Toiletries TSA Rules: What You Can Bring on a Plane

Toiletries are among the most commonly questioned items at airport security. From shampoo and deodorant to razors and makeup, many personal care products fall under TSA liquid rules or have specific restrictions.

41 items in this category with TSA carry-on and checked bag rules.

Most toiletries are allowed in carry-on bags, but anything you can pour, spray, or spread must be in a container of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less and fit in one quart-size bag. Solid versions — bar soap, stick deodorant, shampoo bars — have no limit at all.

How toiletries are screened at the checkpoint

1. Split solids from liquids while packing — Bar soap, solid deodorant, powder makeup, and toothpaste tablets can stay loose in your bag. Only pourable and spreadable products belong in the quart bag.
2. Check container labels, not fill level — A half-empty 6 oz bottle of conditioner is still refused. Officers read the printed container size, so decant into travel bottles instead.
3. Keep the quart bag reachable — It comes out of your luggage and goes flat in a bin at standard lanes. PreCheck lanes usually let it stay packed.
4. Separate blades and grooming tools — Cartridge razors, nail clippers, tweezers, and scissors under 4 inches are fine in carry-on. Loose double-edge blades and straight razors must be checked.
5. Expect vapor testing on aerosols — Travel-size hairspray and dry shampoo are permitted, but pressurized cans sometimes get swabbed. This is routine screening, not a rejection.

Toiletry bag checklist

Quart bag, 3.4 oz containers

• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face cleanser
• Toothpaste, sunscreen, lotion, and hair gel
• Spray and roll-on deodorant, dry shampoo, and hairspray
• Perfume, cologne, aftershave, and liquid foundation
• Nail polish and nail polish remover

No size limit, pack anywhere

• Bar soap, shampoo bars, and solid stick deodorant
• Toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
• Powder makeup, pressed compacts, and cotton swabs
• Disposable and cartridge razors, electric shavers
• Nail clippers, files, tweezers, and small scissors

Checked baggage only

• Full-size shampoo, body wash, and lotion bottles
• Full-size aerosol hairspray and shaving cream
• Safety razor blades and straight razors
• Hair-cutting shears and scissors over 4 inches
• Aerosol containers larger than 18 oz per item

Common toiletry mistakes

• Bringing a large bottle that is nearly empty — the container size is what is measured.
• Leaving the toiletry kit buried in the bag, which forces a full unpack at the belt.
• Forgetting that solid stick deodorant is unrestricted while the spray version is not.
• Packing a loaded safety razor in carry-on instead of removing the blade first.
• Assuming hotel-size bottles are automatically compliant — some minis exceed 3.4 oz.

All Toiletries Items

• Shampoo — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Conditioner — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Toothpaste — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Mouthwash — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Lotion / Body Cream — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Hair Gel / Hair Spray — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Shaving Cream / Gel — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Aftershave — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Electric Toothbrush — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Hair Dryer — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Curling Iron / Flat Iron — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Disposable Razor — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Safety Razor (with blade) — Carry-on: Not Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Straight Razor — Carry-on: Not Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Electric Razor / Shaver — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Deodorant (Solid/Stick) — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Deodorant (Spray/Gel) — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Makeup (Powder) — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Makeup (Liquid/Cream) — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Lip Balm / Chapstick — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Nail Polish — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Nail Polish Remover — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Nail Clippers — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Nail File / Emery Board — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Tweezers — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Eyelash Curler — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Contact Lens Solution — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Eye Drops — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Hairbrush / Comb — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Compact Mirror — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Cotton Balls / Swabs — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Feminine Hygiene Products — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Wet Wipes / Baby Wipes — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Essential Oils — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Contact Lens Solution — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Self-Tanner / Spray Tan — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Hair Dye / Hair Color — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Dry Shampoo — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Makeup Setting Spray — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed
• Shaving Brush — Carry-on: Allowed, Checked: Allowed
• Pointed Comb — Carry-on: Conditions Apply, Checked: Allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring shampoo and conditioner in my carry-on?

Yes, but they must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and fit in your one quart-sized clear plastic bag.

Is deodorant considered a liquid by TSA?

Gel, spray, and roll-on deodorants are classified as liquids. Solid stick deodorant is not.

Can I bring a razor through airport security?

Disposable razors are allowed in carry-on. Safety razor blades and straight razors must go in checked luggage.

Are makeup products allowed through TSA?

Powder-based makeup is allowed without restriction. Liquid or cream-based products must follow the 3-1-1 rule.