Travel Toiletry Bag Checklist and Carry-On Liquids Rules
Toiletries are where carry-on packing usually goes wrong: a full-size sunscreen confiscated at security, a leaking cleanser all over a sweater, or a whole skincare routine packed for a weekend when three products would do. A good toiletry bag is small, sorted by what you’ll actually use each day, and built around the liquids rule from the start.
The short answer: in carry-on luggage, liquids, gels, creams and aerosols generally must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all fitting in one clear, resealable quart-size bag (around 1 liter in the UK and EU), one bag per passenger. Medications and baby formula are usually exempt but should be declared. Rules can vary by airport and change over time, so check your departure airport before you fly.
The carry-on liquids rule, explained
In the US: TSA 3-1-1
The TSA calls it the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less per container, in 1 quart-size bag, 1 bag per passenger. The limit applies to the container’s size, not how much is left in it, so a half-empty 6 oz bottle still isn’t allowed. Larger liquids go in checked luggage.
In the UK and EU
The standard rule is similar: containers of up to 100 ml in a single transparent, resealable bag of about 1 liter. Some airports with newer CT scanners have allowed larger containers or let liquids stay in your bag, but this is airport-specific and has changed more than once. Assume the 100 ml rule applies, especially on the return flight, unless your airport clearly says otherwise.
What counts as a liquid
More than you think: creams, lotions, gels, serums, sunscreen, toothpaste, mascara, liquid foundation, lip gloss, cleansing balms, perfume, hand sanitizer and aerosols such as dry shampoo. Solid products (bar soap, solid shampoo, stick deodorant, powder makeup, solid sunscreen sticks in many cases) usually don’t need to go in the liquids bag, though security staff have the final say.
Exceptions
Medically necessary liquids, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and baby formula or breast milk are usually allowed in larger amounts. Keep them separate from your liquids bag and tell the security officer. Carry prescriptions in their original packaging.
Travel toiletry bag checklist
Skincare
- Cleanser (a travel size, or a solid cleansing bar)
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen: SPF 30+ for the face, and body sunscreen for sunny trips
- One serum or treatment you use daily, only if you really need it
- Lip balm with SPF
- Makeup remover or micellar water if you wear makeup
Hair and body
- Shampoo and conditioner (or solid bars), if your accommodation doesn’t provide them
- Body wash or soap
- Deodorant (stick or solid is easiest)
- Hairbrush or comb, hair ties, clips
- Razor (cartridge razors are generally fine in carry-on; check rules for others)
Dental and health
- Toothbrush, travel toothpaste, floss
- Prescription medication in original packaging, plus a few extra days’ supply
- Pain relievers, allergy tablets, motion sickness remedies, adhesive bandages
- Contact lenses, solution (travel size) and glasses
- Period products
- Insect repellent for warm destinations
Makeup (keep it minimal)
- One base product: tinted moisturizer, skin tint or foundation
- Concealer, mascara, a multi-use cream for cheeks and lips
- Brow product
- A small mirror if your bag doesn’t have one
How to fit your skincare into a quart bag
- Decant into small refillable bottles and jars. Label them, since many creams look alike
- Choose multi-use products: a moisturizer with SPF for a city break, a balm that works for lips and dry patches
- Swap liquids for solids where you can (shampoo bars, stick deodorant, cleansing bars)
- Use samples and travel minis you already own: this is what they’re for
- Put bigger liquids in checked luggage, sealed in a zip bag in case they leak
Packing toiletries so they don’t leak
- Leave a little air space in squeezable bottles, then squeeze out extra air before closing
- Put a small square of plastic wrap under screw-on lids
- Tape pump tops or twist them to the locked position
- Keep the liquids bag at the top of your carry-on so you can take it out at security quickly
- Pack makeup brushes and dry items in a separate pouch from liquids
Don’t forget sunscreen and the forecast
Sunscreen is the one product people regret leaving behind. Even on a winter city break, a ski trip or a cloudy coastal weekend, UV can be strong. Check the forecast a few days before departure and pack accordingly: a full-size bottle in checked luggage for a beach holiday, or a 3.4 oz / 100 ml tube in your carry-on for a short trip. Remember that sunscreen has an expiration date; bring one that’s still in date.
If your skincare is already in Closie Plus, the trip planner can put together a toiletry bag for you: the products from your morning and evening plan for each day you’re away, with a hint on what fits in your carry-on and a sunscreen reminder when the forecast is sunny. Your clothes for the trip come from the same planner, so the whole bag is in one list.
The complete vacation packing list and outfit formula →
How many ounces of liquid can I bring on a plane?
In carry-on luggage, each container generally must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, and all containers must fit in one quart-size clear bag. Larger amounts go in checked luggage.
Is sunscreen considered a liquid by TSA?
Yes. Liquid, cream, gel and spray sunscreens count. A 3.4 oz or smaller container can go in your liquids bag; larger ones should go in checked luggage.
Do solid toiletries need to go in the liquids bag?
Generally no. Bar soap, shampoo bars, stick deodorant and powder makeup are usually fine outside the bag, though screening officers can always ask to inspect items.
Can I bring medication over 3.4 oz?
Medically necessary liquids are usually allowed in larger amounts. Keep them out of the liquids bag, declare them at security and keep them in original packaging.
What size is a quart bag in liters?
A US quart is just under one liter, which is why the UK and EU rules refer to a bag of about 1 liter. A standard quart-size zip bag works in both.
How the Closie skincare routine app plans your morning and night →
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