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Directive: Transport cosmetics in hand baggage only when each liquid, gel or cream is in a container no larger than 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) and all such containers fit inside a single transparent resealable 1-litre (quart) bag – one bag per passenger presented at security screening.
Solid sticks (lipstick, solid foundation, bar soap, solid deodorant) are not subject to the 100 mL constraint and can remain accessible for inspection. Loose powders and pressed powders larger than ~350 mL (≈12 oz) frequently require additional screening and are best moved to checked bags if volume is high.
Aerosol sprays and pressurised toiletry items must comply with the same size limit and must not be classed as flammable hazardous goods; many airlines add their own restrictions on aerosols. Transfer serums, lotions and oils into clearly labelled travel bottles, and protect glass perfume bottles with padding.
Tools and devices: scissors with blades shorter than 4 in (about 10 cm) and disposable razors are typically allowed in cabin baggage; loose razor blades and large blades belong in checked freight. Battery-powered beauty devices with installed lithium-ion cells are accepted in hand baggage; spare lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin with terminals taped or enclosed to prevent short circuits.
Duty-free exception: Liquids bought after security can exceed 100 mL if sealed in a tamper-evident bag with receipt – however, this exemption can be invalid on some international connections, so apply the strictest rule among airlines and transit airports on the itinerary.
Packing checklist: place liquid items near the top for easy removal, use clear pouches for fast screening, keep purchase receipts for high-value items, pad fragile containers, and confirm airline- and airport-specific rules before departure to avoid confiscation at the checkpoint.
Cosmetic rules for cabin baggage
Keep liquid and gel containers at or below 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) each and place them together inside a single transparent resealable bag of roughly 1 quart (≈1 L) capacity.
Classify items before packing: liquids and gels (foundations, serums, mascaras, lip glosses) must follow the 100 ml rule; aerosols and sprays (hairspray, body spray) are treated similarly but may face additional airline restrictions if pressurised or flammable; solid products (pressed powders, lipstick sticks, solid deodorants, solid shampoo bars) may be stored outside the clear bag without a strict size limit.
Powder-like products larger than 350 ml (12 oz) can trigger extra inspection at some security checkpoints (U.S. screening policy). Prescription topical medications, medically necessary liquids and infant feeding supplies are exempt from the 100 ml limit but should be carried separately and declared at screening with supporting documentation or packaging.
Use leakproof travel containers with visible volume markings, seal lids with tape or a second plastic bag, and pack liquid items near the top of the cabin bag for fast removal if requested by security staff. Keep duplicate resealable bags and original product packaging or receipts for high-value cosmetics to speed up inspections.
Follow departure airport and airline-specific rules: most EU/UK/US airports use the 100 ml standard, while some carriers restrict certain aerosols or limit total quantity per passenger. Verify the carrier’s hazardous goods list before flying to avoid denied items at the gate.
Which cosmetics count as liquids under the 3-1-1 airport rule
Treat any cosmetic that is a liquid, gel, cream, paste or aerosol as subject to the 3-1-1 limits: individual containers must be no larger than 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) and all such containers must fit inside a single clear 1-quart resealable bag carried in cabin baggage for screening.
Common examples classified as liquids/gels/creams/aerosols
Foundations and concealers: liquid and pump formulas, tinted moisturizers, BB/CC creams and cushion compacts with liquid reservoirs.
Mascara, liquid eyeliner and brow serums: any tube or bottle containing fluid solution or gel.
Lip gloss, liquid lipstick, lip stains and balms with liquid consistency: glosses and hybrid liquid/cream lip products.
Sunscreen, serums, facial oils and liquid moisturizers: all fluid skincare items, including oil-based serums.
Toothpaste and liquid soaps/cleansers: paste and gel formats, including micellar waters and cleansing balms that are not solid bars.
Aerosols: hairspray, dry shampoo, spray deodorant and shaving cream in aerosol cans–treated as liquids for 3-1-1 purposes and subject to size limits; flammable aerosol restrictions apply for checked baggage.
Nail products: nail polish, nail polish remover and liquid cuticle oils.
Sheet masks and essence-soaked pads: considered liquid because of the serum content.
Solid and powder items typically not subject to 3-1-1
Solid sticks and bars: stick deodorant, solid perfume, solid shampoo/conditioner bars and bar soap are usually exempt from the quart-bag requirement.
Pressed powders and compacted powders: face powder, blush, eyeshadow pans and dry bronzers are not classified as liquids; note that large loose-powder containers (over 12 oz / 350 mL) may require additional screening at security.
Practical recommendations: transfer liquids into travel-size bottles labeled with volume, seal caps with tape or wrap to reduce leaks, stow the resealable bag where it can be removed quickly at security, and purchase aerosols or larger liquid items after security if size limits are a concern. Medications, infant formula and similar essential liquids are exceptions to 3-1-1 but must be declared at screening and may require inspection.
How to pack liquid foundation, concealer and primers to meet size limits
Use containers of 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) or smaller and consolidate all liquid foundation, concealer and primers into a single transparent resealable 1‑quart (1 L) plastic bag for security screening.
Decant target volumes for trip length: foundation 15–30 ml for up to 7 days, concealer 5–10 ml, primer 5–15 ml. Transfer with a small syringe or funnel into clear travel bottles or airless pump dispensers; label each bottle with product name and volume using a permanent marker.
Prevent leaks by placing a square of cling film over the bottle opening before screwing the cap, tightening caps firmly, then sealing each travel bottle in a small zip pouch. Place all bottles inside the single clear resealable bag and put that bag inside a hard-shell toiletry case or padded sleeve to avoid crushing and pressure-related seepage.
Stow the sealed clear bag in an external or top compartment of a cabin backpack for quick access at checkpoints; when using gear backpacks keep the toiletry case separate from electronics and clothing in a waterproof pouch. See best backpack for photographers and best way to pack clothes in a backpack for packing layouts that protect liquids from gear or garments.
If a full-size bottle exceeds limits, options are: decant needed volume, purchase travel-size at destination, or place the oversized item in checked baggage where permitted by the carrier. Check airline or airport authority rules before travelling to confirm permitted container sizes and presentation procedures.
Aerosol hairspray, dry shampoo and setting spray in cabin baggage
Small aerosol hairsprays, dry shampoos and setting sprays are permitted in cabin baggage only when each container is 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) or smaller and all liquid/aerosol containers fit inside one clear quart-sized (≈1 L) resealable bag.
- Size limits: 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml maximum per aerosol container for screening with carry-on screening rules.
- Bag rule: one clear quart-sized resealable bag per passenger; all aerosols and other liquids must fit inside that bag.
- Screening procedure: present the quart bag separately at security checkpoints if requested by screening personnel.
- For cans larger than 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml, stow in checked baggage when permitted by the airline and hazardous-materials rules; many carriers restrict or prohibit large flammable aerosols in either cabin or checked stowage, so verify with the airline before travel.
- Safety tips: ensure caps are secure, engage any safety locks, wrap the nozzle with tape or place the can in a zip-seal plastic bag to prevent accidental discharge and leakage.
- Alternatives: use pump sprays, solid or powder formulations, or decant product into certified travel-size aerosol or non-aerosol containers labeled with volume.
- International departures: most countries follow the 100 ml / 1 L bag rule for cabin screening, but local aviation authorities and airlines may have additional restrictions–check departure airport and carrier rules.
Transporting powdered cosmetics (loose powder, blush, bronzer) to avoid extra screening
Keep loose powders in containers of 350 mL (12 oz) or smaller; items larger than that commonly trigger secondary inspection and possible removal at security checkpoints.
Prefer pressed formats for travel; loose powders create dust clouds that increase the likelihood of manual inspection. Transfer small amounts into metal or plastic travel tins labeled “cosmetic powder” and seal lids with a strip of tamper-evident tape or cling film to prevent spillage.
Store powder containers inside a clear, resealable plastic bag and place them near the top of the cabin bag for quick access during screening. If a checkpoint officer requests opening, allow inspection–powders may be X-rayed, swabbed for explosive residues, or subjected to manual examination.
Prevent mess by double-bagging loose product and wrapping compact pans in a soft cloth or silicone sleeve. Use adhesive-backed foam or a hair elastic to keep compact lids closed. Keep receipts and original packaging visible when possible to speed verification.
When to move powders to checked baggage
If combined powder volume exceeds 350 mL (12 oz) or containers are bulky/opaque, place those items in checked baggage to reduce the chance of secondary screening or confiscation. Multiple single pans under 350 mL typically pass through X-ray without issue.
For unrelated transport classification guidance see are drones considered aircraft.
How to pack cosmetic tools and sharp items (brushes, tweezers, eyelash curlers) in cabin baggage
Store brushes, tweezers and eyelash curlers inside a hard-sided case or a rigid pencil-style tube; place all pointed or blade-equipped implements in a separate, clearly visible pouch with individual sheaths or wrapped tips to prevent accidental opening.
For US domestic flights (TSA): tweezers, metal nail clippers and eyelash curlers are permitted in-cabin. Scissors are allowed if blade length is less than 4 inches (10 cm) measured from the pivot to the tip. Disposable razors are acceptable; safety razors with removable blades and straight razors are prohibited in-cabin. Regulations vary by country and airline, so confirm with the applicable authority before travel.
Brush protection: fit each brush with a plastic or silicone guard, then lay brushes flat in a rigid brush case or roll with a snap closure. For synthetic bristles that flatten easily, insert a small cardboard insert under the bristles and secure with an elastic band to preserve shape.
Tweezers and small metal tools: slide into a fitted sheath or wrap in a strip of microfiber cloth and secure with medical tape. Place these items in a single transparent pouch to speed visual inspection; metal-on-metal contact should be avoided to reduce wear and accidental sharp edges.
Eyelash curlers and hinged tools: lock the mechanism if possible, cover the curling edge with a silicone cap or a folded cotton pad secured by a small elastic, then enclose in a compact hard case. For spring-loaded devices, tape the handles together to prevent closure during handling.
Arrangement inside the in-cabin bag: position the hard case near the top so security officers can easily access it during screening. If any item might be restricted at destination, transfer it to checked baggage beforehand to prevent confiscation at the checkpoint.
What to do if cosmetics leak, are flagged at security, or are confiscated
Immediately isolate any leaking cosmetic in a sealable plastic bag and remove it from clothes, electronics and other containers to limit staining and contamination.
Immediate actions for leaks
Power down affected electronic devices and keep batteries separated. Blot liquid with disposable paper towels; avoid rubbing which spreads stains. For fabric stains, treat with an oil-absorbing powder (talc, cornstarch) and reseal garment in a plastic bag for later cleaning. Transfer usable product into a new airtight travel-sized container if available; label with product name and date. Photograph the leak (wide shot plus close-ups) before discarding any packaging.
When a product is flagged or confiscated at the checkpoint
Ask the screening officer for the specific reason (exceeding size limit, pressurized/flammable contents, or prohibited ingredient). Request a checkpoint supervisor if clarification or an official note is needed. Photograph the item and any official paperwork or sign-off provided by security. If retention occurs, obtain contact details for the checkpoint office and the airport lost & found or security office for follow-up.
| Situation | Immediate step | Next step / evidence to collect |
|---|---|---|
| Leak onto clothes/electronics | Isolate item; power down devices; blot spill | Photos of damage, keep contaminated item in sealed bag, locate replacement container |
| Flagged at security (for screening) | Present original packaging/labeling if available; allow inspection | Ask officer for reason, take photos, request supervisor note if product denied |
| Confiscated | Request written confirmation and office contact details | Photograph item and paperwork, file lost property report, keep receipts for claims |
For items lost or disposed of by a checkpoint authority, file a formal lost-property report with the airport and a complaint or inquiry with the relevant screening agency (for US flights, TSA contact centers are available). For damage to items inside checked baggage, report to the airline’s baggage service office at the airport and follow the carrier’s claims procedure; submit photos, receipts and bag tag information. For international flights, check local customs and security office policies before filing claims.
