Can you use HSA for cosmetics?

Asked by: Prof. Crystel Torp  |  Last update: January 27, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (43 votes)

However, it's essential to understand which expenses are eligible and which are not. 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 I use HSA for cosmetic laser?

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 HSA for hair products?

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 you use HSA for toiletries?

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 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 You Use an HSA for Plastic Surgery?

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Can I use HSA for facial?

The eligibility of HSA funds for facials depends on various factors, including the nature of the treatment and the documentation required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). While generally considered cosmetic in nature, some facial treatments may be eligible for HSA funds if they are deemed medically necessary.

Can you use HSA for gym?

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 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.

Is lip balm HSA eligible?

Yes, you can use your health savings account (HSA) to pay for qualified medical expenses, including eligible lip products. It's a good idea to keep your receipts to prove its eligibility.

Can I use HSA for toothpaste?

What common healthcare expenses are not HSA-eligible? Preventive care that is not prescribed by a healthcare professional is not always HSA-eligible. Some examples of common healthcare expenses that fall into this category are: Personal hygiene items, such as toothpaste and deodorant.

Can I use my HSA for waxing?

Hair removal is a cosmetic medical procedure and are therefore ineligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account. Hair removal may be conducted through a variety of functions including electrolysis, waxing, sugaring, epilation, and threading.

Can you 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 use HSA for mouthwash?

Brush-Up on FSAs and HSAs

However, current law does not recognize certain oral healthcare products — such as manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, water flossers, mouthwash, or OTC anti-cavity toothpaste — as “qualified medical expenses.”

Can you pay for IPL with HSA?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is offered by banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. HSAs let you set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses. You can use the funds in this account at any time for healthcare expenses, including procedures like IPL treatments.

Is face moisturizer HSA eligible?

Medicated face cream is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Medicated face cream is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

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 HSA be used for skincare?

But rest assured knowing that you can use your HSA funds for skin cancer screenings as they are a qualified medical expense. HSA funds also cover skincare essentials like broad-spectrum suncare with SPF 15+. or even reparative acne solutions like light therapy.

Can I use HSA for vaseline?

Petroleum jelly reimbursement is only eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use HSA for toothbrush?

Cosmetic Procedures: Treatments like veneers, which improve the appearance of your teeth but aren't medically necessary, typically don't qualify. Toothbrushes and Toothpaste: Everyday dental hygiene items, even if they're recommended by your dentist, are usually not eligible expenses.

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.

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).

Can you use HSA for massage?

Steps to Use Your FSA or HSA for Massage Therapy

Pay with Your FSA or HSA: Once you have the prescription, you can pay for your massage therapy directly with your FSA or HSA debit card. If your provider doesn't accept these cards, you can pay out of pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement.

Can I use HSA to buy Apple Watch?

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 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 I use my HSA to pay for yoga?

Fitness fees do not immediately qualify as eligible HSA/FSA expenses, but they do qualify if a provider recommends exercise to prevent or treat a medical condition. To qualify those expenses for reimbursement with an HSA/FSA administrator, you need a Letter of Medical Necessity from a provider.