HSA/FSA
A Guide for Shoppers: Which Skincare Products Are HSA/FSA Eligible?
Learn which skincare products qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement, when prescriptions or medical necessity are required, and how consumers can use health-spending accounts to save on skincare.
October 17, 2025
Sam O'Keefe
Co-founder & CEO of Flex
Overview
Overview
Overview
Have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Then you’re in luck when it comes to your skincare budget: Some of your favorite skincare products may be eligible for pre-tax dollars from your HSA or FSA account, helping you realize savings of up to 30% depending on your tax bracket.
You’ve likely used these funds to pay for direct medical expenses and OTC/prescription drugs, but many other eligible products often fly under the radar – particularly when it comes to your skincare needs.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to identify HSA/FSA-eligible skincare products, so that you can make better use of your benefits and save money on your favorite products.
What Types of Skincare Products Qualify for HSA/FSA Funds?
Only skincare products that are compliant with IRS guidelines for eligibility will be tax-deductible under your HSA/FSA account.
In their words, “medical expenses” include “the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body.” This can include “legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners” and “the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices.”
That’s pretty vague – so what does it really mean when it comes to your skincare purchases?
Some skincare products – such as sunscreen or rash treatments – should always be eligible, while others will be deemed eligible with a doctor’s note. Products that serve dual purposes (both cosmetic and medical) may also fall within the guidelines with medical authorization. Product types that are solely cosmetic aren’t eligible for the funds, however.
Here’s a guide to which products you can buy with your HSA/FSA funds.
Always Eligible
Some product types clearly meet IRS criteria, because they’re always used to treat or prevent a medical condition. They can be purchased with your HSA/FSA card at checkout – no additional paperwork required.
Common active ingredients include Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Benzoyl Peroxide, Petroleum/Petrolatum, Hydrocortisone, Ceramides, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Colloidal Oatmeal, and Retinol. Products that include SPF of 15+ are also eligible.
The following skincare-related product types are always eligible:
Facial products (cleansers, toners, exfoliants, pads, moisturizers, creams) medicated to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, blemishes
Sunscreen and sun protection products with at least SPF +15
Lip balms with SPF+ 15 or
Skin protective ointments e.g. Aquaphor or Vaseline
Where to Shop
Online skincare hub Dermstore includes a filter for HSA/FSA-eligible products, including those that are always eligible as a subcategory. With Flex, shoppers can check out seamlessly using their HSA or FSA dollars at the point of purchase, no extra steps or reimbursements required. Some of the auto-eligible products include:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (Sunscreen)
First Aid Beauty Clearing Daily Acne Pads
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Japanese skincare and cosmetics brand Sheisido has a HSA/FSA guide on their site, linking to all of their auto-eligible products. Every beauty product that contains SPF 15+ qualifies for automatic eligibility, regardless of whether it’s primarily intended as a sunscreen. These products include:
Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Day Cream SPF 30
Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42 (facial sunscreen)
Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream SPF 23 (moisturizer)
Dual Purpose (Eligible with LMN)
Some products aren’t quite as cut-and-dried – consider eye creams, serums, and moisturizers, to name a few examples. You may use them for cosmetic purposes, but they can also provide medical support for underlying skin conditions.
For these dual-purpose products, you may be eligible for HSA/FSA coverage with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider, which qualifies your medical condition and recommends the product as a valid treatment.
To meet eligibility criteria, these products must not be purely cosmetic – this rules out makeup like foundation, primers, lipstick, eyeshadow, and eyeliner, and other traditional make up products. Products that contain active ingredients to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, and dry skin should be eligible, as long as a medical provider confirms that you have one of these conditions.
While you can get your own doctor’s approval for a product to declare it eligible, this process is time-consuming, and may cost more than the savings you’ll get by qualifying the product. Instead, browse Flex’s skincare shops: Each store has a streamlined process for obtaining a free LMN within minutes, helping you ensure eligibility for tax-free savings on many additional skincare products.
Eligible with LMN
Dermstore includes a filter for HSA/FSA-eligible products that require a letter of medical necessity. To qualify for eligibility, shoppers simply complete a short telehealth questionnaire which is reviewed by a doctor, who can provide them with a Letter of Medical Necessity. Customers can check out using their HSA or FSA debit card, or submit the receipt for reimbursement later.
Dual-purpose products available on the shop include:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (Vitamin C serum)
Neocutis LUMIÈRE FIRM Illuminating & Tightening Eye Cream (Eye cream)
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub (Exfoliating scrub/Cleanser)
Not Eligible
Traditionally cosmetic-only products (eyeliner, foundation, mascara, lipstick, etc.) cannot be purchased with HSA/FSA dollars. If you’re looking to use up your HSA/FSA dollars, focus on the first two categories to avoid potential issues with the IRS.
Know Before You Buy
Shiseido separates high-protection sunscreens (eligible) from beauty-first lines like tinted powders (not eligible).
Using HSA/FSA Funds for Red Light Therapy
Beyond traditional OTC or prescription-based skincare products, you can also use your HSA/FSA funds for many red light therapy products.
Red light therapy uses low-wavelength red light to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin and cellular function. It’s sometimes called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. Products that incorporate red light therapy include handheld wands and pens, face masks, belts, sauna blankets, and mats, among others.
Certain red light therapy devices that are marketed specifically to treat acne and other medical conditions are automatically approved for purchase with HSA/FSA funds. However, some red light therapy devices are marketed as anti-aging products, and they’re not considered HSA/FSA eligible for this use case. That said, if the device includes other benefits, such as acne treatment, pain relief, or wound treatment, the device is likely to be approved for use of the funds with a letter of medical necessity.
Purchasing from a shop that clearly outlines how the product is treated under HSA/FSA guidelines will help you make the best use of your tax-free savings account.
Red Light Therapy Devices That Qualify
Currentbody segments its light therapy products, based on products that are always eligible for HSA/FSA funds and those that require a letter of medical necessity (which can be obtained on the spot via the Flex platform).
Streamlining the HSA/FSA Shopping Experience
For most shoppers, using HSA/FSA funds has always been confusing. It’s hard to know what actually qualifies, and many people end up leaving hundreds of dollars unspent each year simply because they aren’t sure which products are eligible.
With the Flex platform, you can now shop for your favorite HSA/FSA-eligible skincare products confusion-free. Our brands clearly list which products are automatically eligible for your account funds – and provide a seamless (and free!) process for obtaining medical authorization for products that wouldn’t otherwise make the cut.
Make the most of your set-aside HSA/FSA funds without dipping into your paycheck to pay for your favorite products. You’ll realize big savings and maximize your benefits by buying products you actually want, not just the ones you need.
👉 Ready to see what Flex’s skincare brands have in store for you? Shop now.
Have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Then you’re in luck when it comes to your skincare budget: Some of your favorite skincare products may be eligible for pre-tax dollars from your HSA or FSA account, helping you realize savings of up to 30% depending on your tax bracket.
You’ve likely used these funds to pay for direct medical expenses and OTC/prescription drugs, but many other eligible products often fly under the radar – particularly when it comes to your skincare needs.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to identify HSA/FSA-eligible skincare products, so that you can make better use of your benefits and save money on your favorite products.
What Types of Skincare Products Qualify for HSA/FSA Funds?
Only skincare products that are compliant with IRS guidelines for eligibility will be tax-deductible under your HSA/FSA account.
In their words, “medical expenses” include “the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body.” This can include “legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners” and “the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices.”
That’s pretty vague – so what does it really mean when it comes to your skincare purchases?
Some skincare products – such as sunscreen or rash treatments – should always be eligible, while others will be deemed eligible with a doctor’s note. Products that serve dual purposes (both cosmetic and medical) may also fall within the guidelines with medical authorization. Product types that are solely cosmetic aren’t eligible for the funds, however.
Here’s a guide to which products you can buy with your HSA/FSA funds.
Always Eligible
Some product types clearly meet IRS criteria, because they’re always used to treat or prevent a medical condition. They can be purchased with your HSA/FSA card at checkout – no additional paperwork required.
Common active ingredients include Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Benzoyl Peroxide, Petroleum/Petrolatum, Hydrocortisone, Ceramides, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Colloidal Oatmeal, and Retinol. Products that include SPF of 15+ are also eligible.
The following skincare-related product types are always eligible:
Facial products (cleansers, toners, exfoliants, pads, moisturizers, creams) medicated to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, blemishes
Sunscreen and sun protection products with at least SPF +15
Lip balms with SPF+ 15 or
Skin protective ointments e.g. Aquaphor or Vaseline
Where to Shop
Online skincare hub Dermstore includes a filter for HSA/FSA-eligible products, including those that are always eligible as a subcategory. With Flex, shoppers can check out seamlessly using their HSA or FSA dollars at the point of purchase, no extra steps or reimbursements required. Some of the auto-eligible products include:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (Sunscreen)
First Aid Beauty Clearing Daily Acne Pads
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Japanese skincare and cosmetics brand Sheisido has a HSA/FSA guide on their site, linking to all of their auto-eligible products. Every beauty product that contains SPF 15+ qualifies for automatic eligibility, regardless of whether it’s primarily intended as a sunscreen. These products include:
Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Day Cream SPF 30
Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42 (facial sunscreen)
Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream SPF 23 (moisturizer)
Dual Purpose (Eligible with LMN)
Some products aren’t quite as cut-and-dried – consider eye creams, serums, and moisturizers, to name a few examples. You may use them for cosmetic purposes, but they can also provide medical support for underlying skin conditions.
For these dual-purpose products, you may be eligible for HSA/FSA coverage with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider, which qualifies your medical condition and recommends the product as a valid treatment.
To meet eligibility criteria, these products must not be purely cosmetic – this rules out makeup like foundation, primers, lipstick, eyeshadow, and eyeliner, and other traditional make up products. Products that contain active ingredients to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, and dry skin should be eligible, as long as a medical provider confirms that you have one of these conditions.
While you can get your own doctor’s approval for a product to declare it eligible, this process is time-consuming, and may cost more than the savings you’ll get by qualifying the product. Instead, browse Flex’s skincare shops: Each store has a streamlined process for obtaining a free LMN within minutes, helping you ensure eligibility for tax-free savings on many additional skincare products.
Eligible with LMN
Dermstore includes a filter for HSA/FSA-eligible products that require a letter of medical necessity. To qualify for eligibility, shoppers simply complete a short telehealth questionnaire which is reviewed by a doctor, who can provide them with a Letter of Medical Necessity. Customers can check out using their HSA or FSA debit card, or submit the receipt for reimbursement later.
Dual-purpose products available on the shop include:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (Vitamin C serum)
Neocutis LUMIÈRE FIRM Illuminating & Tightening Eye Cream (Eye cream)
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub (Exfoliating scrub/Cleanser)
Not Eligible
Traditionally cosmetic-only products (eyeliner, foundation, mascara, lipstick, etc.) cannot be purchased with HSA/FSA dollars. If you’re looking to use up your HSA/FSA dollars, focus on the first two categories to avoid potential issues with the IRS.
Know Before You Buy
Shiseido separates high-protection sunscreens (eligible) from beauty-first lines like tinted powders (not eligible).
Using HSA/FSA Funds for Red Light Therapy
Beyond traditional OTC or prescription-based skincare products, you can also use your HSA/FSA funds for many red light therapy products.
Red light therapy uses low-wavelength red light to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin and cellular function. It’s sometimes called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. Products that incorporate red light therapy include handheld wands and pens, face masks, belts, sauna blankets, and mats, among others.
Certain red light therapy devices that are marketed specifically to treat acne and other medical conditions are automatically approved for purchase with HSA/FSA funds. However, some red light therapy devices are marketed as anti-aging products, and they’re not considered HSA/FSA eligible for this use case. That said, if the device includes other benefits, such as acne treatment, pain relief, or wound treatment, the device is likely to be approved for use of the funds with a letter of medical necessity.
Purchasing from a shop that clearly outlines how the product is treated under HSA/FSA guidelines will help you make the best use of your tax-free savings account.
Red Light Therapy Devices That Qualify
Currentbody segments its light therapy products, based on products that are always eligible for HSA/FSA funds and those that require a letter of medical necessity (which can be obtained on the spot via the Flex platform).
Streamlining the HSA/FSA Shopping Experience
For most shoppers, using HSA/FSA funds has always been confusing. It’s hard to know what actually qualifies, and many people end up leaving hundreds of dollars unspent each year simply because they aren’t sure which products are eligible.
With the Flex platform, you can now shop for your favorite HSA/FSA-eligible skincare products confusion-free. Our brands clearly list which products are automatically eligible for your account funds – and provide a seamless (and free!) process for obtaining medical authorization for products that wouldn’t otherwise make the cut.
Make the most of your set-aside HSA/FSA funds without dipping into your paycheck to pay for your favorite products. You’ll realize big savings and maximize your benefits by buying products you actually want, not just the ones you need.
👉 Ready to see what Flex’s skincare brands have in store for you? Shop now.
Flex is the easiest way for direct to consumer brands and retailers to accept HSA/FSA for their products. From fitness and nutrition, to sleep and mental health, Flex takes a holistic view of healthcare and enables consumers to use their pre-tax money to do the same.