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.

Reviewed by Raisa Zarin, Licensed Esthetician Raisa Zarin Raisa ZarinLicensed Esthetician linkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 years
Edited by , MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Krati Darak MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by , Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA Experience: 5 years
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All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

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!

Top Picks
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Best Gentle Formula:First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
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Best Non-Comedogenic:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser For Oily Skin
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Best For Dull Skin:Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
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Best For Skin Barrier:CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
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Best Non-Drying:Tula Skin Care The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
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Best Value For Money:Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser
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Best For Sensitive Skin:Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
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7 Best Travel Size Face Cleansers That Fit In Your Bag – 2024

Best Gentle Formula:First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

4.6
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser Image: First Aid Beauty

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.

Skin Type: Dry Skin, Normal Skin, Combination Skin, Oily Skin | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.76 Ounces.

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.

Our Tester's Experience

"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."


protip_icon Pro Tip
For gel or creamy cleansers, opt for two peanut-sized amounts, and one pump if you’re using a foam-based product.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 5,640 rave reviews on Amazon.


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.

Skin Type: Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.45 x 4.45 inches | Weight: 2.25 Ounces

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.

Our Tester's Experience

"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."


protip_icon Pro Tip
Use lukewarm water to rinse your face, and your fingertips to apply the cleanser.


Best For Dull Skin:Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser

4.5
Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser Image: Glow Recipe

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.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal

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

Our Tester's Experience

"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
Reviews5,6402,1661,305
Price$12$20$39
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

Best For Skin Barrier:CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

4.6
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser Image: Cerave

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.

Skin Type: Oily | Product Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.13 x 4.13 inches | Weight: 3.04 Ounces

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.

Our Tester's Experience

"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

Almost 1,008 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.


Best Non-Drying:Tula Skin Care The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser

4.5
Tula Skin Care The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser Image: Tula Skin

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.

Skin Type: All

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

4.5
Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser Image: Clean& Clear

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.

Skin Type: Oily,Combination,All Skin Types | Product Dimensions: 5 x 3.4 x 1 inches | Weight: 3.84 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and Menthol

Pros

  • Mild fragrance
  • Compact design
  • Gentle
  • Fresh scent
  • Non-drying
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Does not lather well.

Our Tester's Experience

"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

4.6
Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser Image: Botanic

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.

Skin Type: Acne Prone,Oily,Sensitive

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

Our Tester's Experience

"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."


*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

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.


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