Updated on August 23, 2024.
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One of the worst parts about traveling by plane is how dry your skin feels after a long flight. No matter how much water you drink, your skin feels cracked and dry. The good news is that you can take moisturizer on a plane. The bad news is that you’re limited to 3.4 ounces to adhere to travel regulations.

Let’s explore all you need to know about liquid travel restrictions so you can bring your favorite moisturizer with you when you’re on the go.

Key Takeaways

  • You can take moisturizer on a plane, but there are restrictions on how much you can bring if you plan on carrying it on. The 3-1-1 rule requires each liquid item to be 3.4 ounces or less and all liquids must fit in a one-quart-sized bag.
  • If you exceed the 3-1-1 rule, your moisturizer, and other liquids may be confiscated and thrown out, even if they are sealed. There are no liquid limits for checked luggage, but it’s still a good idea to secure your items in a bag to prevent leaking.
  • If you have a medical reason for carrying liquids of more than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag, you may be allowed to do so as long as you have a doctor’s note and declare them for additional inspection.
  • If your moisturizer or other liquids are confiscated at airport security, you may need to repurchase them at premium prices or stop by a store close to where you’re staying.
  • To make traveling with moisturizer easier, consider choosing a travel-friendly moisturizer that comes in a small container or a solid form that doesn’t count as a liquid.

Is Moisturizer A Liquid?

When you’re traveling, the term liquid is relative. It doesn’t just apply to things like water and other traditional liquids. Instead, the definition has been expanded to include gels, creams, pastes, and even aerosols!

So, while you can bring moisturizer on a plane, you’ll be limited to a certain amount if you plan on carrying it on. There are no limitations to how big the bottle is if you plan to carry it in a checked bag. If you don’t want to purchase a travel-size version or manually transfer them into TSA-approved bottles, then it’s best to check a bag. Otherwise, your moisturizer will be confiscated by airport security and thrown away.

What Are The Liquid Limits On A Plane?

For carry-on luggage, you have to adhere to the 3-1-1 rule.

  • 3: Each liquid item needs to be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
  • 1: All liquids must fit in one quart-sized bag that can zip closed.
  • 1: Passengers are limited to one bag of liquids. Even if you have a carry-on bag and personal items, you are still limited to one bag.

If you exceed the 3-1-1 rule, you risk your items being confiscated and thrown away. You will not be able to reclaim your items. There are few exceptions to this rule, and most apply to nursing mothers or other medical exemptions. No matter how necessary it may feel, moisturizer often will not meet this requirement unless you have a doctor’s note that deems it medically necessary.

There are no liquid limits for checked luggage. If you want to take your full-sized beauty and skin products, including moisturizer, in your checked luggage, you do not need to worry about any size requirements. As a best practice, you’ll still want to secure your items in a bag to prevent leaking. Liquid items could potentially break in transit and ruin your clothing and other items in your luggage.

What Happens If My Moisturizer Is Confiscated?

can you take moisturiser on a plane

Unfortunately, if you do not have a medical reason for carrying liquids of more than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag, they will be confiscated. Airport security will allow larger amounts of liquids that are deemed medically necessary, as long as they are in reasonable quantities and you have declared them for additional inspection.

If your moisturizer or other liquids have been confiscated, you don’t have many options outside of repurchasing them. You may be able to snag replacements at the airport shops, though you’ll pay premium prices. You can also stop by a store close to where you’re staying or check the hotel shop.

So, Can I Take Moisturizer On The Plane?

Yes! You can take moisturizer on a plane, but the amount depends on if you are checking your bag or carrying it on. There are no limits to checked bags, but carry-on luggage is subject to the 3-1-1 rule. Your single liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit in a one-quart-sized bag.

If you bring too much or don’t fit all your items in a single bag, your moisturizer and other liquids may be confiscated and thrown out, even if they are sealed.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I take moisturizer on a plane?

Yes, you can take moisturizer on a plane, but there are restrictions on how much you can bring if you plan on carrying it on.

  • What are the restrictions on carrying moisturizer on a plane?

The 3-1-1 rule requires each liquid item to be 3.4 ounces or less and all liquids must fit in a one-quart-sized bag.

  • Can I bring a full-sized moisturizer in my checked luggage?

Yes, there are no liquid limits for checked luggage. However, it’s still a good idea to secure your items in a bag to prevent leaking.

  • What happens if I bring too much moisturizer in my carry-on bag?

If you exceed the 3-1-1 rule, your moisturizer, and other liquids may be confiscated and thrown out, even if they are sealed.

  • Are there any exceptions to the liquid restrictions for carrying moisturizer on a plane?

Yes, if you have a medical reason for carrying liquids of more than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag, you may be allowed to do so as long as you have a doctor’s note and declare them for additional inspection.

  • What should I do if my moisturizer or other liquids are confiscated at airport security?

If your moisturizer or other liquids are confiscated at airport security, you may need to repurchase them at premium prices or stop by a store close to where you’re staying.