# Can I take toner and sunscreen bought in Japan on the plane, or do they need to be checked?

> You can take them, but on international flights from Japan each liquid in your carry-on (including toner, lotion, cream, sunscreen, and gel) must be 100 ml or less and packed in one clear resealable bag of up to 1 L per person; bottles over 100 ml must be checked even if they're not full. Cosmetic sprays have an additional limit of 0.5 L (0.5 kg) per container and 2 L (2 kg) in total per person, which also applies to checked baggage (as of October 2026, per Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism).

- Page: https://bestjapanbuy.com/en/q/cosmetics-liquid-flight/
- Updated: 2026-10-23

## At a glance

| Item | Carry-on | Checked |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Toner, lotion, serum, cream, sunscreen milk | ≤100 ml each, in a 1 L clear bag | OK |
| Cleansing oil, face wash | Same as above | OK |
| Sunscreen spray, setting spray (aerosol and liquid sprays) | ≤100 ml each in the bag, and counts toward the spray limit below | ≤0.5 L each, ≤2 L total per person, nozzle must be capped |
| Pressed powder, loose powder, lipstick, powder cleanser | Not subject to liquid rules | OK |

## Key points of the liquid rules

Per Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, liquids include “liquids, gels, and aerosols,” as well as semi-liquids that only keep their shape in a container (such as creams):

- Each container's **capacity** must be 100 ml or less, based on the size printed on the bottle, not how much is left;
- Put all small containers in one resealable clear plastic bag of up to 1 L with sides adding up to about 40 cm or less, **one bag per person**;
- Take the clear bag out and screen it separately at security;
- Liquids bought at airport duty-free shops after security can be taken on board, but they may be confiscated if you transfer abroad.

So large bottles such as a 170 ml toner or 230 ml SK-II Facial Treatment Essence must be checked.

## Sprays and alcohol-based cosmetics

The ministry lists cosmetic sprays (including pressurized aerosols and liquid sprays) as items allowed under conditions: ≤0.5 L or 0.5 kg per container and ≤2 L or 2 kg in total per person (combined with medicinal sprays and other spray cans), with the nozzle protected by a cap or similar to prevent accidental release. Cosmetics containing flammable ingredients such as alcohol are managed under the same quantity limits.

## Tips for checked baggage

- Tighten caps and put bottles in sealed bags to prevent leaks from pressure changes; wrap glass bottles in clothing.
- For purchases made under the refund system from November 1, 2026, **complete the customs check at the airport tax-free kiosk before checking your bags**. See the [new tax-free rules](/en/q/tax-free-2026/).
- Airlines may have stricter rules; follow your airline's notices.

For mainland China's entry allowance, see [Do I need to declare cosmetics when entering China?](/en/q/cosmetics-china-customs/); for other destinations, check your own country's customs rules. Flight tips for each product are on the [cosmetics and skincare category page](/en/c/cosmetics/).

## Sources

- [Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: liquid restrictions in the cabin on international flights](https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/15_bf_000006.html)
- [Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: items restricted in carry-on and checked baggage](https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/koku_fr2_000007.html)
- [Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: typical restricted items (PDF, updated April 24, 2026)](https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001425421.pdf)

> Data from BestJapanBuy (bestjapanbuy.com). Please credit and link to the page when using it. Prices are for reference only; check in store.
> Translated with AI; the Chinese version is authoritative.