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HSA/FSA Eligible Skincare: Everything You Need to Know

HSA/FSA Skincare

We have exciting news: Dermstore is now accepting Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments on eligible products! These pre-tax benefit accounts allow you to use money set aside for qualified medical expenses, which may include some of the skin care products you use every day. So, we put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate all things HSA/FSA to help turn your routine holy grails into a smart financial decision.

What is FSA/HSA Eligible?

Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). That means certain items in your beauty routine, especially those with therapeutic or medical benefits, may be covered.

But before you go cart-wild, keep in mind that not all products qualify. Eligible items must meet specific IRS criteria, such as serving a medical purpose or treating a diagnosed condition.

When it comes to skin care, that means formulas designed to address dermatological concerns, prevent skin damage or treat medically recognized conditions. In other words, products that go beyond basic cosmetics — like clinically proven treatments that support skin health and therapeutic outcomes.

What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

An FSA is a pre-tax benefit account offered by many employers that allows you to set aside money for qualified medical expenses. The money in these accounts is “use it or lose it,” meaning it typically must be spent within the plan year — perfect for products you know you’ll use regularly, like scheduled skin care replenishments. And because it’s pre-tax, an FSA also reduces your taxable income while covering qualifying products you’d be buying anyway.

Featured Product: Obagi Medical Sun Shield Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50

What is a Health Saving Account (FSA)?

Like FSAs, an HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account, but it is available only to those with high-deductible health plans. Unlike an FSA, the money in an HSA rolls over year to year, can earn interest and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.

Featured Product: Caudalie Vinopure Oil Control Moisturizer

Benefits of Using FSA/HSA Funds

Here’s how using your HSA/FSA funds for eligible skin care products can turn the most important steps in your routine into strategic health investments:

  • Immediate Tax Savings: Reduce your taxable income while investing in premium skin care products that deliver therapeutic benefits beyond traditional cosmetics.
  • Enhanced Purchasing Power: Stretch your beauty budget further by using pre-tax dollars, allowing you to access higher-quality, medical-grade formulations that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.
  • Preventative Health Investment: Support long-term skin health with products designed to prevent damage, treat conditions and maintain optimal skin function, potentially reducing future dermatological expenses.

What Skincare is FSA/HSA Eligible?

HSA/FSA-eligible skin care products are specifically formulated to treat, prevent or diagnose skin conditions. They go beyond standard cosmetics thanks to their therapeutic benefits and clinically proven efficacy. These formulas undergo rigorous testing and contain active ingredients that target specific dermatological concerns. Eligible products include:

SPF

Broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher qualify as preventive medical devices, protecting against UV damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. 

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Lightweight, oil-free protection for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Invisible, weightless protection that's non-irritating and doubles as a makeup primer.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Mineral protection with tone-adapting pigments for buildable coverage with a natural finish.

Acne Treatments

Products containing active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids that specifically target acne-causing bacteria and regulate cellular turnover.

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Smooths skin and penetrates pores to help prevent congestion and blemishes.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Variety Pack

Hydrocolloid acne patches that protect blemishes for faster healing.

LightStim for Acne

Blue and red light kills acne-causing bacteria and helps soothe and calm skin.

Skin Care

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Improves signs of aging and protects against environmental damage.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

A skin-smoothing enzyme powder that removes dead, flaky skin.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Serum

A next-generation formula that treats fine lines and textured and uneven skin.

Tools & Devices

FDA-approved beauty devices and tools designed for therapeutic purposes, like LED light therapy devices for acne, microcurrent devices for facial muscle stimulation, or specialized cleansing tools that provide medical benefits beyond standard cosmetic use.

Shark Beauty CryoGlow Under- Eye Cooling + LED Anti-Aging & Skin Clearing Face Mask

Targets aging and acne-prone skin with red and blue LED, infrared and under-eye cooling.

NuFACE Trinity+ Starter Kit

Microcurrents promote tighter, lifted-looking skin and a toned, contoured appearance over time.

LYMA Laser PRO Starter Kit

$5995.00

Clinical-grade cold laser technology to target wrinkles, sagging skin and hyperpigmentation.

How to Buy for FSA/HSA Eligible Skincare

Purchasing HSA/FSA-eligible skin care products is easy thanks to our partnership with Flex. The shopping experience is seamless, as qualifying products are automatically identified and your pre-tax funds are processed at checkout.

Step 1: Build your cart. Shop products with the HSA/FSA Eligible badge

Step 2: Head to checkout. Select Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA as your payment option. You may need to fill out a quick telehealth questionnaire to confirm eligibility for some products. Then, complete the prompts and proceed to payment.

Step 3: Payment. Enter your HSA or FSA card details and complete your checkout. You can also use your regular credit or debit card and submit your receipt to your HSA/FSA administrator for reimbursement.

Step 4: Check your email. Flex will send you an itemized receipt and, if applicable, a Letter of Medical Necessity. Keep these documents for your records in case your HSA/FSA provider needs documentation.

Do you need a prescription to purchase products with your FSA/HSA dollars?

A qualified customer is someone who has an active HSA or FSA account through their employer or insurance provider and available funds for eligible medical expenses. To qualify for an HSA, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan. FSA eligibility is determined by your employer’s benefits package.

HSA/FSA FAQs

What is a qualified customer?

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Is makeup FSA or HSA eligible?

Most traditional makeup and cosmetic products are not HSA/FSA eligible, as they’re considered personal care items rather than medical necessities. However, some makeup may qualify if it serves a specific medical purpose — such as concealer for covering scars or birthmarks, or specialized cosmetics for individuals with skin conditions. These exceptions typically require a Letter of Medical Necessity or documentation from a healthcare provider.

Teresa Greenfeld
Teresa Greenfeld Writer and expert

Teresa Greenfeld has worked in fashion and beauty for over 15 years as a writer, editor and content strategist. She has been privileged to work at Carbon38 as a Senior Editor, at OliviaPalermo.com as the Fashion and Beauty Director, and has amassed a resume that includes Vogue, Allure and Elle magazines. Her passions include back-to-back sheet masks, reading peer-reviewed papers on skin care, and obsessive sunscreen application. Though born in Manhattan, she currently lives in LA, and will always consider herself a New Yorker at heart.

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