Hi! I am very excited to share another packing guide, this time focusing on essential travel toiletries!
Finding the perfect travel sized toiletries for a trip can be a challenge. There are so many to choose from and it can be difficult to know exactly what you need for a trip.
That’s where this guide comes in! In this guide you will find all of our favorite travel toiletry products and packing tips! These toiletries are essential for any trip, no matter the length, and won’t take up too much space in your suitcase.
As some of you may know, Kate and I almost always pack only in carry-ons, so most of the products mentioned below will be travel size (under 3.4 ounces) in order to comply with TSA regulations. However, if you are packing in a full size suitcase, I recommend bringing whatever size products you have in order to reduce waste and money spent purchasing new travel size ones.
Ready for your essential travel toiletry guide? Keep on reading!
Essential Travel Toiletries – Overview
- Storage
- Skincare
- Personal Hygiene
Storage + Packing
Toiletry Bag
Per TSA regulations, airline passengers are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. The easiest, and most common, way to accomplish this is by using a Ziploc or other brand of disposable plastic baggie.
A more sustainable way to travel is to purchase a clear toiletry or makeup bag. For some clear, TSA-approved makeup bags, check out this affordable 3-pack from Amazon!
Reusable Containers
If your products are too large to bring, consider investing in some reusable travel bottles! This will help to reduce waste and allow you to bring all of your essential travel toiletries from home! Amazon has lots of great options with varying prices, sets, and sizes!
Skincare
Skincare products are some of the most important items you can pack for a trip. When traveling, your skin can be exposed to different germs, climates, and water. In order to help your skin adjust, make sure to bring along the skincare products you use daily. Below are some of my favorites!
Face Wash
When packing for a trip, make sure to throw in your daily facial cleanser. My personal favorite brand of face wash is CeraVe. Their Hydrating Facial Cleanser is great for dry skin, while the Foaming Face Wash works wonders for oily and acne-prone skin. This cleanser is affordable and comes in full-size, travel-size, and eco-friendly bar options.
Moisturizer
Facial moisturizer is an absolute must, especially when traveling. Personally, I use a lighter daytime option and a heavier cream for nighttime usage. That being said, when going on a trip, I often will only bring one moisturizer to keep my packing light.
For a light, oil-control moisturizer I highly recommend Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer Balance. This product looks great on its own, but it also allows for makeup to apply seamlessly on top.
For a more heavy-duty product, Differin’s Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30 is a great option. Its versatility makes this product awesome for traveling. However, it is 4 ounces, meaning it is not TSA compliant for carry-ons. After a few weeks of using, I had used enough product to bring it through airport security in my backpack and had no issues. Additionally, you could always transfer to a reusable TSA-compliant toiletry container, such as the ones recommended above.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is arguably the most important product on this list. From anti-aging/wrinkle prevention to reducing your chances of sun-related illnesses, make sure to use sunscreen all over your body, including your face and neck. Check out our post on the best travel sunscreens here!
When choosing a sunscreen, make sure to check that it’s reef safe and eco-friendly!! This is essential for protecting and preserving our oceans.
Facial Mist
While I do not use a facial mist or spray daily, I do find them useful for traveling, especially when flying. Facial mists are great for refreshing your skin and leaving it glowing. Check out Vacation’s Super Spritzer calming and soothing mist that is made for use with water-resistant sunscreens! If you’re going on a tropical vacation, definitely check out Vacation’s full line of paraben, sulfate, cruelty free and reef-safe products!
Personal Hygiene
Refreshing Wipes / Spray
Before any trip, be sure to pick up some multi-purpose wipes! Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes and Cottonelle’s Flushable Wipes are two of my recommendations. The latter also is great for traveling in countries that do not provide toilet paper in public restrooms, but be sure to know if flushing toilet paper/wipes is allowed.
For a pick-me-up, Love Beauty and Planet’s Showerless Cleansing Mist is perfect for traveling. Just spray this on to feel refreshed during a long travel day.
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is an absolute must when traveling! R+Co’s Dry Shampoo works wonders on second (or third) day hair. Plus, their travel size options are perfect to throw in a purse or backpack. Batiste is a tried and true dry shampoo, and it’s very affordable.
Chapstick / Lip Oil
You never want to be caught with dry, chapped lips on vacation! Glossier’s Balm Dotcom is an essential universal salve – great for lips, hands, dry patches, and more. Plus, the flavors are to die for. And, of course, for a classic chapstick, Burts Bees is always a great choice.
Additional Essentials
- Hand Sanitizer
- Masks
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste (we recommend bamboo for a sustainable option)
- Hairbrush
- Makeup Remover
- Deodorant (Native is all natural and awesome!)
- Razor + Shaving Products
- Perfume / Body Spray
I hope you enjoyed my essential travel toiletries packing guide! As a disclaimer, the products I recommended are from personal opinion and experience. Before using any of these, check with a doctor or dermatologist, read the ingredients, and swatch test for allergies/sensitivities.
Let me know your essentials and favorite products in the comments below!
pin me!
♡Maggie
This post also includes affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.
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