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Oct 14, 2024

The Best Travel Toiletries of 2024

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. These products will ensure you stay TSA-compliant and refreshed no matter where you

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

These products will ensure you stay TSA-compliant and refreshed no matter where you go.

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millán

After a long day of travel, nothing feels better than freshening up with your go-to products. While hotels may offer basic toiletries, there’s something special about using mini versions of your favorite skincare and hygiene essentials. Not only do travel-sized toiletries make it easier to stick to your routine, but they’re also TSA-compliant, so you won’t have to worry about parting ways with your favorite items at the security checkpoint. As someone with sensitive skin who swears by the “pack light” mantra, I’m always on the lookout for products that keep me hydrated and refreshed while on the move.

Bringing the right toiletries onboard can save you money and stress during your trip. To make your packing experience even smoother, we’ve rounded up the best travel toiletries that will enhance your travel routine and keep you feeling your best, no matter where your journey takes you.

Whether you’re headed to a sunny tropical destination or a bone-chilling alpine adventure, exploring the world means your face is constantly exposed to the elements. Also, plane cabins can dry out your skin. That’s why it’s essential to invest in mini versions of products that work for you.

We especially love this Cetaphil Mineral Sunscreen Stick. Clocking in with SPF 50, this sunscreen stick has got your face covered from UV rays and is ideal for people with sensitive skin. Not to mention, it’s available in a solidified form, so you don’t have to worry about it being flagged by security. For long-haul flights, Kat Burki’s Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream is infused with glycerin and reishi mushroom, promising to keep your skin hydrated and plump. And if you need a touch-up before checking into the hotel, we love reaching for Ilia’s mini mascara. A few coats deliver voluminous lashes for a fuller look.

A product I can’t live without? Olehenriksen’s Peptide Lip Treatment. Doubling as a lip balm and gloss, the balm keeps my pout moisturized while looking like I put effort into my lip look. If you’re looking to make shopping easier, consider travel-size skincare sets. Many come equipped with a full skincare routine, so you don’t have to hand-pick individual items. No matter what products you choose, these face products will help you jet set to your final destination with radiant skin.

Whether hiking rugged trails in Hawaii, exploring cobblestone roads in Puerto Rico, or simply lounging beachside, traveling can take a huge toll on your body. Want to keep your skin nourished from head to toe? Stock up on these body essentials.

Travel + Leisure’s associate editor Anna Popp swears by Native’s Coconut and Vanilla Deodorant and it’s one of her toiletry bag must-haves. Heading to the beach? Consider a travel-size sunscreen like Supergoop’s Play Everyday Lotion; it’s non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. After breaking a sweat, you can lather up in Nécessaire’s Eucalyptus Body Wash, designed to soothe and protect the skin’s barrier thanks to the blend of vitamins and oils.

When it comes to a must-pack body item, we can’t forget Megababe’s Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick. Whenever I’m wearing a skirt, dress, or shorts, I’ve applied it to my inner thighs to prevent chafing. It glides on smoothly and packs easily in my purse for on-the-go application.

Maintaining healthy hair can be a challenge, especially when you’re navigating different climates and varying water quality. With the right products in your travel arsenal, you can ensure your locks remain luscious. Bad hair days, be gone!

Start with Ouai’s Mini Detox Shampoo to remove dirt, oil, or buildup from hair products. Follow up with Pureology’s Mini Strength Cure Conditioner, which is specifically formulated for damaged hair. My personal favorites also include Aveda’s Nutriplenish Shampoo and Conditioner — all in the travel size, of course. Made of plant butter and oils, the essential oil-infused products leave my strands shiny and nourished, making them a stellar carry-on choice.

We also approve hair styling products such as Not Your Mother's ten-in-one hair perfector and Verb’s mini volumizing spray. Use the spray to style your natural curls or tame frizz with the hair cream. The hairstyle choices are endless.

No luggage is complete without toiletry accessories, especially from Calpak. Beyond luggage and carry-on bags, the brand carries a comprehensive selection of organizers. We love the Small Clear Cosmetics Case, which comfortably fits skincare essentials, deodorant, floss, and more. The best part? It’s made of water-resistant PVC, so no more surprise leaks. If you are not into a structured cosmetic bag like Calpak’s, you might prefer something with a more forgiving structure, such as Cotopaxi’s Nido Accessory Bag.

Since I pack light, I love to pour my full-sized body and face products into my Cadence containers. They’re leakproof, and TSA-compliant, and they come with magnetic tiles to help keep my cosmetic case organized. If you prefer more traditional toiletry bottles, this Insfit set is a great option and it's one of the best toiletry bottles we've tested.

Before packing your entire bathroom cabinet, decide what items you use daily and can’t do without. A good rule of thumb is to prioritize multi-use products like a moisturizer with SPF or a tinted lip balm that doubles as blush. Think about your destination, too. If you’re heading somewhere tropical, sunscreen and hair-protecting sprays might be at the top of your list. For a city trip, cleansing wipes and dry shampoo might be more useful. By packing only the essentials, you’ll avoid overpacking and free up space for souvenirs and goods you’ll want to remember your travels by.

The TSA permits travelers to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids in their carry-on. Each item within the bag, including aerosols, creams, pastes, and gels, must be in a container or toiletry bottle that’s 3.4 ounces or less. Items larger than 3.4 ounces should be in a checked bag to avoid confiscation at the security checkpoint. Keep in mind that any items that raise alarms during screening may be subject to additional inspection by TSA agents.

To comply with TSA regulations, ensure each item in your carry-on is under 3.4 ounces. You can transfer full-sized toiletries into 3.4-ounce containers for easy packing. Items larger than this must be stored in a checked bag. You can organize toiletries into categories, such as skincare, haircare, and oral hygiene, and store liquids in separate, water-resistant pouches to avoid spills and leaks.

According to the TSA, liquids are defined as water, lotions, creams, gels, pastes, and aerosols. This includes but is not limited to items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lip gloss, liquid foundation, toothpaste, mouthwash, and lotion.

Kayla Hui is a freelance commerce writer and product reviewer, specializing in travel goods, beauty, footwear, and apparel. She has tested and packed multiple toiletries and accessories on this list, including products from Calpak, Cadence, Aveda, Cetaphil, Athena, and Olehenriksen on her travels to Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Kayla is also familiar with TSA guidelines for both carry-on and checked luggage. This list includes handpicked toiletries from T+L writers and editors.

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