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Packing toiletries is like an art form. You want to pack the essentials, but you don’t want to overpack and weigh down your suitcase. Follow our ultimate guide to creating the perfect travel toiletries list and master the art of packing!
Toiletries
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.
Photo Credit: E-bags
Shop: Amazon | eBags | Walmart
What is a toiletry item?
When I started traveling, someone took me by surprise when they asked me, “What are toiletries?” Before we get started, I want to quickly clarify what they are.
The toiletries definition from Cambridge Dictionary is: “articles used in washing and taking care of one’s body, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste”.
To be as helpful and efficient as possible, we’re including a variety of items in our toiletries list including grooming items, beauty products, and other essentials.
The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide!
What toiletries can I take on a plane?
One of the most important things to know before you start planning for your trip is what you are allowed to bring in your suitcase. The toiletries you can take on a plane depend on whether or not you are checking your luggage.
Image Source: US Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
For cabin or carryon toiletries: airlines require that liquid products be no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and all bottles must fit in a clear quart size ziplock bag when traveling with a carry on. Products that need to be inside the quart size ziplock bag are: liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes. This is called the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
For checked toiletries: items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters (regardless of amount) should be in checked baggage. Visit this TSA page to find out exactly what items are allowed in a checked bag. It’s actually an interesting read!
These guidelines are for US-based airlines. However, these tend to be the general guidelines across all airlines. For specific items, always check the website of the airline or contact them and ask them directly.
Shop: Amazon | Backcountry
What’s the best toiletry bag?
The two toiletry bags our readers love the most are the eBags Pack it Flat Toiletry Kit and the Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag.
For more suggestions, read our article rounding up the ten best toiletry bags and the best hanging toiletry bags.
Tip: make sure that you keep the quart size ziplock bag (storing your carryon toiletries) accessible when you get to the airport. Once you get through security, place them back into your toiletry bag.
How do you keep your liquids from leaking?
Airsspu Leakproof Travel Bottles
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
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:
- Need
- Want
- Not required
- Not applicable
Safehaven Products – 8 Piece Hygiene and Toiletry Set
There are certain things you might find non-negotiable such as your favorite brand shampoo or premium face moisturizer. You can save alot of space and weight in your luggage by minimizing toiletries and eliminating certain items altogether.
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)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash/Soap/Oil
- Loofah
- Face Wash/Scrub
- Feminine Wash
- Shaving Cream
- Razor
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Mouthwash
- Eye Cream
- Face Moisturizer
- Body Moisturizer
- Body Powder
- Sunblock
- Deodorant
- Leave in Conditioner
- Dry Shampoo
- Anti-heat Spray
- Styling Gel/Mousse
- Hair Spray
- Hair Smoothing Cream
- Hand Moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Nail Polish
- Nail Polish Remover
- Hair Removal Cream
- Makeup Remover
- Comb/Brush
- Styling Brush/Styling Comb
- Flat Iron/Straightener
- Blow Dryer
- 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
To ensure that you don’t forget to bring anything on your trip, we’ve created a helpful and very thorough printable toiletries checklist. You can Click here or click the image below in order to open the editable file.
The list features unique categories to help you pack for your trip efficiently. It includes all the items listed in various categories above and has spaces where you can fill in your own information:
- you can write in an item’s weight (lighter items means 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!
Step 2: Eliminate
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.
6th Sense 2 in 1 Mini Flat Iron Curling Iron
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!
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 that can work double-duty. Choose between two products that serve the same purpose.
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps and Sea To Summit Wilderness Wash are two of the most popular travel all-in-one travel products.
Other items to consider:
- Is it possible to pack 4-in-1 facial cloths like these instead of taking face wash, scrub, and makeup wipes?
- Can you use a 2-in-1 shampoo plus conditioner like these?
- Would you consider a tinted moisturizer or BB cream? This one’s my fave.
- Can you use your straightener as a curling iron? Better yet, choose a 2-in-1 curling/flat iron duo like this
- Have you ever seen double ended makeup brushes? Save space with these
There are various multi-use products on the market, or you can use a few long-term travel hacks like I do, such as:
- Baby powder as dry shampoo
- Shampoo as shower gel (only for short periods of time)
- Conditioner as shaving cream
- Face scrub as body scrub
- Body moisturizer to smooth hair flyaways
Nars Multiple | Eco Tools Brush Set
You’d be surprised at how many products can be used for multiple needs. Things like coconut oil or other natural oils can be used as a body moisturizer, shave gel, and split end treatment! Tip: the best coconut oil is cold-pressed, unrefined, and good enough to eat.
There are also various multi-use makeup products such as my all-time fave: Nars The Multiple!
Read these tips on how to minimize toiletry products for even more tips!
Step 3: Downsize
Have you ever paid attention to how much shampoo you use? I only wash my hair every other day, so a 3 oz. travel size can last me a week!
How long is your trip? Make note of how much product you use for the duration of that time. Now that you know what items you absolutely have to pack, it’s time to determine how much of them you actually need.
Essentials such as shampoo, toothpaste, and moisturizers are particularly important. Don’t forget to test out bath, skincare, and makeup products. Make note so you can refer back when you’re ready to make the final plan.
Tip: avoid taking liquids in your carryon by replacing them with solid toiletries and travel wipes!
Editor’s Favorite Reusable Makeup Remover: Kiki & Josie
Once you have a better idea of what you actually need then consider other ways to downsize such as:
- Instead of taking nail polish remover, can you take a few individual wipes like these instead?
- Do you need an entire bottle of foundation or can you use a small container like this to take only what you will use?
- Mini-nail polish bottles like these are a good choice, if you can’t stand chipped nails.
- Read these travel makeup hacks for more ideas!
Skincare tends to be more personalized, but try not to bring more than three skincare items: a cleanser, treatment (for acne or wrinkles), and moisturizer. If you use a skincare system different to this one, try to cut it down to three products.
To downsize your makeup routine, read The Beauty Junkie’s Guide to Packing a Minimalist Makeup Kit and How to Create a Capsule Makeup Collection!
Empty Lip Gloss Balm Container
Step 4: Travel Containers
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.
Watch this video for more tips on how to fit all your toiletries into a carryon:
TRAVEL BEAUTY TIP: For long-term trips, don’t pack full-size toiletries. Purchase travel-size products as you go. Some local drug store brands are common around the world. Here are more toiletry tips for long trips!
And for every single trick in my packing book, read my full course “Stop Overpacking“. I created the STOP OVERPACKING program to teach you my exact packing process. Every secret, every detail, nothing is spared.
Learn more about Stop Overpacking here!
What items are a must have on your toiletries list? Share in the comments below!
For more tips on travel toiletries, please read:
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Lots of good tips, but beware of local restrictions when traveling; e.g., many African countries are very restrictive about plastics. Plastic bags are bad for the animals… If the plastic bag could be a 1-use bag, it might be prohibited even though you plan to use it multiple times during your trip. Some countries prohibit the shopping bags from the duty-free shops. There could be fines and imprisonment. Just a reminder to check restrictions in your designation country.
Very good point, thanks for sharing Dot!
I find it very informative to see what everyone says about downsizing toiletries. Thanks for sharing a great post. And the comments!
So glad you found this guide helpful!
Minimizing my toiletries and my toiletry case is the challenge I must overcome. I just came back from a 16 day trip to Austria. Individual zipper pouches not only create more bulk but also more weight. Reading your well written articles will assist me in this challenge.
I used those round clear jars on my last trip, but I couldn’t really get a grip on the lid and base to separate the two 🙁 I’m going back to using old empty jars of product and decanting into them instead.
I just want to thank Travel Fashion Girl and everyone that is part of this community for the inspiration and know-how for successful travel when abroad and also when dreaming from home. Taming toiletries remains a challenge! Using multi-purpose (lips, cheeks, eyes) make-up helps minimize make up, and sample sizes (like tiny mascara) are helpful, as is repotting items into much smaller containers versus buying travel sizes. Thanks for all the tips!
Great tips. Toiletries are the most challenging for me.
Great info – toiletries are always a challenge for me!
I loce the tips and be learned from following TFG and pass it a long to friends often! Thanks for the tips
Unbelievably thorough! Thank you for these hugely helpful tips and examples. I’m so excited!
This is the most thorough and well-written toiletries packing article out there! Thank you 🙂
Suggestions for toner bottle? Everything pours out too fast!
Packing now for my first trip carry on only … and I am finding toiletries are the most challenging part! Thank you for all the info, tips, and tricks!
The empty lip gloss containers … life changing! Thank you!
Another great lesson from Alex at TFG! I have more toiletries and medicines than clothes to take on my 15 day trip to the UK. I leave Thursday and am still refining my packing. These toilette tips are sooo helpful! In fact, all of Alex’s blogs are so helpful! I’m so glad I found this group!!
We first started traveling internationally in 2013 and were determined to do carry-on only. I thought it was impossible until I discovered TFG. Toiletries were the most difficult for me to figure out. 9 years later I still use all the tips I’ve learned from here.
Thanks to your tips I was able to downsize my toiletries and pack in a carry on only for my recent 11 day trip to Europe. Never did I ever think I could make this happen!
I got so much helpful information! I never thought of downsizing from Travel size for my liquids. This has been a game changer for me when packing my toiletries! Thanks!
Such great information! Can’t get enough of TravelFashionGirl!
My first trip traveling with only a carry on suitcase was an epiphany!
Easier to pack and unpack. I wear all the pieces during the trip and there is less stuff to deal with while traveling.
Great blog – so many tips (with links) to help pair down toiletries especially for carry-on only – especially buying different sizes to decanter products! Using these tips for trip next week – thanks!
These tips are great! Honestly, in past trips, I have done fine packing with limited clothes but my toiletries have taken up half my suitcase! Looking forward to using these tips to scale back and miniturize.
So many great tips for toiletries. I learned alot and will be applying these ideas on my next trip. Thanks for the great info.
Thanks for this great post. Details very helpful! And practical!
Great information. Used these tips on recent flight to Maine. Worked great!
These tips saved me on my recent trip to Italy! Thanks for all of the great advice.
A packing list! I will totally use this and hope to whittle down further. Thank you for another great resource!
I’m so scared to travel with a checked bag theses days and my toiletries are the thing that I was most concerned about fitting into a carry on. I love all the downsizing tips and can’t wait to use them for my next trip in October! Thanks Alex.
I like shopping the travel size section in my drug store and at Target. I find lots of different size containers there. I sometimes buy items just for the containers and then fill them with my products.
This post helped me so much when I was packing for my trip to France in April 2022. I think I was fairly successful in packing only the toiletries that I needed and was planning to check my bag, anyway. I also watched the video again when packing for a shorter trip to NY and was able to take even less toiletries on that trip! Thanks for all of your tips and tricks on safety too in the Paris 2022 Packing Guide!
It’s amazing how little I actually need when I travel—I use lots of products but a tiny amount goes a long way and helps so much with both volume and weight. I decant into a combination of the tiny “lip gloss” tubes and have the tiny deodorant sticks as well for solids (perfect for using up the end of a large stick that wouldn’t have come out anyway). Feels good to not purchase more throwaway plastic for travel sizes since I just refill when I get home and then I’m ready for the next trip! Also I highly recommend lotion bars.
Oh my goodness! This has helped me so much. Packing my liquids was my number one worry about consolidating to a carry on.
What a helpful post! I’m just going to be traveling stateside, but this gave me some great ideas as our space is limited. Thanks TFG!
I have learned so many great ideas for decanting makeup etc. I now have lip gloss tubes, contact lens cases and travel size. It makes traveling so much easier – thank you!
We all have such different needs and non-negotiables, but this article really takes us through the steps to figure out what works for us. Using these tips (and with some trial runs) I’ve been able to get down to a small Sea To Summit toiletry bag. Still refining with each trip….
Downsizing my toiletries is my biggest challenge! Thank you for these great tips.
Wow this information is so helpful. I will use many of these tips.
thank you for these tipps. I always feel very accomplished after I pack my clothes but than comes everything else, like toiletries and electronics and my backpack is bursting.
Your suggestions and tips have been so helpful when preparing for an adventure. Thank you!
Every article you write is helpful, but packing toiletries is my biggest struggle. So thank you for this one!
Using contact lens cases were a game changer on my recent Safari. We were limited to a soft -sided duffle and we wanted to carry on due to Heathrow so this was the way to go. It is amazing how much product fits in each case and how much product you actually use on a trip. I then used the cases on our recent road trip to Arizona. Never had a single spill either trip.
This is my all-time favorite post. Life -changing, making carry-on travel the only way to go now. Huge eye-opener!!!
This post is incredible. So much useful information! Thank you!
I have sliced up solid shampoo and conditioner bars into smaller pieces, to make ones the right size for a weeklong trip.
Thanks for the list!
There is now available shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, soap, laundry detergent in sheet form, and mouthwash and toothpaste as tablets, lotions in bar form,
Hi Vicki, thank you for sharing your great toiletries tip with us! ?
We love solid toiletries and have a range of options here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/solid-toiletries-for-travel/
One trick I found on the web that works great is to use contact lens cases. You can put a few days/week supply in them, mark them with a black sharpie, and put in your toiletry bag.
Hi Rick, thank you for sharing your great travel hack for packing your toiletries with us! Happy travels! ?
Someone on your blog had mentioned she uses plastic paint cups from Michaels to put her make up in. What a great idea! I just purchased (16) 1/6 oz cups for $2 ( with 50% off coupon) and put my eye cream, under eye concealer, blush…. in them. They are awesome! And they are airtight, so the product won’t dry out! Thank you, whoever you are!
Wow, that is amazing Barbara, so happy to hear it worked so well with packing your toiletries!! Thank you for sharing! Happy Travels!
I wear contacts and somehow have loads of extra contact cases. I use them for putting my face moisturizer, BB cream, salve (in case of cuts or infections) in for trips up to a week. I just use a sharpie to mark something on the outside of the case so I know what is inside.
Hi Jessica, thank you for sharing your great travel tip! 🙂
Love your tips! They have helped me to be a more confident traveler!
I do the same because I know how much I need for products compared to others.
Two products worth the money (and I’m a cheapo). Blinc mascara. Order online. It is water-proof and rub-proof. To remove, rub with fingers and warm water. No remover required.
ColoreScience sunblock, SP 50. It’s a powder, with the brush built in. No need to pack powder. And who re-applies gloppy lotion every 2 hours? My dermatologist says the best sunblock is the one you use.
Hi Kay, thank you so much for sharing your travel toiletries! 🙂
🙂 sounds great! Thanks.
I have found that some doctors offices have small and very small
bottles that you can get for free, if you ask nicely. One example is eye doctors, who have these bottles for sample eyedrops. I’ve gotten 6 in this way….for free. And they are the perfect size for travel!
Hi Connie, thank you so much for sharing your great travel tip for toiletries! 🙂