Best Buys is reader supported. When you shop our picks, we may receive a commission.

Let us help you decide if travel toiletries are worth it for you.

There tends to be two parties when it comes to travel toiletries, team “they’re worth the money and convenience,” or team “they’re a waste of time and space.” Here at Best Buys we can see the argument from both sides: we love a new toiletry set that’s going to be perfect for our holiday as much as the next person, but we also see that they’re expensive and not particularly eco-friendly.

To help you make up your mind on whether travel toiletries are worth your hard earned cash, we’ve answered your biggest travel toiletry queries, as well as hunted for the best travel size toiletries on the market. So, are they worth it? Read on to find out.

Read more: Hand luggage only: top tips and the best products for packing light this summer

Supermarkets are always handy for picking up cheapy bits and bobs for your travels, along with high street staples Boots and Superdrug. If you’re happy to spend a bit more for more luxurious toiletries, try online beauty retailers. Cult Beauty, FeelUnique, Skincity and Look Fantastic are all our go-to sites.

If you’re travelling by plane, travel size means that all liquids in your hand luggage have to be 100ml or under, and able to fit inside one clear reusable ziplock bag, which usually measures 20cm x 20 cm. The 100ml rule does not apply to hold luggage. Be wise on what you choose, as you can’t have more than one bag, and the bag must be able to close with ease. The government defines cosmetic liquids as pastes (such as toothpaste), gels, creams, oils, foams, lotions, sprays, and perfumes. Mascara and lip gloss are also considered liquids.

Ask yourself what you really 100% need to take with you. If it’s just for a few days and you can live without washing your hair, take a mini dry shampoo. If you can leave your hand cream behind, just use a dab of your body lotion for your hands.

Plus, it’s worth checking whether there will be toiletries available where you’re staying, to avoid packing unnecessary items in the first place. Just remember, you’ll obviously have to either leave them behind – which may mean binning them in the absence of a willing recipient – or bring them back. That could be in your hand luggage if they are 100ml or under, or in your hold luggage, if they’re over.

One last thing. It’s always best to leave products in glass packaging at home if you can, as a) they’re much heavier than plastic and b) there’s a risk of messy breakages.

As long as they meet the size limit and can comfortably all fit in the transparent sealed bag (anything that won’t fit will have to be left behind at the airport) you’re good to go. Or if you want to hit the Duty Free shops, you can purchase anything of any size there as it’s already been through security checks. Just make sure to keep the receipt and the Duty Free airport security bag for your purchase.

The first items that come to mind as essential travel toiletries are a toothbrush, followed swiftly by toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes can tend to be rather pricey, but this one is currently half price and comes with a cute travel case, charger, and the battery lasts for more than a fortnight with just one charge; perfect for holidays.

We love this cheap and cheerful matching Oral-B toothpaste.

Moving onto that other important travel toiletry essential; deodorant. If you’re anything like us, you’ll love anything coconut scented - and so this Kopari Mini Coconut Deodorant caught our eye immediately. Small enough to pop in your handbag on long and leisurely days out in the sunshine, it’s 100% plant based, aluminium free, and made with coconut oil and coconut milk.

One for the whole family: this cheap as chips offering from skincare giant Nivea, who have nailed it with this affordable, yet soothing and nourishing travel shower cream/gel hybrid with moisturising almond oil.

Whether you’re spending time at the beach, shopping in a city centre or walking deep in the countryside, a travel shampoo and conditioner is a necessity. We love this duo from Olaplex, containing everything you need to strengthen and hydrate your hair.

Beauty editors frequently sing CeraVe’s praises for being affordable, fragrance free and suitable for all skin types, and the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion Normal to Dry Skin is no different. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic (i.e. it won’t block your pores) and formulated with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin glowing amongst the stresses of travelling. Sign us up.

Something we should use all year round (yep, even in winter) is SPF, as even when the sun isn’t shining there are always UV rays, which contribute to skin ageing and skin damage. Use at least an SPF30 every day to keep your skin protected.

There’s nothing not to love about the Ambre Solaire Mini Sensitive Hypoallergenic Sun Protection Cream SPF50+. As the name suggests, it’s hypoallergenic, waterproof and non-sticky, and will suit even the most sensitive of skins. Best of all, it comes in a handy 50ml travel size.

Decanter bottles are always super handy if you want to just take a little liquid with you from a larger sized bottle. If you don’t have any mini bottles around the house, this handy kit from Dunelm contains four bottles, two jars, a measuring spoon, a pipette, a funnel and a spatula.

Speaking of bags, a good travel toiletry bag that you can turn to year after year is always an important purchase (that rage upon another zip breaking on a cheapy toiletry bag is only too real) and this cute offering from Ted Baker fits the bill. It’s big enough to fit everything you need inside, but small enough not to take up a huge amount of space in your luggage.

If you’re more of a seasoned traveller, you might be wanting to take more touches of home with you; and mini straighteners would be at the top of our list. This one from Asda is ideal; it heats up in 15 seconds, glides effortlessly through the hair without any painful pulls or snags, and the Advanced Ceramic coated plates are infused with nourishing argan oil to give your hair a luxurious shine. What more could you ask for?

Ever find that travelling throws your skin into disarray? We hear you. These little pimple patches are just the ticket; they’re vegan, hypoallergenic and available in three different sizes in the pack. Apply overnight and they aim to shrink any angry spots, blemishes or blackheads by morning. Plus, COSRX is a Korean skincare brand, and Koreans seriously know their skincare.

If you want to bring a touch of luxury to your holiday, a mini face mask is one of the easiest ways to do so. Founded by beauty expert and businesswoman Paula Begoun, Paula’s Choice is a trustworthy brand we always turn to, and this weeny Radiance Renewal Mask does what it says on the tin. Who doesn’t want a glowy, radiant complexion on holiday?

Is it just us or are the hairdryers available in hotels never quite up to the job? We’ve got you covered, with this bargain from Boots that's compact and lightweight with two heat/speed settings and a folding handle. Just perfect.

Of course, there is an easier way of travelling with toiletries if you don’t mind using just the one brand, and that’s buying a toiletry set. One and done, these sets contain a little bit of everything you need, and you may discover a new favourite product from the brand that you hadn’t tried before.

If hair is your main concern, then you’ll love this cute set from Ouai. Featuring a detox shampoo, leave-in conditioner, wave spray, hair oil, treatment mask and a body cleanser, these little minis are the perfect addition to your holiday to keep your hair in top notch condition.

Or if skincare is your jam, we recommend this cute and colourful set from BYOMA, which launched in the UK earlier this year to much fanfare. Containing a cleanser, serum and a moisturising gel-cream, they’re perfect for keeping your skin’s moisture barrier in check.

Nothing screams ‘holiday’ more than coconut scents, and this set of mini body lotion, body wash and fragrance from Brazilian brand Sol De Janeiro is the ultimate coconut scented dream, with hints of vanilla and toasted praline.

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and not one but two shower gels. This travel toiletries set from luxury spa brand Cowshed has got everything you need to bring the spa to you for a week or two’s bliss away.

So back to our question: are travel toiletries worth it?

It depends on what’s important to you. It’s notoriously true that travel toiletries cost much more than their standard-sized equivalents, so you are always paying more for convenience, not to mention using single use plastic that is often unrecyclable is hardly ideal. We’d recommend decanting as it avoids buying extra toiletries you don't necessarily need, and decanter bottles can be used time and time again, like the Plastic 10 Piece Travel Bottle Set from Dunelm.

However if you can’t deal with the act of decanting and labelling multiple bottles, want to treat yourself, actually need specific toiletries anyway, or are a frequent traveller, then travel toiletries can certainly come in handy. We like the Cowshed Travel Set as it contains everything you need, and you can’t go wrong with spending a fiver on the Ambre Solaire Mini Sensitive Hypoallergenic Sun Protection Cream SPF50+, something you’ll need for both holidays and everyday use.

Ultimately, it’s up to you: ask yourself if you’re happy paying for the convenience of travel toiletries, and go from there. We’ll see you at the airport!

Prices updated on 02/09/2022. We are not responsible for any changes made to the prices listed.

Every experienced traveller knows that the perfect travel accessory can make your journey all the better.

Heading on holiday soon? A crossbody bag is your best companion.

Avoid hold-ups at airport security and discomfort during your journey with these fashionable slip-on shoes, perfect for every type of travel.

It’s travel time! Whether hoping to nap on a flight or relax on a road trip, comfy and supportive travel pillows are a must-have for you and your kids.

Holidays are supposed to be a time of excitement, exploration, and relaxation. However, packing for them can be the complete opposite! Here’s how and what to pack to avoid stress...

From overnight trips to long getaways, there’s one piece of luggage you need every time you travel: a toiletry bag. Here’re the best to shop this year.

Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd

Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group