Shampoo, Lotions, and Creams
Limited
Treat as liquids/gels. Cabin limit 100ml per container inside the 1L bag.
Quick answer
Airport scanners cannot distinguish harmless gels from liquid explosives, so the 100ml container rule applies worldwide. That means even half-empty 250ml salon bottles get tossed at security.
Travel bottles solve it. Buy TSA/BCAS-compliant 100ml containers, label them, and keep them all inside one 1L zip pouch. Officers simply glance at the pouch, note that volumes are compliant, and wave you ahead.
Checked baggage allows larger bottles but still expects smart packing. Pressure swings pop pump dispensers open mid-flight, so tape the neck, twist to the ‘locked’ position, and wrap them in clothing or absorbent material.
Cabin kit
- ✔Decant only what you need for the trip into labelled 50–100ml bottles.
- ✔Place the bottles plus toothpaste and creams inside one transparent pouch.
- ✔Carry solid shampoo bars or sheet masks if you want to save liquid quota.
Checked-bag packing
- ✔Use double-sealed pouches for anything with pump or flip tops.
- ✔Keep toiletries in the middle of the suitcase surrounded by clothes.
- ✔Separate glass jars from electronics to avoid mess if they shatter.
What counts as liquid/gel
| Product | Cabin handling | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo/conditioner | ≤100ml each | Decant or carry sachets |
| Body lotion | ≤100ml | Thick creams still count as gel |
| Solid shampoo bar | Exempt | Keep under 100g |
Do this
- ✅ Use leak-proof silicone bottles with wide mouths for easy cleaning.
- ✅ Label products clearly so officers can see they are cosmetic, not chemicals.
- ✅ Carry a spare zip pouch—security may ask to re-bag if the first one tears.
Avoid this
- ⚠️ Don’t overfill travel bottles; leave headspace for pressure expansion.
- ⚠️ Don’t assume hotel toiletries pass muster; if they’re over 100ml you still can’t bring them back through security.
- ⚠️ Avoid mixing multiple products in one bottle ‘to save space’; leaks become impossible to clean.
FAQ
Q. Are refill pouches treated differently from bottles?
No—if the pouch holds more than 100ml, you cannot take it in cabin.
Q. Can baby shampoo exceed 100ml if travelling with an infant?
Only baby food and milk get liquid exemptions. Baby toiletries must still follow the 100ml limit.
Q. Do sheet masks count?
Individually sealed sheet masks are fine because they contain minimal liquid, but keep them with your liquids pouch just in case.
Tips before you fly
- ✈️ Carry small funnels or refill tools to avoid spills while decanting.
- ✈️ Use washi tape to mark which bottle is shampoo vs conditioner; marker ink fades.
- ✈️ Place a cotton pad under screw lids before closing to absorb tiny leaks.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.