Toiletries Packing List

Toiletries cause more security-line stress than any other category, and most of it is avoidable. The rule at most airports is simple: liquids in containers of max 100 ml each, all inside one clear resealable bag of about 1 litre. Everything else in this guide is about working neatly within that limit — or skipping it with solids.

This list covers a carry-on-only trip. If you're checking a bag, the last section adds the full-size items worth the hold.

Quick Checklist

What Counts As A Liquid

More than you'd think. Security treats anything spreadable, sprayable, or pourable as a liquid: pastes (toothpaste), gels (hair gel, lip gloss), creams (moisturizer, foundation), aerosols (deodorant spray), and mascara. If it would take the shape of its container, it goes in the liquids bag.

Solids are exempt no matter what they replace — a shampoo bar is luggage, not liquid. That's the single easiest way to shrink your liquids bag: swap shampoo, conditioner, soap, and deodorant for solid versions and suddenly the 1-litre bag has room for the things that have no solid equivalent, like sunscreen and contact lens solution.

The 100ml Rule, Quickly

The limit applies wherever you pass security — departure, connections where you're re-screened, and your return flight. Some airports, mainly in the UK and EU, have lifted the limit and allow containers up to 2 litres, but your return airport may not have. Before you decant everything into minis, check the liquid rules for every airport on your route.

Two useful exceptions: duty-free liquids sealed in a tamper-evident bag with the receipt inside don't count against the limit, and essential liquid medication above 100 ml is usually allowed if you declare it separately.

What To Skip

• Full-size anything in a carry-on
• A "just in case" second moisturizer or fragrance
• Anything your accommodation provides — most places cover soap and shampoo
• Duplicate razors or backup toothbrushes
• Products you only use occasionally at home

Create This In journeybot

Use this guide as a starter packing list in journeybot, then adjust it for your destination, trip length, weather, luggage, and activities.

FAQ

What size toiletries can I take in carry-on luggage?

At most airports, containers of max 100 ml each, all fitting in one clear resealable bag of about 1 litre. Some airports, mainly in the UK and EU, now allow containers up to 2 litres — but the limit applies wherever you pass security, so pack for the strictest airport on your route. You can check your airports here.

Do solid toiletries count as liquids?

No. Shampoo bars, solid deodorant sticks, bar soap, solid perfume, and powder products don't count as liquids and can go anywhere in your bag. Creams, gels, pastes, and aerosols do count, whatever their texture claims.

Does makeup count as a liquid at airport security?

Liquid, cream, and gel makeup counts — foundation, mascara, lip gloss, and cream blush all belong in the liquids bag. Powder makeup like pressed powder, powder blush, and eyeshadow doesn't.

Do medications count toward the liquids limit?

Essential liquid medication is usually allowed above 100 ml, but declare it separately at security and keep the label or prescription with it. Pills and tablets aren't liquids and can be packed freely.