TSA-Approved Beauty Products

by Victoria Stanell
Published Dec 22, 2011

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Airports are a bustling nightmare in December—the busiest travel time of the year! The biggest holdup? Bag check. To ensure passenger safety, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces strict regulations on which beauty products you can and can't bring onboard. Their packing protocol is easy to follow if you remember these carry-on guidelines:

You’re allowed to pack individual 3.4 ounce containers of liquids, gels, and aerosols. The official chart above says 3 ounces, but we confirmed with TSA that they in fact allow up to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) on the plane.
All toiletries must be placed in one clear quart-size, zip-top bag—one per passenger.
You must declare medically necessary liquids (such as breast milk, baby formula, and insulin) to a security officer prior to boarding.
While technically allowed on the plane, never apply nail polish during your flight! It's inconsiderate and dangerous to other passengers.
If you're not sure about a product, don't pack it! Better to leave it at home than have it confiscated.
If you're still unsure of what to pack, try these three airplane-ready kits and stay stress-free in the security line!

FIRST AID BEAUTY Feel Fab Kit

If you don't want to bring your entire bathroom on the plane, try First Aid Beauty's skin kit for your onboard face and body needs. The set contains cleanser, cream, lip balm, and a shave cream for your post-flight shower—all under three ounces. It's already housed in a clear zip-top kit so you can simply grab and go!

FRESH Sugar Obsessions Roller Ball Trio

Travel is stressful (and sometimes sweaty), so it's important to feel fresh and smell good. Since you can't carry a large glass bottle, tote a thin roller ball perfume in your purse instead. We're loving the sugary sweet scents from Fresh's .34-ounce fragrance trio.

PHILIP KINGSLEY Jet Sets

Your hair feels climate and air pressure changes more than your skin does when you travel. Luckily, Philip Kingsley's ingenious jet sets make it easy to give your locks TSA-approved TLC. Each kit (eight total for different hair types) is designed to tackle any holiday hair issues. We love their Smooth and Shiny set to fight frizz!

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Comments

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Feb 16, 2013

Stephanie M.

I usually juz travel with samples and even put most of that in my checked bags. I'm not going to have shampoo and body gel in my carry on cuz I'd dont shower off airport till I'm in my hotel room! I only carry on all-ready wet face washing wipes, lotion, and a small make-up bag with the basics. But I've never had it in a clear bag and never had a problem so I'm glad for that tip cuz I would be pissed if it was taken! Also I dont think nail polish should be allowed cuz some ppl won't care what the smell does to other ppl. And I know I'd be pissed off if someone opened a bottle anywhere on the plane! But great and useful tips especially the roll on perfumes!

Jan 30, 2012

Erica B.

Restrictions on liquids is why I tend to keep a ton of sample sized stuff on hand.

Jan 11, 2012

Amy R.

I've never had issues with getting mascara and lip glass through without the plastic bag schtick-- but try at your own risk. I've also had things that were technically allowed taken from me!

Dec 28, 2011

Chelsea F.

I love my atomizer I just simply put my purfume in it and im ready,even my rollerballs if I want the spray effect instead of rolling it on. Sephora has a ton of options to choose from. They also have empty containers with labels and its in a clear bag! So convienient

Elite

Dec 28, 2011

Jasmine P.

I love bringing rollerball perfumes for when I travel! They are so sleek and don't get in the way. I always try to avoid bulk in my packing as much as possible.

I'd be so irritated if I had someone applying nail polish next to me on the plane!

Dec 24, 2011

Lauren H.

I work at the airport and even as an employee I don't know what they might confiscate from me. Don't be surprised though if they tell you they need to check all that. Another employee had her stuff searched after the x-ray cause she had a bottle of lotion which they almost took from her... But I must say if you're not sure if it's okay to bring SERIOUSLY leave it, they're assholes at airport security!! lol

Dec 24, 2011

Biianca S.

Is very interesting i loved ..I am learning a lot with these tips

Dec 24, 2011

Shelley W.

This is when my collection of samples come in handy. I don't even bother transferring product into smaller containers. When I have to travel by plane this is the only time when I wear a simple look of mascara, lipstick (use it as a blush too) and highlighter.