Perfumes, lotions, gels, serums, creams, scrubs, foams, balms, pastes and aerosol sprays all count as liquids and will need to pass TSA inspection. Rule If you plan to pack a liquid in your carry-on, it must be 3.4 ounces or less and packaged in a container that holds 3.4 ounces or less.

Yes, according to TSA and international security standards in 2026, a cleansing balm is classified as a liquid, gel, or paste because it is "spreadable." This means that if you are traveling with it in your carry-on bag, the container must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and must fit inside your single, quart-sized clear plastic liquids bag. Even if the balm appears solid at room temperature, security scanners and officers treat any substance that can be smeared or poured as a liquid. If you want to bypass this rule, look for "solid" skincare alternatives like facial soap bars or powder cleansers, which are not subject to the 3-1-1 restrictions. For those with larger "full-size" cleansing balms, these must be packed in your checked baggage. To avoid a mess in your suitcase, it is highly recommended to place the balm in a leak-proof bag, as cabin pressure changes and warm cargo holds can occasionally cause the oils in the balm to liquefy and seep through the lid.