Your skin care routine doesn’t need to stop just because you’re traveling! Sometimes our skin even needs a little extra loving because we’re dealing with the stress of travel, maybe not eating the best food, and sitting in the recycled dry air of an airplane. Read on for my tips to get your skin care through security in your carry-on luggage + my short love list of cruelty free skin care products.

Liquids in a clear TSA approved toiletry case.

This post contains affiliate links that I may earn a commission on. For more information, see my disclosures here.

TSA Liquids Rules

Let’s start with a reminder of the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids. If the product can be spread, pumped out, sprayed, squeezed out, or smeared, then it is considered a liquid by the TSA. Liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less each and packed in a clear quart sized pouch or bag. Of course, medically necessary liquids are exempt from this.

Side view of clear TSA approved toiletry case.

I would normally stick all of my liquids in my checked luggage so I don’t have to worry about getting through security, but after experiencing a large number of flight delays and issues this year, I’m determined to travel with only carry-on luggage from now on when possible. My mom kept reminding me to get clear travel cases and I finally caved. No surprise she knew what she was talking about because I’m never going back to my old Ziplock baggie ways. Here’s the link to my case from Amazon Clear TSA Approved Toiletry Bag. It might be a game of Tetris, but you’ll be able to force fit more into a toiletry bag than a finicky Ziplock bag.

Cruelty free acne fighting skincare from Elf Cosmetics

Here are a few of my favorite carry-on skin care products that are cruelty free, low toxin or both!

  1. Summer Fridays Shadedrops Mineral Sunscreen Broad spectrum SPF 30 $36
  2. Glossier Super Bounce Hyaluronic acid + vitamin B5 serum $29
  3. Elf Blemish Breakthrough Kit Includes the Acne Calming Water Cream, Acne Clarifying Cleanser, and Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum $15
  4. Versed Skin Daily Brightening Face Toner Make sure to grab the mini size $8.99

Key Tips

  • Stick with your must-have products to travel lighter. Plus who wants a lengthy skin care routine anyway?
  • Only one clear quart size bag or pouch is allowed per person so you can’t split an abundance of liquids between your carry-on and your personal item such as your purse or backpack.
  • Swap out liquids for their solid match. Can’t fit both your sunscreen and your face wash? Grab some makeup removing wipes that won’t count as a liquid and can be packed on their own. Dry shampoo is available in powder form and even toothpaste comes in tablets.
  • Buy easy-to-find products once at your destination. I like to do this with small bottles of lotion that I know will get used up before having to head back home.
  • Use travel size plastic containers but only for the products that don’t need a special applicator.
  • Need a facial mist but tight on space? Pack a small empty spray bottle that can be filled with water once at your destination. You can squeeze a slice of cucumber into it if you really feel the need.
  • Want the fancy stuff but would hate to waste any in a reusable container? Grab the samples to take with you instead. This is also an easy way to take fragrance with you!
  • Coordinate with the rest of your group. Not all four of my family members needs to bring toothpaste, freeing up space in the other three people’s bags.
Tags: