Have you ever scrambled to spend your FSA funds before they expire? I certainly have. When I lost my job. I had a large amount of FSA funds to spend in a short period of time. Rest assured, I did not let that money–my money!–go to waste. But here’s the good news — your FSA covers way more than just doctor visits and prescriptions. In fact, you might be surprised at how many beauty and wellness items are FSA-eligible, including high-end skincare, wellness devices, fitness recovery tools, and even baby essentials. Let’s break it down, shall we?
What is an FSA and How Does It Work?
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged account that lets you set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health and wellness expenses. It reduces your overall taxable income and allows you to cover medical costs with pre-tax dollars. Good stuff, right?
How to Sign Up for an FSA
- FSAs are typically offered through employers as part of your benefits package.
- You decide how much to contribute (in 2025, the max is $3,200 per person).
- Your total FSA amount is available to spend starting January 1, even though your contributions are spread out throughout the year.
Deadlines to Spend Your FSA Funds
- Most FSAs follow a use-it-or-lose-it rule, meaning unused funds disappear by December 31.
- Some employers offer a grace period until March 15 of the following year.
- Others allow you to roll over up to $640 into the next year.
- Check with your HR team to see what applies to you.
15 Top Beauty and Wellness Items Eligible for FSA Reimbursement
Here are some of the hot wellness items right now that are FSA approved (check with plan to verify).
From top left: Theragun / massage gun with attachments / infrared sauna blanket / cold therapy ice bath / Oura ring / blackhead clearing solution / microcurrent facial device / smart scale / mouth tape / eye pillow / weighted eye mask / red light face mask / acupressure mat / glow oil / Chirp foam roller / complexion pads
Here are some product categories that you probably didn’t realize were FSA-eligible:
For Women
- Acne treatments – Including medicated cleansers and spot treatments.
- Menstrual products – Tampons, pads, and menstrual cups.
- Lip balm with SPF – Sun protection for your lips counts as a health expense!
- Anti-aging creams – Products with active ingredients like retinol or SPF.
- Eyebrow and eyelash growth serums – If labeled for medical use (e.g., for thinning lashes).
For Fitness Buffs
- Kinesiology tape – Helps with muscle support and recovery.
- Electrolyte supplements – If labeled for medical use.
- Foot massagers – Relieves soreness after workouts.
- Joint braces and compression sleeves – For post-workout recovery.
- Muscle pain relief gels and patches – For soothing sore muscles.
For Pregnant Women
- Prenatal vitamins – Over-the-counter or prescription versions.
- Pregnancy pillows – For sleep support and comfort.
- Morning sickness remedies – Ginger chews, nausea bands, and certain medications.
- Breastfeeding supplies – Breast pumps, storage bags, and nipple cream.
- Maternity support belts – Relieves back pain during pregnancy.
For New Parents
- Baby thermometers – Essential for monitoring fevers.
- Infant nasal aspirators – Helps clear baby’s stuffy nose.
- Baby sunscreen – Pediatrician-approved SPF products.
- Breast milk storage bags – For convenient pumping and feeding.
- Baby first aid kits – Includes items like bandages, antiseptic, and thermometers.
For Children and Teens
- Children’s vitamins – Must be labeled for medical use.
- Cold and flu remedies – Pediatric versions of pain relievers and decongestants.
- Skin creams for eczema or rashes – If labeled for medical use.
- Contact lens solution – Vision-related products are eligible.
- Orthodontic supplies – Such as wax, mouth guards and cleaning products.
How to Make the Most of Your FSA Funds
Here are some pro tips to ensure you use every last dollar:
✅ Check Your Balance Regularly — Log into your benefits portal to see how much you have left.
✅ Stock Up on Necessities — If the deadline is approaching, stock up on essentials like sunscreen, band-aids and vitamins.
✅ Shop at an FSA Store — The FSAstore.com has list approved products to make shopping easy.
✅ Save Your Receipts — When shopping at retailers like Amazon or Target, save your receipts for reimbursement. I always pay out-of-pocket so I can earn travel rewards.
Final Thoughts
Your FSA funds are a goldmine for self-care — from skincare and fitness tools to baby must-haves and beyond. Now that you know about these hot FSA-eligible beauty and wellness products, it’s time to treat yourself while saving money.
Have you used your FSA funds for any beauty or wellness splurges? Drop a comment below with your favorite finds!
So, before you let those pre-tax dollars go to waste, let’s break down how FSAs work and the best FSA-approved products you can grab right now!
