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The 10 Best Travel-size Skincare Sets of 2024

Simplify your packing with these ready-to-go mini skin regimens.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

Packing a travel skincare routine can be tricky. On the one hand, you want to address all your regular skincare needs and be prepared for common travel-induced skin stressors such as drying plane cabins or extra time spent outside in the sun. On the other hand, limited luggage real estate and the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for carrying on liquids will prevent you from piling all your favorite full-size skincare products into your bag. 

When planning a trip, it’s wise to invest in a travel-size skincare set. All the items will already be in TSA-approved containers, so there’s no need for messy transfers into smaller vessels. Buying products as a set also simplifies the shopping process since the products are designed to be used in tandem. And you won’t have to worry about accidentally mixing incompatible skincare ingredients. Just consider testing the products before your trip to make sure any new ingredients don’t irritate your skin.

Keep reading to shop the travel-size skincare sets below, including several that I personally use and love.

Best Overall

Geologie travel skincare set.

It’s a full skincare routine (including SPF) designed by dermatologists.

If you’re new to retinol, spot-test the night cream before applying it all over your face.

Geologie’s sample set includes a full skincare routine without any extra fluff. Start your routine with the 2 percent salicylic acid cleanser, which promises to deeply cleanse your skin, unclog pores, and control excess oil. Next, the eye cream (powered by kojic acid, caffeine, and niacinamide) gently helps to banish any dark circles caused by lack of sleep on your red-eye flight. In the morning, you’ll finish with an SPF 15 niacinamide moisturizer for long-lasting hydration while controlling excess oil and shine. At night, your ritual culminates with a 0.2 percent retinol formula to target fine lines and wrinkles while hyaluronic acid and niacinamide boost hydration. 

Since you’ll be using the cleanser morning and night, the set conveniently includes two tubes so you won’t risk running out. For short trips, you can leave one of the cleansers at home. The unisex set is best suited for oily, combination, or normal skin.  

What’s Inside: Cleanser (2), SPF 15 moisturizer, night cream, eye cream

Best for Oily Skin

Origins 6-piece travel-size cleansing & moisturizing best-sellers set.

Five pore-clearing products are housed in a zippered carrying case.

It includes essential oils, which can irritate sensitive skin.

If you have oily skin, or if you’re overloading your skin sweat and/or makeup, you’ll want a skincare set that deeply cleanses your clogged pores. Origins’ five-step system does just that. It includes a frothy face wash, a soothing treatment lotion, a powerful anti-aging serum, and an oil-free gel moisturizer that won’t leave you feeling greasy. In addition, there’s a rinse-off charcoal mask that can be used once a week (or more, if needed) to purify and visibly reduce pores. There’s even a zippered carrying case included to keep all the items secure. Pro tip: apply the mask on the plane ride home to refresh your post-travel skin and give you an activity to help break up a boring flight. 

What’s Inside: Cleanser, mask, treatment lotion, serum, moisturizer, carrying case

Best for Dry Skin

Drunk elephant the littles 7.0 travel skincare set.

The latest version of the fan-favorite set includes a new case and a tinted SPF moisturizer.

Three serums might be too much for skincare minimalists. 

Plane cabins are notorious for drying out your skin, and if your epidermis leans dry to begin with, you’ll want to make sure you’re loaded up on deeply moisturizing skincare products. Drunk Elephant launched the latest version of their fan-favorite Littles kit, and it’s ideal for skin that needs extra quenching. It includes a provitamin B5-infused serum (to be used day and night) designed to flood the skin with intense hydration. Also along for the ride: a vitamin C day serum, a glycolic night serum, a makeup-removing jelly cleanser, a peptide moisturizer, and a sheer, tinted SPF 30 mineral cream that is made to blur imperfections while adding a layer of sun protection. 

What’s Inside: Cleanser, moisturizer, tinted face sunscreen, day and night serums (3), carrying case

Best for Combination Skin

Fenty skin travel-size start'r set.

It includes multitasking products that help cut down your skincare haul.

It doesn’t include a non-SPF night cream.

Combination skin requires products that hydrate and nourish the dryer portions of the skin but also don’t exacerbate oiliness in the oily sections. This three-step skincare routine by Fenty Skin is ideal for those with combination skin because it includes products that are moisturizing and oil-free. The cleanser is gentle yet tough enough to eradicate makeup including waterproof mascara. A toner-serum hybrid dubbed Fat Water can tighten the look of pores, brighten, and reduce shine. The last step is a mineral SPF 30 hyaluronic acid moisturizer that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. As a bonus, there’s also a single-use, sample-size packet of body cream to toss in your toiletry bag .

What’s Inside: Cleanser, toner-serum hybrid, SPF 30 moisturizer, body cream (sample size)

Best for Sensitive Skin

Tula discovery 5-piece essentials kit.

The no-frills skincare products can all be used morning and night.

It doesn’t include SPF.

Tula’s skincare products are powered by probiotic extracts, superfoods, and other ingredients designed to prevent irritating the skin. This travel-friendly set includes a turmeric-infused, makeup-removing gel cleanser, which is perfect for evening skincare routines. Next, a glycolic acid toner exfoliates and hydrates your skin, followed by an illuminating serum featuring Japanese mandarin. The last step is a non-comedogenic squalane-infused moisturizer. Since all the products can be used both day and night, you won’t need to double up on any of your items, ultimately giving you more luggage space. 

What’s Inside: Cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, carrying case

Best for Acne-prone Skin

Paula's choice mini clear skin starter set.

The set includes salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to fight breakouts.

The active ingredients can irritate sensitive skin.

Traveling can exacerbate acne: air quality, change in humidity levels, and water quality (to name a few) can make your skin upset. If your face is prone to breakouts, consider vacationing with a set designed to stave off pimples, like this one from Paula’s Choice. It includes a salicylic acid cleanser, a two percent salicylic acid exfoliating solution, a two and a half percent benzoyl peroxide spot treatment, and an oil-free gel-cream moisturizer. Just remember that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can both increase sensitivity to the sun, so it’s important to follow your skincare regimen with SPF 30 or higher (not included in this set) for daytime use. 

What’s Inside: Cleanser, exfoliating solution, spot treatment, moisturizer

Best with SPF

Dermstore best of dermstore: the travel edit kit.

It includes a variety of mini products, from cult-favorite under-eye patches to whitening toothpaste.

It’s best for people who enjoy more extensive skincare routines.

No matter where you’re headed, SPF should be a top-tier item on your packing list. This 11-piece collection includes two SPF 30 products to shield your skin from harmful rays: a minty lip balm and a mineral sunscreen. Other delights in the zippered carrying case include a gentle gel cleanser, a brightening eye cream, two nourishing moisturizers, non-aerosol dry shampoo, and whitening toothpaste. For those who don’t mind a few extra steps in their vacation skincare routine, there’s also an exfoliating peel, a retinol serum, and under-eye patches. Travel + Leisure editors are big fans of using under-eye patches on long-hauls flights , so we recommend using those to arrive at your destination looking fresh and feeling hydrated. 

What’s Inside: Cleanser, eye cream, two moisturizers, peel pads, retinol serum, sunscreen, lip balm, dry shampoo, under-eye patches, carrying case

Best for Lips

Laneige icons to go set.

The overnight lip mask can be used during the daytime, too.

It doesn’t include a cleanser or SPF.

This set helps deliver a surge of hydration to your skin and lips — which is likely much needed if you’ve just exited the dry atmosphere of a plane cabin. After cleansing, gently pat the ceremide- and peptide-filled cream-toner hybrid into your skin. Follow with the hyaluronic acid moisturizer, and finish with the leave-on water sleeping mask at night. Though the lip balm included in this set is technically an overnight lip mask, many people (including me) multipurpose it for daytime use as well. It’s thick without being sticky, and it has a delicious berry scent. 

What’s Inside: Toner, day moisturizer, lip mask, night moisturizer

Best for Eyes

Kiehl’s on-the-go essentials gift set.

It includes a nourishing and creamy avocado eye treatment.

Retinol (in the serum) can irritate sensitive skin.

Red-eye flights can lead to tired, puffy eyes, but this six-piece set has the perfect antidote: Kiehl’s fan-favorite avocado oil- and shea butter-infused eye cream, which promises to hydrate, depuff, and brighten eyes. Other goodies in this bundle include a foaming squalane cleanser, a potent daily retinol serum, a squalane face moisturizer, and a nighttime face oil that targets wrinkles and fine lines. If your skin tends to get oily or break out, you’ll enjoy the included rinse-off face mask. The Amazonian white clay and aloe mask are designed to minimize pores and blackheads when left on the skin for 10 minutes (per the brand’s instructions). 

What’s Inside: Cleanser, retinol serum, eye cream, mask, moisturizer, face oil

Best for Body

Alo glow system discovery set.

The six-piece set includes both face and body products.

Sunscreen is not included.

If your trip accommodation is not a hotel, you may need to pack your own body wash and lotion. In this case, this face and body set from Alo is a great option. It includes a brightening enzyme facial cleanser, which you’ll follow with an unscented facial moisturizer. For your body routine, there’s a hydrating vitamin C body wash and a destressing superfruit body lotion. There’s also a head-to-toe glow oil, which promises to deeply hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. A magnesium and vitamin C body spray that can relieve muscle tension will come in handy for adventurous types that have an activity-filled trip planned.  

What’s Inside: Face cleanser, face moisturizer, body wash, body lotion, face and body oil, body mist

Tips for Buying Travel-size Skincare Kits

Consider size limitations and quantity.

The TSA limits the amount of liquids, gels, and aerosols that can be stowed in your carry-on to 3.4 ounces apiece. Beyond that, all of your liquids must fit in one quart-sized resealable bag. If you want to travel with more liquids or larger-sized containers, they must be packed in your checked bag . 

When choosing a travel-size skincare kit, consider other liquids that you’ll need to add as well, including (but not limited to) toothpaste, sunscreen, bug spray, shampoo, and conditioner. If you’re having trouble fitting all of your items in a quart-sized bag, consider leaving behind some items (like body wash and shampoo) that are typically made available in hotel bathrooms. 

Choose the best set for your skincare needs

When you travel, it’s important to consider your skin type (normal, oily, combination, or sensitive) and choose a travel-sized skincare set that’s tailored to your skin’s specific needs. You’ll also want to be mindful of your trip destination and any intended activities. For instance, if you’re traveling to a colder climate, be prepared for drier skin and chapped lips. If you’re headed to a beachy location, don’t forget to load up on sunscreen .

Any liquid, gel, or aerosol skincare products in your carry-on or personal item must be 3.4 ounces or less. If you want to carry-on a product that comes in a larger container, consider transferring it to a 3.4-ounce-or-less leak-proof vessel before your flight or packing it in your checked bag. 

The air circulated in plane cabins is very dry, and therefore can leave your skin feeling dry as well. It’s advised to moisturize your face and lips before you board a plane. On long-haul flights, you may want to carry a travel-size moisturizer and lip balm with you to reapply hydration mid-flight. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

A veteran beauty editor, Talia Ergas never travels without a complete skincare routine neatly organized in travel-size containers. Over the years, she has tested and reviewed countless skincare products in every category. To compile this list of the top skincare kits for travel, Talia recommended many of her preferred brands and products from her own travel toiletry bag, as well as fan-favorite sets she’s eyeing for her next trip. 

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The 21 Best Travel-Size Beauty Products to Pack on Your Next Trip

Once upon a time, finding the best travel-size beauty products meant scouring the pharmacy “travel size” section and making do with that one tiny bottle of Cetaphil. But as interest in beauty, skin care, and hair care has evolved, so too have options for travel-size cosmetics. Now you can find almost any product from your beauty routine as a mini, from practical products like tinted sunscreen and thigh chafing balm to must-have face serums to tiny hair tools. Some might even be your favs you use everyday, in their original packaging, no less!

Whether you’re packing for vacation or want to test out cult-favorite cosmetics before you commit (no judgment here!), there are dozens of beloved beauty products that can now be procured in a compact, easy-to-pack, and TSA-approved form. Keep scrolling and see the 21 best travel-size beauty products ahead.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Supergoop! Mini Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 Mini

Supergoop! Mini Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 Mini Size

Supergoop's Glow Screen is the ultimate multitasker and therefore perfect for toting on your next trip. Not only does it provide SPF 40 coverage, but it leaves the face glowing, glimmering, and sun-kissed without leaving a white cast , and can be worn solo for gorgeous “no-makeup makeup” glam or underneath foundation for a lit-from-within look. At 1.7 oz., the original bottle is technically TSA-approved, but the 0.68-oz. mini size is ideal for carrying in day-to-day bags, purses, and pockets. The more room, the merrier, right?

Paula’s Choice Mini Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Paula's Choice Mini Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

You’ve likely heard all about Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, the cult-favorite toner that really, truly works. But did you know it comes in an itty-bitty 1-ounce option too? Well, now you do. It’s so small it takes up little to no room, meaning you have that much more space to pack souvenirs without worrying about disrupting your skin care routine.

Megababe Thigh Rescue Mini

Thigh chafing is no joke, especially while walking more than usual on summer vacation. Fortunately, Megababe knows their audience and launched a mini version of their life- (and thigh-) saving anti-friction stick that’s just 0.81 oz. It’s so tiny you can throw it in any purse or even a pocket, and reapply as much as necessary. Megababe’s stick is derm approved too: “This easy-to-use formula glides on easily, and includes aloe and vitamin E to help soothe the skin, as well as pomegranate seed extract to protect the skin and grapeseed oil to help hydrate,” says Marisa Garshick, MD , FAAD, board-certified dermatologist.

Drunk Elephant Day Dream Kit: Mini C-Firma Fresh Day Serum + B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

Drunk Elephant Day Dream Kit: C-Firma Fresh Day Serum + B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

One of the hardest parts of traveling is having to part with your favorite face serums , so beauty buffs can breathe a collective sigh of relief: Drunk Elephant now offers its viral fitamin C serum in a 0.28-oz. form. The C-Firma Fresh Day Serum brightens and firms the complexion while improving skin texture and tone, and does so without clogging pores. It also comes with a mini B-Hydra serum, which provides additional hydration for a radiant finish.

Living Proof Travel-Size Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Living Proof Travel Size Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Whether you’re prone to sweating or simply don’t have time to shower, dry shampoo is a fairly universal travel essential. The only problem? The best ones usually don’t come in travel size, especially since they’re often aerosol cans. Or, at least they didn’t, until Living Proof released a 2.4-oz. version of their best-selling dry shampoo. You can even pack this in your carry-on. See you never, greasy bangs!

Belif Mini The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Gel based and lightweight, the Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb is a Glamour editor favorite that’s perfect for summer. It doesn’t clog pores, cause breakouts, or provoke excess oil production , but it is super moisturizing and gentle enough to not irritate sensitive skin. It also works remarkably well as a base or a nonsticky makeup primer or layering base, and is available in an itty-bitty 0.84-ounce mini size . So whether you want to try before you buy bigger or plan to carry it onto your summer vacation flight, you (and your skin) are covered.

Dermalogica Mini Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator

You might be taking a break from work while on vacation, but that doesn’t mean you should have to stop exfoliating. Consistently named one of the best face scrubs, Dermalogica’s microfoliant exfoliator combats dullness and brightness without being too rough on the skin. Plus, the formula is customizable—it’s a powder that turns into a paste when mixed with water—and gentle enough to use daily. And now, it comes in a 0.45-oz. option.

Sunday Riley Power Couple Mini Kit: Mini Good Genes & Luna Sleeping Oil

Sunday Riley Power Couple Mini Kit: Good Genes & Luna Sleeping Oil

Celebrities, editors, and dermatologists love Sunday Riley’s iconic Good Genes serum—it’s cited in practically every other Drop the Routine —and with good reason. This serum smooths, brightens, and clears skin while plumping and combatting fine lines, and works in as little as three minutes. The Luna Sleeping Oil is esteemed too—Paris Hilton and makeup artist Nam Vo are both fans—since it helps brighten the skin while soothing redness and irritation. Together, these MVPs are unstoppable: And now, at 0.27 and 0.17 oz., they’re TSA-approved.

BaBylissPRO Mini Straightening Iron with Travel Pouch

Most hotels and Airbnbs have hair dryers but are without essential hair tools like hair straighteners. But while some hair simply can’t be tamed with just a dryer, packing a full-size hair straightener can be a pain. Enter BaByliss, who re-created the company’s popular hair straightener in a tiny travel size, complete with a pouch. Now you can straighten and fix your hair anywhere and everywhere that has an outlet.

Oribe Mini Dry Texturizing Spray

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Texturizing spray is truly the unsung hero of the hairstyling world, and Oribe’s is often credited as the industry gold standard. Adored by beauty editors and hairstylists alike, it’s great on all hair types and textures; provides lightweight hold and texture without feeling sticky or weighing hair down; adds volume, texture, and grit; and somehow smells good too. The fact that it comes in a 2.2-oz. bottle is pretty much a miracle.

Bumble and Bumble Mini Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil

Bumble and Bumble offers most of its products in travel sizes, which has earned the brand a permanent place in many beauty lover carry-ons. This oil not only makes hair smell and feel amazing, but it completely combats humidity-induced frizz while protecting hair from heat and UV rays. At 0.28 oz., it easily packs in your purse on hot, humid days so you can reapply for extra protection and frizz defense.

Tatcha Mini Liquid Silk Canvas: Featherweight Protective Primer

Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas is a Glamour Beauty Award winner —and considered one of Tatcha’s best products —for a reason. It smooths and blurs the skin upon application, almost like IRL airbrushing, and provides the perfect canvas for foundation, since it doesn’t budge, get oily, or lose coverage all day. Which is why the fact that it’s available in a 0.35-oz. bottle is a life-, and makeup-, saver.

Laura Mercier Mini Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Laura Mercier’s cult-favorite loose setting powder is a godsend when it comes to setting makeup, but the packaging is on the larger side, which makes it hard to travel with. Fortunately, Laura Mercier’s setting powder now comes in a perfectly combat-ready 0.33-oz. travel size so you and your makeup are set for your next trip.

Mario Badescu Travel-Size Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater

Mario Badescu Travel Size Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

When something is Martha Stewart-–approved , you just don’t question it. So when Stewart’s facialist Carmela Barabas revealed she uses and loves the cult-favorite facial spray that revives dehydrated skin, we knew it deserved a spot on this list. Especially since it’s so useful for dehydrated, post-flight skin and refreshing touch-ups throughout travel days.

Olaplex Healthy Hair Maintenance Kit: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector + Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment

Everyone from Emma Stone to Glamour editors to hair pros swear that Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is one of the best hair treatments around. Glamour even named it our choice for best hair mask over all . That said, some editors specifically point to the combination of No. 3 and the Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment as what truly transformed their hair, which makes the fact that both are available as 1-oz. bottles that much more convenient—and good for our hair. Also of note? Their equally beloved Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner come in travel sizes too.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser Mini

Garnier SKINACTIVE Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser

Garnier’s micellar water might not scream “cult-favorite beauty product” at first, but this versatile skin care staple undeniably deserves a spot on the list. Especially since it makes for such an ideal travel buddy, no matter the kind of trip you’re on: This classic cosmetic allows you to remove makeup, cleanse your face, and soothe the skin without any water.

Milk Makeup Mini Lip + Cheek Cream Blush + Lip Color

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush + Lip Color

Milk Makeup

Who doesn’t love a multipurpose beauty product, especially when it comes to travel? There is so little space to pack as is, so having one cosmetic that acts as a beautiful blush and lip tint —formulated with hydrating ingredients—can make all the difference. Milk Makeup released special-edition travel sizes of the cult-favorite blush on their website too; they’re so compact, they can fit into the tiniest of bag or even your pocket.

Clinique Mini Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover

Whether you double-cleanse to remove makeup or triple-cleanse just in case, a solid cleansing balm is a universal beauty staple. And Clinique’s is widely considered the gold standard in that department, so much so it was nominated for a Glamour Reader’s Choice Award for best cleanser . Gentle, hydrating, and extremely effective, this cleansing balm melts away makeup, sunscreen, and dirt, and now comes in a mini 1-oz. size.

Smashbox X Becca Mini Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

Smashbox X BECCA Mini Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

Becca’s going out of business was heartbreaking for everyone, especially beauty buffs who loved the brand’s Champagne Pop pressed highlighter . Fortunately, Smashbox took it upon itself to bring the beloved highlighter back—and offer it in a travel size that’s so small, many fans forget it’s in their bag in the first place.

Thrive Causemetics Deluxe Mini Liquid Lash Extensions

Thrive Causemetics Deluxe Liquid Lash Extensions mascara is another universally beloved makeup essential . Formulated with liquid fibers, orchid stem cell complex, and Japanese pepper extract, this mascara builds and lengthens lashes, encourages lash growth, and helps condition them, so you’re supporting your lashes while making them look glam too. And when it comes to the mini, it’s so tiny you'll barely notice it’s in your bag, though you’ll certainly see its effects on your glam.

Urban Decay Mini All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

If you’re going to bother bringing all these travel-size beauty products on vacation, you might as well make sure they stay put. Lightweight and easy to use, Urban Decay’s All Nighter setting spray really lives up to its name, remaining smudge- and transfer-proof for up to 16 hours. Translation? Your glam will stay in place whether you you embark on a historical walking tour or dance all night at the discoteque (or both). It’s no wonder it has as an average rating of 4.6 across Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon—especially now that it comes in a 1-oz. bottle.