“Switching to solid hygiene products circumvents pesky liquid restrictions.”
If you’re a member of the carry-on-only crew, you know the importance of sticking to the TSA liquid limits. There’s nothing more irritating than having to throw out your favorite brand of cover-up or a bottle of shampoo because it’s over the limit for liquid items.
Luckily, there are ways to get around those pesky restrictions (without resorting to checking bags) by switching to solid hygiene products. From toothpaste to shampoo, these innovative alternatives ditch plastic for recyclable or compostable packaging, provide excellent value by lasting longer than liquid counterparts, and best of all, won’t get flagged by the TSA.
From a sustainability standpoint, they’re also better for the environment; longer-lasting products mean less waste, and these eco-conscious companies also use natural ingredients as opposed to harsh chemicals.
Here are eight of my favorite sustainable hygiene products, allowing you to maintain your self-care routines while on the road without worrying surpassing the TSA liquid limit. From shampoo to toothpaste, we cover all the bases. And don’t forget to pack dental floss as well — here are some of our favorite eco-friendly options.
The Earthling Co. Shampoo Bars. Courtesy of The Earthling Co_
The Earthling Co. Solid Shampoo Bars
North Stars: Waste Management, Water Management, Certifications (Climate Neutral Certified Business)
Available in a variety of scents like wild lavender and vanilla coconut, these concentrated shampoo and conditioner bars from The Earthling Co. work for a variety of hair types. Made with natural and organic materials, one bar can replace up to three bottles of traditional shampoo. They can also double as a body wash.
Price: $15.99
Carbon Theory Face Bar. Courtesy of Author.
Carbon Theory Face Wash Bars
North Stars: Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife & Ecosystems
Similarly, face wash bars like these vitamin C and caffeine-infused Carbon Theory cleansing bars deliver concentrated cleaning power for various skin types. These bars often last months compared to liquid facewash. They’re also vegan and cruelty-free, and help with brightening and hydrating facial skin. For protection against humidity or unexpected leaks, consider storing these solid products in waterproof bags designed specifically for travel toiletries, like mesh bags or the Matador leakproof pouch.
Price: $9
Good Earth Lotion Bars. Courtesy of Good Earth.
Good Earth Lotion Bar
North Stars: Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife & Ecosystems
Packaged in a recyclable cardboard tube, these solid Good Earth lotion bars offer another ingenious solution. Made with natural ingredients like cocoa butter, bees wax, almond and olive oil, and essential oils, these cruelty-free and fair-trade bars provide effective moisturization that glides on easily without the greasy residue. One compact bar replaces months of plastic-bottled lotion while taking up minimal space in your toiletry kit. Choose between a range of scents like lemongrass lavender and rosemary mint.
Price: $13.99
HiBar Deodorant. Courtesy of HiBar.
HiBar Deodorant
North Stars: Waste Management, Water Management, Climate Actions
With eczema and sensitive skin, I’m conscious about my deodorant. These natural deodorant bars from HiBar work well for me. The packaging eschews plastic; instead, these solid deodorants come wrapped in recyclable paper tubes, printed with vegetable-based ink. The deodorant comes free of aluminum and parabens, making it gentle and easy on the skin. It’s also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Even on hot days, I find it effectively manages my body odor. Scents include refreshing blends like “cucumber and fresh rain” and “mint and eucalyptus.”
Price: $12.95
Farmacy Cleansing Balm. Courtesy of Farmacy.
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
North Stars: Waste Management, Water Management, Certifications
Unlike wasteful, bulky makeup wipes that quickly fill landfills, these solid removers transform upon contact with skin to gently dissolve even stubborn eye makeup. Application is straightforward: rub a small amount over makeup, rinse with water, and pat dry with a quick-dry travel towel. The formula features gentle ingredients that cleanse and hydrate, and comes in a sleek jar and cap made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Once finished with the bottle, you can either recycle it yourself or use Farmacy’s Empties Program.
Price: $39
Naked Sundays Mineral Sunscreen. Courtesy of Naked Sundays.
Naked Sundays SPF50 Mineral Priming Lotion and Sunscreen
North Stars: Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife & Ecosystems
I use this 3-in-1, vegan-friendly, and reef-safe moisturizer and SPF daily, as it provides sun protection while also keeping your face hydrated and looking fresh. It delivers SPF 50 coverage while addressing the increased UV exposure encountered at higher altitudes and on airplanes. It also doubles as a hydrating primer, with collagen and watermelon extract.
Price: $34
Sustain Yourself Lip Balm. Courtesy of Sustain Yourself.
Sustain Yourself 3-in-1 Lip Balm
North Stars: Waste Management, Water Management, Climate Actions
I love products that serve multiple purposes, both a money- and space-saver when traveling. Case in point: this 3-in-1 tinted lip balm that can add some color to your lips, brighten your cheeks as a blush, and glide on your eyelids as a colorful shadow. Handmade in small batches, these balms come in plastic-free packaging that’s 100% biodegradable. Lasting up to 24 months, these balms are ultra-hydrating thanks to natural ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax.
Price: $16
NOBS Toothpaste Tablets. Courtesy of NOBS.
BetterBiom Toothpaste Tablets
North Stars: Waste Management, Water Management, Certification
While table or powder toothpaste might take some getting accustomed to, it delivers the same cleaning power in a compact, solid form and does away with the unnecessary waste of traditional toothpaste. Simply chew, brush, and rinse for a fresh feeling without the plastic tube waste. They’ll work nicely with some sustainable dental floss for fresh and eco-friendly cleaning.
Price: $40
