18 Skincare Essentials You Should Bring While Traveling, According to Dermatologists
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Whether headed to family and friends for the holidays, or on a tropical vacation to escape the bitter cold, there is an endless amount of coming and going this time of year. And with rapid changes in temperatures and climates your skin can suffer between destinations, especially during the winter.
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If you’re a frequent traveler, you already know the importance of keeping your skin hydrated, but what products should you be packing in your suitcase?
We’ve reviewed recommendations from dermatologists we trust, to provide the answers to your skincare questions. Whether you’re in need of a protective serum that can help eliminate free radicals during your travels, or a luscious moisturizer that can plump up your skin, these products are fortified to help you get through your travels in full glow.
Best Facial Cleansers for Travel
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic and non-drying. Certified by the National Eczema Association
$12.37 $15.99 23% off
If you’re headed somewhere on a long flight and plan on boarding with makeup or heavy sunscreens, this CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a great selection to clean your face midway through the flight. It’s gentle on the skin and hydrating, which you’ll need in the dry plane air.
Dermatologist Recommended: “It contains a ceramide blend, it’s hydrating and gentle. It’s just a really solid, affordable cleanser that gets the job done.” —Dr. Joyce, Board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, WA
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
Antibacterial, eye-safe eucalyptus oil and vitamin E, made for all skin types, especially dry skin, non-toxic, and vegan
$17.07 $18.97 10% off
In the event you like (or need) to double cleanse, the Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm is a good product to bring with you on your travels. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and aids the the removal of heavy makeup and products.
Dermatologist Recommended: “I’ve tried a lot of different balms. This one is a really affordable alternative, and I like it for travel because it is very very light. It feels really hydrating and it’s a lot softer and a lot easier to rub in than other balms.” —Dr. Joyce
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water
Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, approved by Cruelty-Free International under the Leaping Bunny Program, vegan, oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and silicone-free
$3.99 $4.49 11% off
Sometimes fully washing your face isn’t an option whether on the road, in the air, or on the train. In that case, the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water is a gentle yet effective way to remove the direct and grime before heading into other products.
Dermatologist Recommended: “Even though there is a bathroom, washing your face isn’t as easy on the plane. When it comes to cleansing, I find the easiest and most economical way is to bring micellar water like this one from Garnier.” —Dr. Jenny Liu, Board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor in Minneapolis, MD
Best Sunscreens for Travel
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen, SPF 45
Unscented, all-mineral, water-resistant sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF for sensitive skin and free of sulfates SLS & SLES
$38
If you didn’t know, UV and UVA rays from the sun are much stronger the higher in elevation you go. That’s why it’s incredibly important to wear sunscreen if you’ll be flying during the day. This Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen, SPF 45 option is lightweight and won’t leave a cast like other sunscreens.
Dermatologist Recommended: “It comes out as more of a cream, which to me is hydrating enough. I don’t have to layer on a serum or moisturizer in the morning unless I’m feeling really dry. It blends right in, feels really hydrating, and I would say this is light coverage, so I wouldn’t wear this on its own. This also contains safflower extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E for some added benefits.” —Dr. Joyce
MDSolarSciences Solar Stick, SPF 40
Unscented, non-whitening, water-resistant mineral sunscreen, broad spectrum UV protection, and blendable zinc oxide
$16 $24 33% off
If you’re prone to having greasy skin, try a rolling sunscreen rather than liquid, like the MDSolarSciences Solar Stick, SPF 40. It will aid in mattifying the skin and is easy to apply with its ball-shaped applicator.
Dermatologist Recommended: “I really like this because it’s mineral base. For those that have sensitive skin or find sunscreen burns around the eye, using a stick sunscreen will be helpful because they run less, and the dome shape is easy to apply.” —Dr. Jenny Liu
Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, SPF 50
Mineral sunscreen, water resistant, non-comedogenic, dermatologist tested, dye-free, fragrance-free, lanolin-free, paraben-free, formaldehyde releaser free, and gluten-free
$17.95
Although it leaves a slight cast, the Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, SPF 50 is a good pick to add on your travels, especially if you’re headed to a location by the water. It’s water-repellent, and the high-quality ingredients make it perfectly suitable for kids.
Dermatologist Recommended: “This is really nice and gentle. It does leave a white cast, but I find for the body it’s perfect. Also, I can use this on my daughter.” —Dr. Jenny Liu
Best Serums for Travel
Tower 28 Beauty Mini SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Non-drying solution is formulated with hypochlorous acid, is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
$12
Specifically for really dry environments, the Tower 28 Beauty Mini SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray is a hydrating mist serum that soothes the skin while adding hydration and fighting acne-causing bacteria.
Dermatologist Recommended: “It’s meant to calm irritated skin, eczema-prone skin, acne, and you can certainly spray it on the skin then put your moisturizer over that to help keep the bacteria and inflammation at bay. But the other way I really like to use this is if you tend to wear your mask for the duration of your flight, keep your mask sanitary by spraying inside of the mask as needed.” —Dr. Jenny Liu
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Paraben-free, provides advanced environmental protection from skin-damaging free radicals, clinically proven to reduce combined oxidative damage from UV, ozone, and diesel exhaust
$182
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is an excellent addition to your travel bag. It fights free radicals in the air that can cause damage to the skin for a more radiant glow.
Dermatologist Recommended: “I will absolutely not leave my house without my antioxidant serum. MY holy grail, I apply this all over my face. This is probably more important than using a retinal, especially if I’m somewhere sunny. ” —Dr. Jenny Liu
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum
100% vegan, paraben & phthalate-free, animal cruelty-free, and carbon neutral. Formulated with retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E to boost hydration and smooth out lines
$54
Retinols can be hard on the skin, but during travel when changes in temperature, air quality, or sun intensity can damage your skin, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum is a good sidekick to have to mitigate signs of aging that can occur. Like all skincare products, this should first be spot tested because of it’s harshness, then a tolerance built over time. This can also make your skin sensitive to UV rays, and sunscreen is recommended when using.
Dermatologist Recommended: “I’ve really been loving this. This is a British brand really well known for its retinol formulation. I find this over-the-counter product is so much more gentle and I’m able to use it more.” —Dr. Jenny Liu
Best Moisturizers for Travel
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, Face Mist
Features a high concentration of mineral salts and trace elements, protects against environmental free radicals with the natural antioxidant selenium, ideal for all skin types, dermatologist-tested
$18.81
This isn’t just water. The La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, Face Mist is packed with extra benefits like mineral salts that help water absorption on the skin and protect against free radicals. Perfect to use before your moisturizer if you’re on a super dry plane.
Dermatologist Recommended: “After cleansing, do a little spritz of water, like the La Roche-Posay Thermal Water. The key here is to make sure to put on your thicker moisturizer before your skin completely dries. You really want to seal in that moisture.” —Dr. Jenny Liu
Youth To The People Superberry Glow Dream Mask
Free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone, and talc, cruelty-free, vegan. Contains vitamin C, squalane, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and betaine
$52
If you have extra dry skin, the Youth To The People Superberry Glow Dream Mask is a thicker moisturizer packed with oils and hyaluronic acid that can make your skin feel even more supple.
Dermatologist Recommended: “A hydrating sleeping mask can be a great option for use on the plane because often they are helpful to multitask. So you’re certainly getting skincare and hydration at the same time. This is super rich and thick, so a great moisturizer to use.” —Dr. Jenny Liu
ALASTIN Skincare Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer
Unique combination of peptides that target collagen and elastin, key botanicals that can calm the skin, fragrance-free, and oil-free formulation
$68.55 $78 12% off
The ALASTIN Skincare Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer is a lighter yet nourishing moisturizer that’s a good selection if you’re prone to oily skin and want something less heavy. It also helps reduce signs of aging, which can be accelerated by extreme shifts in temperature and air quality during your travels.
Dermatologist Recommended: “If you haven’t tried this, it’s such a lovely moisturizer. It’s lightweight, and it’s got TriHex technology, which is a blend of peptides that’s been clinically shown to improve signs of aging. It’s also really nice and hydrating but doesn’t feel heavy and sticky.” —Dr. Jenny Liu
Best Masks for Travel
TATCHA Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask
Non-irritating, non-sensitizing, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and formulated without synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, urea, DEA, or TEA.
$19.50 $25 22% off
A mask can be a great treat for your skin mid-flight or on the train where the air is really dry. The TATCHA Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask is fragrance and mineral oil-free, meaning what you get is a product that softens and hydrates the skin without drying it out or irritating it.
Dermatologist Recommended: “This one has TATCHA’s famous blend of fermented extracts; so green tea, algae, rice, in addition to licorice. It’s one of my favorite sheet masks.” —Dr. Jenny Liu
Mediheal Korean Sheet Masks, 20
Formulated with three types of minerals, seven types of amino acids, and eight types of hyaluronic acids
$38
If you need something more budget-friendly, dermatologists recommend these Mediheal Korean Sheet Masks for their deeply hydrating properties due to the eight types of hyaluronic acids that penetrate the skin to pull in moisture.
Dermatologist Recommended: “This has a really good blend of hyaluronic acid that’s really soothing. Often there’s more serum left over so often what I do is just put that on my hands, my neck, and rub it in.” —Dr. Jenny Liu
I’m from Mugwort Sheet Mask, 10
Recommended for sensitive, irritated, rough, and dry skin. Good for calming, soothing, repairing, and healing
$40
If your skin can dry up easily, which can also lead to irritation and redness, this I’m from Mugwort Sheet Mask is your hero product. It’s super soothing, moisturizing, and healing to the skin, which is great for those extra dry flights.
Dermatologist Recommended: “This is a soothing, hydrating mask. I love the fact that it’s 100% plant-based which really is essential when it comes to single-use plastic. I would recommend this for people who have sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, or post-metaposal. ” —Dr. Vanita Rattan, Board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic formulator in London, UK
Colorescience Total Eye Hydrogel Treatment Masks, 12 ct.
Provide intense hydration, can address fine lines and wrinkles, and helps improve the appearance of dark circles.
$74
For targeting the eyes, the Colorescience Total Eye Hydrogel Treatment Masks are a good solution that doesn’t contain any of the other harsh chemicals hydrogel eye masks contain, and provide deep hydration to help address fine lines and wrinkles.
Dermatologist Recommended: “I see hydrogel eye masks all the time, and I’m tempted to buy them, but they’re usually laden with fragrance. This does not have that, and it has root extracts which ar ich in humectants as well as hyaluronic acid.” —Dr.Dray, Board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, TX
Best Skincare Travel Packs
Depoza 16 Pack Travel Bottles Set
$12.99 $15.98 19% off
There might be some products you love but just can’t take with you because of the container size. In those cases, it’s nice to have a backup of travel containers that you can easily store your holy grail products as you’re traveling.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I love that I’m able to have so many products in these containers and still fit them all together in the bag. Includes a funnel for filling the bottles and small “scoopers” for creams to put in the small tubs. Saves space and weight from not bringing bulky bottles and they are sturdy so you don’t need to worry about them leaking.” —Paula Barton
Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads (20 Pack)
$9.99 $15.99 38% off
If you’re on the plane and need pads for your Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water, these Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads are a great, eco-friendly way to clean your face on the go. Designed with organic cotton and bamboo, they’re soft and skin and can easily be washed for multiple uses.
Promising Customer Feedback: “Great value for the quality. These wash well and we’ve not experienced staining. The thickness is perfect, comparable to disposable but so much less waste and soft on the skin. The bag they come in is convenient for storing but too small for washing them in so I just use a larger laundry bag. Glad I got these.” —SiEl
Things We Consider When Recommending Skincare Products
Dermatologist Reviewed: We feel more confident knowing that there’s a professional opinion in the mix when suggesting skincare. That’s why we look towards dermatologists and licensed estheticians for their top recommendations for your skincare needs.
Audience Tested: Though we love uplifting and supporting up-and-coming brands, we want to ensure that there is a range of tried and true products for your consideration. That’s why we blend them — delivering your suggestions that both we and hundreds of others can attest to.
Formulation Considerations: No one product fits all when it comes to skin. From acne-prone to sensitive and oily, the list goes on for the various skin types. That’s why we recommend a range of products tackling different skin concerns.
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