Does hand soap count for FSA?

Asked by: Carter Mills  |  Last update: October 20, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (34 votes)

Soap is considered a personal use product and 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).

Does FSA cover hand soap?

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 hygiene products are FSA eligible for?

Feminine hygiene products: Pads, liners, and tampons all qualify as FSA-eligible expenses. The end of the year is a good chance to stock up if you need to. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Aleve, Tylenol, and generic versions of the drugs are available for purchase through FSA funds.

Is bodywash FSA eligible?

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 deodorant with FSA?

For example, daily care products, like Vaseline, toothpaste, and deodorant, are not FSA-eligible expenses. Gym memberships and health insurance premiums aren't eligible either. It's possible that you may accidentally purchase a nonqualifying expense with your FSA funds. If you do, don't panic.

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21 related questions found

Is ChapStick an FSA item?

You can use your FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase OTC products including ChapStick® without a prescription. HSA/FSA eligibility is not applicable to products sold on the online ChapStick® store.

Is toilet paper FSA eligible?

Here are examples of items and expenses that are not FSA-eligible for 2024: General health items: toiletries like toothpaste, toilet paper, or shampoo, cosmetic products, vitamins and supplements (without a prescription) Non-medical equipment: car seats, strollers, non-medical exercise equipment.

Is hand sanitizer covered by FSA?

In 2020, over-the-counter medicines and feminine care products were made eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement, the addition of COVID-19 protection products like masks, hand sanitizer, and hand sanitizing wipes expanded the pool of eligibility to cover even more essential health products.

Can I buy toothbrush with FSA?

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 I buy bandaids with FSA?

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).

Is a gym membership 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.

Is Tylenol FSA eligible?

Can I buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with my FSA or HSA? Yes. You can buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA.

Are hygiene products FSA eligible?

Thanks to the CARES Act passed in March 2020, sanitary pads and other feminine care products are fully eligible with consumer directed healthcare accounts.

Is vaseline FSA eligible?

Items such as Vaseline petroleum jelly, toothpaste, and deodorants are generally considered ineligible for FSA reimbursement, as they are commonly used for routine personal care.

Are shaving items FSA eligible?

Shaving cream or lotion are never eligible for reimbursement as they are personal health products.

Is hand soap FSA?

Soap is considered a personal use product and 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).

Is Chapstick FSA eligible?

Yes, lip balm may be eligible to buy using an FSA, but there may be specific requirements. For instance, your lip balm may need to have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to qualify. Products with SPF help prevent chapped lips caused by sun exposure and help protect against sunburn and UV damage.

Is deodorant on FSA?

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).

What happens if I use my FSA incorrectly?

If the Benefits Card is accidentally or intentionally utilized for ineligible expenses, you are responsible for reimbursing your account. You will be notified if you have an ineligible expense and your Benefits Card may be deactivated until your account is reimbursed.

Is toothpaste FSA eligible?

Toothpaste is considered to be a “general health” item by the IRS, and items that are used to maintain general good health do not qualify. (Dental Health Foundation).

Are pee pads FSA eligible?

To be eligible for FSA coverage, incontinence supplies must be deemed medically necessary. This means that you'll need a healthcare provider's diagnosis confirming the need for these supplies to manage the symptoms of incontinence. Without the proper documentation from your doctor, reimbursement may not be possible.

Can I pay my gym membership with FSA?

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 Gatorade FSA eligible?

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.

Are sunglasses FSA eligible?

You can use FSA dollars on sunglasses, as long as they are prescription sunglasses. Some non-prescription sunglasses can be purchased with HSA or FSA dollars, but you will most likely need a prescription for the shades from your doctor.