MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS
If the TSA liquid limit is killing your carry-on only dreams, you’re not alone. As a high-maintenance girlie, fitting my skincare, haircare and bodycare routine into a quart size bag is my least favorite part of traveling.
That’s why I’m sharing my tips and tricks as a frequent traveler to help you find the best toiletry bottle, miniature version, or solid alternative of every toiletry you’re trying to get through TSA, and today we’re talking about the best travel body lotion options.
As someone that’s struggled with dry skin my whole life, I’m basically a body lotion expert. I don’t love a super heavy or greasy formula, but lightweight textures don’t always cut it. What I look for in a lotion is one that penetrates, absorbs, and provides actual hydration. A bit of occlusion is also important, especially in colder climates, and a great scent doesn’t hurt either.
1. TSA-Friendly Mini Body Lotions (Under 3.4oz)
One of the lotions that I’ve been gravitating towards lately is by EOS. They come in mouthwatering gourmand scents, and leave my skin looking absolutely radiant. My top scent is Coconut Waters, followed by Vanilla Cashmere, and luckily, Vanilla Cashmere comes in a mini.
But If you know me, you also know I can’t get enough of the Splash Salve by Hanni. This is an in-shower balm that you apply to wet skin and rinse off. The scent is an addictive floral musk that I would wear as a perfume in a heartbeat. This non-liquid balm is leak-proof and could theoretically pass through TSA, but it comes in a travel size if you don’t want to risk it!
You can see how to use it in my tutorial:
And because I’m a Hanni affiliate, you can get 15% off your first purchase at Hanni with code MELISSA15.
TLDR;
✅ Why I Love Them:
- Ready to pack.
- Formulas and scents I already love.
❌ Keep in Mind:
- May not be enough for longer trips.
- More expensive per oz than full size.
2. The Best Refillable Toiletry Bottle for Body Lotion
If you’re also a lotion connoisseur, then you’ve probably got your own favorite, or are understandably sick of purchasing tiny tubes of lotion. My favorite way to decant body lotion is in a flat pack bottle, because the more you use them, the less space they take up. By the end of your trip, you’ll have a little more room to pack anything you’ve picked up during your travels.
If you’re looking for the best of the best, my favorite flat pack bottle is by Matador. The quality of the design is top notch, and they have a warranty!
But it that's not enough of a reason to shop, you can also get 10% off your first order when you use my affiliate link here.
My runner up can be found in the travel kit by Kitsch. This is a solid option, with a budget-friendly pricepoint, but is slightly lesser quality and isn’t sold on its own.
If you can’t decide which one is right for you, not to worry- I’ve got a comparison video for you.
TLDR;
✅ Why I Love Them:
- Bring your favorite product.
- Reusable and sustainable.
- Flat-pack design saves space as you use the product.
❌ Keep in Mind:
- Costs more upfront than disposable minis.
3. Solid Lotion Stick: TSA-Approved and Zero-Liquid
If lotion is simply too much for your liquids, then you’re going to want to try my favorite solid lotion: The Fatty by Hanni. Yes, we are talking about Hanni again, because this TSA approved stick formula is packed with fatty acids, is fragrance free, and is even safe for eczema. The formula is firm with a slick glide, and melts in easily without feeling heavy or greasy. It also lasts forever compared to other softer stick formulas from big brands like vaseline or aquaphor. For cooler climates, it’s an excellent occlusive topper, and comes with me on most trips these days whether I’ve brought liquid lotion or not.
You can find it at Sephora, or Hanni's website where you can get 15% off your first order with my affiliate code MELISSA15.
My runner up is The Body Stone by Kate Mcleod. This formula comes in second place because it’s packaging isn’t quite as travel-friendly, but it is a little bit softer, and comes in multiple scents.
✅ Why I Love Them:
- TSA Approved to skip the liquids bag.
- Leak proof.
- Longer lasting than liquid lotions.
❌ Keep in Mind:
- Texture and application feel different from liquid lotion, and may take some getting used to.
The right travel body lotion can make a huge difference in how your skin feels during your travels, and how much space is left in your liquid limit. I hope these tips make your skin, and trip through TSA as smooth as possible!
Want to streamline the rest of your toiletry bag? Check out the next post in my Tiny Travel Toiletries series.
Happy Travels,
Melissa