easyJet Cabin Toiletries Rules Explained: What UK Travellers Need to Know
Updated: Sep 21
That moment when you're packing for an easyJet flight and suddenly wonder whether your shampoo is too big, your toothpaste counts as a liquid, or your deodorant will cause problems at airport security is exactly why understanding the rules before you travel matters.
For UK travellers flying with hand luggage only, there are actually two different sets of rules to think about.
easyJet controls the size and number of bags you can take on board. Airport security controls which liquids, toiletries and other items can pass through screening.
Those rules overlap, but they are not the same — and in 2026, liquid rules can also differ between UK airports.
The good news is that most everyday toiletries are perfectly acceptable. You just need to pack them correctly.
easyJet Toiletries: Quick Answer
Toiletries are allowed in easyJet hand luggage.
At most UK airports, liquids must still be in containers of 100ml or less.
Some airports may allow liquid containers holding up to 2 litres.
A partly empty container larger than the airport's permitted size can still be rejected.
Toothpaste, creams, gels, mascara, sprays and many other toiletries count as liquids.
At airports using the traditional liquids process, containers must fit comfortably inside a single transparent, resealable bag holding no more than one litre.
Travel-size toiletries remain a practical option, particularly when your return or connecting airport may operate different rules.
What Are easyJet's Cabin Toiletries Rules?
easyJet allows ordinary toiletries in cabin baggage, but what passes through airport security is primarily determined by the airport you're travelling through.
For UK departures, GOV.UK says that at most airports you cannot take liquids through security in containers larger than 100ml, even if the container is only partly full.
Some airports may allow containers holding up to 2 litres. You may also find that an upgraded airport doesn't require liquids to be removed from your cabin bag or placed into a separate transparent bag.
There is therefore no longer one security procedure that accurately describes every UK airport.
The best approach is simple:
Check the liquid rules at your departure airport before travelling — and check your return and connecting airports too.
For travellers who would rather pack once for the entire journey, toiletries in containers of 100ml or less remain a straightforward option.
What Counts as a Liquid at Airport Security?
Far more products count as liquids than many travellers expect.
UK airport-security guidance includes products such as:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Shower gel
Toothpaste
Moisturiser and creams
Perfume and aftershave
Mascara
Lip gloss
Shaving foam
Hairspray
Spray deodorant
Hair gel
Contact lens solution
Sun cream and lotions
The rules cover liquids, gels, sprays, pastes, creams and products with similar consistencies.
So something doesn't need to pour like water to be treated as a liquid at security.
Toothpaste is a classic example. It's a paste, but it still falls within the airport liquid restrictions.
Does the 100ml Rule Still Apply at UK Airports?
At most UK airports, yes.
However, new security screening equipment means some airports may allow liquid containers holding up to 2 litres.
At some upgraded airports, you may also be able to leave liquids inside your cabin bag rather than removing them into a separate transparent bag.
The important point is not to assume.
Airport arrangements are changing. The process you experienced on your previous holiday may not necessarily be the process you'll encounter next time.
Before travelling, check:
Your UK departure airport
Any airport where you'll pass through security during a connection
The airport you'll use for your return journey
What About Your Return Journey?
This is one of the strongest reasons not to abandon travel-size toiletries simply because your UK departure airport permits larger containers.
Your return airport may operate completely different security arrangements.
You might leave the UK through an airport allowing containers larger than 100ml and return through an overseas airport still operating the traditional restrictions.
Connecting passengers may also encounter another security checkpoint during their journey.
GOV.UK specifically advises travellers to check the rules at other airports they'll travel through, including on their return journey.
For a straightforward round trip, packing toiletries of 100ml or less therefore remains a useful default.
Staying Connected When You Arrive
Once your cabin bag and toiletries are sorted, it's also worth checking how you'll use your phone when you arrive.
UK roaming charges vary by network and destination, and a travel eSIM can provide another way to get mobile data abroad on a compatible phone.
Many compatible Dual SIM phones allow you to keep your normal UK SIM active for your number while using a separate travel eSIM for mobile data.
How Big Is an easyJet Cabin Bag?
Every easyJet passenger can currently bring one small cabin bag measuring up to 45 × 36 × 20cm, including handles and wheels.
It must fit underneath the seat in front of you and can weigh up to 15kg, although easyJet requires you to be able to lift and carry it yourself.
Passengers who have purchased a large cabin bag, or have the appropriate easyJet Plus or fare entitlement, can also bring a large cabin bag measuring up to:
56 × 45 × 25cm
The large bag also has a maximum weight of 15kg and is stored in the overhead locker.
That makes efficient packing important even when your departure airport allows larger liquid containers.
A full-size shampoo bottle might be permitted through some upgraded security checkpoints, but it still occupies considerably more space than a travel-size bottle in a 45 × 36 × 20cm under-seat bag.
For cabin-only travel, space can be just as important as the liquid limit.
Can You Take Toothpaste on easyJet?
Yes.
Toothpaste is allowed in hand luggage, but it counts as a paste under airport security liquid rules.
At an airport operating the traditional restrictions, your toothpaste container should therefore hold no more than 100ml and should be included with your other liquids.
Remember that security looks at the capacity of the container, not how much product remains inside.
A partly used 125ml tube is still a 125ml container.
Can You Take Deodorant on easyJet?
Yes.
Roll-on, gel and aerosol deodorants can be taken in cabin baggage, but liquid, gel and spray products need to comply with the security rules at the airport you're travelling through.
GOV.UK specifically includes spray deodorants among products covered by the liquids rules.
At an airport retaining the traditional restrictions, use a container of 100ml or less and pack it with your other liquids.
Can You Take Shampoo and Conditioner on easyJet?
Yes.
Shampoo and conditioner can be carried in your cabin bag.
At most UK airports, containers should still hold no more than 100ml.
For a weekend or short break, travel-size shampoo and conditioner can make sense for another reason: you're unlikely to need a full bathroom-size bottle and smaller products leave considerably more room in your cabin bag.
Can You Take Sun Cream on easyJet?
Yes.
Sun cream, sunscreen lotion and similar creams count as liquids.
At airports using the traditional rules, containers should therefore be no larger than 100ml.
If you need a larger quantity for a beach holiday, you could place it in checked baggage or check whether the airports you'll travel through permit larger liquid containers.
Can You Take Makeup on easyJet?
Yes, although some cosmetics count as liquids while others do not.
Products commonly treated as liquids include:
Mascara
Liquid foundation
Liquid concealer
Lip gloss
Cream cosmetics
Liquid eyeliner
Powder products and genuinely solid cosmetics are generally treated differently.
If you're unsure about a particular product, think about its consistency rather than simply whether the packaging describes it as makeup.
What About Medicines?
Essential medicines have specific exemptions from the normal UK liquid restrictions.
GOV.UK says essential liquid medicines can be carried through airport security in containers larger than 100ml. Where liquid medicine is in a container larger than 100ml, you may need proof that it is prescribed to you, such as a prescription or doctor's letter.
easyJet also advises passengers to keep essentials such as medicines with them in the cabin.
Don't reduce or leave behind essential medication simply to make it conform to the ordinary toiletries rules.
What About Baby Milk and Baby Food?
There are specific security exemptions for baby milk, baby food and certain other liquids required when travelling with a baby.
These are separate from the ordinary toiletries rules. GOV.UK advises travellers to check the applicable exemptions when carrying baby milk or food.
easyJet also permits an additional baby changing bag of up to 45 × 36 × 20cm when an infant is travelling on an adult's lap.
If you're travelling with a baby, check both the airport-security requirements and your easyJet baggage allowance before departure.
Best Toiletries for easyJet Hand Luggage
For a short easyJet trip, the aim isn't to reproduce your bathroom cabinet in miniature.
It's to take the products you'll genuinely use.
A practical wash bag might contain:
Toothpaste
A small tube is sufficient for most short breaks and takes very little space.
Deodorant
Choose an appropriately sized roll-on or aerosol that will last for the trip without occupying unnecessary room.
Shampoo
A travel-size bottle is often plenty for a weekend or short holiday.
Shower Gel
Think about how much you'll realistically use rather than automatically packing the largest permitted container.
Moisturiser or Face Wash
Take the products that are genuinely part of your daily routine.
Shaving Essentials
Pack what you'll actually need for the length of your trip, remembering that shaving gels and foams are subject to the applicable liquid rules.
Sun Cream
Important for warmer destinations, but creams and sprays may fall within the liquid restrictions.
Makeup Essentials
Prioritise the products you use every day rather than filling limited cabin-bag space with alternatives you may never touch.
The principle is straightforward:
Pack for the length and purpose of your trip, not for every possible eventuality.
easyJet Toiletries by Trip Type
Different trips justify different packing choices.
Weekend City Break
Keep it compact. Toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, shower gel and a few personal essentials will cover many two- or three-night trips.
Business Trip
Predictability matters. Keeping a dedicated travel wash bag ready can make an early departure considerably easier.
Beach Holiday
Sun cream becomes much more important, along with after-sun or moisturiser. If you need larger quantities, consider whether checked baggage makes more sense.
Couples Travelling Together
Where appropriate, sharing products such as toothpaste, shampoo or shower gel can avoid unnecessary duplication.
Longer Trips
Travel-size doesn't necessarily mean taking too little.
Consider whether you can buy ordinary toiletries at your destination rather than using valuable cabin-bag space carrying enough shampoo or shower gel for an entire holiday.
Common easyJet Packing Mistakes
Packing an Oversized Container
At most UK airports, a container larger than 100ml cannot pass through security even when it's only partly full.
Forgetting That Pastes and Creams Count
Toothpaste, moisturiser and many cosmetics are easily overlooked.
Assuming Every Airport Has Upgraded Security
Some have. Others retain the traditional restrictions.
Check rather than assume.
Only Checking Your Outbound Airport
Your return or connecting airport may operate different rules.
Packing More Toiletries Than You Need
An easyJet 45 × 36 × 20cm under-seat bag has limited space. Every unnecessary bottle competes with clothes, electronics and everything else you're carrying.
Choosing the Wrong Cabin Bag
easyJet's dimensions are specific.
Your free small cabin bag must be no larger than 45 × 36 × 20cm, including handles and wheels, and fit underneath the seat in front of you.
If you're buying luggage for easyJet, check the actual external dimensions rather than relying solely on descriptions such as "cabin size" or "airline approved".
Travel Minis or Decant Your Own?
Both approaches can work.
Decanting
Reusable travel bottles let you take products you already own and can reduce the cost of buying travel sizes.
The disadvantages are the preparation involved and the possibility of poorly sealed containers leaking.
Buying Individual Travel Minis
This gives you more control over exactly which products and brands you take.
The downside is that you may need to source products individually.
Using a Pre-Packed Travel Kit
A pre-packed kit prioritises convenience. The products are already selected in travel-friendly sizes, reducing the sourcing and preparation required before departure.
The trade-off is that you have less control over every individual product in the pack.
There isn't one correct solution.
For occasional travellers who already have suitable bottles, decanting may make perfect sense. For frequent short breaks, keeping travel-size products or a dedicated wash bag ready can save time.
easyJet Cabin Toiletries Checklist
Before leaving home:
Check your departure airport's current liquid rules.
Check your return and connecting airports too.
Keep liquid containers within 100ml if you want a straightforward option across different airports.
Remember that toothpaste, creams, mascara, gels and sprays can count as liquids.
Pack a transparent resealable liquids bag if your airport requires one.
Keep essential medication accessible.
Check your easyJet baggage allowance.
Make sure your free under-seat bag is no larger than 45 × 36 × 20cm.
Don't assume a generic "cabin bag" will meet easyJet's dimensions.
Pack for the actual length of your trip.
Leave unnecessary full-size toiletries at home.
easyJet Cabin Toiletries Rules FAQs
Can I Take Shampoo on an easyJet Flight?
Yes. Shampoo can be carried in cabin baggage, but it counts as a liquid. At most UK airports, the container must be 100ml or smaller. Some airports permit larger containers, so check your departure airport.
Does Toothpaste Count as a Liquid?
Yes. Toothpaste is a paste and falls within airport-security liquid restrictions.
Can I Take Deodorant on easyJet?
Yes. Roll-on, gel and aerosol deodorants can be carried, subject to the security rules applying at your airport.
Can I Bring Toiletries in Checked Luggage?
Most ordinary toiletries can be carried in checked baggage, although restrictions can apply to aerosols, dangerous goods and certain other products.
How Many Toiletries Can I Take in Hand Luggage?
There isn't simply a numerical limit on ordinary toiletries.
At airports using the traditional security process, your liquid containers must comply with the applicable size restrictions and fit comfortably inside the permitted one-litre transparent bag.
Is the 100ml Rule Being Scrapped at UK Airports?
The rules have changed at some airports, but most UK airports still do not allow liquid containers larger than 100ml through security.
Some may allow containers holding up to 2 litres. Check the airport you're actually using before travelling.
If My Airport Allows 2 Litres, Do I Still Need Travel-Size Toiletries?
Not necessarily.
However, smaller toiletries still save cabin-bag space and can simplify journeys where your return or connecting airport operates the traditional 100ml restrictions.
What Size Is easyJet's Free Cabin Bag?
Every passenger can currently take one small cabin bag measuring up to 45 × 36 × 20cm, including handles and wheels. It must fit underneath the seat in front and can weigh up to 15kg.
Can I Take a Second Cabin Bag on easyJet?
A large cabin bag measuring up to 56 × 45 × 25cm can be carried when you've purchased one or have the appropriate fare or easyJet Plus entitlement. easyJet permits a maximum of two cabin bags per passenger where the passenger has the appropriate entitlement.
More easyJet Travel Advice
Final Thoughts
Taking toiletries on an easyJet flight isn't particularly complicated once you separate easyJet's baggage rules from airport-security rules.
easyJet determines the bags you can bring on board. Your airport determines which liquids can pass through security.
At most UK airports, the familiar 100ml container limit still applies, while some airports may permit larger liquid containers.
For travellers who want one packing approach that works across departure, connection and return airports, travel-size toiletries remain a practical option.
They also make sense for another reason: easyJet's free under-seat cabin bag measures 45 × 36 × 20cm, so efficient packing matters regardless of how much liquid your airport permits.
Pack the products you'll genuinely use, check the airports involved in your journey, and make sure your cabin bag fits your easyJet allowance.
That gives you far less to think about when you reach the airport.
Information reviewed against current GOV.UK airport-security guidance and easyJet's published cabin-baggage guidance, September 2026.
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