Cadence Capsules (V2) Review

We really like the original Cadence Capsules. But like most good ideas, there’s always room to improve. One of our main criticisms was that they only came in one size. Cadence seems to agree because the Cadence Capsules (V2) now come in multiple sizes. They’ve also tweaked the shape and expanded upon the magnetic functionality, now allowing the capsules to stack on top of each other, or side by side.

Will these find permanent residence in your toiletry kit? There is certainly a compelling case now that Cadence has made the Capsules more versatile—so let’s find out!

The Rundown

Like the original Capsules, the updated ones are still made of plastic. Specifically, they’re polypropylene and recycled high-density polyethylene, also known as thermoplastics. The standard reassurances apply, such as being BPA-free, leak-proof, and food-safe. More important than all of that—or maybe not—the Cadence Capsules feel very solid and well-built in the hand. There are no unwanted creaks or flex in the material that would have you thinking they’re cheaply made—the last thing you’d want from containers you’re filling with liquid and traveling with.

That said, there seem to be some flaws in tolerances relating to the extender modules. When we screw them together with the base, we can never get the corners to align. Fortunately, this is more of an aesthetic issue rather than a functional flaw that, for example, causes leaks or cracks in the material.

The Beauty Edit kit we’re using includes three Flex Smalls, nine Flex Mediums, and two Flex Extenders—yep, that’s how they’re named now. Needless to say, you get a lot with just this kit; it’s arguably more than we need. The Flex Small module is 0.56 oz and the Flex Medium is 1.35 oz. Meanwhile, the extender adds 1.4 oz of volume to the Medium to become the Flex Large, bringing it up to 2.75 oz. Please note that it’s not compatible with the original Cadence Capsules.

The updated version also features interchangeable magnetic labels. We’ve always had a 50-50 opinion on anything magnetic, but these land on the positive side. They’re clearly legible, they stay in place, and it’s fun to play around with them. However, in retrospect, magnetic labels seem redundant since you could just as easily swap the caps themselves. It’s also worth noting that, though the original also had this feature, it’s another aspect that’s not backwards compatible between the two versions.

Inside the capsules are still the same smooth, cornerless interiors. We really dig this because it makes scooping easy, whether it’s creams, powders, fluids, or pills. Furthermore, the updated design’s wider openings feel easier to dig into with just your fingertips, whereas the original sometimes felt too deep and narrow. We also like how the lid can be stuck to the side of the capsule while you’re using it, minimizing clutter.

Packability

You can stack the capsules side by side and on top of each other. This makes it easy to fit into quart-sized bags, and you can even stack creatively to create open spaces for the rest of your toiletries. The magnets are still strong enough to keep the capsules together but feel somewhat weaker than the original ones. Maybe it’s because of the thicker material or wider shapes, but it’s something we’ve noticed.

For our use case, the ideal capsule is the Flex Small, which holds just enough lotion and cream for weekend trips. Because of that, we suggest getting the Skincare Set with three Flex Smalls if you’re packing more modestly and simply adding extender modules in case you need them later.

What we like is how customizable and modular the entire system is. It’s very easy to pack the amount of toiletries you want in the Cadence Capsules and still have leftover space in your toiletry bag for other items. For example, we might pack two Small Flexes and one Medium Flex, leaving enough room for pre-packaged makeup items in our quart-sized bag.

Quick Comparison

If the Cadence Capsules have any notable limitations, it’s that they’re a scoop or pour kind of container. There are no options to add a spout, nozzle, spray, or pump. This is where containers like the humangear GoToob+ excel. These are great for lotions, sunscreen, and even mayonnaise if you like traveling with your own stash of condiments. However, the GoToob+ has an irregular shape that may be trickier to pack with the rest of your toiletries.

The new capsules are also noticeably heavier than the original version. This isn’t a complete deal-breaker, but if you’re squeezing every ounce of weight off your packing list, then it might matter to you. Still, the tradeoff in better packability, thanks to the new version’s variety in sizes and better stackability, is worthwhile.