We tested several top options and spent ample time researching numerous other toiletry bags on the market, considering the materials used in the design, size, organizational attributes, and TSA stamp of approval. Based on our findings, the BÉIS The Hanging Cosmetic Case is our favorite for organized travel. This budget-friendly case is as aesthetically pleasing as it is durable, while offering plenty of room for your travel essentials. Here, the best toiletry bags for taking your favorite products on the go. You want to be careful not to overstuff the bag with full-sized items. During our at-home testing, we found that too many bulky products made it difficult to fill the bag with other essentials. Overstuffing also puts too much weight on the hanger, eventually compromising its integrity. Still, it holds plenty of products, so the chance of that happening is marginal. Some might find that having two color options is limited, but it can make the buying process more streamlined. Simply decide between beige and black in this multi-compartment bag, and you’re all set. Of course, the removable TSA-approved pouch is transparent, so there’s no guesswork there. All of these qualities make it both aesthetically pleasing and practical for packing toiletries in a carry-on bag, which is why we think it’s an essential accessory for any traveler. Price at time of publishing: $68 As a female-founded brand, Truffle Co works to make sustainability sophisticated. The aforementioned transparent material is biodegradable TPU, upholding the brand’s ethos of minding its environmental footprint. The company also uses recycled materials–including its leather–so you’re not compromising quality or style. Price at time of publishing: $145 We appreciate that the bag is available in four core colors, with limited-edition shades released seasonally. The modern design makes it versatile, with features like interior elastic loops for upright storage, a removable mesh pouch, and ample space for TSA-friendly personal care items. While the material can be a bit delicate, the overall quality for the cost means that you get your money’s worth with this toiletry bag. Price at time of publishing: $65 Some users report that it isn’t the most durable toiletry bag they’ve purchased, but others comment that it holds up just fine. The main material used is nylon, which is easy to clean and tends to last longer than other textiles used for this type of product. Overall, the hanging feature, vast style options, and affordability make it a great choice for the whole family. Price at time of publishing: $14 While it lacks interior compartments, this option comes with a removable clear pouch for organization, and the internal elastic bands keep travel shampoo and other bottled products upright, preventing spills. Owners will also benefit from the pulls attached to the exterior zippers, which make opening the case a breeze. The overall functionality and athleisure aesthetic of this bag make this an appealing buy for regular gym-goers. Price at time of publishing: $48 This 8-inch-wide by 3-inch-deep bag fits anything from your go-to beauty products to bath and body care. It’s versatile and functional, and 1 percent of Saie’s sales go to nonprofits focused on bettering our environment. You might even want to add a few of the brand’s cosmetics to your cart as they make the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one. Price at time of publishing: $35 The exterior leather is a fine-grained texture that is incredibly soft, not rigid, like others on the market. This material can easily show distress, so you’ll want to be gentler on it than other toiletry bags. And while it isn’t the best to pack in a carry-on bag, it could be the perfect choice for your checked luggage. The best part of this bag is how adaptable it is. The base of the case has carefully spaced ridges and customizable inserts that adjust to fit the size of whatever products you’re storing. There’s also an upper section that separates makeup brushes. While it’s a little bulky and doesn’t offer a ton of room, for the price, it’s hard to beat the versatile organizational options. Price at time of publishing: $16 The brand offers four classic colorways in both sizes, with limited-edition shades rolling out quite frequently. These options allow you to purchase a bag that aligns with your personality or matches your luggage set. Price at time of publishing: $95 If you travel for extended periods for activities like work, you may be more likely to need a substantial-sized toiletry bag to accommodate all of your necessities. In that case, consider larger bags that allow for more products and ample storage space with various compartments. The opposite is true for shorter getaways; a smaller option that fits just the essentials could be a better fit for a weekend bag with limited space. Smaller toiletry bags offer less internal space for your products and mean tighter pockets, which can make it difficult to access your toiletries quickly.
Organization Options
The last thing anyone wants to do is dig around in their bag, searching for their lipstick. That’s why the organizational aspects of a toiletry bag should play a role in your purchase choice. Look for a product with a removable pouch, zipped compartments, or interior pockets to keep your hygiene items organized. Bonus points if the design has a hanging feature, which creates more counter space in any hotel room. We appreciate zippers that are easy enough to pull, with a weighty feel to prolong their viability. Two other traits to consider are hidden hangers that help to maximize space once you’ve arrived at your destination, and adjustable dividers that allow for customization.
Material and Color
The overall design of your bag offers an opportunity for self-expression, but it should also be able to withstand the wear and tear that comes with traveling. The simplest way to address these two attributes is by looking at the color and material used to create the bag. For a more expressive and extroverted individual, a bright hue or flamboyant pattern is likely a great place to start. If you find yourself to be more reserved or introverted, your best bet is to opt for a muted tone or minimally designed piece. The material, on the other hand, should be consistent for everyone, no matter what your personality. Your toiletry bag should be waterproof, easy to clean, and durable.
TSA Approval
The travel landscape continues to change around the rules and regulations set in place by the TSA. In addition to knowing the sizes of the liquids and gels you take on your next trip, you should pay attention to bag sizing and design for toiletries in a carry-on. To simplify the screening process, ensure that personal care items fit in a bag that doesn’t exceed the 1-quart limit. Using a bag that offers a clear view of the contents could also be beneficial to help avoid losing your bag to TSA before leaving the airport terminal.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Samantha Parsons wrote this article to include toiletry bags that offer high quality, organizational options, value for the price, and adherence to TSA guidelines. She conducted hours of research, read reviews, and analyzed product trends to select the items above. Samantha also spoke with the co-founder of NEAT Method, Ashley Murphy, for insights on the top priorities to consider when shopping for a toiletry bag, to help solidify her choices. When she is not spending her time writing for The Spruce, Samantha writes for beauty outlets like The/Thirty and works for a beauty brand. She is constantly reading up on the latest product launches and design trends.
