The 17 Best Travel Toiletries of 2023
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Be sure to pack everything you need on your next trip with this list of the best travel toiletries out there.
Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan
No matter where you’re traveling or what type of adventure you’re taking, a bag full of small, useful toiletry items is essential. Obviously, you need things like face wash and shampoo, but other products like face masks and insect repellent also come in handy.
The one toiletry we never travel without is Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap, as it is super-concentrated and can be used for an array of things like shampoo, shaving, and cleansing. If you’re looking for something more along the lines of sunscreen, hairspray, or deodorant, keep reading — our list of the best travel toiletries has it all and more.
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap
Best Overall
Why We Love It
You can use this soap for practically anything.
What to Consider
There isn’t a lot of lather created with it.
D. Bronner’s soap earned the top spot for its vast range of uses, like cleansing your face, hair, and body, along with shaving, doing dishes, all-purpose cleaning, and even washing your dog. We love it for travel because of this versatility, meaning you can pack less and save suitcase space. Dr. Bronner’s is made with 90 percent organic ingredients, and there are no synthetic preservatives, detergents, or foaming agents in the soap. Even the palm kernel oil used for the soap is certified fair trade, coming from small farms. Dr. Bronner’s is three times more concentrated than most liquid soaps, so make sure you dilute it before using.
Price at time of publish: $4
The Details: 2 ounces
Raw Elements Face + Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
Best Sunscreen
Why We Love It
The tin is easy to slip into a dopp kit, carry-on, or handbag.
What to Consider
The formula goes on thick, so you’ll need to rub it into your skin well.
It doesn’t matter if you’re going to a tropical destination or not, sunscreen should be a must when traveling. And, if you are going to a beach, reef-safe sunscreen is the best choice for marine environments. This sunscreen tin from Raw Elements is easy to toss in your toiletry bag, and you don’t have to worry about a bottle busting open in flight.
The company uses all-natural ingredients in its sunscreen, and it’s water-resistant beyond 80 minutes. It also includes antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, and it provides UVA-UVB broad-spectrum protection. There's also a tinted version to give you a bit of sun-kissed color if you’d prefer.
Price at time of publish: $19
The Details: 3 ounces
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent
Best Insect Repellent
Why We Love It
It’s quite compact, and it packs a powerful punch.
What to Consider
The product can be oily.
Another must-have item in your toiletries is insect repellent, especially if you’re venturing into the woods or other wilderness. We like this small bottle from Sawyer’s, because it’s easy to travel with and comes with an easy-to-use pump sprayer. Picaridin is a great alternative to DEET bug spray, as it doesn’t have the harsh smell that DEET has, and it's safe for all ages. Sawyer’s insect repellent protects up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to eight hours against gnats, chiggers, and flies. It’s also safe to use on clothing, gear, backpacks, and more.
Price at time of publish: $9
The Details: 3 ounces
Related:The 11 Best Toiletry Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
CeraVe Travel Size Foaming Facial Cleanser
Best Face Wash
Why We Love It
The formula works well on multiple skin types.
What to Consider
Skip it if you’re prone to acne and blackheads.
Face wash is very subjective, based on what type of skin you have, how sensitive your skin is, and how much money you’re willing to spend on skincare products. One solid choice that’s typically a thumbs-up across the board, though, is the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, as it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but made with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, too. The gel-based formula also contains ceramides that help restore your skin’s protective barrier, and it easily washes away makeup, oil, and dirt. The 3-ounce size handily fits in a toiletry bag, making it an excellent choice for travelers.
Price at time of publish: $7
The Details: 3 ounces
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer With SPF
Best Moisturizer
Why We Love It
The formula is very lightweight.
What to Consider
Do not get this product near your eyes as it may sting.
It’s always a good idea to keep your skin hydrated while on the go, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or on dry, long-haul flights. This La Roche-Posay cream helps protect your skin’s natural barrier and is a great choice for those who are looking for quality skincare without breaking the bank. Along with a moisturizing effect, the formula comes with SPF 30 sun protection and is unscented, in case you’re fragrance-sensitive.
Price at time of publish: $21
The Details: 2.5 ounces
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
Best Face Mask
Why We Love It
It’s the perfect boost of hydration your skin needs while traveling.
What to Consider
It’s more expensive than other similar options.
Why pack a bunch of disposable sheet masks when you can get a great face mask in a tube that’ll take up less suitcase space? Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask is loved by many for its hydrating benefits provided by hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Use it on a long flight to keep your skin dewy, or after a long day on the trail or out on safari. The formula works for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types, and it contains antioxidants for added benefits. It also includes niacinamide which helps brighten, promotes even-looking texture, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores. This product also gets bonus points for being vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, and for its recyclable packaging.
Price at time of publish: $49
The Details: 2.25 ounces
Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Spray
Best Hairspray
Why We Love It
It offers movement and a soft texture while keeping hair in place.
What to Consider
It’s on the pricier side for its size.
Looking for a hairspray that gives volume while also providing a strong hold? Big Sexy Hair offers just that in a small, 1.5-ounce can. Its long-lasting formula leaves hair moveable, soft, and shiny, while also protecting against humidity, heat styling, and UV rays.
Price at time of publish: $10
The Details: 1.5 ounces
Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer
Best Hand Sanitizer
Why We Love It
There’s no typical alcohol smell found in most hand sanitizers.
What to Consider
You need more than the suggested 2-3 sprays to fully clean your hands.
Hand sanitizer is a must while traveling, especially if you’re on a plane or taking public transportation. Protect yourself from germs with Touchland’s mist hand sanitizer, which comes in a three-pack with mood-boosting scents, such as lemon-lime spritz, frosted mint, and citrus grove. Each sanitizer contains 500 sprays per bottle, and the formula contains moisturizing aloe vera and lemon essential oil. Simply spray over the palms of your hands and rub them together until dry.
Price at time of publish: $30 for a three-pack
The Details: 1 ounce each
W Hotels Travel Set
Best Splurge Set
Why We Love It
Yellow melon extract gives an extra boost of vitamins.
What to Consider
The set doesn’t come with a bag.
It’s always nice to take a piece of a great hotel home with you, and with this luxury set from W Hotels, you can do just that. Your favorite W amenities are all there, including shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, face cleanser, body lotion, and bar soap. The Davines shower products are packed with yellow melon extract, while the Skin Regimen face wash and bar soap gently cleanse before the cream adds rich moisture, thanks to shea butter and olive oil inside.
Price at time of publish: $93
The Details: 6 pieces
Related:The 6 Best First Aid Kits for Travel 2023
Eucerin Intensive Repair Body Lotion 3.0 fl oz
Best Lotion
Why We Love It
It’s an excellent price point for the quality.
What to Consider
The formula may feel slightly greasy on already-oily skin.
A tried-and-true classic, Eucerin’s Intensive Care Repair lotion works well for those with extremely dry skin and for those who are trying to avoid dry skin. Eucerin comes at a great price point and also delivers hydration when you need it. It’s paraben-, fragrance-, and dye-free, plus safe for sensitive skin. Throw it in your toiletry bag for hydration in your hotel room, tent, or next adventure, as it lasts for up to 24 hours.
Price at time of publish: $6
The Details: 3 ounces
Gillette Venus Mini With Travel Case
Best Travel Razor
Why We Love It
The small size is functional and saves space.
What to Consider
Clicking the blade into the handle is a bit difficult.
Save space in your bag with this mini razor from Venus. It comes with a travel case to protect you from cuts, and the handle will fit most Venus blades. The razor itself has five blades for a smoother shave, plus a pivoting head that adjusts to your body and moves smoothly around ankles and knees.
Price at time of publish: $10
The Details: 1 count
Arm and Hammer Ultra Max Deodorant
Best Deodorant
Why We Love It
The formula isn’t cakey.
What to Consider
It doesn’t smell as good as other deodorants.
We like Arm and Hammer Ultra Max deodorant because it’s long-lasting and it wicks away perspiration. It’s tough against odors and leaves your skin feeling fresh and dry. Easily stash it in a toiletry bag (or purse) for a clean, refreshing feeling anytime.
Price at time of publish: $9
The Details: 2 ounces
Protect Life 100 Piece Small First Aid Kit
Best Mini First Aid Kit
Why We Love It
It makes mini emergencies on the road much more manageable.
What to Consider
It’s missing a few essential items, like pain medication and a salve for cuts.
You never know when you might need a bandage or some gauze pads while traveling, so this first aid kit is great to keep on hand. It includes 100 pieces, including numerous bandages, gauze pads, an emergency blanket, a CPR mask, tweezers, a tape roll, and more. Store it in your suitcase or in a boat or backpack for quick access to emergency supplies when needed.
Price at time of publish: $15
The Details: 7.2 ounces
Cadence Capsules
Best Travel Toiletry Containers
Why We Love It
The magnetic capsules make for easy packing.
What to Consider
The capsules aren’t very large.
These Cadence capsules are great for creams, lotions, pills, powders, and even the environment, as they’re reusable. The capsules are magnetic, so they stick together in your bag like a honeycomb, making organization a breeze. They’re made to be leakproof, watertight, airtight, and TSA-compliant, too. Not only are they free of BPAs, but they’re also made from 20 percent recycled ocean-bound plastic and 30 percent excess manufacturing material. You can even choose custom labels for the tops of each capsule, if you wish, or choose from popular product names and icons.
Price at time of publish: $14 per capsule
The Details: 0.56 ounces per capsule
Related:The 13 Best Products to Clean a Suitcase in 2023
Greenzla Bamboo Toothbrush with Case and Floss
Best Toothbrush
Why We Love It
This toothbrush is an eco-friendly choice.
What to Consider
The bristles may become loose if you brush too hard.
There are fancier toothbrushes on the market, but we like this one for a toiletry bag because it comes in a four-pack with dental floss and a bamboo toothbrush case. The bamboo toothbrushes are made from sustainably sourced materials and are BPA-, additive-, and coloring-free, and a money-back guarantee is included.
Price at time of publish: $10 per pack
The Details: 4 count brush, 1 count floss
Tangle Teezer The Compact Styler, On-the-go Detangling Hairbrush
Best Brush
Why We Love It
The small size is perfect for a toiletry bag.
What to Consider
If you prefer a brush with a handle, you’ll want to skip it.
A hairbrush is a must when traveling, but having one without a handle is even better for suitcase space. This one from Tangle Teezer comes with a cover that pops on and off with ease. Long teeth help to detangle hair, while shorter teeth work to smooth hair cuticles. Numerous colors and designs are available.
Price at time of publish: $20
The Details: 1 count
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen
Best Face Sunscreen
Why We Love It
It has a light-weight, milky texture that perfectly absorbs into the skin.
What to Consider
It may feel drying for those with sensitive skin.
This facial sunscreen was our overall favorite when we tested 24 different options because it gives users a light glow without feeling goopy underneath regular makeup. Even when paired with other products, it absorbs well and leaves skin with a light sheen while protecting from UVA/UVB rays. This mineral sunscreen is made from natural and reef-safe ingredients so users can feel great about wearing it on any vacation.
Price at time of publish: $36
The Details: 1.7 ounces
Tips for Buying Travel Toiletries
Prioritize your daily essentials
When organizing your toiletry bag, prioritize items that you use daily, such as deodorant, face wash, and toothpaste. Always pack these first, to make sure everything fits.
Maximize space
To save even more space, look for compact items, such as the handle-less hairbrush on our list, or Dr. Bronner’s multi-use soap. Using these types of items saves precious toiletry bag space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toiletries should I pack for travel?
Pack anything you’ll need on a daily basis, plus things you might need sparingly. such as repairing lotions and face masks and destination-specific items like insect repellent and sunscreen.
What toiletries can I take on a plane?
You can take liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag, as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this article, T+L contributor Amanda Ogle used research and her personal expertise as a travel writer to craft the perfect list of travel toiletries for your next adventure.
Related:25 Carry-on Essentials T+L Editors Can’t Travel Without in 2023
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter, and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.
For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
