To Avoid Having Cosmetics Confiscated at the Airport, Remember the 100ml Container Rule

To Avoid Having Cosmetics Confiscated at the Airport, Remember the 100ml Container Rule

I once had my lotion confiscated at the airport. I had it in my carry-on bag, and it was caught during security screening. The absurd thing was that there was still a lot of product left. It was quite an expensive lotion, and I was so upset to have to throw it away. In the end, I had to buy new lotion locally during my trip.

It turns out the problem wasn't the amount of product, but the container. It was a 120ml container. That was probably a time when I hadn't traveled abroad much, and I didn't know that containers over 100ml weren't allowed. If the container says 120ml, it's simply not allowed.

But did you know there's no problem if you put it in your checked luggage? For those reading this, don't throw away your precious lotion like I did; make sure to put large containers in your checked luggage!

It's not just lotion and cosmetics; there are surprisingly many confusing items. I've put together this summary so you don't get flustered at the airport.

The Real Standard for the 100ml Rule is the "Number Written on the Container"

First-time international travelers might not know this and think "it'll be fine if the contents are under 100ml," but that's not the case. The capacity written on the container is the standard. Even if only 30ml remains in a 120ml container, it will be confiscated. The same applies if only a little shampoo is left in a 200ml bottle.

The reason it's so strict is that security personnel cannot measure the contents of each item. They judge solely by the stated capacity on the container. So, if the container itself is over 100ml, it's not allowed, regardless of how much is inside.

The solution is simple. Put it in your checked luggage or transfer it to an empty container that is 100ml or less. You can just transfer it to travel-sized empty bottles sold at Daiso or cosmetic stores. Large containers are not allowed, no matter how little product is inside, so transferring to smaller containers is the only way.

You Must Meet 3 Conditions Simultaneously

It's not enough to just bring containers under 100ml. You must adhere to three conditions simultaneously.

1. Individual containers 100ml or less — Essential
2. Place all in one transparent, resealable plastic bag (1L or less) — This is about 20cm by 20cm in size.
3. Only one plastic bag per person — Multiple bags are not allowed.

If you violate even one of these three, it will be confiscated. Even if you've properly transferred items to 100ml containers, you might get caught if they're not in a plastic bag. It's also faster to take this plastic bag out of your luggage and show it separately during security screening.

Please note that these are all considered "liquids"

Surprisingly many items are classified as liquids. If you don't know this, you might unexpectedly have things confiscated.

Sheet masks, sun cream, lip gloss, and mascara are all liquids. Sheet masks, in particular, often catch people off guard when they carelessly put them in their bags. And surprisingly, gochujang (chili paste), doenjang (soybean paste), honey, and jam are also classified as gels and are subject to the 100ml rule. I've occasionally seen people caught trying to bring gochujang to Southeast Asia. Toothpaste and shampoo are, of course, liquids.

Conversely, there are no volume restrictions for solids. Lipsticks, powders, and stick-type cosmetics are freely allowed. Nowadays, shampoo bars, solid toothpaste, and stick lotions are also widely available, so choosing these solid products can help you avoid the 100ml rule altogether. I wish I had known about travel-specific stick lotions for my daily lotion; then I wouldn't have had it confiscated.

Medication is an exception.

Medication is treated differently. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are allowed even if they exceed 100ml. However, liquid medications over 100ml (like cough syrup or insulin) require a prescription or a doctor's note. You should declare them separately at security screening.

Pills and capsules are, of course, not liquids, so you can bring them freely. There's no problem bringing things like motion sickness pills or headache medicine.

Liquids purchased at duty-free are different again.

This is another confusing point. After completing departure procedures, alcohol or cosmetics purchased at duty-free shops are allowed in carry-on even if they exceed 100ml.This means you can buy perfume or liquor. However, there's a condition. They must be in a special sealed bag called a STEB and remain unopened.They must be.

Be especially careful when transferring flights. If you open this bag at a transit airport, it will be confiscated at the next security screening. You must keep the bag sealed until you reach your final destination.

So, how should I pack?

For your daily skincare, transfer it to travel-sized empty bottles under 100ml. Daiso has good empty bottle sets. Large lotions or shampoos that you won't use at the airport can be put in your checked luggage. There are no volume restrictions for checked luggage.

The most common mistake is putting large containers directly into your carry-on, like I did. No matter how much product is left, if the container is large, you'll have to throw it away. Just remember to bring a plastic bag, keep prescriptions with medication, and don't open duty-free bags. That's all you need to remember.

Finally,

the real standard for the 100ml rule is the number written on the container, not the amount of product inside.As I mentioned earlier, when I had no international travel experience, I didn't know this and sadly threw away lotion with a lot of product left, then bought new lotion locally.

Large containers go in checked luggage, and if you need to use something before boarding, transfer it to an empty container under 100ml. Just remember that medication and duty-free items are exceptions.