Shopping for beauty products can be fun, but it can also add up quickly. No matter how good they make you feel (or look), no one wants to see a credit card charge post a trip to Ulta or Sephora. However, you can save on your beauty regimen by using an FSA (flexible spending account) and HSA (health savings account) for eligible beauty products.
Enrolling in any of these programs allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for certain medical expenses and conditions, such as over-the-counter medications and skin care products. To help you make the most of your FSA or HSA benefits and shop smart, we enlisted the help of board-certified dermatologist Nithin Reddy, MD, to break down the benefits, which products qualify and why, and how to optimize your shopping list. We’ve also included some of the best FSA- and HSA-friendly skin care products you can save on your money, including a few of our editor-backed picks.
The Best FSA- and HSA-Eligible Beauty Products to Buy Now
What’s the Difference Between an FSA and an HSA?
To take full advantage of these benefits, it’s helpful to understand what FSA and HSA accounts really are and the differences between them. Both FSA and HSA benefits allow you to set aside pre-tax money to use for health care expenses, but there is an annual FSA contribution limit that you can specify during your enrollment period, according to Dr. Reddy. He points out that employers often offer FSAs, while HSAs depend on enrolling in a high-deductible health plan.
“One of the main advantages of an HSA is that it is portable, it can stay with the account holder through job changes,” said Dr. Reddy. “Other HSA benefits include higher contribution limits, rollovers, investment opportunities, and flexible withdrawals. It is important that you carefully review the terms and conditions, contribution limits, and qualifying expenses with both types of accounts to determine their suitability for your needs.”
How Do Beauty Products Qualify for Tax-Free Profits?
Dr. Reddy says that while beauty products alone may not qualify as FSA/HSA, those that contain ingredients proven to treat medical conditions – such as acne, eczema, or to prevent skin cancer may qualify for FSA/HSA coverage. “For example, over-the-counter retinol, a well-known anti-aging ingredient in many beauty products, is found in many acne treatments, making it eligible for FSA/HSA funds,” says Dr. Reddy. “Similarly, blemish correctors that contain salicylic acid, another active ingredient for treating acne, are often FSA/HSA eligible.”
Along with acne treatment, sunscreen is appropriate, because it helps prevent skin cancer. He also notes that some moisturizers can be beneficial in helping to manage eczema. “If there is any doubt about the suitability of a particular product, it is always a good idea to first contact your account administrator,” he said.
How We Evaluate the Best FSA- and HSA-Eligible Beauty Products
We test a ton of products, so when we say something is worth your FSA or HSA dollars, we mean it.
- We ensure eligibility – Every featured product has been checked against FSA and HSA guidelines to ensure it is eligible for reimbursement, usually through a trusted retailer such as the FSA Store or the product’s official documentation.
- We try it ourselves – Our editorial team personally tests each product for texture, scent, ease of use, and overall experience.
- We talk to dermatologists and experts – For things like acne treatments, sunscreen, or medicated skin care, we consult with board-certified dermatologists to understand the ingredients and what makes them work.
- We look at user reviews – We analyze hundreds of verified reviews to see what real users have to say about results, potential side effects, and long-term benefits.
- We test on all skin types – From sensitive and acne-prone to oily and dry, we make sure products are tested on a full range of skin types and tones whenever possible.
- We check the value – Worth it or not, the product needs to be worth your money. We look at price, product size, and performance to determine whether an FSA/HSA is a smart investment.
How Can Consumers Take Advantage of Their FSA/HSA Benefits for Beauty Products?
“Any FSA/HSA eligible products can be purchased using your FSA or HSA account, providing an easy way to manage your health care costs while providing tax savings,” he says. Sites like Sephora, CVS, and Amazon have specific categories that you can shop in that filter products that are eligible for the benefit. “I recommend that you carefully review your skin care routine to see which products may be appropriate to cover. A consultation with your local dermatologist can help you develop a customized skin care routine that is tailored to your specific skin conditions,” says Dr. Reddy.
He recommends swapping non-profit products for FSA/HSA eligible items but cautions against overspending on non-essential items if you can’t help it.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best beauty products you can get using your FSA or HSA benefits.
Featured Expert in This Article
Nithin Reddy is a NYC-based board certified dermatologist.
Update January 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET: Updated prices and checked stock of all products.
User reviews may have been slightly edited for clarity.
