An Australian dermatologist has advised travellers to think twice before using complimentary hotel toiletries, warning that certain products could negatively affect skin and hair health.
Leona Yip recently shared the advice after staying at a hotel in Amsterdam, where she noticed a combined two-in-one shampoo and body wash product in the bathroom.
“My dermatologist travel rule: Don’t trust the random hotel body wash,” she said in a video posted on Instagram.
According to Dr Yip, who works as a consultant dermatologist at Skin Partners in Brisbane, combined products are mainly designed for convenience rather than optimal skin and hair care.
She explained that a single formula attempting to cleanse both hair and skin often results in a compromise that may strip away the skin’s natural protective barrier.
“It can be more stripping to your skin barrier than what is actually ideal,” she said.
Dr Yip added that the issue may become worse during travel because long flights, air-conditioning and changing climates can already weaken the skin barrier.
She also noted that many hotel toiletries are heavily fragranced, which can potentially trigger irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.
While some hotels provide separate shampoo, conditioner and body wash products, Dr Yip still encouraged travellers to bring their own personal care items tailored to their specific hair and skin needs.
“Most people have very different requirements, so bring your own when you can,” she advised.
Her comments quickly gained attention online, with fellow Australian dermatologist Lisa Byrom publicly agreeing with her recommendation.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over hygiene standards involving refillable hotel toiletry dispensers.
US entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor Lori Greiner also recently cautioned travellers against using wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispensers commonly found in hotel bathrooms.
Greiner cited studies showing that more than 70 per cent of refillable soap dispensers tested in hotels contained high levels of bacteria.
According to public health expert Alex Sundermann, bacteria can build up because many dispensers are simply refilled repeatedly without being thoroughly cleaned.
Greiner additionally warned travellers about using hotel hair dryers, claiming they are among the least disinfected items in hotel rooms due to frequent handling and limited cleaning between guests.
The advice has sparked widespread discussion online as more travellers become increasingly cautious about hygiene and personal care while staying in hotels.
