Can you buy laundry soap with HSA?

Asked by: Suzanne Cassin  |  Last update: October 25, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (61 votes)

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.

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 use my HSA for hygiene products?

The recent changes in legislation known as the CARES Act has reclassified menstrual hygiene products to be treated as any other spending on “medical care.” That means tampons, pads, liners, and cups purchased after December 31, 2019 are FSA and HSA eligible.

Are toiletries HSA eligible?

Toiletries are 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 to buy shampoo and conditioner?

10 Costs Your HSA Won't Cover

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

DOUBLE Your HSA By Fixing These 4 Frequent Mistakes | Health Savings Account

26 related questions found

Can you buy soap and deodorant with 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 my HSA for gym membership?

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.

Can I buy toothbrushes with HSA?

Unfortunately, most products for oral health care are not currently eligible medical expenses for FSA and HSA spending.

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 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 vitamins with HSA?

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 bandaids with HSA?

Bandages are over-the-counter (OTC) items that are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

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.

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 buy moisturizer with my HSA?

Can you use HSA for skin care? Yes, you can use a health saving account (HSA) for skin care, but there are some important factors to consider.

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 I buy Gatorade with HSA?

You can grab a pack of ORS using your HSA or FSA funds without a prescription. However, rehydration sports drinks (think Gatorade) and electrolyte solutions containing additional additives (such as caffeine, immunity boosters, or the like) are not eligible.

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.

Are gym memberships FSA eligible?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) usually doesn't allow funds from an FSA to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms. However, the IRS allows FSA funds to be used for paying separate fees charged at health clinics or physical therapy centers for specific activities prescribed by doctors for an individual.

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?

Can HSA 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.

Can I use HSA for vitamins?

You want to be careful when trying to buy vitamins with your FSA or HSA. They are not always deemed a qualified expense. If your vitamins are not prescribed by a healthcare professional or used to treat a specific condition, your purchase most likely won't be FSA or HSA eligible.

Can I use HSA for Invisalign?

Many patients are surprised to learn that you can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Spending Account (HSA) to pay for orthodontic treatment, including braces and Invisalign, for children and adults, which makes this the “most wonderful time of the year” to get started on your dream smile.

Can I use HSA for chiropractor?

HSAs can be used for large and small qualified medical expenses. You can use your HSA for ongoing medical services and treatments, like chiropractic care, acupuncture, or physical exams. Medical copays, deductibles, and coinsurance can also be covered under an HSA.