Do I have to declare skincare and make-up products at United States customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 100 milliliters of skincare and make-up products there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare skincare and make-up products in United States?

Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for skincare and make-up products?

Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.

Can I post or ship skincare and make-up products to United States instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take skincare and make-up products out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking skincare and make-up products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for skincare and make-up products apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does United States compare with other countries on skincare and make-up products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit skincare and make-up products, 4 limit it and 16 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How much Skincare and make-up products can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Skincare and make-up products into United States only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 100 milliliter

What you need to know

100 milliliter (3.38 fl oz)
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule Transportation Security Administration

Questions about Skincare and make-up products in United States

How much skincare and make-up products can I bring into United States?: United States allows 100 milliliters of skincare and make-up products per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare skincare and make-up products at United States customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 100 milliliters of skincare and make-up products there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare skincare and make-up products in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for skincare and make-up products?: Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.
Can I post or ship skincare and make-up products to United States instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take skincare and make-up products out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking skincare and make-up products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for skincare and make-up products apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does United States compare with other countries on skincare and make-up products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit skincare and make-up products, 4 limit it and 16 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Cargo liquids in checked baggage (Zamzam water, edible oil, liquid food) Duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) Medicine and baby food/milk liquids exempted from the LAG limit Perfume and toilet water