Travelers beware: TSA considers a specific skincare product to fall under the liquids category, which could lead to your items being flagged during security checks.
Traveling can be a hassle, and for some, the thought of leaving their favorite body scrub at home can add to the stress. But fear not, for there are TSA-friendly alternatives that will allow you to maintain your skincare routine while adhering to airport security regulations.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a rule known as the 3-1-1 rule, which pertains to liquids, gels, and aerosols. According to this rule, these items must be packaged in a 3.4 ounce or smaller container, must be packed in one, quart-sized resealable bag, and each traveler is entitled to one of those bags in their carry-on luggage. However, body scrubs, despite their more solidified state, can be flagged by TSA due to their semi-liquid state.
If a traveler sticks to the 3-1-1 rule and leaves bigger containers of liquids at home, they shouldn't have an issue going through airport security. But if you cannot live without your favorite body scrub while traveling, you will need to check a bag.
Sharon Kong Perring, a frequent traveler, finds herself in this predicament often. "I love my body scrubs, and I don't want to compromise on my skincare routine just because I'm traveling," she says.
Fortunately, there are some TSA-friendly alternatives to liquid body scrubs for carry-on luggage. Exfoliating solid soap bars that contain gritty, abrasive ingredients like fruit seeds or oatmeal perform the same function as a traditional scrub but are solid and thus not restricted as liquids by TSA. For example, Marlowe's Body Scrub Exfoliating Soap Bar is designed for this purpose.
Travel-sized solid sugar scrub balls or sugar scrubs in solid form replicate the scrubbing effect in a compact, TSA-approved format. These solid forms bypass liquid restrictions entirely.
Multipurpose bar soaps that cleanse both face and body while offering gentle exfoliation are also solid, TSA-compliant, and reduce spill/spillage risk compared to liquids. Brands like Dr. Squatch Birchwood Breeze Bar Soap or Bravo Sierra Face and Body Cleansing Bar are solid options.
These solid alternatives eliminate the risk of liquids spilling and do not count toward the TSA liquid size restrictions for carry-on luggage. Solid bars and balls can be conveniently packed in your toiletry kit and are approved by TSA as they do not fall under liquid rules.
It's important to note that there are some exceptions to TSA's 3-1-1 rule, but body scrubs are not on that list of exemptions. If you do not follow the rules regarding body scrubs, you risk confiscation and disposal.
So, the next time you're packing for a trip and don't want to leave your body scrub behind, consider these TSA-friendly alternatives. Happy travels!
With Sharon Kong Perring often faced with the dilemma of carrying her favorite body scrub while traveling, she's grateful for TSA-friendly alternatives in home-and-garden products that are suitable for carry-on luggage. These alternatives, such as exfoliating solid soap bars or travel-sized solid sugar scrub balls, offer the same benefits as traditional body scrubs without violating the liquid restrictions set by TSA.
