Can you use a HSA card for cosmetic?

Asked by: Hector Krajcik III  |  Last update: January 27, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (15 votes)

No, you generally can't use an HSA for cosmetic surgery and get the tax benefits. The IRS defines cosmetic surgeries as procedures that improve appearance without enhancing how the body functions or helping prevent or treat a health condition.

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.

Are beauty products covered by 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.

What can an HSA not be used 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. 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 a facial?

First and foremost, not all facial treatments will be eligible for HSA funds. It is crucial to ensure that the treatment meets the IRS guidelines for qualified medical expenses. Additionally, using HSA funds for facials may deplete your account balance, leaving fewer funds for other medical expenses.

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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 I use HSA to buy face wash?

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 HSA pay 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 is the downside of an HSA?

Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Is it illegal to use HSA money for anything?

You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums. Once you turn 65, you can use the money in your HSA for anything you want. If you don't use it for qualified medical expenses, it counts as income when you file your taxes.

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 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 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 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 you pay for mommy makeover with HSA?

Can I Use an HSA or FSA To Pay for Mommy Makeover Surgery? Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow patients to save their pre-tax dollars for use on qualified medical expenses. However, like with insurance, cosmetic surgery typically does not count as a qualified medical expense.

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.)

Do I ever lose my HSA money?

Myth #2: If I don't spend all my funds this year, I lose it. Reality: HSA funds never expire. When it comes to the HSA, there's no use-it-or-lose-it rule. Unlike Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, you keep your HSA dollars forever, even if you change employers, health plans, or retire.

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.

When should you not use an HSA?

HSAs might not make sense if you have some type of chronic medical condition. In that case, you're probably better served by traditional health plans. HSAs might also not be a good idea if you know you will be needing expensive medical care in the near future.

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 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 you use HSA for gym membership?

Gym memberships are generally not considered qualified medical expenses under IRS guidelines. While physical fitness is important, gym memberships are typically viewed as personal or recreational expenses rather than a medical necessity. So using HSA funds for them could result in taxes and penalties.

Can I use HSA for cosmetic dermatology?

In conclusion, your HSA can be a valuable resource when it comes to covering expenses related to dermatological services. Whether you need a routine skin examination, acne treatment, or cosmetic dermatology procedure, utilizing your HSA funds can help alleviate the financial burden associated with these services.

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 ...

Can I use HSA for shampoo?

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).