Planning to fly soon? Wondering if your favorite lip products are considered liquids by the TSA?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict regulations on what is allowed in your carry-on luggage and what items must be separated into a transparent quart-sized bag for screening

And, they’re not always clear cut - especially with cosmetic products like Chapstick, lipstick, lip balm, and lip gloss. 

According to the TSA liquids rule, you are allowed to bring one transparent, quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through an airport security checkpoint. The liquid products placed in the quart-sized should be in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).  

But what exactly IS a “liquid’ according to TSA rules?

“Any item that can be poured, pumped, squeezed, spread, smeared, sprayed, or spilled.”

So, does that mean that lipstick considered a liquid because you can spread it?

Do you need to separate lip balms and lip glosses into your small bag of liquids??

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.

TSA Chapstick Rule

Is Chapstick considered a liquid by the TSA?

No! There are no TSA restrictions on Chapstick. 

Even though it smears and spreads onto the lips, Chapstick is not considered a liquid by the TSA.  

You can just toss your chapstick in your carryon bag or checked luggage. Bon voyage!

TSA Lipstick Rule

Is lipstick considered a liquid by the TSA?

No! Lipstick is not considered a liquid according to the TSA rules.

So, no need to separate your lipsticks! You can bring as many as you want in your carry-on, as well as in your checked luggage.

TSA Lip Gloss Rule

But what about traveling through airport security with lip gloss?

Sorry to disappoint, but liquid lip gloss, lip gels (such as Carmex and Blistex), and other liquids for the lips are prohibited by the TSA.

Make sure your lip gloss and lip gel containers are 3.4 oz or less, and put them in your clear, quart-sized bag for when you pass through airport security.

If you prepare your liquids bag ahead of time, you are much less likely to be held up at security.

TSA Lip Balm Rule

Lip balm is not considered a liquid according to TSA Rules.

Solid stick lip balms typically do not contain enough water content for the TSA to consider them to be liquids. 

But, gel-based lip balm (such as Vaseline, Carmex, and Blistex) are on the list of TSA banned materials, which means it must go in your clear liquids baggie through security.  

The Bottom Line

Chapstick, lipstick, and solid lip balms are not considered liquids by the TSA and can be thrown into your handbag or carry-on without any issues. 

Liquid lip gloss, jars of petroleum lip balm, and other lip care liquids must be placed in your clear liquids bag for security checkpoint screening. 

Any product over 3.4 oz will need to be in your checked luggage.

Remember, the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. Sometimes you get lucky, but it’s better to follow the rules so you don’t risk your favorite lip care getting tossed.

Take the Next Step!

For a complete list of approved and prohibited items for air travel, check out the TSA’s What Can I Bring?

Our favorite TSA-approved lip balm is Aquafina Hydrating Lip Balm. This is a solid stick lip balm that provides long-lasting moisture during that long flight and Uber ride. 

Visit Love Balms online or contact us.

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.