Toiletries & Medications — what the liquids bag is actually for.

The 12 guides — toiletries, meds, and everything in between.

Twelve focused guides covering the full scope of what goes in your kit. From the 3-1-1 rule and solid alternatives to prescription travel rules, first-aid essentials, sunscreen restrictions, and contact lens supply planning. Each guide is designed to be durable — rule specifics link out to current sources because they change more often than the underlying strategy does.

1. 01 · Liquids — TSA 3-1-1 Explained

   100 ml per container, all containers in one 1-litre clear resealable bag, one bag per person. The rule applies to liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes. What surprises people: mascara, peanut butter, hummus, Nutella, and roll-on deodorant are all liquids. Stick deodorant and lip balm (stick) are not. Solid toothpaste tablets are not. When in doubt — if it pours, spreads, or squirts from a container, it's a liquid. The rule does not change based on the destination or airline. What does change: individual airport procedures and officer discretion. 10 min read. Rules.

2. 02 · Solid Toiletries — Shampoo Bars, Toothpaste Tablets, Solid Deodorant

   Solid alternatives bypass the 1-litre bag entirely. Shampoo bars last 50+ washes and weigh 60 g. Conditioner bars exist and work well for most hair types. Toothpaste tablets (with or without fluoride) are legal everywhere and weigh almost nothing. Solid deodorant performs comparably to roll-on for most people in most climates. What solid format is still catching up: SPF moisturiser (powder SPF exists but is not equivalent) and solid conditioner for very thick or coily hair. 8 min read. Gear.

3. 03 · Refillable Tubes and Leak Prevention

   If you're not going fully solid, silicone squeeze tubes in 50–100 ml sizes are the right choice for decanting from full-size bottles at home. Look for wide-mouth versions that can be filled from a bottle without a funnel. Before packing: wrap threaded caps in a single layer of cling film and seal, then stand bottles upright in a secondary ziplock inside the liquids bag. One burst of face wash can ruin a week of packing. Prevention takes 90 seconds. 6 min read. Gear.

4. 04 · Powder Rules — 12 oz Threshold

   US TSA screens powders over 12 oz (350 ml) in carry-on bags. This is not a hard ban — but amounts over the threshold may be confiscated at officer discretion. The UK Civil Aviation Authority applies similar limits. Australia's Department of Home Affairs applies stricter screening protocols at some airports. Items commonly caught: large dry shampoo cans, bulk protein powder, loose-leaf tea, and baby powder in full-size containers. Rule of thumb: pack anything over 12 oz in checked luggage. 5 min read. Rules.

5. ZO · [ZOE] My entire toiletry kit is 1L. Here's how I learned that.

   Contributor piece by Zoe. She left a prescription in Mexico City. What followed was a pharmacist who spoke no English, her broken Spanish, and 45 minutes of charades in a Oaxacan farmacias. She packed very differently after that trip. 9 min read. Zoe.

6. 05 · Prescription Medication — International Travel Rules

   Keep prescriptions in original packaging with the pharmacy label. Carry a copy of the written prescription from your prescriber — not just a photo, but a printed or PDF copy. For controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, some sleep medications), carry a letter from your doctor on clinic letterhead that describes the medication, dose, and medical necessity. This letter has no legal force but is standard practice at most international checkpoints. What it cannot protect against: destination countries that outright ban the substance. Japan bans some common cold and allergy medications containing pseudoephedrine. The UAE and Indonesia restrict many opioids and sedatives at a level that surprises US travellers. Verify with the destination country's embassy or ministry of health before you travel. 12 min read. Medical.

7. 06 · Epi-Pens and Inhalers — Always Carry-On, Never Checked

   Epi-pens and inhalers are both temperature-sensitive and delay-critical. Cargo holds are not temperature-controlled on all aircraft and are subject to significant pressure variation. A delayed-bag scenario with emergency medication in the checked bag is a medical emergency. TSA explicitly exempts medically necessary liquids from the 100 ml rule — declare them at the checkpoint and present the prescription label. Airlines will not deny boarding for medically necessary medications. If a screener attempts to remove the protective cap from an epi-pen, request a supervisor — this is not a required TSA procedure. 7 min read. Medical.

8. 07 · Time-Zone Medication Dosing

   Any medication taken on a daily schedule is affected by significant time-zone changes. Common examples: combined oral contraceptives (especially the progestin-only mini-pill, which has a 3-hour window), levothyroxine (thyroid), antihypertensives, and SSRIs. The adjustment protocol depends on the specific medication — there is no universal rule. Ask your prescribing physician for a written transition schedule before travel. Do not adjust based on generalist travel blogs or apps. 6 min read. Medical.

9. 08 · Travel First-Aid Kit — The Minimal 11-Item Version

   The floor for any trip: adhesive bandages (assorted sizes, 6 pieces minimum), antiseptic wipes (individually wrapped), ibuprofen or paracetamol, oral antihistamine (non-drowsy and drowsy versions), anti-diarrheal (loperamide), oral rehydration salts or electrolyte sachets (2–3 packets), blister plasters (compeed or equivalent), and a digital travel thermometer. Total weight under 150 g. Total footprint: one small ziplock. Build on top of this for altitude, jungle, diving, or remote travel. 9 min read. First Aid.

10. 09 · Sunscreen — Reef-Safe by Destination

    Hawaii (statewide since 2021) and Key West (Key West city ordinance) ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate. Cozumel's marine park areas and several of Thailand's national marine parks enforce similar bans. The label "reef-safe" is not regulated in the US — check the active ingredients list for zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the only UV filters. Chemical sunscreen (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, homosalate) is legal in all other environments and is effective. For non-reef environments, use what works best for your skin type. For reef environments, mineral-only. 7 min read. Rules.

11. 10 · Hotel Toiletries — When to Rely, When to Bring

    Midrange and above hotels (3-star and higher in most markets) provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as standard. Luxury properties often provide full-size or quality-brand amenities. Budget hotels vary. Hostels: assume nothing. The always-bring list regardless of hotel: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face cleanser, and any prescription or OTC medication you rely on. What you can leave behind for most midrange stays: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shower gel, body lotion. 5 min read. Strategy.

12. 11 · Women's-Specific Additions

    Sanitary products: tampons are difficult to source in many parts of Asia, rural South America, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Pads are more universally available but often at lower absorbency levels than US products. A menstrual cup is the most reliable global solution — bring cleaning tablets and a small cup-specific bag. UTI treatment: if prone, bring a course of treatment rather than trying to source it abroad. Hormonal birth control: time-zone adjustment protocol from your prescriber. SPF moisturiser counts as a liquid if it's a lotion or cream — plan for the liquids bag accordingly. 8 min read. Women's.

13. 12 · Contact Lens Travel — Supply and Care

    Pack more lenses than you plan to use — losing one in a foreign city is inconvenient at best and a medical inconvenience at worst, especially in countries where your prescription is not valid without a local eye exam. Contact solution is a liquid: bottles over 100 ml go in checked luggage or must be a travel-size 100 ml version in the carry-on. Daily disposables eliminate the solution problem entirely — they're also lighter. Glasses as backup is non-negotiable. Prescription sunglasses if you have them. 5 min read. Eyes.

Rules at a glance — the six you need before you pack.

The evergreen framing for the key rules. Specific numbers and destination restrictions change — verify against your airline's current policy and the destination country's customs authority before you fly. These panels give you the orientation; the linked guides give you the current detail.

Liquids carry-on: 100 ml per container

All containers must fit in one 1-litre clear resealable bag. One bag per passenger. Applies to liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes. Stick solids (deodorant, lip balm) are exempt. Mascara, roll-on deodorant, foundation, and cream are liquids. A container that is 150 ml but contains only 60 ml is still not allowed — the container size matters, not the fill level.

Powders carry-on: 12 oz threshold (US TSA)

Amounts over 12 oz (350 ml) of powder in carry-on may trigger additional screening and potential confiscation. UK and Australian airports apply similar protocols. Pack large powder quantities in checked luggage.

Prescription medications: original packaging required

Keep in original pharmacy packaging with the label. Carry a copy of the written prescription. For controlled substances, a letter from your prescribing physician is standard practice. Verify destination-country restrictions with the embassy or ministry of health — not forums.

Epi-pens and inhalers: always carry-on, always

These never go in checked luggage. Exempt from the 100 ml rule. Declare at checkpoint. Keep in original case with prescription label visible.

Reef-safe sunscreen: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide only

Hawaii (statewide), Key West, Cozumel marine parks, Thailand national marine parks. Check the active ingredients, not the marketing label. "Reef-safe" is not a regulated term.

Melatonin: not OTC in all countries

Prescription-only in Japan and Germany. Controlled at higher doses in several EU countries. Verify destination status before packing.

Customs and airline rules change. Verify restricted and prohibited items with your airline and your destination country's customs authority before you fly. For medications specifically: verify with that country's drug enforcement agency or health ministry before traveling with any controlled substance — country-specific restrictions can differ significantly from US classifications.

The reading list.

Six guides from the Pack Desk. Sorted by urgency — rules and liability first, gear second.

1. TSA 3-1-1: Everything You Think You Know, Wrong. Rules. 10 min.
2. Solid Toiletries — A Complete Brand Guide. Gear. 8 min.
3. Prescription Medication Abroad: Country-by-Country. Medical. 12 min.
4. Hotel vs. Bring Your Own — The Honest Answer. Strategy. 6 min.
5. Build the Right Travel First-Aid Kit. First Aid. 9 min.
6. Sunscreen Restrictions: Reef-Safe by Destination. Rules. 7 min.

Frequently — but quietly — asked.

Can I bring liquids in my checked bag without the 100 ml limit?

Yes. The 100 ml / 3-1-1 rule applies only to carry-on bags. In checked luggage, standard container sizes are allowed — but aerosols (hairspray, deodorant sprays) are subject to quantity limits, typically no more than 2 kg or 2 litres total. Pressurised containers can crack in cargo holds; pack them upright and wrapped in a bag as a precaution.

What are the rules for bringing prescription medication into another country?

This varies by country and by specific medication. In general: keep prescriptions in original packaging with the pharmacy label, carry a copy of the written prescription, and obtain a letter from your doctor for controlled substances. Some countries ban medications that are legal in the US — notably Japan (some stimulants and decongestants), UAE (certain opioids and antidepressants), and Indonesia (many sedatives). Verify with the destination country's embassy or health ministry, not travel blogs.

Does TSA have a limit on how much powder I can bring in a carry-on?

TSA does not have a hard prohibition on powders under 12 oz (350 ml), but amounts over 12 oz in carry-on may trigger additional screening and could be confiscated at officer discretion. The UK, Australia, and several Asian airports apply similar or stricter limits. Best practice: pack large quantities of powder in checked luggage; carry trial-size or travel-size amounts in clearly labelled containers.

Are deodorant sticks, lip balm, and mascara considered liquids?

Stick deodorant: not a liquid — no restriction. Lip balm (stick form): not a liquid. Roll-on deodorant: liquid — must be under 100 ml and in the 1L bag. Mascara: liquid. Foundation: liquid. Cream: liquid. Powder eyeshadow or blush: not a liquid, but subject to the 12 oz powder screening rule.

My epi-pen is larger than 100 ml — can I still bring it on the plane?

Yes. The TSA explicitly exempts medically necessary liquids, including epi-pens, insulin, and other injectables, from the 100 ml limit. Declare them at the checkpoint, present the prescription label, and keep them in a carry-on — never in a checked bag.

Is melatonin legal in all countries?

No. OTC in the US, Canada, and the UK. Prescription-only in Japan and Germany. Controlled in several EU countries at higher doses. Verify the destination country's status before travel.

What sunscreen is safe for reef environments?

Mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. Chemical filters — particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate — are banned in Hawaii, Key West, Cozumel marine parks, and Thailand's national marine parks. Check the active ingredients list, not the marketing label.

Pack what works. Verify the rest.

Rules change. What's fine on one flight or in one country may not be on the next. Build the kit. Then verify it against your airline and destination before you fly.

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Customs and airline rules change — verify restricted and prohibited items with your airline and your destination country's customs authority before you fly. For any controlled substance, verify with that country's drug enforcement agency or health ministry before travel; country-specific restrictions differ significantly from US classifications.