7 Best Travel-Size Face Cleansers, As Per An Esthetician – 2024
Nourish and hydrate your skin with long-lasting yet pocket-friendly skin care products.
Raisa's passion for skin care and makeup began at a young age, inspired by her mother's experimentation with different products. While pursuing a degree in Forensic Psychology in college, she realized her true calling and decided to change course during the pandemic.
Read full bio of Raisa Zarin
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
This is your perfect stop if you have been looking for the best travel-size cleanser. Finding the right product in the correct size can be a tough challenge, as no one likes pouring in the correct size bottle at the last moment! If you have spent many a time looking for the perfect size bottle to carry in your travel bag, we have something that will help you out. Here is a list of 7 travel bottles that will help you cleanse your face no matter where you head out!
In This Article
7 Best Travel Size Face Cleansers That Fit In Your Bag – 2024
Best Gentle Formula:First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
This fragrance-free travel size face cleanser from First Aid Beauty is enriched with antioxidant properties that clean, hydrate, and protect the skin. It tackles various skin concerns like dryness, enlarged pores, redness, oiliness, irritation, and inflammation. This dermatologist-tested cleanser contains aloe, potassium sorbate, allantoin, and glycerin, along with FAB antioxidant boosters like licorice root, feverfew, camellia sinensis leaf extract, and white tea extract.
Aloe and allantoin calm and soothe inflamed skin, while glycerin acts as a natural humectant to hydrate the skin and smoothen its texture. The FAB antioxidant boosters protect the skin from harmful radiations, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors. This travel size face cleanser is effective on damp skin and can be used for breaking down and removing makeup, dirt, oil, and grime without disturbing the pH balance or drying out the skin. Know more about this product from this reviewer’s experience in this video.
Key Ingredients: Aloe, Allantoin, Glycerin, Antioxidant boosters
Pros
- Gentle
- Convenient build
- pH-balanced
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-friendly
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Talc-free
- Vegan
- TSA-friendly
- It is not tested on animals
- Fragrance-free
- Nano-free
Cons
- May dry the skin out.
"I like how soft and smooth my facial skin looks after I use this cleanser. It deep cleans my pores and restores my skin's natural glow and texture. The formula moisturizes my skin and makes it supple. The creamy texture of the formula feels soothing on my skin."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 5,640 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Best Non-Comedogenic:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser For Oily Skin
This cleanser from La Roche-Posay has a gentle formula that deeply cleanses the skin without disrupting its pH balance. This travel essential is enriched with zinc pidolate that purifies and exfoliates oily skin to remove excess sebum. The clear and refreshing formula of this travel-size face cleanser breaks down and removes makeup, dirt, and pollutants that can cause severe acne breakouts or lead to premature aging. It also helps maintain the skin’s radiance, providing an effective and refreshing cleansing experience. Learn more about this product from this tester’s experience by watching this video.
Key Ingredients: Zinc pidolate
Pros
- Maintains pH balance
- Lightweight
- Non-drying
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Allergy-tested
- Alcohol-free
- Soap-free
- Suitable for airplane travel
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
- Dries out the skin.
"This cleanser restores my skin’s natural pH level. It has a gel texture that foams nicely on my skin. It soothes my skin while deep cleaning my pores. It reveals my skin’s radiant glow. The formula also strengthens my skin’s natural barrier to protect it against UV damage. It also never causes breakouts."
Pro TipBest For Dull Skin:Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
The Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser is a 3-in-1 formula that removes makeup, deeply cleanses the skin, and moisturizes it. This travel size face cleanser is ultra-gentle and adds radiance to dull skin without causing irritation, which makes it suitable for acne-prone skin. It is enriched with hyaluronic acid, blueberry extracts, and AHA that soften and brighten the skin.
The blueberry extracts are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that fight free radicals and prevent premature skin aging, calm inflamed skin, and minimize uneven skin tone. The hyaluronic acid instantly hydrates dry skin, while the micro foaming AHA bubbles break down stubborn makeup and dirt. For optimal use, apply the cleanser in a circular motion, allowing the AHA bubbles to effectively remove makeup and impurities. The AHA also gently exfoliates and buffs away the buildup of dead skin cells and refines the pores to give the skin a smoother and softer appearance. Last but not the least, its travel-size packaging makes it convenient for on-the-go skin care.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Blueberry extract, and AHA
Pros
- Gentle
- Smells great
- Quick cleanse
- Lathers well
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Drying alcohol-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for oily or sensitive skin
- Expensive
"This cleanser exfoliates my skin and removes the gunk and dead skin cells from the pores. With the consistent use of this product, my skin feels smoother and clearer. It fades my dark spots and calms my inflammations. The formula also leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated."
| First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser Best Gentle Formula | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser For Oily Skin Best Non-Comedogenic | Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser Best For Dull Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry Skin, Normal Skin, Combination Skin, Oily Skin | Sensitive | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2.5 x 5.5 inches | 2.2 x 1.45 x 4.45 inches | - |
| Weight | 1.76 Ounces. | 2.25 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,640 | 2,166 | 1,305 |
| Price | $12 | $20 | $39 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Best For Skin Barrier:CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser restores and maintains the skin’s natural protective barrier. This travel size face cleanser is formulated with essential ceramides 1, 3, 6-II, along with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It is dermatologically tested.
The essential ceramides deeply cleanse and remove excess oil from the pores, repair the skin’s damaged protective barrier, and hydrate the skin. Hyaluronic acid retains the skin’s natural moisture and maintains the pH balance to keep it supple and soft. Niacinamide soothes and calms the skin to improve its texture. The gentle foaming formula of this travel size facial cleanser lathers richly to make your skin feel refreshed and clean. This video will provide you with added insights about the product and the reviewer’s experience of using it.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Gentle
- Removes makeup residue
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-drying
- Non-irritating
- Fragrance-free
- Developed with dermatologists
Cons
- Tends to dry out the skin.
"This cleanser creates a foamy lather that gently cleanses my skin and reduces the sebum buildup. It locks the natural moisture in my skin and strengthens my natural moisture barrier. It never irritates or dries out my skin. The formula washes off my face easily without leaving greasy residues."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,008 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Best Non-Drying:Tula Skin Care The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
This cleanser from Tula Skin Care deeply cleans the pores and conditions of the skin. It retains the skin’s natural moisture balance and nourishes it. The product is enriched with probiotic extracts and skin superfoods like chicory root, turmeric root, blueberries, and lactic acid. This potent blend removes impurities from the skin without stripping moisture or overdrying it.
Chicory root has anti-inflammatory properties, fights the signs of aging, and makes the skin firm. Lactic acid exfoliates and deeply cleanses the skin, while the powerful antioxidant properties of turmeric root reduce inflammation. Blueberries protect the skin from free radical damage, and the probiotics lock in moisture to keep the skin supple. Further, this product is clinically-tested and has been proven to deliver visible results in 4 weeks. For optimal use, apply the cleanser on wet skin and rinse with warm water for a refreshing and effective cleansing experience. So don’t wait any further and add this amazing liquid cleanser to your cleansing routine today.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, Chicory root, Turmeric root, Blueberries, and Probiotics
Pros
- Gentle
- Non-drying
- Dermatologist-tested
- Maintains facial hygiene
- Smells good
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Triclosan-free
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts and rashes.
Best Value For Money:Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser
The Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser deeply cleanses the pores to keep the skin clean and healthy. This cream-based travel size face cleanser comes in a pack of three. It is formulated with salicylic acid to unclog the pores and clear dirt, oil buildup, and dead skin cells lodged deep within. The formula also contains menthol that keeps the skin oil-free and offers a cooling sensation. It is also suitable for dehydrated skin as it helps control excess oil without further drying the skin.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and Menthol
Pros
- Mild fragrance
- Compact design
- Gentle
- Fresh scent
- Non-drying
- Value for money
Cons
- Does not lather well.
"This cleanser softens my skin and lends it a smooth look. It clarifies my pores and refreshes my skin. It does not lather up well, but it works effectively in removing impurities from my skin. I love the cooling sensation the formula imparts to my skin."
Best For Sensitive Skin:Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
This travel size face cleanser from Botanic Tree contains 100% organic ingredients that exfoliate the skin and treat adult acne. It removes makeup, oils, and dust from your face without disturbing its natural moisture. This portable cleanser makes the skin hydrated and soft and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
It contains 10% glycolic acid that aids in gentle yet deep exfoliation and brightens the skin naturally. The formula also contains tea tree extracts, peppermint oil, lavender oil, shea butter, seaweed, willow bark, and organic bamboo. These are superfoods for skin that reduce fine lines and wrinkles, hormonal acne scars, blemishes, and dark spots and keep the pores clean. The tea tree extract in the formula actively kills acne-causing bacteria and prevents breakouts. All this not only makes it an effective makeup remover but also enriches your skin care experience.
Key Ingredients: 10% Glycolic acid, Tea tree extracts, Peppermint oil, Lavender oil, Shea butter, Seaweed, Willow bark, and Organic bamboo
Pros
- 100% organic
- Contains botanical extracts
- Smells good
- Non-drying
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No animal testing
Cons
- Expensive
"Thanks to this cleanser, I do not break out as often as before. It removes impurities from my skin, leaving it smooth and shiny. The formula fights the acne-causing bacteria on my skin and reduces redness. It also clarifies my pores to prevent the formation of pimples."
Good quality face cleansers make your skin healthy, hydrated, and youthful. In addition, travel-friendly face cleansers are excellent for getting rid of excess oil and unwanted impurities after an all-day trip. If you’re confused about the best travel-friendly face cleanser, here are a few things to consider.
Things to Consider Before Buying Best Travel Size Face Cleansers that Fit in Your Bag
- Ingredients
Choose a travel-friendly face cleanser with natural ingredients that preserves the health of your skin while cleansing well. A face cleanser with ingredients like lactic acid, glycerin, or burberry extract ensures your skin isn’t stripped of its natural oils, and you achieve a smooth texture. In addition, many face cleansers contain aloe vera and green tea extract as antioxidants and keep your skin young. Other natural constituents to consider are lavender oil, shea butter, and salicylic acid.
- Dermatologically Tested
Go for a face cleanser that is dermatologically tested and approved. It should suit your skin without causing undesired side effects such as allergies, rashes, or itching. Dermatologist-tested cleansers are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, and they maintain your skin’s natural pH.
- No Harsh Chemicals
You use a face cleanser every day. Therefore, ensure that it is free from undesired chemicals and toxic preservatives. Buy a face cleanser that does not contain traces of silicone, sulfate, paraben, phthalate, triclosan, and SLS. These harmful chemicals strip away your skin’s natural moisture and cause premature aging.
- Skin Friendly
Face cleansers should be gentle on the skin and provide a soothing feel. They must clean the pores, dirt, dead skin, and oil buildup to make your face healthy and glowing. They should not leave any unwanted residue or make the skin greasy when washed away. They should be gentle and fragrance-free if you’re allergic. Finally, it should lather well and keep the skin hydrated for a long time.
- Other Features
The best face cleansers are cost-effective, excellent in quality, and provide visible results. In addition, they help to combat skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and dark spots on your face by keeping the skin clean. Finally, ensure that your face cleansers are non-comedogenic, i.e., they must not clog the pores. This makes the skin dull and gives rise to acne, blackheads, and pimples.
The Bottom Line
Facial cleansing should be a part of your regular skincare routine, and that is why even while you are traveling, you need the best travel-size facial cleanser that can fit inside your bag. The reviewed options in the curated list are organic, enriched with natural ingredients, devoid of synthetic chemicals, and gentle on your skin. The First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser has a gentle, antioxidant-rich formula that removes impurities without drying the skin, the Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser nourishes and promotes a radiant complexion, and the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser balances the pH levels and improves texture. These facial cleansers not only cleanse your skin but also help remove makeup and provide a fresh boost of hydration. These will easily fit into your travel bag and make your skin feel refreshed and clean while you are on the move.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach specializing in reviewing skin care and beauty products. She curated this list of the best travel-size cleansers for keeping your skin hydrated by thoroughly researching various online options and going through user feedback on trusted online forums. The shortlisted products help you gently cleanse your face on the go. They are also non-comedogenic and cruelty-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ounces do travel-size cleansers contain?
Travel-size cleansers usually contain around 3 – 4 ounces. It lasts for about 30 to 35 washes.
How do you pack a foam cleanser for travel?
Pack a foam cleanser in TSA-approved containers and keep it safe inside a leak-proof ziplock bag.
How should you wash your face when traveling?
When traveling, wash your face using an effective cleanser twice a day. Carry face wipes and keep wiping your face to avoid reactions due to environmental aggressors. Use a hydrating face mask on your face after getting down from a flight.
How do you know if you’re over cleansing?
If you are over cleansing, your skin might start feeling too tight and develop rashes and adult acne. During traveling, it might so happen that you feel the need to clean your face after every few minutes, but that might lead to other skin conditions such as redness, dryness, and sensitivity.
- Best Lactic Acid Serums For Even-Toned, Bright, & Clear Skin
- Best Travel-Friendly Body Washes
- Best Travel Soaps You Can Check Out
- Best Travel-Size Dry Shampoos
Read full bio of Raisa Zarin
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.