Can you use an HSA on skincare?

Asked by: Mr. Dillan Heidenreich  |  Last update: December 18, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (57 votes)

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 use HSA for skin care products?

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.

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 for hygiene products?

Important update: Due to the passage of the CARES Act, starting January 1, 2020 the following items are eligible: Menstrual care/feminine hygiene products are now reimbursable. Over-the-counter drugs no longer require a prescription to be reimbursed.

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).

FSA/HSA BEAUTY HACKS!

38 related questions found

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).

Can you use HSA 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.

Is the 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 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.

Are massages HSA eligible?

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 buy chapstick with HSA?

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).

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 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.

Can I use my HSA for cosmetic?

You typically can't use an HSA for cosmetic surgery and get the tax benefits if the procedure isn't medically necessary and is done solely for appearance reasons.

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 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.

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…”

What happens if I use my HSA for something else?

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 toothpaste with HSA?

Toothpaste 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 an HSA pay for a 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 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 I use HSA for Peloton membership?

Yes. You can pay with a credit or debit card through Truemed and submit a reimbursement request to your HSA/FSA plan administrator for up to the amount you have available in your HSA/FSA account. You cannot split payments between HSA/FSA card and credit/debit card.

Can I use my HSA for massages?

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

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 at Planet fitness?

In most cases, gym memberships are not considered eligible medical expenses by the IRS. This means you typically cannot use your HSA funds to pay for a gym membership directly. You might need to explore getting an LMN from your doctor.