Passing through airport security can be a nightmare—especially if you accidentally packed a full-size bottle of liquid, gel, or aerosol in your carry-on bag. To ensure passenger safety, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces strict regulations on which beauty products you can and can’t bring onboard. Their packing protocol is easy to follow if you remember these carry-on guidelines:
- You’re allowed to pack individual 3.4 ounce (or 100 mL) containers of liquids, gels, and aerosols.
- All toiletries must be placed in one clear quart-size, zip-top bag—one per passenger.
- You must declare medically necessary liquids, such as breast milk, baby formula, and insulin to a security officer prior to boarding. You are allowed to bring more than 3.4 ounces, but it must be in a reasonable quantity.
- While technically allowed on the plane, never apply nail polish during your flight! It’s inconsiderate and dangerous to other passengers.
- If you’re not sure about a product, don’t pack it. Better to leave it at home than have it confiscated.
If you’re still unsure on what to pack, try these five airplane-ready products and stay stress-free in the security line!
BeautyStat Brighten & Strengthen On The Go Travel Kit, $49
This 3-piece skincare collection provides products under 100ml to help protect your complexion while traveling. Start with the microbiome balancing cleanser to clean and guard against environmental aggressors, then follow up with the set’s vitamin C-packed serum and moisture boosting cream. The mini options are great for prepping all skin types, plus they’ll slip easily into any carry-on.
R+Co BLEU Essentials Trial Kit , $46
Keeping your style smooth and moisturized in any climate is possible with this travel-size hair kit. The collection comes with three hydrating heroes great for all hair types: Mini Essential Shampoo, Mini Essential Conditioner, and Mini F-Layer Deep Conditioning Serum. Formulated with a blend of hair-loving oils, these travel necessities provide a shine-inducing cleanse, condition, and lightweight finish for every hair type. Plus, they come in a cute acrylic case.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer , $55
Weighing in at only 1.7 ounces, this small but mighty SPF moisturizer multitasks by drenching skin with fluffy-light moisture while shielding it against harmful UVA/UVB rays. The SPF 45 sunscreen keeps skin protected and hydrated with a 30% Hyaluronic Acid Complex, plus it’s invisible with a feather-light finish. No white cast here!
Kitsch Detoxifying Solid Body Wash , $10
Sure, you can grab a travel-sized body wash at the drugstore, but will it detoxify pores and last several trips? This detoxifying body wash bar does that and more. Infused with charcoal, it absorbs and eliminates impurities from your skin, offering spa-like benefits wherever your travels take you. Store it in this portable travel case for ultimate freshness.
Oribe Fragrance Experience Set , $18
These gender-neutral scents transport wearers to dreamy destinations from the French Riviera to the Valley of Flowers in India–before you even step off the plane. Leave large perfume bottles at home, and successfully slip these tiny (0.07 oz!) glass bottles into your carry-on, no matter how cramped.
Susanne Kaufmann Alpine Bath & Body Collection, $70
This bath and body set will help you unwind, whether you’re heading to a serene retreat or a bustling vacation spot. The trio of rejuvenating essentials covers everything you need to moisturize from the neck down: a pine and spruce-scented aromatic bath soak, a hydrating body butter, and a nourishing body oil. Plus, the mini best-sellers will fit easily into your carry-on bag.
Illustration by Megan Badilla
