Yes, skin care products are eligible for purchase with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), but only if they are used to treat a medical condition and contain an active medicinal ingredient.
Why Are Some Skin Care Products FSA/HSA Eligible?
Skin care products that are used to treat specific medical conditions—such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, fungal infections, or skin irritation—are considered eligible medical expenses under IRS Code Section 213(d). These products must include an active medicinal ingredient and be clearly labeled for therapeutic use.
According to the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria, skin care products may qualify when they are over-the-counter medications used to treat a diagnosed skin condition.
FSA- and HSA-eligible skin care treatments may include:
Acne treatments (with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene)
Anti-fungal creams for conditions like athlete’s foot or ringworm (with clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine)
Eczema and psoriasis creams (with hydrocortisone, coal tar, or ceramide-based medicated formulas)
Antibacterial ointments (with bacitracin or neomycin)
Rosacea treatments labeled for medical use
Medicated moisturizers or barrier creams marketed to relieve a medical skin condition
These products are eligible only when they contain an active medicinal ingredient and are marketed to treat a specific skin disorder.
What’s Not Covered?
Most general-use skin care products are not eligible. This includes:
Moisturizers, cleansers, and lotions marketed for cosmetic or daily skincare
Anti-aging creams, wrinkle treatments, or retinol products not labeled for a specific skin condition
Sunscreens without active medical claims (unless marketed for SPF protection, which is separately eligible)
Herbal or natural creams without a listed active medicinal ingredient
To qualify, the product must clearly treat a diagnosed condition and not be used solely for cosmetic purposes.
How to Buy Skin Care Products with Your FSA or HSA
You can purchase eligible skin care treatments directly at buyFSA.com using your FSA or HSA card. Every item listed on buyFSA.com is FSA- and HSA-eligible, so there’s no guesswork or reimbursement hassle.
If purchasing elsewhere:
Use your FSA or HSA card at checkout (in-store or online)
Check for an active medicinal ingredient and therapeutic use claim
Save your receipt in case your plan administrator requests documentation
Avoid general skincare products not labeled to treat a medical issue
For more guidance, refer to the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria.
