Is Lip Balm Considered a Liquid By TSA?
Planning to fly soon and wondering whether lip balm counts as a liquid? You’re not alone — this is one of the most searched travel questions, and TSA’s rules aren’t always easy to interpret. Here’s the short answer, and then we’ll break down each product type so you know exactly what can stay in your bag and what needs to go in the liquids pouch.
Solid lip balms (wax/oils): Not considered liquids. They can stay in your bag.
Lipstick: Not a liquid. No restrictions.
Lip gloss/gel: Yes — must go in your liquids bag.
What TSA Actually Means by “Liquid”
According to the TSA liquids rule, you’re allowed one transparent, quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag. Everything in that bag must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).
Their working definition of a liquid is any item that can be poured, pumped, squeezed, spread, smeared, sprayed, or spilled.
Which immediately raises the obvious question: lipstick spreads. Chapstick smears. So why aren’t those considered liquids?
It comes down to form factor. TSA distinguishes between solid products that hold their shape and products that flow or shift in their container. A twist-up lip balm or lipstick is solid enough to keep its structure — it’s not going to spill or leak. A tube of lip gloss or a jar of Vaseline, on the other hand, behaves like a liquid and gets treated like one.
If you want to avoid any issues or delays going through security checkpoints, here’s what you need to know about TSA rules for Chapstick, lip balm, lipstick, and lip gloss:
Chapstick
Not a liquid. No TSA restrictions. Toss it in your carry-on or checked luggage — you’re good.
Lipstick
Also not a liquid. You can bring as many as you want in your carry-on or checked bags. No need to separate them.
Lip Gloss
This is where it gets strict. Liquid lip gloss, lip gels (like Carmex and Blistex), and other liquid lip products are subject to TSA’s liquids rule. Containers must be 3.4 oz or less and go in your clear quart-sized bag through security.
Lip Balm
Solid stick lip balm is not considered a liquid by TSA. They don’t contain enough liquid content to trigger the rule.
The exception: gel-based lip balms (like Vaseline, Carmex, or Blistex in jar or tube form) are on the TSA restricted list and must go in your liquids bag.
The Bottom Line
Chapstick, lipstick, and solid lip balms are not considered liquids by TSA and can go straight into your handbag or carry-on. Lip gloss, gel-based lip balm, and petroleum-based products in jars or tubes must go in your clear liquids bag, in containers under 3.4 oz. Anything over that goes in checked luggage.
One thing worth noting: the final call always rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. Rules are consistent in theory, but interpretation can vary. It’s better to follow the guidelines than risk having your favorite lip product confiscated at the gate.
For the full list of what’s allowed and what’s not, check the TSA’s What Can I Bring?
Speaking of travel-friendly lip balm — if you’re looking for a solid stick balm that won’t give you any trouble at security, Aquafina Hydrating Lip Balm is what we keep in our carry-on. Lightweight, hydrating, TSA-friendly, and made for dry cabin air.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
References
“Liquids Rule.” Transportation Security Administration, 16 Dec. 2014, www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule.
TSA. “Security Screening.” Transportation Security Administration, 2018, www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening.
“What Can I Bring? - Chapsticks.” Transportation Security Administration, 16 Dec. 2014, https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/chapsticks.
“What Can I Bring? - Lipsticks.” Transportation Security Administration, 16 Dec. 2014, https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lipsticks.
