You can take sunscreen on a plane as long as each carry-on container must be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less and fit inside a quart-size resealable bag under the TSA's liquids rule. Larger bottles should go in your checked luggage. If in doubt, refer to the TSA and bring some spare resealable bags with you to keep your sunscreens safe from potential leaks into your bags.
Can You Take Sunscreen on a Plane?
Yes. In the cabin, sunscreen follows the same TSA liquids rule as everything else in your toiletry bag: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less, all safely packed inside a single quart-size resealable bag. Anything bigger should be packed in your checked luggage.
We create travel-friendly SPFs, including sunscreen mists, serums and tinted formulas, all designed for easy reapplication over makeup.
What Exactly Does the TSA Liquids Rule Say About Sunscreen?
Good news: sunscreen is absolutely allowed in your carry-on. You just need to follow the same TSA liquids rule as you would for shampoo or moisturizer.
That means any sunscreen lotion, gel, serum, mist or spray must be in a container that's 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or smaller, and all your liquids need to fit inside one quart-size resealable bag.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
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The limit is based on the size of the container, not how much sunscreen is left. A half-empty 6 oz bottle is NOT allowed in your carry-on.
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TSA rules can change, so it's always worth checking the TSA's official website before you travel.
Can You Bring an SPF Mist Through Security?
Yes. SPF mists are carry-on friendly, as long as the bottle is 100 mL (3.4 oz) or smaller.
Whether it's a pump mist or a spray, TSA screens it as a liquid. If it's 100 mL or under, pop it into your liquids bag (any clear zip-lock bag). Anything larger should go in your checked luggage.
Extra tip: if you're packing aerosol sprays in checked baggage, they have their own restrictions, so it's best to avoid oversized cans where possible.
What Goes in Your Carry-On vs Checked Bag?
Checked luggage
This is the place for your full-size sunscreen bottles. We also recommend sealing them inside a zip-lock bag as luggage and air pressure can cause your favourite SPFs to leak and ruin your other belongings.
Carry-on (your quart-size liquids bag)
Pack the SPF you'll actually use while you're travelling:
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A mini face sunscreen, like our CabanaClear Water Gel Serum SPF50.
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A travel-size SPF mist, like our mini-sized Hydrating Glow Mist SPF50, for easy top-ups throughout the day.
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Your preferred shade of tinted SPF like BeautyScreen SPF50 Peptide Foundation Tint
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An SPF lip balm - one of the easiest products to forget, especially if you're sitting by the window.
Do You Actually Need Sunscreen During the Flight?
It might sound a little over the top, but there's a reason many dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen on a flight.
Airplane windows block most UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburn), but UVA rays can still pass through the glass. If you're sitting in a window seat on a daytime flight, you're getting more sun exposure than you might think.
If you're planning to sleep, simply closing the window shade helps. Otherwise, applying or topping up your sunscreen before landing is an easy habit that means you're protected as soon as you step out the airport.
Your Five-Minute Pre-Flight SPF Checklist
Before you head to the airport, make sure:
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Every sunscreen in your carry-on is 100 mL (3.4 oz) or smaller
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All liquids fit inside one quart-size resealable bag
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Full-size sunscreen goes into your checked luggage, sealed in ziplock bags
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Your travel SPF is easy to reach during the flight
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You reapply according to the product directions if you'll be spending time outdoors after landing - travel days are still sun days.
How Does Naked Sundays Approach Travel SPF?
We believe travel-size sunscreen should be just as good as the full-size version.
That's why we make our bestselling SPF products in convenient minis and travel duos that fit easily into your carry-on and meet TSA liquids requirements. Whether you're flying for a weekend away or a long-haul holiday, staying protected shouldn't mean sacrificing your favorite sunscreen.
FAQ
Can you bring sunscreen in a carry-on?
Yes. Sunscreen is allowed in your carry-on as long as each container is 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or smaller and fits inside your single quart-size liquids bag. Larger bottles should be packed in checked luggage. Before you fly, it's always a good idea to check the latest guidance on tsa.gov.
Do SPF mists count as liquids at airport security?
Yes. Sunscreen mists, sprays, lotions, gels and serums are all treated as liquids. If the container is larger than 3.4 oz (100 mL), it needs to go into your checked baggage.
Do you need sunscreen on the plane?
If you're sitting by the window during a daytime flight, it's worth wearing sunscreen because UVA rays can pass through airplane windows. Reapplying before you land also means you're protected as soon as you leave the airport.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses when exposed to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply frequently.
By the Naked Sundays Team. Published July 2026.