Can I use my HSA for skin care products?

Asked by: Drew Hermann Jr.  |  Last update: July 17, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (5 votes)

These medications can be costly and are sometimes not completely covered by insurance. However, prescription medications are covered by your HSA. Over-the-counter acne and skincare products are now HSA eligible with out the need for a prescription.

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.

What lotion is HSA eligible for?

Shaving cream or lotion are never eligible for reimbursement as they are personal health products.

Can I use my HSA for cosmetic?

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 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.

The Ultimate Guide to #HSA/FSA beauty hack at Sephora

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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 for massages?

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 HSA pay for gym membership?

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.

Can you buy face sunscreen with HSA?

Your FSA and HSA will cover most SPF 15+ sunscreens in its many forms (i.e. lip balms, creams, lotions, etc.)

Can you use HSA on toiletries?

10 Costs Your HSA Won't Cover

Cosmetics. Funeral expenses. Hair transplants. Personal hygiene items: conditioner, deodorant, lotion, mouthwash, shampoo, and toothpaste.

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 use HSA to buy chapstick?

Lip balm with an SPF of 15 or greater is an eligible over-the-counter (OTC) product with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Are vitamins HSA eligible?

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.

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.

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?

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 you use HSA to pay for skincare?

This means that any skin care costs that count towards your deductible, such as prescription medications or dermatologist visits, can be paid for using HSA funds.

Can I buy sunglasses on my HSA?

Polarized sunglasses are HSA-eligible if they have prescription lenses to correct your vision. The same concept applies to other sunglass lens options, such as mirrored lenses and anti-reflective (AR) coating. As long as the sunglasses have corrective lenses, they should be considered eligible HSA expenses.

Can you buy baby wipes with HSA?

While there are many baby and pregnancy products you can use HSA and FSA money on, not all health-related products are covered. Before you go on a shopping spree with your spending account, here are some health necessities that aren't eligible for HSA or FSA: Diapers. Wipes.

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 HSA pay for massage?

Generally, HSAs cover treatments that are considered medically necessary, and massages are no exception. If a doctor prescribes massage therapy to treat a specific medical condition–such as chronic pain, injury recovery or other ailments–then the cost of the massage may be a qualified medical expense.

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.

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.

Can you use HSA to pay off a credit card?

But can you pay off that medical credit card debt using a tax-advantaged medical savings account like an HSA or FSA? In short, yes, but it's important to keep good records.

Can you use HSA for vet bills?

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.