Few things sting like watching a favourite serum go into the bin at security. In 2026, UK hand-luggage rules aren’t the same at every airport, so here’s how to pack your skincare to get it through, whichever airport you fly from.
The cabin liquid rules, simply
For years the rule was the same everywhere: liquids, gels, creams and pastes in containers of 100ml or less, all fitting in one clear, resealable bag of about 1 litre (roughly 20cm × 20cm), taken out at security.
Many UK airports now have next-generation security scanners, and some of them let you carry containers of up to 2 litres and leave them in your bag. But not every airport has made the switch. As of summer 2026:
- Airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Belfast International were reported to allow containers of up to 2 litres.
- Many others, including Manchester, London Stansted, London Luton, London City and Glasgow, still applied the 100ml limit.
Rules can change quickly, and what matters is the airport you’re flying from. That includes your return flight and any connecting airport abroad.
Our advice: check your departure airport’s website a few days before you fly. If your trip involves more than one airport, pack to the strictest rule on the journey. A kit built around 100ml minis gets through everywhere.
What counts as a liquid
More than you’d think. For security purposes, anything you can pour, pump, squeeze, spread or spray counts:
- Toners, mists, serums and oils
- Moisturisers, creams and gels
- Sheet masks and hydrogel masks soaked in essence
- Lip masks, balms in pots and lip glosses
- Liquid foundation, concealer and mascara
- Hand sanitiser, sprays and perfume
- Toothpaste
Solid items such as a stick balm, a bar cleanser or a powder don’t count. Individually wrapped wipes are generally fine too, but rules on wet wipes can vary, so if in doubt, pack them in your liquids bag.
Minis worth their space
Space in a clear bag goes quickly, so give it to what you’ll actually use in the air:
- A hand sanitiser spray. You’ll touch your face, so start with clean hands.
- A facial mist. The quickest way to refresh dry skin, and lovely after a wipe.
- One treatment. Eye patches for a short flight, or a hydrogel mask for a long one.
- A rich moisturiser. A small tube is plenty, because thin layers work best in the air.
- A lip mask. Lips dry out first in cabin air.
Everything else — your full cleanser, your actives, the sunscreen for the beach — can go in the hold.
What to leave in the hold bag
- Full-size bottles you won’t use on board.
- Strong actives such as retinoids and acids. Most people find a long flight isn’t the time for them anyway.
- Anything glass and precious. Pressure changes can make some bottles leak, so wrap them in a sealed bag.
- Aerosols and dry shampoo. Airlines have their own rules on these, so check before you pack them in either bag.
How the Hydration Kit is packed
We built the Hydration Kit around the strictest version of the rules. Every liquid is a travel-size mini well under 100ml. Everything packs flat into one frosted pouch that fits alongside your other essentials in a standard clear bag, and the steps are in the order you’ll use them, with a printed boarding pass to follow.
So whichever airport you’re flying from, your routine goes where you go.
Airport rules change: always check the latest guidance from your departure airport and airline before you fly.
