The Ultimate Guide to Travel Toiletries (with Printable Checklist)

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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!

Like any trip, it’s smart to plan and organize starting with your toiletries. Check out our FREE Toiletry Packing Checklist! 

Download Our Free Toiletry Checklist

The list features unique categories to help you pack for your trip efficiently and 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 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 article for a printable packing list for clothing and shoes! To access the editable checklist click the picture above, or download the print-friendly PDF version here for easy, stress-free packing.

Once you’ve got your list ready and start laying everything out, that’s when reality hits:

You’ve packed your carry-on, and everything fits perfectly until it’s time to fit in your toiletry bag!

We’ve all been there trying to travel light but not sure how to manage it because of our toiletries. It’s such a common struggle! You want to include the essentials without overpacking or weighing down your suitcase, especially since airline restrictions have become even more stringent.

First, let’s cover the basics of downsizing your toiletries, followed by a step-by-step walkthrough of how to master the art of packing toiletries.

What Are Toiletries?

The definition of toiletries is: any item used to groom or clean yourself is considered a toiletry item, whether it’s soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, face cream, sunscreen, toothpaste, or even makeup is considered in the same category.

Most travelers bring travel size toiletries with them, either in carry-on luggage or in checked baggage. Nowadays, the most popular method of vacation is by taking a carry on suitcase on board an airplane, which means it’s necessary to minimize the size of toiletries so you don’t exceed weight or size limits.

This is an issue I’ve personally tackled before myself! I made it my mission to not only choose the right clothes and shoes to downsize my packing but also do the same with my toiletries while still being able to take my favorite beauty products. 

Check out how I started in this video.

The Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag is #1 for readers due to its numerous water-resistant pockets, which keep everything organized!

What Toiletries Can You Bring On a Plane?

What toiletries you can bring on a plane depends on whether or not you are checking your luggage.

For cabin or carry on toiletries, airlines require that liquid products, including liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes, be no more than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and all bottles must fit in a clear quart size ziplock bag. This is called the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, follow the step-by-step guide below on packing toiletries for travel to determine what you will and will not need to bring, along with strategies for downsizing products:

• Step 1: Use a Toiletries Packing List to Organize
• Step 2: Decide What Toiletries to Pack
• Step 3: Downsize and Decant Products
• Step 4: Replace Liquids With Solids
• Step 5: Downsize Makeup Products
• Step 6: Choose the Right Toiletry Bag

The CALPAK Luka Hanging Toiletry Bag is a sleek, water-resistant travel organizer with multiple zippered compartments and a built-in hanging hook, making it easy to access and organize beauty essentials in any hotel or bathroom.

Decide What Toiletries to Pack

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​Once you know what you’re allowed to take, you can save a lot of space and weight in your luggage by minimizing your toiletries and eliminating certain items altogether. Just stick to the basics!

Start by composing a list of toiletries and listing all the grooming and beauty products you use daily. Then, consider which ones you must take and which ones you can leave behind. Remember, a trip is temporary, so you won’t be without something forever.

Certain things might be non-negotiable, such as your favorite brand of shampoo or premium face moisturizer.

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.

Sample Toiletry Essentials

LIQUIDS & BOTTLES (3-1-1 COMPLIANT)

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash
• Face cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen

ORAL CARE

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash

SKINCARE | FACE

• Toner
• Serum
• Moisturizer
• Eye cream
• Lip balm
• Makeup
• Makeup Remover

HAIR CARE

• Hairbrush or comb
• Hair Ties / Clips
• Dry shampoo
• Hair Tools
• Shower Cap

BODY CARE 

HAND & HYGIENE

• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Tissues

HEALTH & PERSONAL

• Prescription medication
• Pain reliever
• Vitamins
• Menstrual Products
• Contact Lens and Solution

EXTRAS

• Cotton pads
• Cotton swabs
• Laundry detergent sheets

Learn how to start downsizing your toiletries in this video!

Downsize and Decant Toiletry Products

The biggest mistake travelers make with carry on toiletries is not considering how much product they actually use and then overpacking the wrong sizes. This is why I suggest experimenting at home to discover the amount you use of each product.

Before packing anything, note the essentials you’ll need, such as shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste, as well as your skincare and makeup products. Then, log how much you use each product throughout the number of days your trip will last.

The Kitsch Ultimate Travel Bottles for Toiletries 11pc Set are designed to be leakproof, durable, and BPA-free! 

Measuring exactly what you’ll need allows you to plan efficiently before your trip. Once you know the amounts, you can easily decant the right portions into travel containers for your toiletries.

Choose empty containers in a variety of shapes and sizes, and DO NOT automatically default to “TSA travel size” (100 ml / 3 oz) options as they’re often larger than necessary.

While travel minis can be convenient for short trips, using your own travel containers is more practical: you can bring your preferred products and reuse them for future trips.

This is my ultimate secret for fitting a variety of toiletries into a minimal space while still complying with liquid rules.

These are the best travel containers because they let you pack only what you need while saving space, weight, and avoiding leaks:

• Pump Bottles: Perfect for lotions, serums, liquid foundations, and thicker skincare products that are easier to dispense without squeezing.

• Spray Bottles: Ideal for face mists, toners, hair sprays, setting sprays, and alcohol-based sanitizers.

• Cylinder Soft Tubes: Best for runny or thin liquids and products you don’t want to dip your fingers into, such as shampoo, body lotion, sunscreen, or hair products. These are often leakproof and more durable than hard plastic bottles.

• Stackable Pots: Excellent for travelers with multi-step skincare routines. Use one stack for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and another for face moisturizer, body lotion, and sunscreen.

• Individual Pots: Great for makeup and beauty products used in small amounts, like concealer, foundation, eye cream, or lip balm. Decanting from heavy glass packaging also helps reduce luggage weight.

• Roller Bottles: Ideal for oils, perfumes, serums, and spot treatments, offering controlled, mess-free application.

• Pen-Style Containers: Perfect for targeted skincare products such as cuticle oil, acne treatments, or eye serums.

• Contact-Style Cases: Useful for very small quantities of creams, pills, or solid balms when you need minimal product.

Pen-style containers and cylinder soft tubes are perfect for liquids and lotions, offering controlled dispensing while saving space in your carry-on.

When using your own carry-on-size toiletry containers, keep these golden rules in mind:

• Fill containers only about two-thirds full to prevent compression leaks during flights.

• Place a small piece of plastic wrap under the lid of reusable bottles for extra leak protection.

• Avoid very thin, water-like products such as toner, as they are more likely to seep or leak.

How to Label Toiletry Containers

How you label your containers will depend on the type you’re using, whether it’s a cylinder tube, stackable pot, pump bottle, spray bottle, pen-style container, or flat travel container.

You can purchase labels made specifically for travel containers or keep it simple by using a permanent marker to identify each product. Many flat containers even include a designated space for labeling.

Whatever labeling system you choose, keep it simple and consistent. Ideally, label your containers once so they’re always ready to go for future trips.

Here is a quick video of the toiletries I packed for the LTK Conference!

KITSCH’s Pack Light Minis Set includes eco-friendly mini solid shampoo and conditioner bars plus a compact travel case. Perfect for on-the-go use and lightweight, bottle-free travel.

Replace Liquids with Solids

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If you’ll be packing your toiletries in your carry on luggage, note the worldwide restrictions on bringing liquids on board. Liquid products must be no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) each and that all liquids fit inside a clear, quart-size bag when traveling with a carry-on.

Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes must be inside the quart-size bag. This is known as the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule, which was discussed above.

Limiting your toiletries to one quart-size bag means you’ll need to get creative with what to bring. This is where solid toiletries come in!

Dry shampoo like this Moroccanoil is a great alternative to a solid bar, making it a convenient travel essential for keeping your hair fresh and styled on the go

While not necessarily helping you downsize, replacing liquid beauty products with solid toiletries will help you meet the carry on liquids requirements. And you can put them into a smaller travel toiletries bag and separate them from your liquids.

There are some fantastic solid products on the market, that can all help you abide by the TSA liquids rule but still look, feel, and smell your best while traveling. Examples include:

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Here are even more popular solid toiletries that TFG readers love!​

The Kitsch Shampoo Bar Bag or 2-Compartment Travel Case will keep all your solid toiletries organized for mess-free, bottle-free travel!

How to Pack Wet Solid Toiletries 

Packing solid toiletries saves space and helps you avoid liquid limits, but it takes a bit of strategy to keep everything neat and leak-free. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use a Dedicated Bar Bag or Case – Carry your wet solid products in a water-resistant bag or case (like the KITSCH Bottle-Free Beauty Bar Bag or Travel Case) to prevent moisture from reaching other items in your luggage.

• Let Them Dry Before Packing – After use, let solid shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars dry as much as possible. A quick air-dry on a drain shelf or hook helps reduce moisture buildup inside your bag.

• Pack with Absorbent Materials – Include a small microfiber towel, absorbent mat, or a piece of breathable fabric inside your bar bag. These help soak up excess water and keep solids from sliding around.

• Stack Strategically – Place heavier or fully dried bars on the bottom and softer, wetter items near the top or in a separate compartment to minimize mess.

• Clean & Maintain Regularly – Rinse out your bar bag after trips and allow it to dry fully before storing. This keeps mold and odor at bay and prolongs the life of both your bag and your solid products.

For specific items and requirements, always check the airline and airport websites or contact them and ask them directly.

Solid sunscreen and insect repellent sticks like Supergloop! Glow Stick SPF 50 and Kate McLeod Bug Balm are easy to pack and apply while on the go.

Multi-Use Products

These versatile travel essentials help you save space, reduce liquids, and simplify your packing list by serving multiple purposes perfect for carry-on travel and minimalist packing.

1. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap: A classic all-in-one travel soap that works as body wash, shampoo, hand wash, shaving soap, and even laundry soap, ideal for minimalist and carry-on packing.
   
2. Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash: A concentrated, biodegradable travel soap that doubles as body wash, shampoo, and clothes detergent, perfect for backpacking, long trips, and outdoor travel.
3. Solid Shampoo & Conditioner Bars: Solid bars eliminate liquids entirely and can often be used for hair, body, and even face cleansing,  making them a top pick for bottle-free packing.
4. Multipurpose Balm Stick (Bug + Moisture + SPF): A multitasking stick that combines sun protection, insect repellent, and moisturizer, excellent for beach trips, hiking, and unpredictable weather.
5. Coconut Oil or Multi-Use Oil: A natural option that can serve as moisturizer, makeup remover, beard conditioner, and hair treatment, great for travelers who prefer clean, multi-purpose products.
6. Travel-Size Micellar Water: Though technically a liquid, micellar water can do the job of cleanser, makeup remover, and toner in one step, handy for skincare routines on the go.

The DivaCup is a reusable menstrual cup ideal for travel, offering leak-free protection, long wear time, and a compact, eco-friendly alternative to disposable period products.

Menstrual Products

Reusable menstrual cups are a popular choice for travel thanks to their compact size and eco-friendly benefits. However, menstrual cups don’t work for everyone. As an alternative, applicator-free tampons are lightweight, take up minimal space, and are easy to carry for on-the-go use.

Period underwear is also becoming increasingly popular for travel. It’s ideal for unexpected periods, long travel days, or protecting clothing from leaks while in transit.

Learn about the best travel-friendly period products, including menstrual cups, discs, and period underwear to find the option that works best for you!

She-pees (female urination devices) can be helpful for festivals, camping trips, safari excursions, and outdoor travel, but it’s important to practice using one at home first before relying on it while on the road.

Travel Tip: If you’re planning water sports while traveling, a menstrual cup for travel can be especially useful, particularly in remote locations where menstrual products may be hard to find. 

Travelon’s Mesh Pouches are reusable and can be used for storing tampons, a mini first aid kit, or other personal items, keeping them organized and easy to grab in your bag.

First Aid

For most trips, a DIY mini first aid kit is all you need. Use an ultra-versatile reusable pouch and pack 1–2 of each of the following individually wrapped essentials: bandages, pain relievers, allergy tablets, hydration packets, antiseptic wipes, tampons, and antibacterial wipes.

If you suffer from stomach sensitivities, allergies, or other medical needs, be sure to pack items that are relevant to your specific situation.

In most destinations, especially large cities, you can easily find pharmacies or stores that sell first aid supplies, menstrual products, and basic medications. However, if a specific brand or medication works best for you (such as allergy medicine), or if you have sensitivities to certain products, it’s best to bring those from home.

A contact lens case can also be used for storing medicine, making it easy to keep in your bag and access on the go.

Travel Tip: Some travelers experience unexpected allergies or hay fever in parts of Europe. While pharmacies carry allergy medications, they may differ from what you’re used to. If you’re allergy-prone, pack a few tablets from home just in case.

Keep your essentials organized, visible and easy to grab on the go, the Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case is a travel-ready set available in two sizes: the small is perfect for makeup and the larger one for the rest of your toiletries.

Downsize Makeup Products

Besides considering travel sized toiletries, another essential aspect of packing light is downsizing your makeup!

Of course, you want to look somewhat polished on vacation, but remember that makeup can take up a lot of space. Because a lot of readers have asked me how I travel with makeup, I thought I’d share how I downsize my everyday makeup to a simpler travel routine.

Check out the video below to see how I organize my makeup items and get them downsized for a trip!

Watch this video to learn how I downsize my makeup for travel!

As you learned how to pack toiletries for a flight, the same applies here. Create a travel capsule makeup collection that includes only the essentials and eliminates the clutter.

Examples of the most visually enhancing products, giving you the biggest bang for your buck are:

Over the years, I’ve tested tons of products, but I’ve finally narrowed it down to the staples that really work for me. Check out my everyday skincare and beauty routine and how I pack each item for travel. 

The IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full‑Coverage Foundation SPF 50+ is a travel‑friendly multitasker it’s a full-coverage foundation, anti-aging serum, and broad-spectrum sunscreen in one pump. 

So, how do you build a capsule makeup collection? Here are the best ways you can downsize your cosmetics:

• Decant products where you can: Things like foundation and concealer can be transferred to smaller containers like these or these; that way, if you lose your makeup bag, you won’t lose everything and have to start all over again.

• Exclude duplicates and pack multi-use products: Determine if there are any products you already own that can work double-duty. Avoid makeup similar in purpose or color, and only choose one to pack. These travel size multitasking face makeup palettes might be small, but they offer a lot of options! 

• Opt for solid stick products: Makeup products, including liquids, gels, and creams, will need to go inside the quart size clear bag, along with the rest of your toiletries. Buying products like stick foundation and compact cream blusher will help maximize space. The NARS Multiple Stick is a true multi-tasking makeup essential that works as blush, lipstick, and highlighter all in one

• Use Double-Sided Makeup Brushes: Bringing a bunch of brushes can be a pain. Instead of having many different eyeshadow brushes, I just use one that’s double-sided. My favorite is from EcoTools, and it’s one of the best multi-use makeup tools.

Another thing to consider is removing makeup, wipes or liquids can take up space. I use a makeup remover cloth, like the Original Makeup Eraser Cloth, which only needs water and removes waterproof mascara!

With these tips in mind, here’s a list of products you may or may not need; you’ll find a list of makeup examples below. Remember: be vigilant in eliminating what’s not necessary!

Sample Travel Size Makeup List

​Learn all the ways I downsize my makeup for travel here!​

Bagsmart | Calpak | Away | July | Monos | Parallelle | Nomad Lane | Beis | Quince

Choose the Right Toiletry Bag

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Along with downsizing, a carry-all toiletries travel bag can keep your beauty care products organized while traveling.

Toiletry bags are travel pouches designed to hold everything from toothbrushes and toothpaste to shampoos and conditioners to skincare and makeup! These bags will keep all of your toiletries organized and mess-free and allow for easy packing in your suitcase, trip after trip.

The Away Clear Pouch Set includes two transparent, wipeable travel pouches, one small for in-flight or daily essentials and one medium for travel-size toiletries, keeping your items visible, organized, and TSA-friendly wherever you go.

Not all toiletry travel bags are created equal, and there are many different styles to choose from depending on your packing style, products, and the trip you’re planning.

Here are the most popular types:

• Hanging toiletry bags: Hanging toiletry bags: Are the most popular style among readers, and I myself typically avoid toiletry bags that don’t have them! Hung up rather than sitting on a wet counter, hanging toiletry bags saves space and keeps things tidy and organized. Check out all the best toiletry bags for travel in our ultimate guide!

• Non-hanging toiletry bags: Some travelers prefer a classic, non-hanging toiletry bag. They’re often more compact, polished, and sometimes more versatile than their hanging counterparts. If you’re staying at an accommodation where you’re not worried about counter space, then these bags are great. 

• Dopp kit for women: Typically slim and rectangular, dopp kits are practical when it comes to packing. They feature a simple main compartment that makes it easy to see everything and have plenty of versatility in terms of what fits inside. 

• Cosmetic Bags: While excellent for storing makeup, travel cosmetic bags also make great toiletry bags if you’re looking for a nice open space to organize your products. It’s a simple, fuss-free way to keep your toiletries packed away.

Tip: If you’re traveling carry on only, keep that quart-size ziplock bag (storing your liquids) easily accessible when you get to the airport. Once you get through security, place them back into your toiletry bag.

 I rarely travel without my T3 Lucea 1″ Styling Iron. It’s dual voltage so all I have to do is use my regular travel adapter and it’ll automatically work.

Pack Hair Tools Smartly for Travel

When traveling with hair tools; downsizing and heat protection are key.

Choose dual-voltage hair tools whenever possible, limit yourself to one versatile styling tool, and always let tools cool completely before packing. 

Use a heat-resistant pouch or travel case to protect your luggage, and neatly coil cords to prevent damage. For carry-on travel, prioritize compact tools that work with your natural hair texture to save space and styling time.

Mini Hair Tools Packing Checklist:

For travel-friendly options, check out our guides to the

For a real life example on how to transform your entire bathroom cabinet into a pint size travel-friendlt version.  Read this post to learn how I pack all of the above skincare products when I travel.

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