Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
Whether you’re looking to travel carry-on only or maximize beauty products on your trip, non-liquid items are an awesome option to consider for your next vacation or business trip!
Solid Toiletries for Travel
Table Of Contents
The TSA liquids rule can be hard to adhere to when you’re traveling carry-on only, but it’s a must. One way to make it easier to comply is to switch out some of your regular liquid toiletries for solid ones.
There are some amazing products on the market, from shampoo to facial cream and foundation that can help you stick to the TSA liquids rule but still look, feel, and smell your best while traveling.
How To Pack Toiletries
Be sure to read our complete Guide to Packing Toiletries – it walks you through, step by step, how to choose what to pack, how to downsize what you have, and how to pack it.
Do a test run to see if everything fits in your toiletry bag. If your belongings don’t fit, consider using multi-use products such as a shampoo/conditioner combo, using conditioner as shaving cream, or baby shampoo for your hair and body. Multi-use items are an essential space saver!
Downsize and decant your toiletries into smaller containers so that they take up less space. Instead of immediately buying “travel-size” containers in 3oz or 100ml bottles, save space by using various sizes like these and take only the amount you will use.
If you’ll be traveling for a longer time, you can buy toiletries at your destination.
In addition, watch this video to see how to pack your toiletries into your carry-on!
How To Pack Solid Toiletries
When traveling with solid toiletries (whether shampoo bars, soap, deodorant or toothpaste tablets), packing them securely between uses is key to preventing messes and keeping them fresh.
Invest in small, airtight containers specifically made for solid toiletries. You can also use a breathable mesh bag to keep things dry in between uses. Then simply pack them away in your toiletry bag to keep everything in one place and you won’t have to worry about accidentally getting something dirty or sticky.
Printable Toiletries Checklist
Printable Toiletries Checklist
To ensure that you don’t forget to bring anything on your trip, we’ve created a helpful and very thorough printable toiletries checklist. You can click here or click the image above in order to open the editable file.
The list features unique categories to help you pack for your trip efficiently. It includes all the items listed in various categories above and has spaces where you can fill in your own information:
- you can write in an item’s weight (lighter items means less overall baggage weight)
- you can note if you need to purchase something or if you already own it
- and most importantly, you can organize where you’ll pack each item
Read this post for a printable packing list that includes clothes, shoes, and more!
TFG Approved Best Solid Toiletries
Here are some of the best solid toiletries you can pack for your next trip!
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen: Amazon | Target | Walmart
Best Solid Sunscreen: Neutrogena
Neutrogena has a solid sunscreen in stick form that is perfect for both the face and body since it’s oil and PABA-free. It goes on completely dry and doesn’t have an overwhelming scent.
The best part? It doesn’t melt like other sunscreens and offers both UVA and UVB protection to prevent sun damage and even aging. This is the best solid sunblock, and it should definitely make your travel toiletries list.
We love this product and find it even more effective than its liquid counterpart and there is even a child friendly option too. This one’s 100% TFG Approved!
Here are even more popular sunscreen sticks, all recommended by our readers!
HiBAR Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set: Amazon | Grove
Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Set: HiBAR
HiBAR’s shampoo and conditioner sets come very highly recommended by readers! They’re super effective, color-safe, and made of clean, high-quality ingredients.
And the main reason readers constantly recommend them is that they’re formulated for multiple hair types, and they have a bunch of different options depending on your specific hair needs! Plus, they’re long-lasting and smell great!
Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shampoo Bar: ULTA | Grove
Best Solid Shampoo: Ethique Shampoo Bar
So popular with TFG readers and travelers alike, Ethique makes some of the best solid shampoo bars (and conditioner) for a range of different hair types that last a long time.
They’re also eco friendly because these lovely-smelling bars are vegan, biodegradable, and the packing is plastic-free and compostable.
The Earthling Co. Solid Hair Conditioner Bar: Amazon
Solid Conditioner Bar: The Earthling Co.
When shampoo bars leave you feeling dry, conditioner is a must-have. Thankfully, there are liquid-free conditioner options available, too!
The Earthling Co. Conditioner Bar is one of the best conditioner bars on the market for all hair types including curly, dry, oily, frizzy, gray, and color-treated. Its creamy texture will leave your hair strands soft and silky.
This solid conditioner bar is also environmentally friendly since it is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates and artificial fragrances.
J.R. Liggett Shampoo Bar: Amazon | Walmart
Natural Oil Solid Shampoo Bars: J.R. Liggett
Travelers love using natural oils, and now two of your favorites (coconut and argan oil) are bundled into one amazing solid shampoo bar from J.R. Liggett.
Unlike other similar natural travel shampoo options, this sulfate-free shampoo lathers, so it’s easier to know when you have enough in your hair! Simply swish it around in your hands and apply the lather to your fully-wet hair.
If you’re using this natural shampoo bar at home, some recommend an apple cider vinegar rinse to follow as a natural conditioner option. But if you’re on the road, skip that and simply shampoo every other day.
If you want to get the maximum lifespan out of this shampoo bar, store it in a dry container outside of the shower so it lasts longer!
Kitsch Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set: Kitsch | ULTA
Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Combo: Kitsch
A solid shampoo and conditioner bar set is the perfect combination for travel.
Your hair will feel silky and healthy-looking with Kitsch’s Rice Water Shampoo and Conditioner Bars. Formulated to help repair damaged hair follicles and prevent split ends, this hair care set is perfect for dry, weak, brittle and color-treated hair that is in need of extra nourishment.
As a bonus, Kitsch only uses natural vegan ingredients that are plant based with no Sulfates, Parabens and artificial fragrances.
Honey House Naturals Bee Bar Vanilla
Solid Lotion: Honey House
The TSA liquids rule means no lotion — at least not enough for those longer trips. But what if I told you there was a moisturizer without water?
Honey House Naturals Bee Bar is a hefty serving of natural butter, moisturizers, and Vitamin E in a solid lotion bar. Its scent and healing properties are two of the top benefits, making it the perfect addition to your toiletries checklist.
The solid texture turns warm and creamy in one swipe and helps your skin feel smooth and silky with regular use. The bigger tin can last from four to six months making it ideal for a round-the-world the trip!
We share some of the best moisturizers for travel with SPF!
Viva Doria Natural Tooth Powder: Amazon | Walmart
Solid Toothpaste: Viva Doria
Toothpaste is another thing you might not know how to pack while still adhering to the TSA liquids rule. But I’ve got a new way for you to brush your teeth — by using powder toothpaste!
This product, dapper in a mini mason jar, contains only natural ingredients to make your teeth and gums healthier leaving a minty aftertaste. This little container goes a long way, perfect for six weeks of travel.
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Lazy Coconuts Eco Friendly Laundry Detergent Strips: Amazon | Walmart
Solid Laundry Sheets: Lazy Coconuts
Who wouldn’t want to carry less and limit their carbon footprint? Well, Lazy Coconuts laundry strips are highly popular for those very reasons!
These strips are vegan, biodegradable, and cruelty-free, and packaged without plastic. But they are also effective when you need to do laundry while traveling. They dissolve quickly and are said to be 20 times lighter than messy liquid detergent! Users say these are “easy, lightweight, and have strong cleaning power.”
Check out these picks for the best travel laundry soap according to TFG readers!
Sea to Summit Pocket Soap: Backcountry | REI
Best Pocket Travel Soap: Sea to Summit
This is one of the original all-purpose solid toiletries for travel. This pocket hand wash offers travel-friendly ways of cleaning almost everything and should definitely be included on your toiletries checklist!
The small size hits right with most airport standards, making it a perfect TSA bar soap travel companion. Whip this out of your purse when you’re in a public bathroom that doesn’t have hand soap, use it to hand-wash clothes in your hotel, or simply add it to any low-maintenance beauty routine.
If your accommodation doesn’t have a dryer, take a look at these portable travel clothes lines that are all very packable!
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm: Amazon | Grove
Solid Insect Repellent
Packing toiletries can be a challenge when it comes to traveling carry-on only, especially when you’re headed to a place where there might be biting bugs. Luckily, this insect repellent comes in balm form, making it a great addition to your toiletries list. It’s convenient if you don’t normally attract many mosquitos.
Badger Anti-Bug Balm: Amazon | Grove | REI
Another repellent to beat the TSA liquid rule is this all-natural solid bug repellent option. It’s perfect for campers and explorers who want to fend off mosquitoes and other bugs in an eco-conscious way.
The Badger Anti-Bug Balm contains no harsh chemicals, doesn’t stain clothes, and has a more pleasant scent than regular bug sprays.
Want to keep the bugs away? These are all the best insect repellent options I’ve tried over the years!
Big Sexy Hair Powder Play: ULTA
Solid Dry Shampoo: Big Sexy
Not everyone wants to rely on a shampoo bar. Perhaps you’re just not that into them, or you need a little something for those shower-less days. Adding dry shampoo to your travel toiletries can be a great alternative to traditional liquids, as well.
If you’re like me and skip a day or two in between shampoos, dry shampoo is an awesome option to keep your hair looking and smelling fresh. And while it’s typically available in spray form (which isn’t great for carry-on travel), Sexy Hair offers a powdered style.
Use this solid dry shampoo on days you want to volumize your hair. Easily style your tresses by tossing this powder on and comb it with your fingers. No grease, just style.
Dove Beauty Bar: Amazon
Best Travel Soap Bars
Not all of your solid travel toiletries have to be a specialty brand, and the Dove White Beauty Bar is a great example of that. This common drugstore find is a great find for the best travel soap for its classic but nourishing bathing experience.
This travel beauty bar softens the skin and can be used with a loofah (like shower gel) to create a thick lather that’s safe on the body (and face, too). And its generous sizing makes it last for a long time — you can use it for weeks while on your travels!
Bali Travel Size Soap: Amazon | Walmart
Regardless of which brand you decide to go with, the trick with adding travel soap to your toiletries list is to cut it into pieces so you have just the right amount you need for your trip!
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a variety of soaps for your travel toiletries, you can take one or more small soaps depending on your trip length. This Bali Soap Set is ultra-cute and practical, too!
Drunk Elephant Baby Pekee Bar + Juju Bar: Amazon | Drunk Elephant | Sephora
Solid Exfoliator and Soap Bar: Drunk Elephant
Packing a duo of two potent solid soaps, Drunk Elephant offers a healthy, organic alternative for body wash. The Juju bar removes dead skin cells, while the Pekee Bar heals and moisturizes the skin.
Beauty buffs find this combo to be some of the best travel soap, because not only is it travel-friendly, but it is long-lasting and effective.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick: Bobbi Brown | Nordstrom | ULTA
Makeup Solid Foundation Stick: Bobbi Brown
With this moisturizing and paraben-free creamy solid stick foundation, you can protect your skin and feel beautiful at the same time. It’s easy to apply, long-lasting, and offers good coverage without drying out your skin.
Despite being a bit pricey, you get the convenience of carrying a good quality foundation while also saving liquid space on your travels.
If you’re looking for more recommendations, here are more popular solid foundation sticks tried and tested by our readers.
Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant Face Scrub: ULTA
Solid Face Cleansing Stick: Dermalogica
The thought of a solid face cleanser makes me think of a standard bar of soap. Thankfully, this leading skincare brand transformed it into a luxurious beauty experience.
The Dermalogica Powder Stick gently exfoliates and thoroughly cleanses. Simply dispense into your wet hands to create a paste, apply to face, then rinse.
You’ll love it so much that you’ll probably want to use it when you’re even when you’re not traveling. Who knew solid toiletries for travel could feel luxurious?
Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Bar Soap: Amazon
Best Solid Face Soap
Olive oil, known for its amazing ability to soften skin, now comes in a solid but soothing facial soap you can use on both your face and body.
Promising only natural ingredients, this Mediterranean-inspired bar is a popular, organic alternative to other drugstore soaps. You’ll definitely want to add it to your toiletries packing list.
It has a strong lather without the overpowering scent, leaving skin velvety and soft.
Travel Toiletries List Tips
What is the TSA Liquid Rule?
Simply put, the TSA liquids rule regulates that you can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes through the checkpoint. But they’re limited to 3.4 ounces or 100ml per item. This can make traveling carry-on only a bit of a challenge.
You can read more detailed information about the TSA liquids rule here.
Why should I choose solid products?
Solid products can replace some of your liquid items to reduce the liquids you need to fit in that quart-size bag. If you bring a block of sunscreen instead of a bottle, you can fit an extra bottle of something you absolutely need to be liquid.
And on that note, who can survive off only 100 ml of sunscreen for a beachside trip?
Won’t they weigh more?
If you plan correctly, the weight shouldn’t be a problem. Don’t bring a whole bar of soap, shampoo, or conditioner if you’re only going for a week-long trip. Plan accordingly and bring only what you need; you can save the rest for your next trip!
Do you recommend any solid toiletries for travel? Please share your comments below!
For more travel tips, please read:
- Ultimate Toiletries Packing Guide
- Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Luggage
- Best Toiletry Bags for Travel
- Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Personal Item
LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
I hope you liked this post on solid toiletries for travel. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Of all the solid shampoo/conditioner I have tried I love the Kitsch hair products. Some solid products are awkward shaped and take up too much space and you have to cut them down smaller. FYI… if you travel on Ryanair be prepared to have your liquids bag sized down (they have tables everywhere with their plastic bags available for you to use). They are smaller than US standard liquid bag carry-on. I learned my lesson, and I now travel with solids.
Thanks for sharing your review Toni!
Thank you for the article and the spreadsheet toiletries packing list. The links to the packing list on other TFG pages (my everyday skincare routine and how to downsize for travel, and how to pack creams, toners and other liquids) returned 404 errors, but this one worked! I appreciate it!
You should definitely include the ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick in lots of shades! From the makers of the ILIA Skin Tint, the best in class!
You can send them a photo and they’ll match your skin tone. Wonderful products and no I am not affiliated. Just a fan
I had no idea many of these items existed! Thanks for continuing to offer such practical advice for travelers.
Excited to try Ethique! My solids to-try list include: bars, crystal deodorant, toothpaste tabs, & laundry sheets.
If you have a Lush handmade Cosmetics near you they have several shampoo bars and conditioner bars. I love the ‘Honey I washed my hair’ shampoo bar. And they even have a purple conditioner bar that helps against blonde hair brassiness. You can also order online.
Also find a cheap denture cup with strainer to store them both in, probably a dollar at walmart or target.
What a great idea!
Ethique sells a “hair sampler”, “body sampler”, and “face sampler”. Taking a selection of these worked really well on my last trip, so I’m ordering the large sizes of several products (will cut an appropriate amount from each bar when traveling in the future)
Hi Stephanie, thank you for sharing your recommendation of Ethique with us, so pleased they worked so well for your. Hope you had an awesome time on your last trip. Happy travels! ?
Question will neutrogena beach defense sunblock stick work? I do not live in the US and the one you recommend is not available in amazon in my country and getting it shipped costs 50 dls while the other one is just 10 dls on amazon Mexico? Any experience with it? They also have one by Elizabeth Arden (25 USD) but has more reviews.
Hi Darcy, thank you for your question! I am afraid I do not have any experience with the Neutrogena Beach defence sunblock stick, as I only use the one mentioned in the article, the Ultra Sheer Face and Body Sticky which works well for me. To get you some feedback for your question, I have gone ahead and posted it on TFG’s facebook page, our readers are awesome at answering questions like yours, so please keep an eye open for their replies from Saturday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ Hope this helps! 🙂
Perfect will keep a look on it. Thank you so much.
Hi Darcy, you question will now be published on TFG’s facebook page from tomorrow. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Another great brand for soap and shampoo bars is Chagrin Valley soap and salve. They also work great for shaving and are moisturizing on your skin.
Hi Jackie, thank you for taking the time to share your recommended travel toiletry brands, always love hearing our readers favorite products!! 🙂
Any suggestions for shaving? I checked out Lush and they didn’t have anything solid. Ideally looking for something with minimal packaging.
Hi Ann, thank you for your question! Have a look at this TFG article about shaving whilst travelling: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/shaving-while-traveling/ Hopefully it will give you some ideas! 🙂
I’m in the UK and Venus Razors have razors that have bars of Olay on them so you just use with water. No gel/cream required!
Rocky Mountain Soap co has a great solid peppermint shave bar. Works great as a full body soap too. They also carry lots of other solid and natural products.
You can easily shave using the Dove soap bar mentioned in the article – it lathers up to a really creamy consistency so works well with a razor!
I personally generally use a bar of soap (any brand or type, even the freebies from hotels. I use them at home even because a bar of soap is usually a $1 or less, and easily lasts 6+ months….versus $5+ for shaving gel that might last 2.
Use conditioner bar to shave. One less thing to carry around. The solid bars last a long time.
I do travel carry-on only ever since I ended up with a broken suitcase at a very important congress upon arrival.
I am in love with solid shampoo bars (helps me get my long, dry and voluminous hair tamed without a fuss and an awful lot of products – no need for conditioner either!) massage bars (I don’t carry any liquid hand & body lotions if I have the massage bars as they are great moisturisers to my extremely dry skin) and solid perfumes (they are great alone or as a base to the small amount of other precious liquid perfumes I carry along) of Lush. I also carry little pieces of mild soap bars instead of all liquid soaps, cleansers and shower gels.
I also love using stick blushes as they are easy to apply and carry around AND they eliminate the need to carry additional brushes.
This leaves me the room to carry my favorite make-up remover (I have yet to try a solid one or coconut oil) a travel size hair mousse for bad-hair days (the only other product I might need to use along with my shampoo bar) along with my sunscreen, face creams and whatnot.
People are usually shocked when they realise I have all my possible beauty needs with me in a small carry on.
Agree with Andrea H’s suggestion of tucking the shampoo bars or fragile soaps in small porous pouches that can keep the product together and double up for a loofah. The trick is to keep them out of the shower and let them air-dry and make sure you keep them in a safe ziplock bag or a waterproof container just in case you are in a very humid place and they are still damp by the time you need to move.
Awesome feedback thank you! 🙂
I also use Lush solid shampoo and conditioner. Their bars last for weeks, so I cut them into quarters with a sharp knife, and take only 1 quarter piece of each. I have found some small plastic containers for the shampoo and conditioner. I poked small holes into the tops to let them dry out if I have to pack up and go to my next destination.
I use kids’ solid sunscreen, because it comes in higher SPF than adult ones.
I do the same thing with lush shampoo. I have a couple of different kinds so I just cut them up and put them in the lush tin. That way I can switch up my shampoo and not use the same one every day but still take small quantities. I use them to replace shave gel as well. Still married to my leave in conditioner. Some things you can’t compromise on. Lol
What kind of shampoo bar do you like?
Nice I’ll check these out!
great ideas but in the UK, they are classed as liquids. In my experience, the UK applied the rules differently; in all other countries, they are solids and not liquids.
All of these solids are great ideas BUT they do add weight. There are aleternatives like Simple eye make up remover pads, BugX insect repellant wiipes, Oil of Olay wipes that you just wet and are face cleanser and moisturier in one.
Great recommendations Cheryl, thanks!
I’ve had great luck with Neutrogena & No-Ad’s sunblock sticks. R&CO makes a dry shampoo paste which I use for my bangs & ends – there are a couple of dry shampoo powders that can also work if you are trying to really pack light. I absolutely love the toothy tabs from Lush for travel toothpaste -so lightweight and good. I thought Dirt tasted incredibly foul and brushing with a substance that looks like Dirt is nasty. Because I had decent luck with a post-shower lotion bar from Lush, I bought a Lush solid sunblock bar in Italy they only sell in Europe and I wouldn’t recommend it. I bought it because we were going through sunblock like crazy and its so expensive in Europe and thought the bar would be easy/lightweight. It melted way too easily, was hard to apply, streaky & the shimmer in the product was not ideal for my husband. I’ve not had the best of luck with non-liquid perfume balms (Pacifica and others) — the scents typically don’t last, but I did like one I got from H&M in Mexico and it was really cheap. I hope to find it again.
I am very interested in solid “toothwash”; I’d love to know anyone has to say about the tablets that are out there.
Lush makes Tooth Tabs which are solid. I pack some in a tiny jar with part of a cotton ball on top to keep the, from breaking. I’ve tried several flavors and they work great!
I have used bite toothpaste tablets. I like them. Does not count as a liquid anywhere.
Cool ideas. Love the sunscreen solids!
Glad you like the recommendations Lisa!
I never travel without my Eco-Dent Tooth Powder!!!
Great product! Thanks for sharing Jen! Happy travels!
There are some great products to try here, thanks! I don’t recommend the Lush shampoo as it is very harsh and my hair felt like dry straw after I used it. I highly recommend http://mecca.com.au/bumble-and-bumble/pret-a-powder/V-017880.html Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo powder which comes in tiny travel size. Also does travelling with solid body soap actually work? How does it dry out when you are travelling every day or second day? Don’t you end up with a bunch of mush?
Thanks for the suggestion Beck! It can get challenging when moving from place to place, but if you find a solid bar that stays together after a few uses, it is well worth it! Thanks for your question, happy travels!
I actually bought these sort of loofah pouches from Amazon a few years back. I can slide a bar of soap inside and there’s a drawstring on the end to contain everything. I keep it in a ziplock when traveling. Keeps the soap from falling apart and lathers much better than just a bar of soap.
Thanks!
I keep my African Black Soap (it’s my go-to face cleanser) in a plastic travel container. Right after my shower, I leave the lid fully open on the counter. I’ve never had a problem with it not drying within a few hours. If I shower at night, by next morning, it’s dry and ready to throw in my bag. If I shower in the morning before traveling, I just open it up on the counter upon my arrival at my destination. I didn’t have any problems even when traveling to Southern Texas (near Corpus Christi, so plenty muggy).
Hi Sarah, thank you for taking the time to share this with us, this is really helpful to know!! Happy travels! ?
I just discovered the Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-Powder dry shampoo. It’s the best by far! It doesn’t leave any powdery residue on my hair. It’s expensive, but you need only a little bit.
Hi Linda, thank you for sharing your great review with us, this is really helpful to know. Happy travels! ?
I happen to like Perfectly Posh’s solid lotion, “Rehab” bar. Also, they have a charcoal soap bar called “Gender Bender” (in a unisex scent) that is touted as a facial cleanser as well as a body bar (I use it for both-using it on my face has helped clear up my acne!) https://youngandposh.po.sh
Great products! Thanks for the suggestions Yonna! Happy travels!