Let me tell you a secret: I used to be a chaotic packer. The “just in case” kind. The kind who packed six lip balms and forgot the sunscreen. Over time, though, life (and a few unfortunate road trip mishaps) taught me that intentional packing, like intentional living, can be a small act of self-care. It’s not about perfection; it’s about choosing things that support your well-being, your values, and your sanity. So, whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or just a long-overdue family visit, here is a list of non-toxic travel essentials that I have put together for you. These are items that keep my body, my mind, and the planet in better shape, even on the go. You don’t have to compromise for convenience, you just have to be intentional.
Lily Jade Packing Cases
These Lily Jade packing cases are my favorite packing bags to travel with. I got them with my Lily Jade diaper bag years ago, and I still love and use them. They’re beautiful and functional, and right now they’re on sale. I love them for keeping makeup, toiletries, hair products, and other non-toxic travel essentials all separate but accessible.
Bonus: their materials are high-quality and safe for prolonged use, plus I love being able to see what’s in the bag through the viewing window.
Kingmas Double-Sided Brushes
I might be a little picky when it comes to makeup brushes. Afterall, the brush you use can make or break your makeup application. But these double-sided brushes from Kingmas are not only perfect for travel, they’re also affordable and blend my cream makeup beautifully. I use these to blend foundation, blush, contour, and bronzer from my Piper Blue palette and they do the job seamlessly. When compared to other brushes I have, I’m pleasantly surprised at the quality of these brushes, how soft they are, and how well they blend out. You can find them here on Amazon.
Piper Blue Palette
A refillable, non-toxic makeup palette that fits in the palm of your hand and is all natural, organic makeup made with the cleanest globally sourced ingredients? Yes, please! This is one of my TOP non-toxic travel essentials, but besides that, I dreamed of creating my perfect makeup palette for years, and Piper Blue has made that a reality. It’s perfect for travel because it replaces an entire makeup bag. With clean ingredients, beautiful pigments, and zero single-use plastic, there are no compromises being made for beauty and convenience with this one. It’s true that this palette is my go-to at home, but I love it even more when I need to hit the road.
Mineral Sunscreen
If there’s one item I won’t compromise on, it’s sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens can wreak havoc on your skin and on the ocean, so look for a broad-spectrum zinc-based formula if you need one. I prefer this tinted sunscreen from Lauren Brooke for my face, or this one from Root Pretty. Or you can just double up and use this face and body lotion from Raw Elements.
Historically, I used to slowly build up my tolerance to the sun during the summer and avoided using sunscreen, but chronic illness has made this more difficult in recent years. There’s a time and place for everything, and some people might need to use sunscreen more than others. There’s no arguing that, if you need it, mineral sunscreen is a healthier option.
Refillable Water Bottle
Hydration is non-negotiable, especially in the summer heat. I bring a double-insulated stainless-steel bottle like this one that keeps my drinks cold for hours. Extra points for skipping single-use plastic and staying kind to your body and the earth. Even if you do rely on plastic water bottles while you travel, it’s best to transfer them to a stainless-steel or glass bottle if it’s warm outside to make sure you aren’t drinking more melted microplastics than necessary.
Electrolyte Packets
I’ve tried both LMNT and Saltt unflavored electrolyte mixes, and while I love them both, I prefer the form of magnesium used in Saltt, so I default to them. It’s just a personal preference – I have no problem with the magnesium malate used in LMNT packets; I just seem to tolerate magnesium chloride better. Regardless of whichever one you choose, these both come in pre-mixed packets that make it easy to travel with. Just tear one open and dump it into your water bottle or smoothie as needed. I rarely leave the house without these.
Silicone Snack Bags
I’m guilty of packing a ton of plastic bags when I travel. It’s so easy to rely on them for every little thing – food, trash, loose bobby pins, etc. But I’m making the switch to honor my body and the planet. Reusable silicone bags are better for both; they’re perfect for trail mix, berries, sandwich halves, or even wet bathing suits. They’re washable, durable, and you can reuse them over and over instead of buying new bags every time. You can even use them for jewelry and first-aid items on-the-go.
Beauty Balm
Multi-purpose products are the best way to travel light. If you’re looking for a Vaseline alternative, this one from Alba should do the trick. You can use it just as you would Vaseline – to moisturize lips, smooth cuticles, or soothe dry skin. If you want something a little fancier, you can try this one from Maya Chia but beware it does have essential oils in it for fragrance which can be sensitizing on sensitive skin.
Silicone Ear Plugs
Stuck in a hotel room with children who aren’t tired or with a husband that snores? Don’t want your party-going neighbors to disrupt your sleep when they come down the hall at 2 am? Or what about the noise from the television next door that seems to travel through the paper-thin walls? This is why ear plugs are a must when traveling. They allow me to block out ambient noise and focus on my beauty rest.
In full transparency, I haven’t found silicone ear plugs that work for the size and shape of my ear canal (but my husband uses some), and ear plugs are a must when I travel. I’ve been stuck using foam ones, which aren’t best, but they’re necessary in order for me to sleep. I still recommend silicone ones that last much longer than foam, are easier on the wallet, and better for the environment.
Non-Toxic Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is something I try not to use it if at all possible, but when you need it, you need it. If I have to use it, I prefer to use something less toxic like this one from Nature’s Brands that uses organic ethyl alcohol and essential oils. Good ol’ soap and water is best, but that’s not always feasible, and I get it. Especially with littles!
Blender (Yes, Really)
Ok, this one may sound extra but hear me out. Travelling with my blender means I can whip up smoothies or protein shakes anywhere; at a hotel, Airbnb, or campsite (with power). It helps me stay grounded in routines that make me feel like me, even on the road, and I can make sure I’m getting some targeted nutrition when things otherwise feel chaotic. I’ve still been packing my trusted Vitamix, but this one is on my wishlist, and this one is glass, so it’s a better option for a non-toxic blender.
A Few More You Might Love:
- Essential oil roller (lavender or peppermint) for stress and headaches
- Reusable utensils (bamboo fork/spoon combos that fit in your purse)
- Compact journal because sometimes, you just need to write it out
- Dry shampoo made with clean ingredients (saves your look on no wash days)
- Natural bug spray that doesn’t make you smell like a citronella candle
Final Thoughts
Packing for summer travel isn’t just about what fits in your suitcase. It’s about what supports your health, your peace, and your purpose while you’re away from home. Choosing non-toxic travel essentials can give you peace of mind and free you to relax and enjoy your trip, knowing you’re not making compromises on health while on the road.
So here’s to road trips, slow mornings, safe ingredients, and showing up as your full self wherever this season takes you.
What’s the one thing you never travel without? I’d love to hear what’s in your essentials kit. 💛
Find my favorite summer skincare products here.
