Cosmetics in Carry-on - What Can You Take on a Plane?
Cream, gel, mascara, foundation, toothpaste and perfume - see which cosmetics count as liquids and what airport limit applies.
Why you can use this page to make a decision
This page combines a direct answer with airport, airline and primary-source rules. Safety answers are not influenced by partner content or advertising.
Short answer
Creams, gels, pastes, mascara and liquid cosmetics normally count toward the liquid allowance. Solid products such as sticks may be treated differently.
Carry-on baggage
Liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols in the cabin are limited at most EU airports to containers of 100 ml or less inside one transparent 1-litre bag. Some airports using newer screening equipment apply different local limits.
Checked baggage
Larger containers are usually possible in checked baggage unless the product is subject to separate dangerous-goods restrictions.
Airport security
Security normally looks at the container capacity, not how much product is left inside. At an airport using the standard rule, a 150 ml bottle containing only 50 ml can still be rejected.
Check your departure airport
General rules are not always enough. Liquid limits and screening procedures can differ by airport, so check the airport you are actually flying from.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring cosmetics in carry-on on a plane?
Yes, but the exact rule depends on whether it is in carry-on or checked baggage. For carry-on the answer is: with restrictions.
Can cosmetics in carry-on go in carry-on baggage?
Liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols in the cabin are limited at most EU airports to containers of 100 ml or less inside one transparent 1-litre bag. Some airports using newer screening equipment apply different local limits.
Are the rules the same at every airport?
General rules are not always enough. Liquid limits and screening procedures can differ by airport, so check the airport you are actually flying from.
Cosmetics - classify first
Perfume, cream, toothpaste, gel and aerosol products normally fall under liquid or aerosol rules.
- The container size matters, not how much product remains inside.
- At classic-rule airports, the usual limit is 100 ml per container in a 1 L bag.
- Some CT-screening airports allow more - check the exact airport instead of applying one rule to the whole trip.
Who prepares the answers
Content is prepared by the PreflightMate Research Desk from structured data and official sources. We do not present ourselves as an aviation authority or airline.
Automation helps format, compare and translate data. A rule marked verified must be linked to an official source; conflicts and exceptions remain visible.
A specific airport, airline, route, destination-country rule or a security officer may apply a more restrictive requirement.