Why I’ll Never Travel Without These American-Made Toiletries Again ✈️🧴

Travel to Italy was everything. The art, the food, the history. From the sparkling waters of Lake Como to the charming alleys of Verona and the buzzing streets of Milan, my Northern Italy trip was unforgettable. I stayed in over ten hotels—ranging from cozy boutiques to polished 4-star classics.

But through all the breathtaking sights and espresso-fueled mornings, I encountered one repeat disappointment: the hotel toiletries.

Yes, I’m talking about those tiny, suspiciously colored bottles lined up in the bathroom.

They looked innocent enough at first. But the moment I opened one, I knew I was in trouble.

The Hotel Toiletry Problem No One Warns You About

You might assume that 3- and 4-star hotels in Italy (or anywhere, really) would offer high-quality bath products. Think again.

More than once, I was met with neon-colored shampoo that looked and smelled like dish soap. The texture was all wrong. The scent was synthetic. The ingredient list? A long scroll of unpronounceable chemicals that had no place near my hair or skin.

One product actually made my scalp itch. Another left my hair dull and waxy for two whole days. I started skipping the "freebies" altogether.

Turns out, I’m not alone. According to a HuffPost article, many hotel shampoos are made cheaply, in bulk, and without transparency around ingredients. And it’s only getting worse—some hotel chains like Hyatt are even switching to wall-mounted shared dispensers, which raises hygiene concerns too.

That’s when it hit me. I miss my curated collection of clean, American-made products.

Travel Is A Dream. Your Toiletries Shouldn't Be the Nightmare. 😩

As someone who cares about what goes on my skin and scalp, I’ve worked hard to find formulas that are clean, simple, and made with integrity. Products that feel good and do good.

So why was I relying on mystery goo in hotel bathrooms?

When I got back to the States, I made a decision: I’m never traveling without my own toiletries again—and not just any kind. I’m talking about compact, TSA-approved, and made-in-America essentials. These are the products that I now consider non-negotiables.

They’re lightweight. They’re effective. And they come from small makers who care.

My Must-Have Travel Size Essentials 🧳

If you’re planning a trip this summer, whether it’s abroad or just a weekend away, pack these. You won’t look back.

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🧴 Dr. Watson’s Shampoo + Conditioner Travel Size

✨ Dr. Watson’s Sample Pack

Can’t decide what formula you like best? This kit includes several of Dr. Watson’s bestselling mini shampoos and conditioners. I brought it just in case I needed to share with my husband or friends—spoiler: I didn’t share.

💆‍♀️ Head First Conditioner Bar

A plastic-free wonder. This compact conditioner bar lasts forever and takes up almost no space in your bag. I use it after swimming or hiking—it smooths frizz, detangles instantly, and leaves my hair incredibly soft.

Plus, it’s so easy to travel with. No mess, no leaks, no TSA problems.

🫧 Milky Rich Natural Soap

I used this for face and body, and honestly—it was one of the best parts of my travel routine. Made with goat’s milk and a short list of nourishing ingredients, this soap bar is creamy, luxurious, and deeply hydrating.

Unlike hotel soaps that dry you out, this one leaves your skin feeling like silk. Bonus: it smells like warm vanilla and sunshine.

Why American-Made Matters on the Road 🇺🇸

When you’re traveling, your body is already under stress—flights, weather changes, different food, and shifting routines. The last thing you need is to overload your system with synthetic fragrances, harsh surfactants, and preservatives commonly found in commercial hotel toiletries.

Products made in the U.S. tend to follow stricter manufacturing and labeling standards. And the brands I carry at My American Goods go even further—they’re transparent, sustainable, and often family-run.

So when I use them, I know I’m not just pampering myself—I’m supporting small businesses that believe in clean beauty and ethical sourcing. That matters.

Skip the Mystery Goo. Upgrade Your Travel Bag 🧼✈️

Still thinking the little hotel bottles will “do the job”? Here's a quick reality check:

• Hotel shampoos often contain sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and synthetic dyes, which can irritate the skin and scalp.
• Shared, wall-mounted dispensers? Read this. You might not want to touch them again.
• “Luxury” products in hotels are sometimes just white-labeled mass formulas, not the fancy brands they pretend to be.

Meanwhile, your skin and hair are literally thirsty for nourishment when you’re on the go. Dehydrating flights, new climates, and constant activity make it more important than ever to use products that heal, not harm.

So why risk it?

Final Thoughts: What I Learned From 10 Hotels in Italy 🇮🇹🇺🇸

Traveling through Italy was beautiful and soul-stirring. But if I could go back and redo one thing? I’d bring my own toiletries from day one.

The difference in comfort, confidence, and peace of mind is huge. When you use products you trust, you feel more like you—even when you're far from home.

So pack light, but pack wisely. Your skin, your hair, and your whole travel vibe will thank you.

Ready to Upgrade Your Travel Routine?

✨ Shop the Full Travel Size Collection
🧼 Glow Essentials Skincare Set
🧴 Dr. Watson’s Shampoo + Conditioner Travel Size
💆‍♀️ Head First Conditioner Bar
🫧 Milky Rich Natural Soap
🎒 Dr. Watson’s Sample Pack

Because hotel shampoo just isn’t it. ❤️