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Nov 03, 2024

FSA- and HSA-Eligible Beauty Products to Shop | POPSUGAR Beauty

Shopping for beauty products can be fun, but it can also add up fast. No matter how good they make you feel (or look), no one looks forward to seeing the credit card bill post- Ulta or Sephora trip.

Shopping for beauty products can be fun, but it can also add up fast. No matter how good they make you feel (or look), no one looks forward to seeing the credit card bill post- Ulta or Sephora trip. However, you can save on your beauty routine by using your FSA (flexible spending account) and HSA (health savings account) on beauty products that are eligible.

Enrolling in either of these programs allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for certain medical expenses and conditions, like over-the-counter medications and even skin-care products. To help you make the most of your FSA or HSA benefits and shop strategically, we enlisted the help of board certified dermatologist Nithin Reddy, MD, to break down the benefits, what types of products qualify and why, and how to optimize your shopping list. We also included some of the best FSA and HSA-eligible skin-care products you can stock up on with your funds, including a few of our editor-backed picks.

In order to fully take advantage of these benefits, it is helpful to understand what exactly FSA and HSA accounts are and the differences between them. Both FSA and HSA benefits let you set aside pre-tax money to spend on healthcare costs, but there's an annual contribution limit for an FSA that you can specify during your enrollment period, according to Dr. Reddy. He points out that employers usually offer FSAs, and HSAs are contingent on enrolling in a high-deductible health plan.

"One of the main advantages of an HSA is that it is portable, staying with the account holder through job transitions," Dr. Reddy says. "Other HSA advantages include higher contribution limits, rollovers, investment opportunities, and flexible withdrawals. It is crucial to thoroughly review the terms and conditions, contribution limits, and qualified expenses with both types of accounts to determine their suitability for your needs."

Dr. Reddy says that while beauty products alone may not qualify as FSA/HSA eligible, those containing ingredients proven to treat medical conditions — like acne, eczema, or in the prevention of skin cancer can be eligible for FSA/HSA coverage. "For instance, over-the-counter retinol, a well-known antiaging ingredient in many beauty products, is in many acne treatments, making it eligible for FSA/HSA funds," Dr. Reddy says. "Similarly, blemish correctors that contain salicylic acid, another effective ingredient for treating acne, often qualify as FSA/HSA eligible."

Along with acne treatments, sunscreen is also eligible since they help prevent skin cancer. He also notes that some moisturizers can qualify for the benefit if they help with eczema management. "If there is any doubt about a specific product's eligibility, it is always advisable to first consult with your account administrator," he says.

"Any products labeled as FSA/HSA eligible can be purchased using your FSA or HSA account, providing a convenient way to manage your healthcare expenses by offering tax savings," he says. Sites like Sephora, Target, and Amazon have specific sections you can shop from that filter the products that are eligible for the benefit. "I recommend carefully assessing your skin-care routine to identify which products may qualify for coverage. Consulting with your local dermatologist can help you develop a tailored skin-care routine that caters to your specific skin conditions," Dr. Reddy says.

He recommends swapping products that aren't covered by the benefit with FSA/HSA-eligible items but warns not to overspend on non-essential items if you can help it.

Ahead, we rounded up the best beauty products you can get using your FSA or HSA benefits.

Nithin Reddy is a NYC-based board certified dermatologist.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Variety Pack ($14)

You can stock up on acne patches with your FSA and HSA funds too, since hydrocolloid patches help manage and treat breakouts. These patches from Hero Cosmetics are ultra-thin, so you can wear them out and about while making sure your pimples are protected. This variety pack comes with 26 patches including, 12 original patches, 12 invisible patches, and two patches for cluster breakouts. Read more in our review of the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patches here.

You can also consider getting the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Face Patch Set ($20) that has five big patches for cluster breakouts on certain areas on your face, like the forehead, cheeks, and nose. Shop more of the best acne patches here.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Skin Protectant Advanced Therapy Moisturizer ($13, originally $14)

If you're constantly restocking on Aquaphor's Healing Ointment for all your dry skin woes, you can get it with your FSA and HSA funds. The healing ointment is not only a skin-slugging must have, but it's actually beneficial in healing cuts, burns, and even irritated skin. You can use this anywhere on your body for a myriad of reasons for smoother, softer skin. The squeeze tube packaging is travel-friendly, but you can also get the larger tub container for at-home use.

Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 ($15)

Who would have though you can score lip balm using your FSA and HSA funds? The Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm is eligible because of its SPF 30 rating, making it a sunscreen. The hydrating lip balm is also formulated with sea moss and aloe stem cells to help keep your lips protected with a non-sticky finish. It comes in five shades, including clear, a coral pink, a neutral rose, a berry, and a warm brown.

CeraVe SA Face Wash Cleanser ($15, originally $18)

This one is a classic, editor-backed pick. The CeraVe SA Face Wash Cleanser contains acne-fighting salicylic acid, making it an FSA and HSA eligible face wash that can help treat existing breakouts and prevent future ones from forming. It's also got hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help balance out your skin and keep it hydrated. This is ideal for those with normal to oily skin types, but is also safe for sensitive sets.

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks Night Treatment Retinol Serum ($15, originally $27)

Formulated with a stabilized form of vitamin A, this retinol night treatment from Neutrogena is a double whammy in treating post-acne scarring and preventing breakouts from occurring. Dr. Reddy also mentions this serum contains vitamin C and Myrtus communis leaf extract, which are antioxidants that can help even out the skin tone.

Eucerin Sun Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion ($16)

Eucerin's Sun Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is packed with antioxidants that offer additional support and protection along with its high broad spectrum SPF 50. It contains vitamins C and E, along with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin. The formula is lightweight yet leaves a dry touch finish, making it suitable for all skin types. It's not only sensitive skin-friendly but also non-comedogenic.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Relief Eczema Cream ($16)

Dr. Reddy also recommends La Roche-Posay's Lipikar Soothing Relief Eczema Cream since it's packed with ingredients like colloidal oatmeal that help restore skin barrier and relieve inflammation and irritation. It can be used on the face and body throughout the day on effected areas. In fact, it's accepted by the National Eczema Association.

SkinSmart Antimicrobial Eczema Therapy with Hypochlorous Acid ($17)

You've probably seen hypochlorous acid take over your social feeds with posts about its various skin benefits. It can help soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, help improve your skin's barrier, and so much more. The SkinSmart Antimicrobial Eczema Therapy helps reduce bacteria on the skin and, as a result, it can help prevent acne, help heal eczema and rosacea, and provide relief from overall skin irritation and contact dermatitis. You can use this sensitive skin-friendly spray throughout the day.

Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream ($17, originally $20)

If you're wondering why a diaper rash cream is on this list, it's a hack from TikTok-famous dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss. This diaper cream is a must-have for Dr. Idriss, and she uses it as an overnight treatment mask to help lock in hydration, especially when she has dry skin or an inflamed skin barrier. "It's a combination of petrolatum, which is like Vaseline, and zinc oxide, which is very soothing and has anti-inflammatory properties," Dr. Idriss tells PS. It's FSA and HSA eligible since it falls under the baby and mom category.

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 ($18)

If you're looking for an affordable, everyday sunscreen that feels like nothing on the skin, meet the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen. It contains skin-calming ingredients like green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil, which makes this chemical sunscreen perfect for all skin types. It's an editor-backed pick for good reason. Read our review of the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Sunscreen for more.

Editor Quote: "It's smooth and creamy, kind of like a balmy moisturizer, but it still feels so refreshing and lightweight on the skin that I often forget I have SPF on." - Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Shopping

Nécessaire The Body Acne Wash ($20)

If you're experiencing body acne, Nécessaire's The Body Acne Wash contains two percent salicylic acid to help treat breakouts, which makes it FSA and HSA Eligible. It's gentle enough to use every day if needed or just on flare-up days. It also contains zinc PCA and niacinamide, which helps balance the skin and fade dark spots from previous breakouts.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Psoriasis Treatment ($21, originally $24)

If you're dealing with psoriasis flare-ups, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Psoriasis Treatment can help. It is formulated with salicylic acid and lactic acid to provide gentle exfoliation for smoother, flake-free, and itch-free skin. It also contains niacinamide to help calm the skin and urea to keep it moisturized and provide redness and irritation relief. Like most CeraVe products, it's also formulated with three types of ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin's barrier.

Differin Acne Treatment Gel ($26, originally $36)

"Retinoids not only treat acne but also shown to have multiple anti-aging benefits," Dr. Reddy says, and his over-the-counter choice is the Differin Acne Treatment Gel. The 0.1 percent adapalene treatment helps treat acne and is more tolerable than other prescription retinoids like tretinoin. It's best to use this treatment in your nighttime routine with a sunscreen in the morning. Check out our in-depth review on the Differin Acne Treatment Gel for more information.

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 ($32)

With Shiseido's Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, you can easily reapply your sunscreen throughout the day. The formula goes on clear and has a smooth glide on the skin. It feels lightweight and has a hydrating glow finish with no greasy residue. Plus, you can apply it on top of makeup. And this stick SPF is small enough to fit into your handbag, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

Topicals Like Butter Moisturizer ($34)

Topicals Like Butter Moisturizer is FSA and HSA Eligible because it is specifically formulated for those with eczema-prone skin. Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, centella asiatica, and green tea, this rich moisturizer helps manage eczema flare-up symptoms including itching and dry patches. This is also great to use if you have generally more dry leaning or sensitive skin.

Innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 43 PA +++ ($35)

If you're looking for an everyday mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast, meet the Innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum Sunscreen. It comes in two flexible shades — one compatible with lighter skin tones and one compatible with darker skin tones. It's formulated with 14.2 percent non-nano zinc oxide, and contains vitamin C and rice extract for added antioxidant protection. It's great for all skin types, and feels weightless and hydrating on the skin. It's an editor-backed pick for good reason. Read our review of the Innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for more.

Editor Quote: "Rather than a pasty white cast, I'm left with radiant, glowy skin and subtle coverage that helps give my skin a more even-toned appearance. As someone who deals with dark spots and hyperpigmentation, this was a huge plus for me. Beyond the flexible shades, this is one of the most elegant mineral sunscreens I've ever tried (and I've tested a lot). It's lightweight with a silky cream texture that seamlessly blends into the skin." - AR

Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser ($35)

The Skinfix Acne+ Cleanser has a blend of BHAs, AHAs, azelaic acid, and niacinamide to help combat all types of acne, including fungal acne. The powerful cleanser can be used daily, be sure the focus on the affected areas for better results. With these acne-fighting ingredients, it's definetly covered by FSA and HSA funds.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration ($38)

First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration is one of the best moisturizers out there for sensitive skin. It's FSA and HSA Eligible thanks to its colloidal oatmeal that can provide relief for eczema. This hydrating yet fast-absorbing cream is great for all skin types, and will be especially useful during the drier, colder months. It has plenty of barrier-protecting ingredients like shea butter, allantoin, glycerin, and squalane.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($38)

If you are obsessed with Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen as much as we are, we're happy to report that you can get it with your FSA and HSA funds. The chemical sunscreen has a silky, primer-like formula that preps your skin like a smooth canvas. It delivers hydration and no white cast, what more could we ask for?

Skinfix Eczema+ Dermatitis Relief Balm ($45)

If you deal with skin irritation, from eczema or any type of dermatitis, you'll want something to help soothe the affected areas so it won't get worse. Skinfix's Eczema+ Dermatitis Relief Balm contains five percent colloidal oatmeal, which helps aid irritation and itching, making it FSA and HSA-eligible. It also contains a barrier lipid complex and ceramides that help strengthen the skin and infuse it with hydration.

Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask ($52)

This acne treatment mask from Peter Thomas Roth contains 10 percent sulfur, which can helps diminish existing breakouts, making it FSA and HSA Eligible. It also has kaolin clay and bentonite clay that soak up excess oil while aloe vera soothes the skin. Apply this to the affected areas and leave it on for five to 10 minutes. You can use this mask treatment two to three times per week.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro ($455)

The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro is one of the only FDA-cleared LED face masks with both antiaging and acne benefits, making it a splurge item that you can get with your FSA and HSA funds. The editor-backed LED mask has 100 red lights that helps stimulate the production of collagen over time and 62 blue lights to target acne-causing bacteria. For more information, check out our in-depth review of the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro ($455).

Editor Quote: "I like to use the LED mask as part of my nighttime skin-care routine after cleansing. I put it on, then occupy myself for three minutes while the lights do their thing....If I feel a breakout coming on, I use the blue light; if my skin feels pretty balanced, I'll use the red and blue; if I'm already having a great skin day, I'll do the red." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, beauty

Anvita Reddy (she/her) is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and reviews home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She tests skin care, makeup, and hair care, plus countless other beauty products.