Personal care
Is sunscreen FSA eligible?
Yes — sunscreen with SPF 15+ and broad-spectrum protection is FSA and HSA eligible, no prescription needed.
Sunscreen qualifies as a medical expense because it prevents a specific condition (sun damage and skin cancer). The bar is SPF 15 or higher with broad-spectrum coverage — that includes face sunscreens, sport sticks, and kids' formulas. Cosmetics that merely contain SPF (like tinted moisturizer marketed as makeup) are the gray zone; pure sunscreen is the safe buy.
How to pay for it
- Tap your FSA/HSA debit card at checkout — most pharmacies, optical shops, and many online retailers take it directly.
- Buying online? FSA-only stores pre-filter their catalog to qualified items, so nothing in your cart bounces at checkout.
- No card on hand? Pay out of pocket and file a claim with your administrator — just keep the itemized receipt (a photo is fine).
Does the same answer apply to an HSA?
Yes. FSAs and HSAs share the same qualified-medical-expense rules (IRS Publication 502), so eligibility is identical. The difference is the deadline: FSA money is forfeited at the end of the plan year, while HSA money never expires.
Last reviewed 2026-06-11. Based on IRS Publication 502 and published IRS guidance. Not tax or medical advice — your plan administrator has the final say.