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Minimalist Toiletries for Travelling: Pack Light and Stay Fresh

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on
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Packing toiletries can be tricky, especially for women trying to pack light. But as someone who hasn’t checked a bag since 2018, I’ve perfected the art of minimalist packing. I fit all my toiletries into a small carry-on, whether for a weekend or a month-long trip.

In this post, I’ll show you how to minimise your toiletries and exactly what I pack, so you can travel lighter, save space, and avoid checked baggage fees.

How to Minimise Toiletries

Here are some of the most efficient ways I managed to minimise my toiletries. By applying these changes, you can minimise both your travel toiletries and your everyday routine.

5 Easy Ways to Minimise Toiletries
  • Switch to Solid Shampoo and Soap Bars
    Solid bars may not reduce the number of items, but they drastically cut down on size. A shampoo bar lasts longer than liquids, takes up minimal space, and is easy to carry on planes. Plus, no spills or leaks!
  • Skip the Makeup
    I don’t wear makeup, and it’s incredibly freeing. You save money, time, and allow your skin to breathe. Plus, skipping makeup means fewer products to pack and no need for removers or extras.
  • Check What You Actually Use
    Put all your toiletries in one spot and, over the course of a week or month, separate what you actually use. At the end, get rid of the things you didn’t touch. This process also helps you spot duplicates, reduce them to one essential product.
  • Switch to Body Butter
    Swap body lotion for body butter. It’s richer, lasts longer, and you’ll need less, meaning fewer bulky bottles to pack or store.
  • Consider Skipping Deodorant
    My most controversial tip: I don’t use deodorant. After asking friends, they reassured me I don’t smell! In winter, I don’t sweat that much, and in summer, I wear loose tops that let my skin breathe naturally.

Minimalist Toiletries List

Over the past few years, I’ve taken several month-long trips, and these are the minimalist toiletries I always pack. I prioritize eco-friendly products, using what I have and choosing sustainable, high-quality materials when I need to replace something.

  • Electric Toothbrush: I use a SURI toothbrush, which comes with a special travel case. It’s compact, eco-friendly, and the case keeps it hygienic while traveling.
  • Toothpaste: I use a normal sized toothpaste which is still under the 100ml liquid restriction of airplanes.
  • Shampoo and soap bar: I pack a solid shampoo bar, which lasts longer than liquid shampoo. I also have a shampoo bar bag, a special travel pouch that keeps the shampoo dry on the outside even when it’s wet inside. It’s perfect for minimalist packing and makes a great gift for other travelers.
  • Hairbrush: A normal-sized hairbrush that fits easily into my toiletry bag.
  • Face lotion: I stick to a lightweight, multi-purpose moisturizer.
  • Body butter: I prefer body butter over lotion because it’s richer, lasts longer, and takes up less space.
  • Lip balm: On longer trips, I pack 2 or 3 of my favorite lip balms since I’m particular about the ones I use.
  • Sunscreen: I bring a small tube of sunscreen. For longer summer trips, this is the only item I buy locally in a larger size if needed.
  • Reusable swab: A low-waste alternative to disposable cotton swabs. My reusable swab is made from recyclable plastic, easy to clean, and lasts for years.
  • Razor: A simple, reusable razor where I can switch the blades.
  • Nail clippers: I’ve never had any issues with nail clippers at airport security. However, I avoid packing nail scissors after having to throw them out before.
  • Nail file
  • Tweezers

As you can see, my toiletry kit is packed with travel essentials, with a focus on sustainability and minimalism. If you have any questions about the items I use or you want to hear from other minimalists, join my Facebook group for minimalist packers and let’s discuss there!

Minimalist Toiletry Bag for Travel

A green floral-patterned Eagle Creek toiletry bag with mint green zippers sits on a light-colored surface. The bag has a slightly bulging shape, suggesting it is filled with items. The "Eagle Creek Pack-It" logo is visible on the front pocket.
The same Eagle Creek toiletry bag is open, revealing various travel essentials inside. Items include a wooden hairbrush labeled "ebelin," a white rectangular case marked "SURI," a small bottle of deodorant, a tube of cream, and other toiletries. The bag’s patterned fabric and mint green zipper contrast with the contents inside.

Finding the right toiletry bag as a minimalist traveler can be surprisingly difficult, most are way too big and come with unnecessary compartments that just add bulk. That’s why I love my Eagle Creek toiletry bag. It’s small, simple, and practical.

I chose the S size because it fits my toothbrush travel case, but there’s even an XS version for those who pack ultra-light. The design is refreshingly basic, with just two exterior zippered pockets for smaller items, no unnecessary dividers or compartments taking up space.

One feature I really appreciate is the built-in sling, which lets me hang it up for easy access in hotel bathrooms or hostel showers. It keeps everything off wet countertops.

🛀 Get this compact, no-fuss toiletry bag! and save 15% with the discount code CELEBRATION50

Final Thoughts: Minimalist Travel Toiletries

Traveling with minimalist toiletries not only makes packing easier but also frees you from the hassle of carrying unnecessary items. By only packing your essentials, you’ll save space, money, and time.

Ready to simplify your packing even more? Download my free printable minimalist packing checklist to make your next trip stress-free and organized. It’s the ultimate guide to packing light while staying prepared!

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Tina Riegelnegg

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Veganderlust. She's a vegan with wanderlust, who shares tips and stories from her travels to 31 countries as a vegan minimalist. After 2.5 years of full-time travel with just a personal item-sized bag, she’s now based in Vienna, helping fellow travelers explore the world with ease and compassion.