A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Mar. 25, 2025
It's time to ditch those flimsy toiletry bottles. We put the Cadence travel containers to the test—and they're the travel upgrade we didn't know we needed.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
As a frequent flyer who exclusively travels with a carry-on, I almost always overpack my bag. The culprits taking up all that room are my skincare and makeup gear (okay, and some clothes). My beauty essentials never fit quite right in my luggage, and I haven’t found a toiletry bag I’m in love with yet. Tired of my current toiletry packing methods, I finally decided to give Cadence travel containers a go on my most recent trip. Cadence makes sleek, leak-proof capsule containers that link together via magnets, keeping the toiletry bag clutter-free. And I’m not the only one who believes in reusable containers.
Travel journalist Aly Walansky is a firm believer in small, reusable containers. “For years, I was part of the full-sized product club. But then when I started to do carry-on bags exclusively, I switched in that way too,” she explains. “Smaller, reusable containers simply take up a lot less space—a must for packing more compactly. Also, they save money, are less wasteful, and are more sustainable. Now, I’ve never looked back!”
If you’re also ready to make the switch to reusable containers, read on for my full Cadence review.
VIA MERCHANT
Cadence travel capsules are TSA-friendly and perfect for toiletries, pills, jewelry and other small travel essentials.
Basically, they’re the prettiest toiletry travel containers to exist. Cadence capsules are TSA-friendly containers for stashing skin care products, hair care, pills or jewelry while on the go. A twist-off lid makes it easy to pour or dip into liquids, meaning no more beauty products get stuck at the bottom. Unlike other toiletry travel containers, the capsules are magnetic and link together. Plus, they’re made from eco-friendly materials.
A big reason the capsules are trending is their sleek, customizable design. You choose the color and label, and they link together to keep your favorite toiletry bag from overflowing. In a video posted by @ugc_kelley, she shows everything there is to love about Cadence capsules. For starters, they’re not just for packing in luggage. They double as everyday pill, lotion or jewelry organizers for backpacks and purses. Second, the uniform, magnetic design keeps them clutter-free for good. Combine that with their easy-to-fill design, and it’s clear why these containers are a trending travel hack.
@ugc_kelley Cadence capsules are always a good idea #organization #traveltiktok #ugccreator #cadencecapsules #travelhack #neutralaesthetic
I designed my custom toiletry set on Cadence’s website. I loved the color variety, so I chose a few different hues, totaling six containers. I used them for facial cleanser, toner, face mask, shampoo, conditioner and hair gel. My custom Cadence travel containers arrived just in time for a weekend trip overseas. I knew the more than 8-hour flight would put the capsules to the ultimate test, so if there were any leaks or dents, I would know if the brand was worth it or not.
Because the small capsules only hold 0.56 ounces, I filled them almost to the rim, making sure to leave a tiny bit of room in the case of spills caused by air pressure changes. Unlike traditional toiletry containers that tend to trap product on the sides and bottom, I loved how easy it was to fill my Cadence capsules. The beauty of the compact size is that I won’t waste expensive skin care by overfilling them. They hold exactly what you need for a weekend trip. I packed them in my toiletry bag and headed to the airport.
Two flights and 13 hours of airplane travel later, I unpacked my toiletry bag at the hotel, thrilled to discover my travel capsules remained intact the entire trip. There were no leaks or spills inside my toiletry bag, and the containers were free from sticky product residue. Success! As for actually getting skin and hair care products out of the containers? It was beyond easy to pour just the right amount of face wash into my hands. No more struggling to squeeze shampoo, conditioner or hair gel out of a travel tube. These containers made my skin and shower routine 10 times easier—and faster. They look good on the bathroom counter, too!
“Love the attention to detail,” adds Home R., a happy Cadence purchaser. “Caps that close securely. Magnets keep containers organized and caps from getting lost. Labels that can be customized. Containers hold approximately half an ounce. Definitely enough product for the gym or a three-day weekend.”
“I couldn’t be happier,” shares Kimberly S. “These not only look great, but streamlined the carry-on process. I’m able to bring more products in a more compact space. No leaks and really stylish, too!”
Tina V. attests to the leak-proof qualities. “Went on a road trip and used all six capsules. They were sturdy, leak-proof and held more than enough for a three-day trip. Will be adding more to my collection for upcoming business trips,” she writes.
Cadence travel containers have a lot going for them. They’re convenient, customizable and sustainable. They’re also magnetic and link together, eliminating the hassle of having to dig through your toiletry bag for each item. That said, they are expensive and happen to be on the smaller side. Additionally, you’ll have to wash them after every use.
You’ll have no trouble finding generic travel containers at your local drugstore, which typically cost just a couple of bucks. However, in many instances, you may end up getting exactly what you paid for. In our experience, these containers are often flimsy, with ill-fitting caps or thin plastic that easily cracks or leaks. Your best bet is to check (and double-check) that these containers are closed properly and store them in a plastic bag in case they leak.
Ultimately, the best type of travel container depends on what type of traveler you are. But if sustainability and style are important to you, then Cadence travel containers are the best option.
So, are Cadence travel containers as pretty as they are functional? I can confidently say they’re 100% worth it. They not only free up precious toiletry bag space, they hold just the right amount of product without trapping liquids at the bottom.
The one downside is the small capsules only hold enough product for a weekend trip. I used all the conditioner I packed in one use, which was disappointing. Still, it was enough conditioner to last me a weekend. When I travel for weeks at a time, I keep full-size hair products at my destination, so the capsules’ limited storage capacity isn’t a huge problem.
My one recommendation is to be picky when customizing your capsules to maximize their storage. You’ll likely run out of shampoo and conditioner pretty fast, but concentrated products, like facial cleansers and serums, last far longer than a weekend trip inside the pretty containers. Next on my list? Capsules to hold my nap earrings.
VIA MERCHANT
Cadence travel capsules are completely customizable through the brand's website.
Build your own capsules on Cadence’s website, where a six-piece set starts at $90. These travel containers can also be purchased at REI and on Amazon. You can also buy the capsules individually, starting at $15 a pop. Yes, they’re pricier than most toiletry travel containers, but it’s largely due to the fact that they’re made from sustainable materials and are reusable.
I’ve thrown away handfuls of travel containers after just one use because the design didn’t work for my travel needs, or they fell apart. Now, I’ve said bye-bye to single-use plastic and clunky travel containers for good with Cadence—and you can, too!
Yes! Cadence’s travel capsules hold 0.56 ounces each, which is well under the TSA carry-on liquids limit of 3.4 ounces.
It really depends on what you’re storing in them. Yes, they’re on the smaller side at 0.56 ounces, but that’s where it’s important to be picky about what you’ll keep inside. For example, I keep more concentrated liquids, like my hair serum, face cleanser and toner inside, because a little goes a long way, and just 0.56 ounces can last me a week or two.
As a frequent traveler, I believe Cadence is absolutely worth the money. They’ve replaced my other travel containers for skin and hair care. They’re crafted from recycled plastics, so I trust that I’m investing in a quality product versus clunky plastic containers that I’ll probably throw out in a year anyway.
At Reader’s Digest, our team of editors and testers are a diverse bunch of travelers who are always looking for ways to make our lives—and yours—easier. Whether we are solo travelers or prefer jet-setting with friends and family, we have loads of personal experience with the best luggage, anti-theft bags, packing cubes and more. We are always excited to share our favorite products and will never recommend anything we don’t love, regardless of a brand’s popularity.
For this article, we also spoke to seasoned travel journalist Aly Walansky. As someone who typically takes at least one or two trips per month, Walansky has considerable experience when it comes to efficient packing and traveling.
