Can I buy cosmetics with HSA?

Asked by: Prof. Cesar Anderson  |  Last update: October 12, 2025
Score: 5/5 (66 votes)

According to the IRS, eligible skin care expenses must be considered medically necessary. This means that treatments or products used purely for cosmetic purposes, such as anti-aging creams or facials, would not qualify.

Can you use HSA for beauty products?

You can spend your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds on eligible sunscreen, skincare, acne, and wellness products at Sephora.

Can you use HSA for cosmetic work?

Unfortunately, no. Procedures like facials and microderm abrasion that are deemed cosmetic are also seen as not medically necessary and are therefore, do not qualify for HSA use.

Can I use my HSA at Sephora?

A wide variety of over-the-counter healthcare products and treatments are eligible for FSA and HSA spending at Sephora and on Sephora.com. Including: Sunscreens with SPF 15+, acne treatments, acne preventions, medicated skin treatments, blue light therapy masks, and prenatal vitamins.

Can I use my HSA card at Ulta Beauty?

How can I use my FSA or HSA Money at Ulta? It's super easy. Shop your items at Ulta and be sure to save your receipts. Then, just submit your receipts to your benefits provider for reimbursement.

FSA/HSA BEAUTY HACKS!

37 related questions found

Can I buy shampoo on HSA?

Over-the-counter toiletries or personal hygiene items which may include, but are not limited to shampoo, toothpaste, conditioners, hand creams, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, dental floss, body powders, hair gels/sprays, make-up, nail polish accessories, soap, mouthwash, etc., are not reimbursable.

Can I buy face wash with HSA?

Medicated body or face wash is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I buy a gym membership with my HSA?

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.

Can I buy moisturizer with HSA?

According to the IRS, eligible skin care expenses must be considered medically necessary. This means that treatments or products used purely for cosmetic purposes, such as anti-aging creams or facials, would not qualify.

Can you use HSA at Target?

Target stores

Third-party credit cards: Visa®, Mastercard®, Discover®/Novus®, American Express®, credit cards from foreign banks (JCB Japanese Credit Bureau), Diner's Club International, and FSA/HSA cards are redeemable for FSA/HSA eligible items.

Can I use my HSA 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.

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.)

Can you 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.

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 buy tampons with HSA?

Yes! Thanks to the CARES Act, tampons are now considered a “medical expense.” That means you can use pre-tax income to pay for them through your HSA. More questions about tampons?

How does HSA know what you buy?

Because HSA administrators don't track the purchases employees make with their HSA, employees should make it a habit to save receipts for all HSA-eligible goods and services, so they can easily reimburse themselves when they are ready, or when they need the money.

Can you use HSA to buy makeup?

Even makeup can qualify as FSA/HSA eligible—though typically it's products that contain active ingredients like SPF or hyaluronic acid.

Can I buy shampoo with HSA?

While some exceptions may vary, shampoo is generally 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).

What can I not buy with HSA?

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. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.

Is an Apple Watch HSA eligible?

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 use HSA for dental?

Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.

Can you pay for Peloton with HSA?

The partnership will make it easier for qualified US-based Peloton customers to use pre-tax Health Savings Account (HSA)/Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars to purchase applicable Peloton products, saving customers up to 40% off their purchase.

Can I buy sunscreen with HSA?

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.

Can I buy a bed with my HSA?

According to the HSA Store, "A mattress expense is only eligible when its components and construction costs exceed those of a standard mattress for general health." To use your funds for a new mattress, you'll need to provide a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from a medical professional stating you have a medical ...

Is ChapStick HSA eligible?

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