How to Pack Cosmetics for a Plane – A Guide

Packing cosmetics for the plane is one of those elements of travel that can cause the most problems – especially when we're flying with carry-on baggage or using restrictive airlines. The restrictions regarding liquids, packaging capacity, aerosols or cosmetics in glass mean that even experienced air travellers have to pay attention to the current rules every time.

Incorrectly packed cosmetics may be confiscated during the security check, spill during the flight or take up unnecessary space in the suitcase. That's why appropriately preparing your toiletry bag for air travel isn't only a matter of convenience, but also of saving time, nerves and money.

In this comprehensive guide we focus on the practical rules for packing cosmetics for the plane – both in carry-on and checked baggage. We discuss the current limits, suggest which products are worth taking on board and which are better placed in the checked suitcase, and explain how to protect cosmetics against damage during the flight.

The guide has been prepared with frequent and conscious travellers in mind, who want to pack sensibly, in line with the regulations and without unnecessary chaos. Regardless of whether we're planning a short city break, a longer holiday or a business trip, well-packed cosmetics are the foundation of a comfortable plane journey.

In the following sections we go step by step through all the most important rules, types of cosmetics and practical solutions that allow you to pack your toiletry bag in a safe, functional way compliant with the requirements of airports all over the world.

Basic rules for transporting cosmetics on a plane

Transporting cosmetics by plane is subject to strictly defined safety rules that apply at airports all over the world. Although for many people they may seem restrictive, knowing them significantly eases packing and lets you avoid problems during the security check.

The most restrictions concern cosmetics transported in carry-on baggage, because it's this that is thoroughly checked before boarding. Checked baggage is subject to different rules, however in its case too it's worth knowing the basic rules in order to appropriately protect the cosmetics.

Why restrictions on liquids apply

The restrictions on transporting cosmetics result directly from aviation safety regulations, whose aim is to protect passengers and crew. Particular attention is devoted to liquids, aerosols and gel substances transported on board the plane.

Capacity limits were introduced to enable effective control of substances that could potentially pose a threat. Small packages and their limited number allow airport services to quickly verify the contents of carry-on baggage.

The security check – what is checked

During the security check all cosmetics in carry-on baggage are checked. Particular attention is paid to:

• the capacity of individual packages,
• the total amount of liquid cosmetics,
• the way they're packed,
• the legibility of the markings on the packages.

Liquid cosmetics must be easily accessible for inspection. Usually it's required to take them out of the carry-on baggage and place them in a separate container. Products not meeting the requirements may be stopped and disposed of, without the possibility of recovering them.

What airports consider to be liquids

One of the most common sources of misunderstanding is the broad definition of liquids applied at airports. In the safety regulations this concept covers significantly more products than just classic liquids.

Liquids are considered to include, among others:

• creams and lotions,
• gels and emulsions,
• pastes and semi-liquid cosmetics,
• cream foundations and concealers,
• mascaras, lip glosses and masks.

Unusual cosmetics that are also subject to limits

Among the cosmetics often wrongly considered "safe" are products of an unusual consistency or form of application. In practice they too are subject to the liquid limits.

Most often these are:

• roll-on deodorants,
• shaving foams,
• hairsprays,
• oils and serums,
• cosmetics in spray and aerosol form.

Even if a given product doesn't look like a classic liquid, its consistency may mean it's classified as a liquid during the security check.

Solid products vs. semi-liquid products

Solid products usually aren't subject to the restrictions on liquids and can be transported without additional requirements.

This category includes:

• soaps and shampoo bars,
• loose and pressed powders,
• eyeshadows in solid form,
• lipsticks in a classic stick.

Semi-liquid cosmetics are in the so-called grey zone and are most often treated like liquids. In practice this means the necessity of packing them in line with the 100 ml rule.

The 100 ml rule – how to understand it correctly

The 100 ml rule means that each individual liquid cosmetic transported in carry-on baggage may not have a package larger than 100 ml.

The capacity of the package is of key importance, not the amount of remaining product. Even a partly used cosmetic in a 150 ml package will be stopped during the security check.

Total capacity of cosmetics in carry-on baggage

The total capacity of all liquid cosmetics may not exceed 1 litre. In practice this means:

• a maximum of 10 packages of 100 ml,
• all cosmetics must fit into one bag.

Transparent toiletry bag – requirements

A transparent toiletry bag or resealable bag is a mandatory element when transporting liquids in carry-on baggage.

It should:

• be made of transparent material,
• have a maximum capacity of 1 litre,
• allow free arrangement of the cosmetics.

An overfilled toiletry bag or the inability to easily check the contents may result in problems during the security check.

Packing cosmetics in carry-on baggage

Carry-on baggage is the most demanding space when it comes to packing cosmetics for the plane. The restrictions regarding liquids, package capacity and the way they're packed mean that every product should be chosen consciously.

The best strategy is to take into the carry-on baggage exclusively the cosmetics essential during the flight or directly after landing. This lets you avoid exceeding the limits and significantly simplifies the security check.

Permitted cosmetics in liquid form

You can take liquid, gel and cream cosmetics into carry-on baggage, provided that:

• each package has a maximum of 100 ml,
• the cosmetics fit into one transparent toiletry bag of up to 1 litre,
• the packages have a legible capacity marking.

This category includes, among others:

• face and body washes,
• creams, lotions and milks,
• serums and oils,
• toothpastes,
• liquid shampoos and conditioners.

Cosmetics in stick and powder form

Solid cosmetics are the best choice for carry-on baggage, because they aren't subject to the restrictions on liquids and don't have to be placed in a transparent toiletry bag.

Without restrictions you can transport:

• soaps and shampoo bars,
• stick deodorants,
• loose and pressed powders,
• eyeshadows in solid form,
• lipsticks in a classic stick.

Make-up in carry-on baggage

Make-up is permitted in carry-on baggage, however you have to remember that many make-up products are treated like liquids or semi-liquid substances.

The cosmetics that have to meet the 100 ml limit include:

• mascaras,
• lip glosses and liquid lipsticks,
• cream foundations and concealers,
• products such as cream blush or cream bronzer.

A safer choice is pressed cosmetics, which aren't subject to the liquid limits.

Transparent bags – which to choose

A transparent toiletry bag should:

• have a maximum capacity of 1 litre,
• be made of durable, transparent material,
• have a tight closure, preferably a zip.

The cosmetics should be arranged loosely – an overfilled toiletry bag may be questioned during the security check.

Order of packing and accessibility at the check

The toiletry bag with liquids should be placed in the carry-on baggage in an easily accessible spot. During the security check it must be quickly taken out and placed in a separate container.

It's best to avoid packing liquid cosmetics at the bottom of the bag or backpack.

Capacity markings on packages

Every liquid cosmetic must have a clear capacity marking. A lack of information about the capacity or an illegible label may result in the product being stopped during the check.

In the case of travel packages it's worth marking the capacity yourself if the manufacturer hasn't done so.

Are miniatures always safe

Cosmetic miniatures are convenient, but they don't always automatically meet the aviation requirements. The capacity marking and the tightness of the package are of key importance.

Even a very small package without a marking may be considered not permitted.

Decanting cosmetics – what to watch out for

When decanting cosmetics into travel containers you have to pay attention to:

• the tightness of the closure,
• the package's resistance to pressure changes,
• the material intended for contact with cosmetics.

An additional protection can be placing the packages in separate resealable bags.

How to label packages to avoid problems

Every travel package should be labelled legibly. It's best to put:

• the product name,
• its purpose,
• the capacity in ml.

Legible markings ease the security check and reduce the risk of cosmetics being stopped.

Packing cosmetics in checked baggage

Checked baggage gives significantly more freedom in packing cosmetics than carry-on baggage. The absence of strict limits on liquids allows you to take full-size care and beauty products, however this doesn't mean complete freedom. Appropriate protection of the cosmetics is crucial so that they reach their destination intact.

During the transport of checked baggage, suitcases are repeatedly carried, stacked and exposed to shocks. That's why cosmetics placed in checked baggage should be packed carefully and with the conditions prevailing in the baggage hold taken into account.

No capacity limits – but with exceptions

In checked baggage the 100 ml rule doesn't apply, which means you can transport cosmetics in packages of any capacity. This concerns both care products and make-up or styling cosmetics.

Without restrictions you can take, among others:

• shampoos and conditioners in large bottles,
• lotions and creams in full packages,
• hair-styling cosmetics,
• perfumes and eau de toilette,
• spare cosmetics and care sets.

The exception may be aerosol cosmetics of a very large capacity or products marked as flammable. It's worth checking the markings on the package, because some preparations may be subject to additional restrictions.

Expensive and delicate cosmetics – is it worth it?

Despite the absence of capacity limits, not all cosmetics are a good choice for checked baggage. Expensive, unique or particularly delicate products are worth packing thoughtfully.

The cosmetics requiring particular attention include:

• luxury perfumes in glass bottles,
• pharmacy cosmetics in fragile packaging,
• natural products without tight closures.

In such cases it's worth considering transporting a smaller amount of product or securing it in additional protective packaging.

Double closing of packages

Pressure changes in the baggage hold may cause even well-closed cosmetics to lose their seal. That's why the basic rule is using double protection.

A good solution is:

• tightly screwing on the caps,
• securing the opening with film or tape,
• placing the cosmetic in an additional bag.

Film, resealable bags, toiletry bags

Cling film and resealable bags are some of the simplest and most effective ways to protect cosmetics against leakage.

It's worth using:

• resealable bags for individual cosmetics,
• separate toiletry bags for liquid products,
• absorbent materials as an additional protective layer.

Thanks to this, even in the event of a leak the cosmetic won't ruin the contents of the whole suitcase.

Protection against pressure changes

Pressure changes during the flight are one of the main causes of cosmetics spilling in checked baggage.

To minimise the risk, it's worth:

• not filling packages to the full,
• leaving a small amount of air in the bottle,
• avoiding old or worn-out packages.

New, tight packages cope much better with the conditions prevailing in the baggage hold.

How to pack perfumes

Perfumes are some of the cosmetics most exposed to damage when transported in checked baggage. Glass bottles require particular protection.

It's best to pack them:

• in the original cardboard packaging,
• wrapped in soft material,
• placed centrally in the suitcase, away from the edges.

Pharmacy cosmetics and dermocosmetics

Pharmacy cosmetics and dermocosmetics often have delicate packaging and precise dispensers that are easily damaged.

It's worth securing them:

• separately from other cosmetics,
• in resealable bags,
• with an additional protective layer of fabric or foam.

Protection against breakage

To prevent damage to cosmetics in glass or fragile packaging, they have to be appropriately arranged in the suitcase.

The safest packing rules are:

• placing cosmetics between layers of clothes,
• avoiding packing them against the walls of the suitcase,
• separating them from hard objects.

A well-planned arrangement of cosmetics in checked baggage significantly reduces the risk of damage and lets you safely transport even delicate products.

Cosmetics and different airlines and airports

The rules for transporting cosmetics on a plane are largely standardised, however in practice they may differ depending on the airline, the airport and the country from which the journey takes place. Knowledge of these differences allows you to better prepare your toiletry bag and avoid unpleasant surprises during the security check.

Most often problems don't result from the regulations themselves, but from their interpretation and the way they're enforced by airport services. That's why it's worth taking into account not only the official limits, but also the practice prevailing at a given airport.

Low-cost vs. traditional lines

The basic rules regarding the transport of cosmetics result from aviation regulations and aren't set individually by airlines. This means that both low-cost and traditional lines have to comply with the same regulations in the area of safety.

Differences appear, however, in the practice of travelling. Low-cost lines usually offer smaller carry-on baggage, which automatically limits the amount of cosmetics you can take on board. Every centimetre of space in the bag matters, which is why with such lines a minimalist approach to packing is particularly important.

Traditional lines often allow you to take larger carry-on baggage or an additional personal item. This gives more flexibility in organising the toiletry bag, however it doesn't change the rules regarding liquids and their capacity.

Differences in enforcing the regulations

Although the regulations are the same, their enforcement may differ depending on the airport and the security-check staff. At some airports the check proceeds very scrupulously, and every cosmetic is thoroughly checked.

The most common differences concern:

• the approach to semi-liquid cosmetics,
• the requirement to take all liquids out of the baggage,
• tolerance for illegible capacity markings.

That's why it's always worth packing cosmetics in line with the most restrictive version of the regulations, regardless of the airline.

Flights within the EU

At airports in the European Union standardised regulations apply regarding the transport of liquids in carry-on baggage. The 100 ml rule and the 1-litre limit are applied at all EU airports.

The security check in EU countries is usually predictable, however it differs in the degree of detail. At larger airports you often encounter modern scanners that may affect the way cosmetics are checked.

Flights outside the EU (USA, UK, Asia)

Outside the European Union the rules regarding the transport of cosmetics are very similar, however minor differences in the interpretation of the regulations may occur.

It's worth paying attention to:

• more rigorous checks in the USA,
• separate procedures at airports in the United Kingdom,
• a varied approach to cosmetics in Asian countries.

At some airports outside the EU the check of cosmetics may be more detailed, especially in the case of international flights.

Connecting flights – what to watch out for

Flights with transfers require particular attention when packing cosmetics in carry-on baggage. Every security check during a transfer may mean the contents of the toiletry bag being checked again.

The most important rules on connecting flights are:

• packing cosmetics in line with the most restrictive regulations,
• avoiding cosmetics of an ambiguous consistency,
• keeping liquids in an easily accessible spot.

In the case of transfers outside the EU it's particularly important that all cosmetics meet the local safety requirements, even if they were previously accepted at another airport.

Natural, pharmacy and specialist cosmetics

Natural, pharmacy and specialist cosmetics increasingly often end up in travellers' toiletry bags. Although their compositions and purposes differ from standard drugstore products, in the context of air travel they're subject to the same safety rules. In practice it's precisely these cosmetics that most often raise doubts during the check.

The form of the product, its capacity and the markings on the package are of key importance. A lack of labels, an ambiguous consistency or a medical purpose may affect the decision of the security services.

No capacity markings – the risk

Natural and handmade cosmetics very often don't have standard capacity markings. This particularly concerns creams, butters, lotions or scrubs prepared in small workshops or at home.

For the security check, a lack of information about the capacity means a risk. Even if the package looks small, airport staff may consider that it doesn't meet the requirements and order it to be thrown away.

The most common problems concern:

• a lack of "ml" or "g" marking,
• illegible or handwritten labels,
• unusual containers.

In carry-on baggage such cosmetics are always riskier than in checked baggage.

How to transport them legally

To transport natural and handmade cosmetics without problems, it's worth taking care of their appropriate preparation. The safest solution is placing them in checked baggage, where the liquid limits don't apply.

If a cosmetic has to go into carry-on baggage, it's worth:

• decanting it into a certified container with a capacity marking,
• keeping the original packaging if it contains the required information,
• avoiding transporting products of a semi-liquid consistency without a label.

This approach significantly reduces the risk of problems during the check.

Medicinal products vs. cosmetics

The border between a cosmetic and a medicinal product can be very thin, especially in the case of dermatological preparations. Acne creams, eczema ointments or regenerating preparations often contain active substances that may be treated as medicines.

In the context of flights, the official purpose of the product is most important. If the package states that it's a medicine, different rules apply to it than to standard cosmetics.

Medicinal products may be subject to:

• the necessity of showing a prescription,
• a separate security check,
• quantity restrictions in some countries.

Certificates and prescriptions

In the case of transporting pharmacy cosmetics of a medicinal nature, it's worth having documentation confirming their purpose with you. This especially concerns preparations used regularly or in larger amounts.

It's best to prepare:

• a copy of the prescription or a certificate from a doctor,
• packaging with a clear description of the product,
• information about the dosage and purpose.

Documents aren't always required, but they can significantly ease the check and avoid confiscation of the product.

Cosmetics for people with skin problems

People with skin problems often can't give up specific cosmetics even for a short trip. In such cases the comfort and safety of the skin are more important than minimalism in packing.

It's worth remembering that:

• dermatological cosmetics are best transported in their original packaging,
• products used daily should be easily accessible,
• in case of doubt it's better to place them in checked baggage.

A well-prepared toiletry bag with specialist products lets you avoid problems both during the security check and during the journey itself.

Cosmetics in spray, aerosols and perfumes

Cosmetics in spray, aerosols and perfumes belong to the group of products that raise the most doubts during air travel. This results from their form, the pressure inside the packages and their often high value. Incorrectly packed, they may be stopped at the check or damaged during the flight.

Knowledge of the rules regarding aerosols and fragrances allows you to safely transport both everyday cosmetics and expensive perfumes without stress and unnecessary losses.

Permitted capacities

Deodorants and hairsprays in spray form are classified as aerosols, and so are subject to the same restrictions as liquids. In carry-on baggage every such product must meet the rule of a maximum capacity of 100 ml.

This concerns both:

• spray deodorants,
• hairsprays,
• scented mists and setting sprays.

The capacity of the package is of key importance, not the amount of remaining product. Even an almost empty deodorant of a capacity of 150 ml won't be allowed into carry-on baggage.

Aerosols in carry-on vs checked baggage

In checked baggage the rules for transporting aerosols are significantly less restrictive, however this doesn't mean complete freedom. Airlines and international regulations permit the transport of aerosols intended for personal use, provided they're appropriately secured.

In checked baggage:

• the 100 ml limit doesn't apply,
• you should avoid large industrial packages,
• the valves should be secured against accidental activation.

It's worth remembering that aerosols are sensitive to pressure changes, which is why poorly secured packages may lose their seal or leak during the flight.

Glass bottles

Perfumes and eau de toilette are most often closed in glass bottles, which makes them particularly susceptible to damage. In carry-on baggage they can be transported exclusively in packages of up to 100 ml and must fit into a transparent toiletry bag.

Glass bottles require additional protection, regardless of the type of baggage. In checked baggage it's worth:

• wrapping the bottle in soft clothing,
• placing it in a separate resealable bag,
• avoiding packing it against the edges of the suitcase.

Such protection minimises the risk of breakage and of the contents of the baggage being soaked.

Duty-free purchases

Buying perfumes in the duty-free zone is one of the most common ways to transport larger bottles of fragrances in carry-on baggage. Cosmetics bought after the security check aren't subject to the 100 ml rule, provided they're appropriately packed.

Duty-free perfumes:

• are placed in special, sealed bags,
• have an attached receipt,
• may be checked on connecting flights.

On flights with a transfer it's worth making sure whether the next airport recognises the original duty-free packaging. Otherwise the product may be taken away during the repeat check.

Transporting fragrance without the risk of damage

The safest solution during travel is taking perfume in a travel version or decanting the fragrance into a special atomiser. Such a solution lets you enjoy your favourite fragrance without the risk of losing an expensive bottle.

When transporting perfumes it's worth remembering to:

• thoroughly secure the atomiser against leakage,
• store the fragrance away from sources of heat,
• avoid pressure on the atomiser in tightly packed baggage.

Thanks to appropriate packing, perfumes and cosmetics in spray can be transported safely and without stress, regardless of the length of the flight or the type of baggage.

Cosmetics for children and infants on a plane

Travelling with children requires particular attention when packing cosmetics. Products intended for infants and small children, such as creams, oils, shampoos or wet wipes, have their specific regulations in the context of air transport.

Knowledge of the rules lets you transport essential care products without problems during the security check and minimises stress both for the parents and the child.

Care cosmetics for children

In carry-on baggage you can transport all basic cosmetics for children, such as:

• creams and lotions for infants,
• shampoos and bath liquids,
• oils and care oils,
• wet wipes and hygiene products.

These products may have a liquid or gel consistency and in most cases are subject to the standard rule for transporting liquids in carry-on baggage (a maximum of 100 ml per package). It's worth remembering, however, that products intended specifically for infants may be subject to certain exceptions.

Exceptions to the liquid limits

The aviation regulations provide for exceptions for cosmetics essential during travel with a child. This means that some products may be transported in larger amounts if they're necessary for the care or feeding of the child during the flight.

The exceptions include:

• formula milk and food products for infants,
• hygiene and care preparations in an amount sufficient for the duration of the flight,
• medicines and medical products for children that have to be administered during the journey.

These products must be easily accessible, and their amount should correspond to the length of the flight.

How to declare them at the check

During the security check it's important to declare cosmetics for children to the airport staff. Thanks to this the security services can apply appropriate procedures and allow the transport of products in larger packages than the standard limits.

When declaring cosmetics for children, it's worth remembering a few rules:

• place the products in an easily accessible spot in the carry-on baggage,
• prepare an amount appropriate to the duration of the flight,
• if necessary, show documents or labels confirming the product's purpose for the child,
• inform the check staff before the scanning of the baggage begins.

Following these rules significantly speeds up the security check and lets you avoid situations in which products for a child would be stopped or thrown away.

Thanks to appropriate preparation of cosmetics for children, the journey becomes much more comfortable, and parents can focus on caring for the little one instead of on problems connected with transporting cosmetics.

The most common mistakes when packing cosmetics for the plane

Packing cosmetics for the plane may seem simple, however even experienced travellers make typical mistakes that result in products being stopped during the check or damaged. Knowledge of the most common traps lets you easily avoid them and ensures a calm journey.

Packages that are too large

One of the most common mistakes is taking cosmetics in packages larger than the permitted 100 ml into carry-on baggage. Even if there's a small amount of product inside, what counts is the capacity of the package.

Typical examples of problematic products are:

• bottles of shampoo or lotion of a capacity of 150–200 ml,
• deodorants and hairsprays in large sprays,
• full-size perfumes bought in a drugstore.

To avoid the problem, it's worth transporting cosmetics in miniatures, travel packages or decanting them into smaller containers, always marked with the capacity.

No transparent toiletry bag

Transporting liquids without a transparent toiletry bag is another typical mistake. The requirement of a transparent resealable bag of a capacity of up to 1 litre concerns all liquid, gel and aerosol cosmetics in carry-on baggage.

The problems resulting from the lack of a transparent toiletry bag are:

• the necessity of taking out individual products during the check,
• a greater risk of losing or spilling them,
• delays when passing through the security check.

It's best to use a transparent resealable bag or a toiletry bag with a zip, in which the products will fit freely and won't be squeezed.

Illegible markings

Illegible labels or a lack of information about the capacity may result in confiscation of the cosmetics. This particularly concerns natural, handmade products or small samples, which often don't have standard markings.

Typical problems include:

• no indication of the capacity in millilitres,
• writing in foreign languages or an illegible font,
• packages without labels, e.g. cosmetics decanted into unmarked containers.

The solution is decanting the cosmetic into a certified container with a clear marking or using the original packaging if it contains legible information.

Overloading the carry-on baggage

Overloading the carry-on baggage is a common mistake that causes problems not only with the security check, but also with the comfort of the journey. Too many cosmetics in one bag hinder quick access to the products during the check and increase the risk of damage or leaks.

Typical manifestations of overloading are:

• bottles and tubes packed in by force,
• an overfilled resealable bag,
• hindered access to other essential items in the carry-on baggage.

To avoid overloading, it's worth:

• preparing cosmetics in line with the principle of minimalism,
• separating products according to category and consistency,
• checking whether they all fit into the transparent toiletry bag and are easily accessible.

Conscious packing of cosmetics not only speeds up the security check, but also increases the comfort of the journey and reduces the risk of damage to the products.

How to pack cosmetics for the plane without stress

Packing cosmetics for the plane doesn't have to be a stressful task if you follow a few basic rules. The key is observing the capacity limits in carry-on baggage, using transparent bags or toiletry bags and appropriately protecting the products in checked baggage. Knowledge of the regulations regarding liquids, aerosols and semi-liquid products lets you avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport and speeds up passing through the security check.

Good preparation of the toiletry bag also means a conscious choice of products – miniatures, samples or travel versions – as well as careful protection of delicate and glass packaging. Informing the services about specialist, pharmacy products or those intended for children additionally minimises the risk of them being stopped. Thanks to this every cosmetic reaches its destination intact, and the journey proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary stress.

Appropriate packing of cosmetics not only lets you avoid problems at the check, but also saves time and nerves throughout the travel process. A conscious approach to preparing the baggage means the toiletry bag is orderly, the products are easily accessible, and the passenger can focus on a comfortable and safe journey.