Travel planning is challenging, but what’s also challenging is travel packing! Believe me, my packing lists were longer and more complex than my itineraries. As time progressed, my travels, a desire to be more mindful and surprisingly, my type-A personality trait helped me identify what I really needed out of my travel packing.
- Light and compact – the goal is to make the most of my carry-on (especially for short trips) and keep my luggage light
- Functional and minimal – bonus points for items that serve a dual purpose
- Low environmental impact – wherever possible, I pack locally and sustainably made items in reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging
Many overloaded bags and failed iterations later, I’ve put together a list of travel-friendly personal care items that works. While the list is far from perfect, it’s a step in the right direction, and I hope it helps you travel lighter and more sustainably too. So, here are my must-have sustainable personal care essentials for your upcoming travels and beyond!
Covid-19 Essentials
The must-have sustainable personal care items to stay safe are a hand sanitiser and a reusable mask. Also, social distancing – it’s easy, free, consumes and wastes nothing, and it saves!
Eco-friendly Hand Sanitizer
This sustainable sanitiser is a glass-bottled alcohol-based gel with natural moisturizers, while this one comes with a plastic pump. Eco & Faye has an empties policy – send five glass bottles back, and they’ll send you a fresh bottle of sanitiser.
For dry hands, pack this alcohol-free anti-microbial hand cream. The bottles are made from food-grade brushed aluminium. Plus, it looks quite fancaay!
Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Made in India ✔
Reusable Mask
If you’re good with the sewing machine or know someone who is, make your own reusable double-layered cotton masks! Else, look for a reusable+mask made with sustainable materials and natural dyes, and when done, can be composted. Most masks come with elastics and brand tags, none of which are biodegradable. W White Reusable Cotton Face Mask, Aprudha Pure Cotton Mask and InWeave Cotton Mask pass my criteria.
Travel-friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Biodegradable ✔ Elastic-free ✔ Plastic-free ✔ Made in India ✔
Dental Care
Here are my go-to travel-friendly sustainable swaps for dental essentials, that normally involve loads of single-use or non-recyclable plastic.
Plastic-free Toothpaste
I’ve been travelling with this peppermint toothpaste for a few years now. Baking soda and organic oils galore leave my mouth feeling so fresh! Bare Necessities is zero-waste; they have a refill policy, and an empties policy where you can send five or more jars back to them.
If leakage worries you, try bamboo toothpaste tablets^ that come in a reusable aluminium tin.
Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔ Natural ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Empties policy ✔ Refill Policy ✔ Made in India ✔
Plastic-free Toothbrush
Sustainably-made bamboo toothbrushes are perfect for travel. When done, remove the nylon bristles with pliers, and compost/repurpose the handle. Bamboo toothbrushes with activated charcoal-infused bristles are the popular kids on the block; I use an FDA-approved compostable bamboo toothbrush.
For a 100% biodegradable option, a wheat straw toothbrush is great. Both, the handle and the bamboo fibre bristles biodegrade in about six months!
Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔ Plastic-free ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Compostable ✔ Made in India ✔
Steel Tongue Cleaner
For longer travels, I always pack my stainless steel tongue cleaner. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable; this handy tool cleans gently yet effectively and is built like a tank+, so you won’t need another tongue cleaner ever again. Plastic tongue cleaners? Don’t know them!
Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Zero-waste ✔ Made in India ✔
Bamboo Dental Floss
I can’t do without flossing, even when travelling. Bamboo dental floss is a great sustainable swap to conventional nylon floss. The peppermint-flavoured bamboo charcoal-fibre floss comes in a little glass bottle with an aluminium cap. Zero plastic, happy teeth, happier planet!
Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔ Zero-waste ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Compostable thread ✔ Recyclable ✔ Made in India ✔
Haircare
Travelling mindfully doesn’t mean making do with dull and greasy locks. I’ve got you and your mane covered with the next set of items from my travel-friendly sustainable personal care list!
Shampoo Bar
Let’s hit the (shampoo) bars! These vegan, hard water-friendly bars come in paper packaging. Other wonderful vegan shampoo bars and vegetarian shampoo bars come with an optional tin case – go for your first bar with the case, for a little home for your refills.
Cruelty-free ✔ Plastic-free ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Refillable ✔ Made in India ✔
Conditioner Bar
Frizz-free hair and zero-waste haircare find common ground in conditioner bars. These solid conditioner bars are quite nice, as are these nourishing conditioner bars. They come in case and case-free options too.
Cruelty-free ✔ Plastic-free ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Refillable ✔ Made in India ✔
Natural Dry Shampoo
Aerosol-free dry shampoos are great for transit touch-ups and keeping scalp oiliness at bay between washes. I’m partial to the organic cocoa powder dry shampoo because it’s 45 grams of *chef’s kiss*!
Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔ Natural ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Recyclable ✔ Empties policy ✔ Refill Policy ✔ Made in India ✔
Wood Comb
If your current comb does its job, hold on to it. If you’re looking for a new one, a neem wood comb+ is a terrific option. Neem is known for its anti-fungal and anti-allergen properties, and the comb’s teeth don’t cause static charge, making it perfect for running through your hair or beard (or both) as you run to catch that train.
Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔ Natural ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Biodegradable ✔ Made in India ✔
Bath & Body
Here are easy-breezy sustainable options for all your major bath and body needs, because hygiene and self-care matter even when you’re travelling.
Soap Bar
Any soap bar that’s plastic-free, cruelty-free, and safe for the environment works. I’m drawn to this organic shea butter soap and this pack of 4 small spa bars. At the end of the day, soap is soap, we’re just choosing the loving ones.
Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔ Natural ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Plastic-free ✔ Made in India ✔
For day trips where I need soap to wash just my hands or reusable cutlery, I pack little soap tablets that come in a super-cute reusable aluminium tin which you can pop into your day bag for travels and beyond. Sustainable personal care can be adorable!
Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔ Natural ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Made in India ✔
Safety Razor
My yearning to be body hair-free strikes when I travel, which is why I pack a safety razor for longer trips. They’re eco-friendly since there’s no plastic, the handles are durable and long-lasting+, and the stainless steel razor blades are recyclable. My favourites are the bamboo razor and the steel safety razor. I use soap or conditioner as a lubricant; you can always use a shaving créme for extra glide.
Cruelty-free ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Made in India ✔
Lotion Bars & Body Butter
Liquid lotions are so passé! Lotion bars are super easy to use, leak-proof, and not bulky so you can just pop a tin into your carry-on. My top choices are the cocoa butter lotion bar, the luxury body butter bar and the moisturizing lotion bar.
Tinned body butters fit snugly in your carry-on and give you that extra burst of moisture in dry climates. I find these hemp seed oil-based body butters absolutely delightful, and the packaging is just dreamy!
Cruelty-free ✔ Natural ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Made in India ✔
Solid Deodorant
Solid deodorants are easy to carry, don’t have aerosol or alcohol, (some) come in plastic-free packaging and are kind to your pits and the planet. Natural deodorant sticks and nourishing deodorant creams keep me fresh and ready for adventure in even the warmest of places.
Cruelty-free ✔ Natural ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Zero-waste ✔ Biodegradable ✔ Made in India ✔
Zero-waste Lip Balm
A good lip balm goes a long way when travelling. I prefer ones that double as multipurpose salves, so I go tint-free. This cocoa butter lip balm is deliciously scented, glides on buttery-smooth, and you get quite a bit for the price. Hemp seed oil lip balms and a calendula lip moisturizer are also good options.
Cruelty-free ✔ Natural ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Made in India ✔
Sun Protection
Never leave home without sunscreen, kids! It does more than keep a tan at bay – it prevents premature skin ageing and helps prevent skin cancer. Pack an SPF 30 or higher, with a finish based on your skin type. I like my face glowing like a tungsten bulb, so I pack an SPF 50 hybrid fluid. For my body, I carry an SPF 50 spray. For lips, I switch between an untinted SPF 15 balm and a tinted SPF 30 balm.
Cruelty-free ✔ Recyclable ✔
Reusable Facial Pads
Reusable facial pads can be used to remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt and grime, or to freshen up with a spritz of toner or plain water, minus the guilt that comes with disposable pads. Plus, these are a huge money-saver! Bamboo and cotton facial pads are washable and reusable several times before they go to the compost bin. I like to pop a few of these in my carry-on for any facial emergencies *dab dab*.
Cruelty-free ✔ Natural ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Compostable ✔ Made in India ✔
Eco-friendly Earbuds
While ear cleaning is best left to a professional, I like to keep the ‘threshold’ of my ear canal grime-free. Single-use plastic swabs are a no-no! For gentle cleaning and correcting minor makeup mishaps, compostable bamboo and cotton earbuds work well.
I prefer a reusable swab+ to disposable bamboo ones#. That said, neither option is perfect, and I see myself switching between them on those occasional ear-cleaning days.
Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔
Menstrual & Intimate Care
Menstrual Cup & Reusable Pads
Ever since I switched to the cup, I’ve been so relieved – no rashes, less expense, zero guilt from using disposable pads, and freedom! In fact, I walked for hours in Athens on the first day of my period with no complaints, save the cramps and backache. I pack two silicone menstrual cups+ and a few reusable cloth pads to best the beast that is Aunt Flo. Collapsible menstrual cups fit easily into a small bag or purse.
Cruelty-free ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Made in India ✔
Biodegradable Tampons & Pads
If the cup doesn’t work for you, or you’re off to a place that has a limited clean water supply, biodegradable disposable pads and tampons work best. These day & night pads and applicator-free tampons are made of organic cotton and are biodegradable, wrapper included. For minimal mess, use tampons with cardboard applicators.
Cruelty-free ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Biodegradable ✔ Made in India ✔
Natural Intimate Cleanser
I’m one of the many who can’t tolerate soap to clean the outside of my vag. Itchiness descends upon my poor lady like the vengeance of a hundred fire ants. A soap-free intimate cleanser is what I use daily and travel with, to stay clean and fresh down there. Carmesi has an empties policy where you can return the empty bottle for 10% off of the next cleanser.
Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔ Natural ✔ Recyclable ✔ Empties policy ✔ Made in India ✔
Biodegradable Panty Liners
Pantyliners are so underrated! They help me stay dry and fresh, especially during long journeys. They’re also helpful when spotting and for extra protection during my period. These disposable biodegradable pantyliners are made from organic cotton, as are the reusable pantyliners+. The reusable ones work well if you want to pack super-light.
Cruelty-free ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Biodegradable ✔ Made in India ✔
Eco-friendly Pee Stick
I was stoked when pee sticks came out because it meant I no longer had to precariously squat on top of toilet bowls and give my thighs a workout, and I could pee standing up when on the road. Cardboard-based disposable pee sticks^ work well when there’s no water source around, while the reusable device+ is a god-sent otherwise. The greatest invention ever!
Cruelty-free ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ ^Biodegradable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Made in India ✔
Other Sustainable Personal Care Essentials
Natural Mosquito Repellent
An eco-friendly mosquito repellent is critical when travelling to open areas, forests, water bodies and certain countries. I usually carry an all-natural mosquito repellent spray that comes in a glass bottle, and when I’m feeling fancy, I swap it for a herb-infused body spray. For super-light luggage, I take a natural mosquito repellent butter that’s carry-on friendly and easy to use.
Cruelty-free ✔ Recyclable ✔ Natural ✔ Made in India ✔
Reusable Wipes
I try my best to avoid single-use tissues and wipes, and carry reusable wipes that aren’t bulky and are easy to clean. Velour cotton wipes+ are super-soft, lightweight, washable and versatile. Always keep a few in your carry-on to clean up almost anything!
Cruelty-free ✔ Natural ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Compostable ✔ Made in India ✔
Quick-dry Towel
Quick-dry towels are a blessing while travelling! Whether to dry up after a shower, or post a swim, having these bad boys around means I can pack them up in a few hours and be on the go. A microfibre towel is my first choice – they aren’t bulky, are durable, great for the beach and dry fast. They can be recycled, but aren’t biodegradable. Supima cotton towels are the next best thing,- long-lasting, fast-drying, biodegradable, soft – and I absolutely love them!
Reusable ✔ Durable ✔ Made in India ✔
Mug
Using only wipes to clean up after relieving myself doesn’t work for me. When travelling to countries that are pro-tissue, I always carry my small and trusty HDPE plastic mug+. I also use it to sterilize my menstrual cups between use, when I have access to hot water. It’s proven to be one of my smartest essentials for international travel. Also, it helps reduce toilet roll usage by ALOT!
Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔
Durable Soap Case
Gone are the days of mushy bars and leaky suds. This award-winning soap bar case is a worth-it investment if you’re looking for the only solid essentials case you’ll ever need+, or don’t have a reusable aluminium tin. I feel quite accomplished owning a little dry bag for my solid bath essentials. Five stars for this sustainable personal care ‘essential’!
Vegan ✔ Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Repair Program (U.S. only) ✔
Travel-sized Bottles
If solid essentials just don’t work for you, and you don’t fancy carrying full-sized bottles, don’t fret! You can still avoid hotel freebies by transferring liquid essentials from your full-sized toiletries into reusable+ and recyclable travel-sized bottles made of durable plastic or BPA-free food-grade silicone.
Carry-on friendly ✔ Reusable ✔ Recyclable ✔ Refillable ✔
In addition to my travel-friendly sustainable personal care essentials, here are some learnings converted to tips that will definitely help you pack more efficiently.
Use what you already have before purchasing anything new. Sustainable personal care starts with buying and consuming less. Less is always more.
You don’t need new reusable travel-sized bottles and containers. If you have empty travel-sized bottles at home, those work perfectly!
Now is a good time to ditch using travel-sized hotel toiletries. They’re designed for single use, resulting in massive wastage. Refer to tip #2 on how to minify full-sized products for travel.
Call your accommodation in advance to check if they provide full-sized toiletries. If they do, skip packing those items.
#Just because it’s made of compostable and biodegradable materials, doesn’t mean it’s better for the environment. The ecological cost of these materials isn’t offset by biodegradability if they’re intended for single use. Compostable single-use < recyclable reusables < compostable reusables.
Glass packaging isn’t the hero if it isn’t reused, repurposed, upcycled, or recycled – if they end up in the trash, that’s where it’ll stay. Work with a local recycler who accepts glass, or look for brands that have a refill or empties policy.
Invest in high-quality reusables. The mileage most of them give is far superior to low-cost low-quality reusables that break or tear in just a few uses, leading to more trash and more money spent.
+Love your reusables and they’ll last you a lifetime, even long enough to be handed down! Or simply share the appropriate ones with family and friends, with a caveat – they ought to love your reusables too.
While the list may seem long, remember that you don’t need to carry everything. In fact, I don’t carry everything from the list each time I travel either! Your sustainable personal care essentials will vary based on what you use regularly, where you’re travelling to and for how long.
Let me know what your go-to travel-friendly sustainable personal care items are. I leave you with my favourite packing saying –
Less is more. ♥
