Can you use HSA to pay for skincare?
Asked by: Dr. Alia Dickens | Last update: August 28, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (41 votes)
Can I use HSA for skin care products?
Sunscreen and acne skincare products
You can use your HSA or FSA to put your best face forward. Because acne is considered a medical problem and not a cosmetic problem, you can purchase acne cleansers, gel and creams, even at-home light therapy kits with your benefits debit card.
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.
What can you not pay 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 card at Ulta Beauty?
How can I use my FSA or HSA Money at Ulta? It's super easy. Shop your items at Ulta and be sure to save your receipts. Then, just submit your receipts to your benefits provider for reimbursement.
How To Use Your FSA & HSA on AMAZON (Easy)
Can HSA be used 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 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 my HSA pay for my 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 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).
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 use my HSA 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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Is diaper HSA eligible?
Does FSA / HSA Cover Pediatric Diapers? Unfortunately, pediatric diapers like Pampers don't qualify as eligible expenses through an FSA or HSA.
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 use my HSA to pay for therapy?
Yes. You can use an HSA to cover some mental health expenses, including therapy to treat a diagnosed mental condition. However, therapy that isn't specifically designed for medical or mental health needs — like marriage or family counseling — often won't qualify for HSA coverage.
Can you 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).
How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?
Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.
What if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?
If you catch the transaction early enough, you might even be able to contact the retailer and ask them to reverse the charge and fill it on a new card. If you bought something in person, you can also return it to the store and then buy it again with a different card.
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.