisturize you from top to bottom.

The best part? Putting this set in your favorite toiletry bag means you'll have the perfect TSA-compliant travel-size toiletries that are good for your skin.

2. Every Man Jack Travel Body Pouch

Every Man Jack's Travel Body Pouch is the perfect match for men who use 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner and keep their grooming routine simple. Inside the pouch is a 2 oz body wash and a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.

What the kit lacks in style, it makes up for in versatility and usability. The travel-size toiletries for men contain all the basics, so you don't have to use cheap hotel products that dry out your skin and hair. To top it all off, the products have a powerful sandalwood scent that gives you a masculine, fresh scent.

3. Oars + Alps Travel Size Everyday Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 35

SPF is essential to maintaining skin health and goes a long way in preventing damage to the skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun. What can you do to prevent this and protect your skin? Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which is why this travel-size toiletry is ideal for men.

Oars + Alps Travel Everyday Sunscreen is a 1 oz lightweight lotion that protects skin and keeps it hydrated. The sweat and water-resistant formula lasts up to 80 minutes even when sweating, exercising, or swimming.

4. Public Goods Travel Size Shaving Cream

Whether you're rocking a beard or prefer a smooth, hair-free face, a travel-size shave cream will keep your beard in tip-top shape – even when traveling to far-flung destinations. Most shave creams come in huge containers, and putting gel-to-foam products in reusable travel bottles would be nearly impossible.

That's where a product like Public Goods Travel Size Shaving Cream comes in. It bridges the gap and meets your shaving needs whenever you're on the go.

5. Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash

Instead of relying on hotel hand soap or using your friend's face wash, have a face wash handy that you know your skin loves. Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash is a 2.5 oz travel-friendly bottle that fits perfectly with other grooming essentials.

Key ingredients caffeine, menthol, and vitamin E revitalize the skin while clearing out dirt, grime, and clogged pores. Travel often makes the face feel greasy and tired, making this face wash the perfect travel-size toiletry for men who want to keep their face breakout-free.

6. Ursa Major Morning Mojo Bar Soap

If you'd rather skip the bottles of boogie body wash and use an eco-friendly option, Ursa Major's Morning Mojo Bar Soap is reporting for duty. The bar is an all-purpose full-body cleanser that gets you squeaky clean from top to bottom.

Wake up your senses with the fresh mint and eucalyptus scent and remove oil and grime from the body. While it acts as a cleanser, the bar also has exfoliating volcanic rock that lightly exfoliates pores and removes buildup. Natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut, and honey ensure the skin stays healthy and moisturized as you wash.

7. Oars + Alps Travel Kit

Not interested in the "build a travel kit" workshop? Then, the Oars + Alps Travel Kit may be right for you. Each kit has a small see-through toiletry bag (great for going through airport security) and a 3.4 oz bottle of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and 2.6 oz deodorant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are recommended travel-size toiletries.

Travel-size toiletries should be TSA-friendly at 3.4 oz (100ml) or smaller and meet your grooming needs. Consider the products you use at home when building a travel kit and make a list.

Many basic travel kits for men include:

  • Conditioner
  • Body wash (or bar soap)
  • Face lotion
  • Body lotion
  • Shaving tools (cream, razor, electric trimmer)

A kit should include any travel-size toiletries you'd use at home to complete your morning or evening routine.

Best Travel Size Toiletries

Introduction

As a first step, we want to tell you one Russian joke.

In Moscow, one man takes his smartphone and says, “Ok Google, I need to go to the toilet. Where I can find it?”. A voice of the smartphone answers, “Hey man, you are in trouble.”

The toilet problem is very strong in Moscow, and foreign tourists suffer more than Russians. You have almost no chances to find public WC, and no matter are you ready to pay or not. We will give you a few advices on this page. As locals, we know everything about this problem.

Many tourists try to find WC in subway stations. If you follow this idea, you will fail and will lose your time. There are toilets in the Moscow subway, but they are available only for personnel. We do not know any precedent when they let somebody in.

Every year we have a same comedy. The Moscow government declares their new plan of creation public WCs at every station. Every year nothing change. We the Russians usually say in such situation, “a cart is still standing on its place.”

Maps of Moscow WCs

The Google Maps knows a few of WCs, but it is not a decision of the problem.

WCs in trading centres

It is also a good idea. You should remember a few features.

Not every trading centre has own WC. The Sanitary Rules of Russia demand it from every trading centre larger than 10700 square feet (1000 square meters). We also do not know how some trading centres drive a coach and four through. No comments.

The Rules say every trading centre must have a WC, but the Rules do not say how many. So, you will probably get into a situation when there is only one toilet in a large trading centre. In this case, you will need to search for it.

We made a few photos of public WC in one of trading centres in Moscow. See our small gallery below.

WCs in restaurants

There is no any law in Russia that force a restaurant to let everybody using the WC. So, if you enter a restaurant and want to use a toilet, you will need to ask for a permission. Fortunately, Russia is a civilized country, and we never saw a precedent when somebody rejected.

Even if your request is rejected, you will order a cup of coffee, became a client and use the WC. We ask our readers to respect the law and act according to the law.

How to ask about WC in Russian

It is easy. The English word “toilet” sounds very close to the Russian word “tualet”. Even if you say in English, everybody will understand you. Do not hesitate to ask; Russians are usually ready to help.

We have only one advice for this situation. You should show that you a foreigner. If you will not do this, then people will be thinking you a local and will be explaining you something in Russian. Just say something in English to show you are a foreigner, and say the word “toilet”. You will receive an answer by a finger same as it shows the photo on the left.

Of course, it was a joke above. By the way, nowadays, you can find a few monuments to Vladimir Lenin in Moscow, but we do not recommend to follow in the direction he is showing. We the Russians walked in this direction for 74 years, and we still do not understand, where we were going and why.

You can think Russia is a wild country because of this toilet problem. This opinion is wrong. If you visit any private business centre, you will see a fine WC. If you visit a flat of ordinary Russian citizen, you will also find it is clean and in order.

But, if the government is in charge of something, then you will see a long list of problems that are not resolved from year to year. This is Russia.

We write this website to make your voyage to Russia perfect. Read other articles ( look for the list of links below and on the left from the text of every article )

IMAGES

  1. Gonex Travel Bottles Set Toiletry Containers

    travel set for toiletries

  2. Juvale

    travel set for toiletries

  3. Travel Size Toiletries & Kits

    travel set for toiletries

  4. 7 TSA-approved toiletry bottle kits that make traveling a breeze

    travel set for toiletries

  5. Large Travel Cosmetic Bag For Women

    travel set for toiletries

  6. Travel Bottles Containers, TSA Approved Travel Size Toiletry Bottles

    travel set for toiletries

COMMENTS

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    How to Pack Toiletries for Travel. 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. Toiletries are a serious struggle for many travelers.

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  9. 21 best travel toiletries of 2023

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  16. Where and how a tourist can find a WC in Moscow

    Paid WCs in Moscow. They are usually located near train or subway stations. They are easy to notice; three or more cabins of a blue colour are usually different from surrounding objects. You can see the photos on the left. One cabin is used as a place for special worker who collect money and responsible for cleaning.

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