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17 Top Toiletries Packing List Items for 2023 + What NOT to Bring

17 Top Toiletries Packing List Items for 2023 + What NOT to Bring
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Packing is a big task for any type or length of trip. One thing you definitely don’t want to forget is your toiletries! At the end of the day, there is no magic one-size-fits-all toiletry list that’ll work for everybody, but making sure you have the essentials is a good start. That’s we’re we come in!

If you’re traveling by plane, bringing your necessary toiletries with you on board is a good idea, in case of lost luggage or if you need to freshen up mid-fight. From deodorant to floss, make sure you check this like twice before leaving home.

17 Top Toiletries Packing List Items for 2023 + What NOT to Bring
See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What Toiletries to Pack – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Toiletry Bag

    These bags are extremely handy to have and will keep your toiletry items organized and safe from damage or contamination while traveling. I would personally choose the men’s one because I just think it’s so beautiful, but many prefer the aesthetic of the women’s version. Whichever bag you choose, it will be an invaluable organizational tool.

    Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Pocket-Sized Lotion

    This lotion is fantastic and comes in a conveniently sized and shaped container. When I apply the lotion it’s quickly absorbed and leaves my hands soft and moisturized – NOT greasy like so many other lotions. With a healthy dose of vitamins A and E, it’s like a mini spa treatment every time I use it. Great for carrying with me in my purse or day bag!

    Pocket-Sized Lotion

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Deodorant Towelettes

    Unfortunately, travel can leave you feeling sticky, sweaty, and stinky. These wipes really help alleviate that feeling without harsh chemicals and without leaving a sticky residue. They have a nice scent and come in little packets so you can carry a few with you in case you need them during the day.

    Deodorant Towelettes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Natural and Gentle Solid Sunscreen

    The Sun Bum brand is known for its gentle and effective skin care products, and this solid sunscreen is no exception. Not only is it as effective as other, more chemical-laden sunscreens, it’s also extremely good for your skin. It even boasts natural agents that help prevent premature aging! It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, easy to apply, and smells nice to boot. I can’t get enough of it when I’m in the sun.

    Natural and Gentle Solid Sunscreen

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Solid Facial Cleanser

    It sounds out-of-the-ordinary to use a solid facial cleanser, but I absolutely love this product, as do so many other people. It’s easy to use – just dampen your face with warm water and then twist the stick up a bit and roll over face in circular motions. Go over your face about 2 times before rinsing. It doesn’t leave my face feeling tight or dry afterward, and the green tea flecks inside are natural, gentle exfoliators. Plus, bringing a solid item will cut down on liquids that you have to shove into quart-sized baggies!

    Solid Facial Cleanser

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Folding Toothbrush and Toothpaste Combo

    Any space that can be saved in your luggage is valuable, and a folding toothbrush is handy for that purpose. It’s also great because instead of having to bring along a separate sterile toothbrush cover, your toothbrush folds into itself to protect the bristles without any extra accessories!

    Folding Toothbrush and Toothpaste Combo

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Itsy Bitsy Razor

    In keeping with the space-saving theme: look how tiny this razor is! It may not seem like much, but if you think about the length of standard razors, a shorter version tends to be much easier to pack and won’t have to be shoved awkwardly into a too-short toiletry bag or plastic baggie. This set comes with a handle and two blade heads and will deliver the quality shave that can be expected from Venus brand products.

    Itsy Bitsy Razor

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Lux Organix Travel Shampoo and Conditioner

    This shampoo and conditioner set is just awesome. The Lux Organix formula includes argan oil and other high-quality ingredients to help you pamper yourself while protecting your hair. It can be safely and effectively used on keratin-treated hair, color-treated hair, and even extensions!

    Lux Organix Travel Shampoo and Conditioner

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Dry Shampoo

    If you haven’t tried dry shampoo before, you should. It’s becoming common knowledge that washing your hair too often is not very good for it. When you’re traveling, sometimes you can’t wash your hair as often as you’d like anyway! On the other hand, we all know the gross feeling of having dirty hair. Dry shampoo is like magic for these situations. I use my spray version at least once a week to absorb excess oils at the roots of my hair so that I don’t have to strip the healthy oils from the lengths and ends of my hair by washing it. The women’s spray is great for that. The men’s version is a handy powder. It’s a little hard to use for long hair, but it’s perfect for anyone – male or female – who has shorter hair, as it can be sprinkled in near the roots and massaged in to rebalance the oils on your scalp.

    Dry Shampoo

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Travel Bottles

    If you’re a big enough fan of your usual products to want to bring some along with you instead of opting for travel-sized products, I highly recommend using these flexible, leak-proof silicone travel containers.They’re easy to fill, pack, squeeze the product out of, and clean. They’ve quickly become my favorite containers to use, and because of the silicone, I don’t have to worry about them being squished or cracked and popping open in my suitcase.

    Travel Bottles

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Awesome Makeup Case

    When traveling with makeup and other beauty products, it’s important to keep them safe en route. Clattering about can cause your favorite products to crumble or become otherwise ruined. I, personally, don’t want to have to replace my entire collection after every trip, so I use this great little makeup case to keep everything divided and cushioned for the trip! The compartments are sized very logically, and they allow me to keep my brushes and applicators in good condition and my makeup sorted and protected.

    Awesome Makeup Case

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Hand Sanitizer Spray

    Hand sanitizer is a must-have when traveling, especially when traveling with kids (they touch everything). I fell in love with spray sanitizer after trying it once and I much prefer it to the sticky gels that take too long to dry. Alcohol-based sanitizers work by evaporation, so you don’t want to have to wave your hands around and wait a long time for that to happen, right? This spray is perfect, plus it is beautifully scented and not harsh on your skin – or your kids’ skin!

    Hand Sanitizer Spray

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Makeup Removing Cleanser

    Have you heard of the “sleep naked” concept? Well, it’s been studied and concluded that sleeping with makeup on your face ages you incredibly quickly, and can even lead to terrible skin conditions. A good makeup remover will be gentle on your skin and do its job thoroughly without stripping your skin of its own natural protective layers. That’s why I love this Bioderma cleanser – it’s an oil-free facial cleansing and makeup removing water for sensitive or allergy prone skin, and it feels great to use. Your skin will thank you for using it.

    Makeup Removing Cleanser

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Organic Rosewater Spray

    This naturally-toning, alcohol-free spray is delightful. A toner balances oils and conditions your skin to help heal and protect it. These are important qualities while traveling when your skin is exposed to all kinds of internal and external stresses! This serum is made from roses and is the perfect way to freshen up, rehydrate, and protect your sensitive skin. It also smells lovely, which adds to the whole experience.

    Organic Rosewater Spray

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Leave-in Conditioner

    Doesn’t it always seem like your hair gets frizzy staticky, and a little wild while you’re traveling? Mine certainly does. That’s what these products are for – they’ll replenish, restore, protect, and help you style your hair while you’re on the road. These products are known for their effectiveness and for their great smell – reviewers rave about them!

    Leave-in Conditioner

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Solid Shampoo

    Solid shampoo is a fantastic alternative to liquid shampoos and will save you space in your quart-sized baggie when going through security at the airport. Some solid shampoos aren’t as effective, but this particular bar is great. It’s soap-free to prevent stripping of natural oils and to minimize residue, and reviewers say it works extremely well and smells nice.

    Solid Shampoo Bar

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Tide to Go Pen

    After ruining several tops and pairs of pants by spilling delicious foods on them, I’ve learned never to go anywhere without my stain-remover pens. This is especially important when traveling, as you may not have access to laundry services right away to prevent that stain from setting! In my experience, Tide pens work much better than other brands.

    Tide to Go Pen

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What NOT to take in your toiletry bag

  • 1.Liquids that are unsealed

    The last thing you want is to open up your toiletry bag or carry-on and find a sunscreen explosion! Make sure you tape each bottle closed, and then separate your liquids into a waterproof ziplock bag.

  • 2.Bottles that are larger than 3 oz

    TSA has some pretty strict rules! Make sure you follow all the liquid rules while packing to ensure that you don’t have to throw anything out while you’re in line for security.

  • 3.Anything flammable

    TSA rules aside, it’s probably just a bad idea in general to bring flammable liquids on an airplane.

FAQs about traveling with Toiletries

  • 1. What toiletries can I bring on my carry on bag?

    You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in a ziplock bag, and separate the bag from your carry-on baggage while going through security screening. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage. For more information click here

  • 2. What are some tips for packing toiletries?

    Go through your daily routine in your head (or pay special attention to it the morning before you leave) and make a list of each thing you use. Pack only the items on that list, and nothing else! Keep an eye out for items that have dual or triple purposes, and definitely leave the “just in case” items at home.

  • 3. There is a lot I want to pack in my toiletry case! How can I pare it down?

    Try to pack makeup/toiletry samples rather than the full products. Put your liquids into even smaller containers that are meant for travel. It’s also extremely helpful to opt for dry or solid forms of your toiletries, such as shampoo and conditioner bars or deodorant wipes.

  • 4. Is it better to bring everything I need or to buy toiletries at my destination?

    It depends on your destination. There are many areas where convenience and local prices for items make it much more worth it to buy some things when you arrive. However, with most destinations, you’ll find that you either can’t get what you need easily, or the pricing on the toiletry items is far higher there than at home. Do a little bit of research before you go if possible, but it’s generally best to pack most of your own stuff.