Can you Fly with Shaving Cream? | TSA Rules | (2024)

In this blog post, I’m going to shave off your doubts and give you a clear understanding of the regulations concerning carrying shaving cream on flights.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), shaving cream is allowed in both your carry-on and checked luggage.

However, there’s a crucial distinction when it comes to the allowable quantity in carry-on bags.

The TSA categorizes shaving cream as a liquid, so it falls under the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

This means if you’re bringing shaving cream in your carry-on, the container can’t exceed 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.

To navigate this regulation, you could opt for a travel-sized shaving cream.

Many manufacturers offer these smaller containers, typically around 3.4 ounces.

While the cost per ounce might be slightly higher than a standard-sized container, the convenience of not checking a bag could be worth the price.

Related: Can you bring a Gillette razor on a plane?

Do keep in mind, though, that smaller sizes—like 2 to 2.5 ounces—will typically last for about 25 shaves, so opt for the full 3.4-ounce size if you need more.

Now, if you’re planning on checking a bag and want to bring a larger quantity of shaving cream, the TSA regulations are a bit more lenient.

Shaving cream in checked bags can weigh up to 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces) in total. However, no individual container can exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces). So, if you’re partial to a larger can of shaving cream, packing it in your checked luggage is your best bet.

Related: Does mascara need to go in the liquids bag?

For those who prefer aerosol shaving cream, remember that it must be properly capped to prevent accidental discharge.

TSA agents inspecting your checked luggage will confiscate any can missing its cap to ensure the safety of all passengers and aircraft.

Debunking Myths: Will Shaving Cream Explode on a Plane?

Let’s address a common concern you might have about traveling with shaving cream: Will it explode on a plane?

In a nutshell, no, your shaving cream will not explode on a flight, whether it’s stored in your carry-on or checked baggage.

Whether you’re stowing your items in the cabin or cargo hold, both areas in a commercial aircraft are pressurized. This pressurization means that your shaving cream is as safe in the air as it is on the ground.

In fact, if the cargo hold wasn’t pressurized, transporting pets in the hold, as airlines often do, would be impossible.

However, you may notice a slight difference in temperature as cargo holds can be cooler. Still, it would take exposure to prolonged, high heat – far beyond anything you would find in an aircraft – for a can of shaving cream to risk explosion.

Now, you might be wondering about small planes that do not pressurize their cargo holds. Don’t worry! Even in an unpressurized hold, a can of shaving cream will not explode.

Do keep in mind, though, that at an elevation of 30,000 feet, atmospheric pressure drops to less than 30% of sea-level pressure.

This change in pressure might cause shaving cream or other aerosol cans to leak slightly if they’re in an unpressurized cargo hold.

While this could pose a minor inconvenience, it’s not a problem exclusive to shaving cream but affects all aerosols.

Is Shaving Cream Flammable?

The answer is yes. The primary reason behind this is the presence of isobutane, a propellant used to force the shaving cream out of the can.

Another flammable component in both shaving cream and gel is isopentane. Interestingly enough, isopentane makes up at least 30% of gasoline.

However, don’t be overly concerned. The total amount of flammable ingredients in shaving cream is typically around 5%, depending on the brand.

Now, if the concentration of these flammable components were significantly higher, it’s likely the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wouldn’t allow them in checked baggage due to safety concerns.

Related: Can you Take a Beard Trimmer through TSA?

But given the low percentage and the stringent regulations in place, shaving cream is considered safe for air travel.

So next time you pack your shaving cream, whether in your carry-on or checked luggage, remember that while it does contain flammable elements, the quantity is small enough not to pose a significant safety risk

Can You Take Shaving Gel on a Plane?

When it comes to your carry-on, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandates that all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes, including your shaving gel, be contained in vessels no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.

Each passenger is allowed a single, quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag to house these items. So, if you’re considering slipping a tube of shaving gel into your carry-on, just make sure it conforms to these size requirements.

On the other hand, if you’re checking a bag, you have more flexibility. The TSA permits larger quantities of toiletries, including shaving gel, in checked luggage.

But don’t forget to double-check that all your containers are securely sealed to avoid any mid-flight leaks that could spoil your clothes or other belongings.

If your preferred shaving gel comes in an aerosol can, there’s one more thing to remember: make sure the can is properly capped. This precaution is necessary to prevent any unintentional discharge while in the cargo hold.

How to avoid the TSA 3-1-1 rule

You may be wondering, “How can I sidestep the restrictions associated with liquids while still maintaining my grooming routine during my travels?”

The answer to your conundrum might be simpler than you think.

Let’s introduce you to the reliable, humble bar of shaving soap.

Not only is a bar of shaving soap a space-efficient addition to your carry-on, but it also makes navigating through airport security a breeze.

Unlike liquid toiletries, which must be squeezed into that quart-sized, zip-top bag (that always seems ready to burst), a bar of shaving soap gets a pass from these restrictions.

This is because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t place specific limitations on solid toiletries like shaving soap or shampoo bars.

Many travelers have switched to these solid alternatives precisely because they make packing easier and allow more space for other liquid items in your TSA-approved toiletry bag.

So, if you’ve been hesitant about fitting that small can of shaving cream in your carry-on, consider switching to a shaving soap bar instead.

When it’s time to pack, I suggest you store your shaving soap bar in a Ziploc bag or a sturdy container. This not only protects it from breaking or cracking but also keeps it clean and bacteria-free.

After all, cleanliness is paramount, especially for products that touch your face.

Transferring Shaving Cream: Is it a Good Idea?

To cut right to the chase – it’s generally not a good idea.

The design and functionality of a shaving cream canister are not arbitrary. Each can is meticulously engineered to dispense the perfect amount of shaving cream with every push, giving you a consistently ideal amount for your grooming routine.

Shifting the cream to another vessel could disrupt this finely-tuned mechanism, leading to possible waste or inadequate usage.

Moreover, the cans that shaving cream come in are pressurized. This pressurization plays a crucial role in maintaining the shaving cream’s rich and fluffy texture that we’re all familiar with.

Move it to a container that lacks this pressurization, and you may find your shaving cream losing its desirable consistency, ultimately affecting the quality of your shave.

Furthermore, bear in mind that certain ingredients in the shaving cream start to degrade after only a few hours of exposure to air.

So, keeping your shaving cream in its original, air-tight canister helps maintain its effectiveness for longer.

Therefore, when it comes to shaving cream, it’s best to stick with the original packaging. It’s designed not just for convenience, but also for optimal performance.

Quantity Matters: How Much Shaving Cream Can You Stow in Your Checked Baggage?

So, you’ve stumbled upon an unbeatable deal and you’re thinking about stockpiling shaving cream in your checked luggage.

You might be asking, “Can I fill my suitcase to the brim with cans of shaving cream?”

Well, let’s set the record straight on this.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has set strict guidelines on how much aerosol you can bring on a plane.

They limit passengers to a total of 70 ounces (or 2 kilograms) of aerosol products, and each individual container should not exceed 18 ounces (or 0.5 kilograms).

So, let’s take the example of Gillette Series 3X Action Shave Gel, where each can weighs 7 ounces.

Theoretically, you can bring along approximately ten cans of this product in your checked bag.

But here’s the catch – once you’ve hit your 70 ounces limit with these ten cans, you won’t be allowed to pack any additional aerosol cans, no matter how small they are.

Hence, while you might have found a fantastic deal on shaving cream, remember to be mindful of these limits when packing for your next flight. Overpacking could lead to an unpleasant surprise.

The Traveler’s Dilemma: Shaving Foam vs. Shaving Gel

Whether you’re partial to the fluffiness of shaving foam or the slickness of shaving gel, it’s important to know that, from a regulatory perspective, they’re treated the same.

So, no matter which you choose, you’ll need to adhere to the same TSA guidelines regarding quantities and packaging.

Conclusion

As we draw this discussion to a close, I hope I’ve helped you navigate the intricacies of traveling with shaving cream

Remember, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits shaving cream, in either can or gel form, in both your carry-on and checked luggage. However, there are stipulations to keep in mind.

The rules for carry-on luggage are stricter, adhering to the 3-1-1 liquids rule, meaning your shaving cream container mustn’t exceed 3.4 ounces.

If you’re checking your luggage, the TSA allows you a bit more leeway with quantity, but there’s still a limit on the total weight and the weight per container.