Travel experts warn holiday makers to “think twice” before using toiletries in hotel bathrooms. Dawn Morwood, co-director of cheap deals, warns that what's in the bottle isn't necessarily the case.
“Travelers often assume that hotel toiletries are safe and fresh, but the reality can be quite different,” she said.
With years of experience helping HolidayMakers navigate the travel industry, Dawn knows he's cautious when it comes to hotel amenities. Dawn said: “It's always about bringing your own toiletries. Personal care products are truly personal. Skin and hair are used in certain formulations, so switching to unknown products can cause a reaction even in legitimate cases.
“We know that the concern is always the weight of your luggage, but there is a smart way to do this. Invest in a set of travel-sized containers that meet airline regulations – usually under 100ml. Decant the regular product before travel.
“Alternatively, many brands offer travel miniatures for full-size products. You can also look for solid alternatives like shampoo bars, which don't count towards liquid allowances and often last longer than expected.
Hidden risks of hotel toiletries
While hotel toiletries may look untouched, Dawn warns that there are some practices related to practices that put guests at risk.
Tampering and refill bottles
One of the biggest concerns is bottles tampered with or refilled with cheap alternatives.
“I've heard from travelers who found a broken bottle or product of seals or products that smelled completely different from what Dawn describes.
The practice of refilling luxury brand bottles with cheaper alternatives is more common than many travelers notice, especially in budget accommodations that are looking to present high-end images.
Reusable containers without proper disinfection
What's even more worrying is reuse of the container without proper cleaning. Dawn has encountered reports of bottles containing residue from previous guest use.
“You might think you're getting fresh products, but some hotels simply refill the bottles rather than replacing them entirely,” she says. “This creates a hygiene nightmare.”
Safety branding
Hotels may prioritize appearance over actual product quality.
“The focus is to make toiletries look expensive and luxurious, but what's inside may not match the flashy packaging,” Dawn says. “In some cases, the actual product separates or changes consistency, suggesting that it will sit there much longer than it should be.”
Warning signs to watch out for
Dawn shares a red flag to avoid hotel toiletries altogether.
1. Broken or missing seal: Check the pump dispenser and bottle cap for signs of tampering. “Do not use if the seal appears to be damaged or if there is residue around the cap,” advises Dawn.
2. Unusual Consistency or Color: Watery, rough or discolored products are major warning signs. “Shampoo should not look like water. Lotion should not have lumps floating around,” she says.
3. Strange smell: “Trust me in your nose,” Dawn emphasizes. “If something smells, like a chemical, or it's completely different from what you expect, take a step away.”
4. Sticky or dirty bottle appearance: “A clean hotel maintains a clean toiletry container. If the outside of the bottle looks sticky or dirty, imagine what's inside,” warns Dawn.
5. Generic or handwritten labels: Professional branded products require proper labeling. Handwritten labels or common stickers are instantly red flags.
