No, ChapStick and other lip balm products are not universally FSA/HSA eligible.
For eligibility, the product must serve a medical purpose, such as treating or preventing a specific condition. Standard ChapStick or lip balms primarily marketed for moisturizing or cosmetic purposes are generally not eligible. However, products labeled as medicated or providing sun protection (SPF 15 or higher with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection) may qualify under IRS Code Section 213(d).
What ChapStick and Lip Balm Products are FSA/HSA Eligible?
To qualify for FSA/HSA reimbursement, lip balm products must meet specific criteria. Eligible products typically include:
Medicated Lip Balms : Products like ChapStick Medicated or others containing active ingredients (e.g., menthol, camphor) used to treat conditions such as chapped lips, cold sores, or dryness caused by medical conditions.
Lip Balms with SPF : Lip balms that provide SPF 15 or higher with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, as they can prevent sun damage and related skin conditions.
Therapeutic Lip Products : Products marketed explicitly for healing or treating conditions, such as those labeled for severe dryness or cracked lips due to environmental or medical factors.
Caveats :
Lip balms that are SPF 15+, but are included as part of a beauty line (and not as part of a sun care line) of products will not qualify for FSA/HSA Eligibility
Standard cosmetic lip balms, even if they contain minor SPF or moisturizing properties, are classified as dual-purpose and not eligible for reimbursement without a letter of medical necessity.
Products that primarily enhance appearance or provide general hydration are not eligible under IRS guidelines.
To ensure eligibility, check the product packaging and consult with your FSA/HSA administrator.
Shop Lip Balm On buyFSA
On buyFSA, you can browse lip balm freely with the piece of mind that all items are FSA/HSA eligible. Browse FSA/HSA eligible lip balm below:
