Liquids

Medically required liquids are often exempt from the liquids rule. If you bring them carry on, make sure they are in their original container and have the doctor prescription if applicable.

Italians need shampoo too, so basic toiletries are easy to find, but they may be different that what you are used to. Hotels usually provide shampoo but not always conditioner.

Not difficult at all. Italians use those products too. :O)

Try Despar, Carrefore or Coop stores and any other markets you run into, or a farmacia (pharmacy, although these will be more expensive.) Try to stock up in the larger cities, if possible, and make good use of any products included in your hotel rooms.

Our experience is that the all the locals routinely brush their teeth, shave (not all), comb their hair, and frequently wash their hands so they need to be able to buy the same products as you do for the same purpose. Each town, no matter how small, have stores, especially grocery stores, that sell these products. So you will have no problem finding what you need. Remember you are not headed into the bush country in Africa. Italy is a modern country with modern services.

Unfortunately, most of the liquids that I need to carry are over-the-counter, and not prescription meds. Glad to know that there will be plenty of places where I can pick up toiletries, maybe not the brands I am familiar with, but sufficient for my needs. Thank you for the inputs.

It is easier to find such stores than in the US. People live in the city, so they have to be everywhere.

I love the quality of European cosmetics, shampoo, face creams, etc. Sometimes I will actually check a bag on the return just to be able to carry home full size versions of the European products.
As others have noted even small towns have these products available.

And you will find familiar brands (Colgate and Dove come to mind). Some hotels have boutique-type brands that you may like to try.

Sadly, you are right that you may not be familiar with the local brands. I ran out of toothpaste and had to buy something called.....Colgate. And for shaving it was even weirder....Gillette. :)

You will probably find quite a few U.S. brands but not all.

I see from your profile that you are new to posting on the forum. Welcome! I often try to sample the Italian brands just for fun. It's always a novelty to bring foreign toiletries home.

Even over-the-counter liquids can be exempt if they are "medically required", it does not have to be prescription only.

TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and
aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare
them to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.

We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to
facilitate the security process.

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to
additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it
triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been
tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision
rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.

You can use the following site if you want to look up the recommendation on your particular items. Searching for "contact solution" gave me the wording above.
https://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/cib_home.aspx

.... most of the liquids that I need to carry are over-the-counter, and not prescription meds. .......

Then you are really in luck, because those same products will be available from the local pharmacy - white cross on green background. Just bring your empty bottle and they will find it for you.

I have had no problem finding toiletry items in big cities in Europe- both familiar brands like Dove, Vaseline and new brands that I am pleased by. If anyone in your group is concerned about makeup or hair products, there are at least two Sephoras in Rome (one in Termini, so you can go immediately if you arrive by train). The smaller the town, the less options, just like in American, but many towns will at least have one pharmacy.

I sometimes buy a few things at the airport once I am through security. This only works when flying direct from a US airport to your destination-otherwise, you have to go through security again and are subject to another 3-1-1 situation.

Experiment with decanting your normal products into smaller containers. Go onto amazon and search for "travel size toiletries" and you will see many small container options. A very small container will last me for two weeks for things like face wash, moisturizer, foundation. The three things that I always need to buy in over 3-1-1 quantities are body lotion, sunblock, and shaving cream. So that's what I purchase in the airport or upon my arrival from a pharmacy.

Have a great trip!

Even though it's OTC, your Dr can still write a RX for it.

Take full sealed bottles not opened ones. If it's something that you need more of, know the generic equivalents, or the original pkg.

When shopping in European grocery stores, they will have limited selections. Maybe two types of tooth paste, one hand cream, two or three types of shampoo. Your get the idea so it is easy to walk by it as you are walking down the isle. Most grocery stores are small compared to here in the states. But get out and buy something new!

I just returned from the Heart of Italy tour on March 14, 2017. I bought Sensodyne Toothpaste, Pantene Shampoo and other wonderful toiletry items in a Purfumeria in Rome. I first checked for these items at a pharmacy and they directed me to the perfume store. When I first walked in it appeared that all they sold was perfume and cologne. But walking to the back of the store was like visiting an American drug store. If you need medications go to a pharmacy. Some things that require a prescription in the US may not in Italy. Just know the generic name for the drug. I had a translation app on my phone and typed in the items I wanted and the clerks in the store were wonderful in helping me find what I needed. It was lots of fun shopping there.

Thanks to all who posted for the words of experience. I am glad to know that I can get all that I need and not even have to switch brands.

I take a 2.7 oz Crest toothpaste that I can only find at Target. I also use small travel bottles, from REI, to take my brand of shampoo, I also take 3 oz of concentrated wasing soap for hand laundry (also get at REI). I've found that you can take more than one 3 oz bottle of a product if needed. Also, I have taken 2 quart size bags of travel liquids with no problem or crammed them into I bag. I've never had trouble at airport security.