17 Greatest Journey Bottles For Toiletries

I’ll be the first to admit that I love collecting hotel toiletries. They’re certainly more economical to rely on than buying small bottles of shampoos and soaps before a trip. But a lot of hotels are doing away with single-use toiletries and replacing them with larger bottles in showers instead, or those recyclable sachets, which make me feel like I’m squeezing ketchup into my hair.

Having a plethora of body wash toiletry bottles around from every hotel you’ve ever been to is convenient, but it’s more environmentally friendly to not rely on them at all. I switched to reusable bottles for travel years ago, especially for things like sunscreen that I can buy in large bottles, and I’ll never go back.

Packing toiletries this way might take a few more minutes than tossing mini containers into your toiletry bag, but the Earth will thank you. Plus, refillable bottles make it easier to pack your favorite shampoo and conditioner rather than settling for whatever TSA-compliant travel-sized products you can find in Target’s travel beauty bins.

But before we get onto the best travel bottles for toiletries:

What toiletry bottles are TSA approved?

TSA-approved travel bottles must be under the 3.4 oz liquid restriction. Many travel bottle sets will say they’re TSA-approved, and you’ll have to trust their word since they’re unmarked toiletry bottles.

Even so, I have personally never encountered an issue with the TSA and my reusable containers. My refillable containers have been all over the world with me and haven’t gotten a second glance in the United States, Europe, or Asia. As long as your travel bottles are the size of a 3.4 oz container or smaller, you should be good to go.

Don’t forget that liquid toiletries must be able to fit in a clear, quart-sized baggie. So keep that in mind for your next trip!

See Related: Best TSA-Approved Locks for Travel

Best Travel Bottles for Toiletries

Every traveler will have their own definition of the best toiletry bottles. For carry-on only travelers, fitting all of your stuff in a quart-sized bag for TSA is paramount. If you’re checking a bag, don’t stress about the size – you can pack as many bottles of any size as you can fit.

This buying guide will save you from the extra cost of buying smaller bath or beauty products, embrace the space-saving power of travel containers, and help you meet TSA guidelines.

1. Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottles

One of the problems with packing reusable silicone travel bottles is that, once they’re empty, they still take up the same amount of room. That’s why FlatPak bottles from Matador are our top pick for the best travel toiletry bottles to have.

These flat-pack bottles can store all the liquids in an easy-to-fold bottle, space-saving. Silicone material bottles might be more durable, but plastic ones are way more space-saving for your shampoo, conditioner, or shower gel. When you’ve used up your product, the whole bottle totally flattens making more room in your travel bag.

I’ve been using Flatpak bottles for shampoo and conditioner for years, and their soap case is incredible. It fits small bar-sized soaps and magically dries them out overnight, so you don’t have to deal with slimy soap the next time you want to scrub up.

Please keep in mind that these are not rated as food safe. While they look like applesauce pouches, please do not use them as such. They’re meant for things like shampoo or conditioner, not food products.

Pros:

• Leakproof cap
• Packs flat when empty
• Easy to fill

Cons:

• Less durable than silicone travel bottles
• Harder to clean

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2. These Amazon Silicone Bottles

If you’re not one to travel with your entire bathroom worth of product, you may just need a small set of While I own a full travel bottle set with mini containers, I mostly use these reusable silicone bottles that I picked up a few years ago.

A four-pack of multi-colored silicone travel bottles makes it easy to remember which contains which product, forgoing the need for labels. They’re ideal for carry-on travelers too as they’re under 3.4 oz for TSA-friendly travel. Plus silicone containers are super easy to clean either by hand with warm water or in the top rack of your dishwasher.

I use these kinds of containers when traveling with my partner. That way if we end up sharing a bag for toiletries, we can keep our products separate.

What can be tricky though is getting product out of the very bottom corners of the containers, even after the dishwasher sometimes there are hardened or still liquid bits of product still stuck there. Shower gel mixed with oily sunscreen isn’t a great discovery.

Pros:

• Large mouth for easy filling, no funnel needed!
• Leak proof design
• Drip-free dispenser valve
• Carry-on sized
• Food-grade silicone

Cons:

• Not see through
• Caps can be difficult to clean
• Can’t easily label them

See Related: Best Travel Size Colognes | Top Portable Options

3. GoToob Clear Silicone Squeeze Bottles

Clear silicone travel bottles like GoToob aren’t as cute as their colorful counterparts, but they’re no less helpful. In fact, these refillable bottles are probably better because you can tell from a glance if they’re running low — or even if you’re about to use lotion instead of shampoo.

Humangear makes all sorts of sizes, and they’re one of the most durable brands on the market. I’ve had a set of GoToob bottles for three or four years now and they’ve never leaked in carry-on or checked luggage.

I prefer clear silicone travel bottles for things like face wash or sunscreen because I’ve used the wrong product mistakenly more than once. It’ll only take one time of using slimy sunscreen in the shower to opt for clear silicone every time.

You may also want to keep clear containers designated for the same product each time you use it. Especially for thick products like conditioner or sunscreen, for whatever reason, I can never get them fully out of the bottles. Even after multiple washes, the bottles seem stained from those products. Also, remember that these are dishwasher-safe in the top rack. The caps can be tossed into the silverware basket, too!

Pros:

• BPA free silicone
• Clear, see-through material
• Leak-proof travel accessory
• No drip valve on each bottle
• Perfect size for carry-on baggage

Cons:

• Can be hard to fill
• Bottles may become cloudy over time
• Can be hard to fully clean

See Related: Best Travel Toiletry Bags | Portable Options for Travel

4. Plastic Travel Bottles

Definitely not as popular as silicone travel bottles, plastic bottles are still a great standby. Because they aren’t made of silicone material, these containers stand up better in a shower or bathtub but that also makes them harder to squeeze — especially with wet hands.

Full disclosure, because of squeezing my set of these kinds of containers is permanently bent in the middle. That happened after only my first trip using them. While they still work just fine, it’s clear that they aren’t as durable since the plastic bent so severely after only a week of use. You’ll probably be better off reusing single-use product containers instead.

One of the benefits of these plastic bottles, though, is that you can find them in stores pretty much anywhere. Dollar Tree or Dollar General both carry bottles like this, as does Target or Walmart. They’re much cheaper than GoToob bottles or Flatpak sets, so if you’re hard on your stuff or if you don’t travel often, they’re a no-brainer.

What is great about these kinds of toiletry bottles is that you can use sticky labels on them. Though the labels might not survive washing the containers after travel, being able to label them will help differentiate between hand sanitizer and other liquids. Labels are also handy for folks with sensitive skin who need a variety of products for their face or body.

Pros:

• Easy to use with adjustable labels
• Less prone to fall over because of rigid plastic
• Easy to clean
• Cheap and easy to find in stores

Cons:

• Can be hard to squeeze
• May deform with prolonged use

See Related: Best Travel Totes: Portable Bags & Carry-Ons

5. Suction cup toiletry bottles

One of the less talked about varieties of toiletry bottles is the kind with suction cups for easy shower access. At some chic, luxury, or boutique hotels, I’ve found the shower is less likely to have any shelving or places to keep your toiletries. These high-quality silicone bottles have suction cups to keep your products within reach at all times.

Somehow, though, these suction cup toiletry bottles haven’t become the best travel toiletry bottles out there. Sure, they will they save your back from having to bend down to grab your products from the shower floor, and if they stick well, these containers will also elevate your bathing experience, but suction cups can be more trouble than they’re worth, depending on the shower wall material.

One downside is that the suction cup can become unstuck depending on the kind of wall material you’re attaching it to. I’ve found that they do stick well to tile and plastic shower walls based on my personal use of them, but I’ve had them fall because the tile was textured.

Pros:

• Bottles are BPA free
• Leak proof caps
• Stick your products to the wall within reach
• Easy to clean, top-rack dishwasher safe

Cons:

• The suction cup may detach mid-shower
• The suction cup may deform if put through the dishwasher

See Related: Best Minimalist Travel Backpacks & Bags for Trips

6. Travel-friendly vacuum bottles

For folks who need their (probably expensive) face creams or products to stay in top shape, vacuum pump bottles are a great accessory to have. These containers keep oxygen out of your product to keep them from drying out so you can continue using these containers long after your trip without fear your product has dried out.

Another great feature is that the bottles allow for one-handed dispensing. These vacuum pump bottles are perfect for things like face creams, emulsions, or even liquid masks. This set includes three different containers of various sizes to differentiate products and pack only what you need.

These will not emulsify your product like some other home-sized dispensers, so you will need to lather the products up between your hands. Even so, these containers are the perfect way to keep your more delicate products safe far and wide.

Pros:

• Keeps air out of the product
• Leak proof design
• Easy to fill

Cons:

• Takes up more room
• Can be difficult to clean

See Related: Types of Travel Bags for the Jetsetter

7. Character Silicone Travel Bottles…. for “kids”

Traveling with kiddos can be hard enough without fights during bathtime. Luckily this set of adorable silicone travel bottles can help! With two bear-shaped and two bunny-shaped, BPA-free bottles, bathtime can be fun.

The set of four containers is leakproof and bound to bring a smile to even the grumpiest little traveler’s face. Plus between the shapes and colors, you can easily remember what products are in each. That gives you more bandwidth to enjoy quality time with your children.

You can also use these bottles yourself – let’s be real, I picked them up because they’re just too cute. There’s nothing wrong with some travel-friendly whimsy! Plus you’ll be packing more environmentally friendly by using these eco-friendly containers.

Pros:

• Super cute design
• Leak proof
• BPA free

Cons:

• Harder to pack because of ear shapes

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8. Food-safe travel pouches for liquids or purees

Everyone talks about toiletry bottles for shampoos and soaps, but what about travel bottles for snacks? If you’ve packed well enough to have some extra space, you may also want to bring food pouches for your flight. These haakaa food pouches are perfect for little hands, hold up to 4 oz of food, and are heat/freezer resistant.

The flexible material of these pouches allows for little hands to squeeze them without fear of popping. That means they’re also more durable for being placed in travel coolers or backpacks.

Although they’re pouch-shaped, they have a flat bottom. That means they can stand up for easy storage or keeping on a table or flat surface in between on-the-go snack breaks. And since they’re slightly translucent you can tell when the pouches need a refill.

Do note, though, that they are half an ounce bigger than the TSA size if you’re bringing them through security. Your experience may vary, but if you’re worried about these getting confiscated, perhaps they’re best for road trips.

Pros:

• Dishwasher safe
• Microwave, freezer, and fridge safe
• Durable for little hands to squeeze

Cons:

• Might be difficult to fully clean
• Only comes in a two pack
• A little oversized for TSA regulations

See Related: Best Tips for Flying with Vitamins

Best Complete Travel Container Sets

9. This Comprehensive Toiletry Set

If these are your first travel toiletry bottles, a full set of products is a great way to know what you actually need when you travel. A 16-pack from Morfone includes all of the kinds of containers you should need for a long or short trip.

This TSA-friendly set includes compact-size bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel as well as mini containers for things like hair gel or lotion. Plus it comes with a cleaning brush, small funnel, mini spatula for lotions or creams, and even spray bottles for fragrances (or even Poo-Pourri — I’m not here to judge). The accessories make this an instant win for me – even if I don’t use the bottles as much as my Flatpak or Silicone ones, the spatula and funnel get a ton of use.

What I like best about sets like this is that if I decide I don’t need certain containers, I can bring along products I normally wouldn’t travel with. You also may not think to order things like small containers for lotions or face creams until you use one for the first time thanks to a set like this one.

Pros:

• Has a variety of container sizes
• Comes in a TSA-approved bag
• Comes with a cleaning tool
• Leakproof bottles

Cons:

• Doesn’t have clear bottles
• Bottle types don’t suit all travelers

See Related: Best Travel Duffle Bags For Your Next Trip

10. OXO Mini Food Travel Containers

Whether you’re using these OXO mini food containers for baby food, solid snacks, or beauty products, your stuff will be safe. These containers hold up to 2 oz which makes them TSA carry-on compliant for carry-on travelers.

The twist-on lids make the OXO containers easy to open for little hands too which is great for little ones trying to get their snack on. Although they’re easy to open, the containers are still spill-proof when closed all the way.

These containers are see-through, dishwasher safe, and come in a three-pack. Plus, since they have hard plastic lids, they’re easy to label as well. On the go, these are also easy to clean by hand at a sink as needed, so you don’t have to worry about getting old food or product stuck in the bottom of them.

Pros:

• Dishwasher safe
• Food safe
• Clear material to see what’s in them
• TSA size compliant for liquids

Cons:

• Won’t hold a lot of product

See Related: Best Travel Products to Combat Flight Anxiety

11. Termichy Travel Baby Food Containers

Having little ones adds a few extra layers to your travel plans. That may mean finding a way to get your liquid or pureed food items on the plane with you in a food-safe container option. Luckily they aren’t subject to the 3.4 oz TSA liquids rule if you’re genuinely carrying baby food:

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag

TSA.gov

One way to pack them for easy travel is with food-grade silicone containers. These containers are leakproof, easy to store, and clean. Plus they’re easy to feed little ones using a tray table or not.

Small containers like these are stackable making them an easy thing to pack in a carry-on cooler bag or even a backpack or diaper bag. The lids stay securely fastened so you don’t have to worry about them randomly popping open.

Pros:

• Food grade silicone
• BPA free
• Dishwasher safe on the top rack
• Leak proof

Cons:

• They may pop open if the bag they’re in is too full or pressed on
• Lids can warp if put in the bottom dishwasher rack

See Related: Essential Solo Travel Luggage & Accessories

12. Travel-size perfume atomizers

For perfume wearers, collecting those mini bottles from places like Sephora is one way to have travel-sized fragrances. However, you may have a favorite scent that you want to bring instead or in addition to pieces from your vast sample bottle collection.

That’s where a portable perfume atomizer comes in handy. These atomizers are made from durable aluminum, have a peek-through window to show how much product is left, and hold 5 ml of liquid. With a four-pack in multiple colors, you can easily keep different fragrances separate and have plenty of fragrances for your whole trip.

Generally, a 5 ml bottle of perfume will last 50-75 sprays. That should keep you covered for two or three weeks with a single perfume atomizer. You could easily get away with just a single one of these atomizers for anything less than a multi-month European backpacking excursion.

Pros:

• Durable aluminum bottle
• See how much product is in the bottle
• Perfect size even for small purses

Cons:

• Harder to clean than plastic spray bottles

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13. Cadence Capsules

For products like lotions, face creams, and other things that come in jars or containers, bringing them to travel can be a pain. That’s why I love Cadence Capsules! Not only are they easier to clean, but they’re also more durable than other travel containers.

With multiple colors in your buildable six or twelve-pack, you can easily keep your products separate. Plus, since the capsules are hard, recycled plastic, you could also label them if that’s easier.

What’s great about these too is that you don’t have to just use them for liquid or cream products. They’re sturdy enough for other small items like mints, medications, or even earrings.

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• Multipurpose
• Magnetic
• Can come with labeled lids
• More eco-friendly with recycled material

Cons:

• May need multiple capsules for heavily-used product

See Related: Best Herschel Travel Bags | Top-Rated Options

Best Travel Bags for Toiletries

14. Luxe TUMI Travel Kit

For more luxe travelers, particularly those who check bags, a TUMI travel kit is an excellent addition to your travel collection. A sturdy bag with multiple compartments, it will keep all of your toiletry products organized whether you’re on the go or doing a staycation.

The TUMI is made from quality leather. So not only is it sturdy for years of use, but it’s also gorgeous. So long as you take good care of the leather, this bag will serve you for years and years.

Although the top compartment has a clear window, this bag will not qualify for the TSA clear bag requirement for carry-on luggage. However, if you want to organize non-liquid toiletries in this bag or anything else for carry-on travel, the TUMI is the perfect accessory organizer too.

Pros:

• High-quality leather exterior
• Three zipper compartments for organization
• Plenty of space for all toiletries

Cons:

• Not TSA liquids compliant for carry-on travel

See Related: Essential Solo Travel Luggage & Accessories

15. TSA-approved clear travel toiletry bag

Especially for families with multiple travelers, getting TSA-approved clear toiletry bags can be a hassle. Many of them are identical. However, you can buy sets of bags that feature different colors to keep everyone’s bags separate without investigating what’s inside them.

Sets of travel bottles will frequently include a travel bag, but they aren’t always the best quality. I’ve broken zippers on several of them which is not ideal when you’re on a trip. These bags have enough space to easily fit multiple bottles of different sizes as well as other products like spray bottles, or even small jars.

Just like with suitcases, be very careful that you aren’t over-stuffing these bags. Even ones that are made to be durable will pop open if they are packed too full. One way to avoid containers exploding is to pack them safely in a bag that won’t explode open all over your week’s worth of clothes.

Pros:

• See-through for easy product access
• Just the right size for TSA
• Can fit many travel bottles
• Easy to clean with warm water

Cons:

• Zippers and zipper pulls break easily

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16. Hanging toiletry bag

For checked baggage passengers, hanging toiletry cases like the ones made by Sea to Summit are going to be your best friend. These cases can hold all of your travel bottles, keep your products off of the counter and make it easier to access all of your travel containers.

Plus these hanging bags are easy to clean and a fabulous way to keep all of your containers organized. Frequent fliers know how troublesome it can be to keep track of all your products in a traditional travel bag. They’re also just way cuter than other bags, I adore mine though I only bring them during train or road trip travel.

There are travelers online who will say that you can use these in lieu of TSA-approved bags or that they’ve gotten away with them at airport security. But it’s not worth the risk of having to throw out any products at security, it’s a terrible way to start a trip.

Pros:

• Excellent organizational tool
• Easy to clean
• Plenty of room for all travel-sized bottles

Cons:

• Not TSA-approved sizing
• Won’t work for carry on only travel (unless you don’t pack liquids in it)

See Related: Best Travel Gifts & Present Ideas

17. Sea to Summit Upright Toiletry Bag

A more traditional toiletry and makeup bag, these Sea to Summit bags allow for your products to stay organized and sit upright. The bag is made from a flexible Ultra-Sil fabric that allows daily use and is easy to clean.

These opaque bags will not work for a carry-on-only toiletry bag because TSA can’t see through it, though it works fine for checked bag travelers. What’s nice about these though is that if you pack them to sit flat in your suitcase while your bag is upright, all of your stuff stays nice and organized.

You can also fit full-sized makeup products in this easily if you aren’t concerned about the 3.4 oz rule. Not having to dig through a smaller bag for what you’re looking for after a long travel day is always a good thing.

Pros:

• Keeps products organized
• Easy to clean fabric
• Lots of room for all toiletries

Cons:

• Doesn’t work for carry-on travelers because the TSA can’t see through it

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