Can You Buy Skincare with FSA? Rules & Eligibility

Sarah stood in the skin care aisle holding a bottle of mineral sunscreen in one hand and a sensitive face wash in the other. She had just been informed of FSA and was thinking, "Can you buy skin care with FSA?" She spent hundreds of dollars each year on skin care. If some of those costs were paid for with FSA, it would be revolutionary!

Understanding FSA and Skincare Purchases

An FSA, or Flexible Spending Account, is a means of saving pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses. It's a wonderful means of saving on healthcare costs, but does that include skincare products? That's where it gets complicated.

Sarah had gotten inconsistent reports—some told her that some of the skincare products were reimbursed while others informed her that only medically necessary products were reimbursed. For the issue to be settled, Sarah resolved to know: Are skincare products reimbursed using FSA?

What Skincare Products are FSA Eligible?

With a bit of research into FSA guidelines, Sarah discovered that not all skincare products are covered. That isn't to say that some aren't—particularly if they are for medical rather than purely cosmetic or beauty use.

Here is what she discovered:

✅ FSA-Eligible Skincare Products:

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) – Sunscreen is deemed a necessity to avert skin damage and cancer.

Acne Treatments – Prescribed and OTC acne treatment is FSA-eligible.

Eczema & Psoriasis Creams – Physician-prescribed eczema and psoriasis creams are considered.

Scar Treatment Gels – Those used to repair the wound or minimize scarring.

❌ Non-Eligible Skincare Products

Moisturizers, Serums & Toners – Aside from carrying medically necessary ingredients.

Anti-Aging Creams – Cosmetic rather than medical in nature.

Face Masks & Exfoliators – Aside from for a dermatological concern and physician-prescribed.

Though Sarah was relieved that some of the skincare products were FSA-eligible, she was still unclear. Can you purchase skincare with FSA if it is prescribed by a dermatologist?

Making Your Skincare Purchase FSA-Eligible

Sarah found that just because a product appears medically necessary, it will still need to satisfy FSA requirements. Here's how you can make your skincare purchase FSA-approved:

1️⃣ Search for FSA-Eligible Stickers – Internet sellers usually mark products "FSA/HSA Eligible" for an easy pick.

2️⃣ Maintain Receipts – In the unlikely event that a claim is made, proof of purchase is key.

3️⃣ Ask Your FSA Provider – Providers have the minutest details slightly different from one another, so check well before purchasing.

Following these steps, Sarah was in a position to purchase FSA-eligible skincare without question or doubt. However, another question resurfaced again—What if she mistakenly purchased a non-eligible item?

What If You Spend FSA Money on Non-Eligible Skincare?

If Sarah accidentally spent her FSA money on an ineligible skin care item, she might be penalized or required to repay the account. This is why it should be mandatory to review the list of eligibility in advance.

But she did find an exception—some ineligible skincare is still eligible if she gets a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a physician. So, can you purchase skincare with FSA if it's prescribed by a physician? Yes, you can!

Final Verdict: Is FSA Accepted to Buy Skincare

After she'd done her research, Sarah was sure of her response to the question: "Is FSA accepted to buy skincare?" Yes, but medicinally necessary products only, such as sunscreen, acne meds, and prescribed skincare. If unsure, she was to refer to FSA guidelines or her doctor.

for FSA eligible skincare products Click here

As she put the FSA-eligible sunscreen into her shopping cart, Sarah couldn't help but exhale in relief. Not only was she acting as a more fiscally responsible shopper, but she was also making a smart investment in the long-term health of her skin and doing it all on good ol' pre-tax dollars wisely!

Key Takeaways:

✅ Sunscreens (SPF 15+), acne treatments, and doctor's creams qualify as FSA-eligible.

✅ Dry skin creams and anti-aging products are normally NOT eligible.

✅ Query your FSA administrator or check for FSA-qualifying tags prior to purchasing.

✅ A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) will sometimes validate ineligible items.