Yes, face cream is considered a liquid for travel security purposes and must follow the liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) rules, meaning containers in carry-on bags must be 100ml or less and fit into a single, clear, resealable bag, or be packed in checked luggage. This applies to all creams, lotions, gels, pastes, and similar items, regardless of their thickness or if they're in solid-like containers.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
The 100ml/100g rule
All liquid containers in your hand luggage must be under 100ml/100g each (that includes creams, pastes, lotions and gels). Please keep your liquids inside your bag for security screening (a plastic bag is no longer required).
In addition to drinks and other fluids, most cosmetics and a variety of foods are considered liquid. For example moisturisers, toothpastes, mascaras, aerosols, gels, canned fruit, fish and meat, frozen foods, butter, cream cheeses and yoghurts are treated as liquids.
Mascara is considered a liquid; makeup wipes are not a liquid in TSA's rulebook. Cream Blush – Cream blush is a liquid to TSA. Liquid Concealer – Liquid concealer is a liquid and must follow the 311 liquid rule. Lip Balm/Gloss/Lipstick – Lip balm/gloss/lipstick is not considered liquid.
Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
Tip 3: Pack Your Makeup
Some airports will require that all of your liquids fit in one clear plastic bag– TSA says that all of the liquids that you're traveling with in your carry-on must fit in 1 quart sized, clear, plastic, zipped bag– so it's smart to have that handled before departure.
You are permitted to carry any liquids, creams, gels, aerosols and pastes in bottles sized up to 100ml in your hand luggage. Liquids under 100ml no longer need to be in plastic bag and can be left in your hand luggage. However, Liquids, Aerosols and Gels greater than 100ml are not permitted.
Foundation is a liquid, cream, or powder makeup applied to the face and neck to create an even, uniform color to the complexion, cover flaws and sometimes change the natural skin tone. Some foundations also function as a moisturizer, sunscreen, astringent or base layer for more complex cosmetics.
You can't say toothpaste is a solid because solid material have a fixed shape but toothpaste doesn't. However, you can't say it's a liquid because liquids flow easily but toothpaste needs a certain force to push it out of the tube.
As per the guidelines, all carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, packed in one clear quart-size bag.
Liquid and cream makeup products (such as foundation, concealer, liquid highlighter, cream blush, mascara, liquid eyeliner, lip gloss, and setting sprays) must be in containers 3.4oz/100ml or smaller and must fit in one quart-sized clear plastic bag.
You can take as many 100ml bottles as will fit into one single, transparent, resealable plastic bag (approximately 1 liter capacity), with each container being 100ml or less, for a total of one bag per passenger. This rule applies to liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) for international flights and generally for domestic flights in many countries.
**Roll-ons**: These are liquid-based and must adhere to the 100ml rule. **Sticks**: Solid deodorants are not restricted by the 100ml rule, making them a convenient choice. **Sprays**: Aerosol deodorants must also be 100ml or less and placed in a clear plastic bag.
Passengers can now keep liquids in their hand luggage or cabin bag when flying from the majority of UK airports. While the 100ml limit remains at most airports, there is no longer a requirement to put bottles and containers in a clear plastic bag - or remove them from your bags at security.
These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.
Chapstick, lipstick, and solid lip balms are not considered liquids by the TSA. They can be in your handbag, carry-on or hand luggage without being separated into your clear plastic liquids bag.
However, makeup products that are not considered liquids include: traditional lipsticks in a tube, powder products (eyeshadow, powder foundation, blush, etc.), pencil eyeliners, brow pencils, solid stick foundations or concealers, makeup brushes, and makeup sponges.
Concealer vs Foundation
Concealer is designed to color-correct dark circles, pigmentation, and blemishes while foundation works to enhance the overall skin tone. They are great on their own but together they complete each other. If you choose to wear them by themselves or together, it is entirely up to you.
From a regulatory standpoint, wet wipes are not considered a liquid, which means they do not fall under the 100ml liquid rule imposed by airport security.
Lipstick in your hand luggage As for lipstick, if it's solid, you can put it in your normal make-up bag; but if it's a liquid lipstick, you should put it in the clear bag with all your other liquids.
Here's the fully updated list of airports that have officially scrapped the 100ml limit as of September 2025:
Any liquid makeup must be stored in a 3.4 ounce or smaller container and all liquids must fit in a single quart sized clear plastic bag. I always put makeup on plane cuz most times it is early morning. Just make sure everything is under 3.4 ounce limit if liquid.
3-1-1 Rule Overview
Each passenger is permitted one clear plastic bag for their toiletries, which helps streamline the security process. This rule applies to all liquids, gels, and aerosols, including essential items like shampoo, conditioner, and even your travel makeup bag.