Can HSA be used for essential oils?

Asked by: Katelyn Rutherford  |  Last update: August 25, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (67 votes)

Aromatherapy: HSA Eligibility Aromatherapy is not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Can I use my HSA for hygiene products?

Menstrual care/feminine hygiene products are now reimbursable. Over-the-counter drugs no longer require a prescription to be reimbursed.

Can I use my HSA card for CBD oil?

No, because that isn't a qualified medical expense. However, you can withdraw taxable money from your HSA to pay for non-qualified expenses.

Can HSA card be used for massage?

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.

What can I not use my HSA for?

Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease.

Dangers of Essential Oils: Top 10 Essential Oil Mistakes to Avoid | Dr. Josh Axe

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Can I pay for my gym membership with my HSA?

Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.

What happens if I accidentally use my HSA card for non-medical expenses?

You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.

Can I use HSA for vitamins?

In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition. For example, if your doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins during pregnancy or recommends vitamin D supplements to treat a deficiency, those could be eligible expenses under your HSA.

Can I use HSA for glasses?

Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)

Does HSA pay for Botox?

Can you use HSA funds to pay for Botox? If you're using Botox for cosmetic purposes like reducing wrinkles or fine lines, it's not considered an HSA-eligible expense. However, Botox may be HSA eligible if it's used to treat a medical condition like chronic migraines, severe muscle spasms, or overactive bladder.

Is the Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Can I buy deodorant with HSA?

Deodorant reimbursement is not eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Can I use my HSA card to buy an air purifier?

Yes, you can use the funds in your health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts for an air purifier as long as the device is deemed a medical necessity to aid with a certain condition, such as allergies, asthma, mold exposure, and more.

What skincare can I use my HSA for?

Eligible products may include sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, acne cleansers and medicated ointments, eczema treatments, scar and wound care products, and anti-itch creams. Basic skincare and cosmetic treatments are typically not covered.

Will HSA pay for teeth whitening?

Unfortunately, you can not use money from your HSA to cover teeth whitening services. While there are many benefits to white teeth, it is ultimately considered a cosmetic procedure. Any service designed to improve a patient's appearance as opposed to their bodily functions is not an eligible expense.

Is ChapStick HSA eligible?

You can use your health savings account (HSA) to purchase OTC products including ChapStick® without a prescription.

Can I use my HSA for massages?

Generally, HSAs cover treatments that are considered medically necessary, and massages are no exception.

Are tampons HSA-eligible?

With the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, tampons and other menstrual care products are now fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. According to the text of the bill, menstrual care products include, “tampon, pad, liner, cup, sponge, or similar product used by individuals with respect to menstruation…”

Can HSA be used for pets?

The short answer is yes, you can use your HSA for veterinary expenses. Under current IRS guidelines, eligible medical expenses include those that are primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness.

Are gym memberships HSA eligible?

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

Is sunscreen HSA eligible?

Sunscreen for adults and for kids is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) under certain conditions. Only sunscreens with SPF 15+ and "broad spectrum" protection are eligible.

What happens if I use my HSA for something else?

Spending HSA funds on ineligible expenses can result in penalties and tax consequences. Even if something seems like a medical expense, that doesn't necessarily mean it's covered under an HSA. For example, nutritional supplements that aren't prescribed by your doctor aren't covered.

What triggers an HSA audit?

Does HSA spending trigger an audit? The IRS doesn't monitor how you spend your HSA funds throughout the year, but that doesn't mean they won't ask for proof that your expenses were eligible. And if your tax return contains unrelated IRS audit red flags, your risk for an HSA audit could increase.

How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?

Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.

What if I accidentally bought food on my HSA?

Yes, you read that correctly—even if you accidentally paid for a burger with your HSA debit card, you will have to report it on your annual income tax return and pay taxes on it. If you're under 65 and spend the money on unqualified purchases, you must also pay a 20% penalty on top of the income tax.