The Best Beauty Products To Keep In Your Gym Bag — According To Pros

Whether you’re heading straight from hot yoga to the office or squeezing in a morning lift before daycare drop-off, post-workout beauty products are clutch. Sweat, tight clothes, and time constraints can do a number on your skin—unless you come prepared, that is.

From hydrating facial mists to antimicrobial body washes to the minimalist makeup that helps you look polished in seconds, we asked editors, derms, and wellness pros to share the products they actually keep in their gym bags. 

“I have rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition that makes my face firetruck red when I get overheated. So when I get out of a workout class, my main goal is to calm and soothe my skin. I always keep 1-2 skin care products on hand to do just that. 

“I’m currently loving No.7 Derm Solutions Dry & Sensitive 100hr Hydrating Cream and Deinde Instant Calming Recovery Gel. The Diende gel is new but I've become obsessed. I get pretty red after an intense class, but this cools my complexion right away. The No.7 face cream is gentle, fragrance-free, and full of anti-inflammatory ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and adaptogens. I love that the bottle is lightweight, durable, and has a secure top that clicks shut so it doesn’t make a mess in my bag. I never bring face wash because I don’t work out in makeup and sweat is the best cleanser. 

“I mix mindbodygreen creatine with taurine+ unflavored powder packets with either water or a protein drink right before a workout. It’s an amazing energy booster, and it helps me power through my workout with more stamina.* I feel stronger and experience less muscle fatigue after adding this to my routine.* And on the days when I forget to take the supplements, I just don’t perform as well. I love how it is unflavored, so it blends easily with any drink. 

“I also need a good body wash. The truth is that when you work out more, you will notice more body acne, especially if you live in a hot and humid climate like I do in Miami. I struggled with a horrible flare-up of backne when I started doing more HIIT workouts—probably due to a combination of sweating, wearing tight sports bars, and friction. CLn Sports Wash has sodium hypochlorite, an ingredient that turns into hypochlorous acid, which is one of the best antimicrobials out there, without irritating your skin. It is also fragrance-free, which is great for anyone with sensitive skin. It has been a game-changer!

“I’ve been through the motions with deodorant, especially when I was navigating pregnancy and postpartum hormone changes. Time and time again, I come back to Native Deodorant as a cleaner option that my sensitive skin can tolerate while also helping me stay fresh. 

“Our beauty director turned me onto Pai Organic Rosehip BioRegenerate Universal Facial Oil and now I can’t live without it! Even if I put nothing else on my face, this product alone helps me feel moisturized and glowy. I use it morning and night, and if I’m quickly wrapping up a workout, a splash of cold water on my face with a few drops of this helps me feel cleaned up and ready for the rest of my day. 

“I love Avene Spring Thermal Water, which is a hydrating and calming mist from the classic French pharmacy brand. I use it post-workout because it calms down redness and irritation, is free of fragrance and harsh additives, and feels so refreshing if my skin is flushed or sensitive after exercise.

“I am always recommending Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid to my athletic patients who deal with body acne. This spray helps support skin barrier and tackles any signs of redness, breakouts, or sensitivity. It also works well preventatively if you spray it on your body pre-sweat session because it is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

“First and foremost, I prioritize my muscle health, hydration, and overall health. That’s the foundation for glowing, strong skin, after all. I always have multiple mindbodygreen creatine stick packs—I alternate between creatine with taurine+ and electrolytes+ with creatine—to stay hydrated in the gym, on walks, and at work!  

“But I also have a few beauty essentials that are always on hand too. Jones Road Beauty is my go-to for most of my makeup products. I love the ethos of the founder, beauty legend Bobbi Brown. The brand focuses on no-makeup makeup, which is exactly my aesthetic. I love having Cool Gloss at my fingertips to look a bit more touched up. 

“The holy grail of face wipes is Koh Gen DO Cleansing Water Cloths. These mineral-rich thermal water wipes remove workout grime and makeup, are an incredible skin care treatment, and are perfect for on-the-go.

Secondly, Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray! I do not leave home without it. After your cleansing water cloth, spritz this to remove any remaining bacteria. If you only need a quick fix on the way home from the gym, this will do until you get your full face wash in. Another ‘doubles as:’ it is the cleanest hand sanitizer on the market!

Next, go with Sofie Pavitts' new Omega Rich Moisturizer! J'dore! She has an excellent trial set that includes her cult fave, Mandelic Clearing Serum. Game changer. 

The most crucial part is the gorgeous pouch, which all neatly fits into! Truffle has my favorite ones in a range of sizes and colors!

“Crystal Roll-On Deodorant has been my go-to deodorant for years. I genuinely tell everyone about it. I first picked it up on a whim, and now I don’t leave for the gym (or anywhere, really) without it. The gel roll-on feels cool and soothing on the skin, never leaves white marks, and actually works. I love the lavender and white tea scent; it's fresh without being too strong. And with no aluminum, parabens, or artificial fragrance, it’s a formula I feel good about using daily.