Michael Turner
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) and placed together in a single, transparent, resealable bag not exceeding 1 litre (quart) per passenger. Present the bag separately at security screening for inspection.
Solid products – lipstick, solid perfume, pressed powder, powder foundation, dry shampoo in solid form – are not subject to the liquid limit and may remain loose inside the hand bag. Items described as creams, pastes, gels or sprays (including mascara, liquid eyeliner, liquid foundation and aerosol deodorant) fall under the liquid rule.
Medical liquids, prescription medications and baby formula/milk are allowed in quantities exceeding 100 ml when required; such items should be declared at the checkpoint and may require proof or inspection. Duty-free purchases carried in sealed tamper-evident bags with the receipt inside are usually accepted, but some airports impose additional checks on arrival or transfer.
Packing recommendations: transfer bulky products into travel-sized, clearly labelled containers; keep the single clear bag at the top of the carry-on for rapid access; place brushes and tools in a separate pouch to speed visual checks; move full-size aerosol cans or high-volume liquids to checked baggage if weight and hazardous-goods rules permit.
Regulations vary by country and carrier. Check the departure airport and airline pages for local variations, allow extra time at screening when carrying several liquid items, and keep proof of prescriptions or medical needs where applicable.
Which liquid and gel cosmetics must fit the 100 ml/3.4 oz security rule?
All liquid- and gel-format cosmetic items in containers larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) are not allowed in carry-on; only individual containers of 100 ml/3.4 fl oz or smaller are permitted and must fit inside a single transparent resealable plastic bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre (approx. 20 × 20 cm).
Items classified as liquids, gels or pastes
Included: liquid foundations, BB/CC creams, liquid concealers, liquid highlighters and bronzers, serums, facial oils, toners, micellar water, cleansers with liquid texture, sunscreens, lotions, moisturizers in pump bottles, liquid primers, liquid eyeliners, mascaras, lip glosses and liquid lipsticks, balm glosses in tubes, nail polish and remover, hair gels, styling pomades in gel form, shaving gel, liquid deodorants and aerosol sprays (hair spray, body spray), perfume and cologne, liquid adhesives (lash glue), toothpaste and other paste-like toiletries.
Exceptions and practical recommendations
Duty-free liquids purchased after security are permitted in carry-on only if sealed in a tamper-evident bag with receipt visible; do not open the bag until arrival if relying on that exemption. Medications and baby food/liquids may exceed 100 ml but must be declared and presented separately at screening; carry prescriptions or a doctor’s note when feasible. Solid cosmetics (solid lipstick, stick foundation, pressed powders) are not subject to the 100 ml rule, though powder items larger than 350 ml (≈12 oz) can face extra screening or restrictions on some routes. Decant larger products into labeled travel-size bottles of 100 ml/3.4 fl oz or smaller, verify the printed volume (many “100 ml” containers actually hold slightly less), and check airline or departure airport regulations for any additional limits or aerosol restrictions before travel.
How to pack sprays, aerosols and pressurised cans for carry-on?
Place each spray or pressurised can with its actuator securely capped, nozzle taped, and sealed inside a transparent resealable bag; only containers of 100 ml / 3.4 oz or less should be presented in a single 1‑litre/quart bag for security screening.
Verify product markings: consumer aerosols normally show “Aerosol” or “Contents under pressure”, often with a UN number (UN1950). If the label includes a flammability pictogram or wording such as “flammable”, move the item to checked baggage or consult the airline/security before travel.
Protect against leakage: apply a strip of tape over the spray head, fit the original cap, then double-bag (one clear resealable plus an outer zip pouch) with an absorbent paper towel inside the inner bag to trap any escape. Place the sealed pouch near the top of carry-on for easy removal at checkpoints.
Substitutes and transfers: transfer liquids from oversized aerosols into certified travel-size atomizers (max 100 ml/3.4 oz) that seal tightly, or switch to non-pressurised pump sprays or solids (stick or cream formats) to reduce risk of confiscation. Keep prescription inhalers and medically prescribed aerosols accessible and declare them at screening when volumes exceed the standard limit; carry documentation.
Quantity and airline rules: many airports require all liquid-like items to fit in one clear bag; individual carriers may impose additional limits on the number or total volume of aerosols permitted aboard. For large pressurised cans, unusual products or international routes, check the carrier’s hazardous-goods guidance well before departure.
For unrelated travel-equipment reading (for example, appliance performance and storage planning), see are siemens fridge freezers any good.
Which solid cosmetics, tools, and battery-powered devices are allowed in carry-on?
Solid cosmetics and powder rules
Press powders, compact foundations, powder blush, pressed eyeshadows, solid lipstick, solid perfume, soap bars and solid shampoo or sunscreen sticks are permitted in the carry-on. Powder-like substances larger than 350 mL (12 oz) must be placed separately for additional screening and may be refused; split large containers into smaller jars or transfer excess to checked baggage to avoid delays.
Creams and balms that are soft or pasty may be treated as liquids at security – keep those under the 100 mL/3.4 oz limit or in checked baggage to prevent confiscation.
Tools, blades and battery-powered devices
Allowed grooming tools: makeup brushes, combs, mirrors, eyelash curlers, tweezers, metal nail clippers, disposable razor cartridges and scissors with blades shorter than 6 cm (≈2.36 in). Straight razors or loose blades must travel in checked baggage only.
Battery-powered items with cells installed (phones, cameras, electric shavers, trimmers, hair straighteners) are allowed in the carry-on if switched off and protected against accidental activation. Spare lithium batteries and power banks are permitted only in the carry-on; terminals must be insulated (tape, individual plastic sleeves, or original retail packaging) to prevent short-circuits.
Watt-hour limits for lithium‑ion spares: up to 100 Wh – allowed without airline approval; 100–160 Wh – airline approval required; over 160 Wh – prohibited. Convert mAh to Wh using Wh = (mAh × V)/1000; use the battery’s nominal voltage (commonly 3.7 V). Examples: 10,000 mAh at 3.7 V ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; about 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V ≈ 100 Wh.
Pack power banks and spare cells in hand baggage, keep devices powered off, and present items separately if requested by security. Check specific airline or airport restrictions for quantities and any additional approval requirements before travel.
How to prepare, present and access cosmetics at security checkpoints and during the flight?
Pack all liquid and cream cosmetic containers of 100 ml/3.4 oz or smaller inside a single transparent resealable 1-litre/quart bag and keep that bag in an outer compartment for immediate presentation at security.
- Pre-check packing
- Group items by function: face (foundation, primer), lips, eyes, tools. Use small clear pouches for rapid visual inspection.
- Place fragile palettes and glass bottles in a padded hard-case or between soft items to prevent breakage and leakage.
- Keep frequently used solids (balms, solid perfume, stick foundation, powder) separate from liquid pouch to avoid unnecessary removal.
- Label personal-medication cosmetics (prescription topical ointments) with a copy of the prescription or a physician’s note if volume exceeds 100 ml–have this ready for screening staff.
- Use a compact toiletry organiser in a best backpack with wheels for travel or a slim front pocket of a best female briefcase for swift reach during boarding and flight.
- At the security checkpoint
- Remove the sealed transparent bag from the carry-on and place it in a tray by itself; liquids, gels and aerosols should be presented separately from electronics and dense items.
- Solid palettes, tools (brushes, eyelash curlers) and battery-operated cosmetic devices generally remain in the bag unless instructed otherwise by screening staff.
- If a container is opaque or unlabeled, be prepared to open it for inspection or transfer contents to a clear sample vial to speed up the process.
- If additional screening is requested, offer any quick-access organiser (front pocket pouch) for separate scanning to avoid unpacking the main bag.
- During the flight: fast-access strategy
- Store the transparent liquid pouch in an exterior pocket or top compartment of the carry-on for inflight touch-ups without rummaging through the main compartment.
- Keep a small “flight kit” separate: two or three travel-size essentials (tinted balm, blotting papers, mini brush) in a zip pouch that fits in the seat-back pocket or under the seat for quick access.
- Use stick or solid-format products for inflight application to avoid spills and to respect cabin pressure changes.
- For long-haul flights, replenish hydration with pre-moistened facial wipes and a small facial mist (within permitted volume) kept in the outer pouch.
- Leak-proofing and spill response
- Double-seal screw-cap bottles with a piece of cling film between cap and neck before closing; place in a resealable plastic bag separate from powders and electronics.
- Carry a folded microfibre cloth or travel tissues in the flight kit for immediate cleanup of minor spills.
- If leakage occurs, remove the affected item, isolate it in a dedicated disposable bag, and alert cabin crew if staining affects seat fabrics or electronic devices.
- Efficiency tips for frequent travellers
- Maintain a ready-to-go cosmetic pouch with refillable 100 ml bottles to reduce packing time at departure.
- Invest in clear, flat pouches that pass through X-ray without folding; compact layouts reduce secondary inspections.
- Rotate full-size products into checked baggage for longer trips; reserve a minimal inflight kit in hand baggage for touch-ups.
