How Much Cosmetics Do You Need for a Week-Long Vacation? (The Ultimate Packing List)

Aug 31 2025

Stressed about packing before your vacation? Especially when it comes to cosmetics, it’s not always easy to figure out how much you should actually bring. How much shampoo, lotion, or face cream do you really need for 7 days without packing too much or too little?

Say goodbye to half-empty drugstore travel-size bottles that look like plastic trash—or the fear of leaked lotion in your suitcase. With our modular, magnetic DABEI Travelpods and the following guidelines, you can now pack the perfect amount, sustainably and stylishly.

Disclaimer: Everyone has individual needs and habits — actual usage may, of course, vary. Our figures are tried-and-true guidelines designed to help you pack smart.

🗓️ Your weekly (7-day) beauty product quantities:

1. Shampoo – 40 ml

An average hair wash uses about 10 ml of shampoo. So for a week with four hair washes, you should plan on 40 ml. The perfect solution: Our Pump Pod (55 ml) is ideal for easy dispensing in the shower.

👉 For easy dispensing: The Pump Pod.

2. Conditioner – 40 ml

If you use conditioner, about 10 ml per use is also sufficient. So 40 ml is enough for a week, which you can conveniently and hygienically store in a second Pump Pod.

3. Body Wash / Shower Gel – 55 ml

Depending on your shower routine, you’ll need about 8 ml per shower. For a week of daily showers, we recommend a Large Pod (55 ml).

👉 The largest capacity in the Pod family: The Large Pod.

4. Body Lotion – 30 to 50 ml

You generally need a little less body lotion than shower gel (about 5 ml per use). A Medium Pod (30 ml) will last you a week. If you apply lotion all over your body every day, you’re better off going straight for the Large Pod (55 ml).

5. Cleanser / Facial Wash Gel – 30 to 40 ml

Facial cleanser can be used very sparingly—about 1–3 ml per use is enough. A Medium Pod (30 ml) lasts a week with regular use.

👉 Our all-rounder: The Medium Pod.

6. Face Cream – 10 ml

Good face creams go a long way—about 1–1.5 ml per day is more than enough. Our Small Pod (10 ml) is perfect for this and saves maximum space in your toiletry bag. For very rich skincare or an additional night balm, go for the Medium Pod (30 ml).

👉 Our smallest size: The Small Pod.

7. Serum – 10 ml

You’ll use even less serum than you do moisturizer. Just a few drops are enough. A Small Pod (10 ml) is the ideal, completely leak-proof home for your favorite serum.

8. Sunscreen – 55 ml

This depends heavily on your destination and the amount of exposed skin. For your face and the most important areas (arms/neck), you should expect to use about 7–10 ml per day. For a week-long beach vacation, one or two Large Pods (55 ml) or Pump Pods (55 ml) are ideal.

💡 Overview

Product	Recommended Amount	Recommended DABEI Pod
Shampoo	approx. 40 ml	Pump Pod (55 ml)
Conditioner	approx. 40 ml	Pump Pod (55 ml)
Bodywash	approx. 55 ml	Large Pod (55 ml)
Body Lotion	30 – 50 ml	Medium (30 ml) / Large (55 ml) Pod
Cleanser	30 – 40 ml	Medium (30 ml) / Large (55 ml) Pod
Moisturizer	approx. 10 ml	Small Pod (10 ml)
Serum	approx. 10 ml	Small Pod (10 ml)
SPF	55 – 110 ml	1-2x Large Pod / Pump (55 ml)

✈️ Our recommendation: Check out our sets

When you add up all the absolute essentials (shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, and face cream), you’ll quickly realize: You need a system that works together.

Instead of having to pick out all the pods individually, we’ve developed the DABEI Essentials Set. It combines two Medium Pods and two Pump Pods, stays together magnetically, and keeps your suitcase organized.

👉 Click here for the Essentials Set.

Planning a longer trip or want to pack more? Then check out our Stacked Set. It gives you the full range of sizes for your products.

👉 Click here for the Stacked Set.

Bottom line: Pack smarter, not heavier

If you estimate your cosmetic quantities wisely in advance, you’ll travel light and without worrying that anything will be confiscated at the airport (our Pods are 100% carry-on compliant!). With DABEI Travelpods, you can finally bring the lightness and style you want for your vacation into your travel bag. And after your vacation? Just pop them in the dishwasher!