If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you're sitting on pre-tax dollars that can cover far more skincare products than most people realize—but only until March 15. According to a 2024 Employee Benefit Research Institute analysis, nearly half of FSA users lose unused funds, averaging about $441 per person, simply because they don't know what qualifies. The good news? Many skincare and wellness items are eligible, and now is the perfect time to invest in products you've been putting off. What Skincare and Wellness Products Qualify for FSA Coverage? Most people assume FSA dollars only cover bandages and contact solution, but the reality is much broader. Health-related skincare products and wellness items fall under eligible expenses. This includes sunscreen for UV protection, cooling sheets, back massagers, and even cold plunges—items designed to support your health and wellness rather than serve purely cosmetic purposes. "As a family medicine physician, I always try to remind my patients about their FSA dollars—and that they stretch much further than most people realize," says Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, medical director for Saint Mary's Urgent Care Group in Reno, Nevada. "If there's something you've been putting off that could improve your day-to-day life, this is your chance to get it". Which Health and Skincare Products Should You Buy Before the Deadline? The key to maximizing your FSA balance is understanding which products serve a health or wellness purpose. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with adequate UV protection is a top choice, as it prevents skin damage and supports long-term skin health. Beyond skincare, FSA-eligible items extend to wellness products that support your overall health and comfort. Ways to Use Your FSA Dollars on Health and Skincare Before March 15 - Sunscreen and UV Protection: Invest in broad-spectrum sunscreen products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, which are essential for preventing skin damage and supporting long-term skin health. - Cooling Sheets and Comfort Products: Cooling sheets and similar wellness items that improve your daily comfort and health are FSA-eligible and can be purchased before the deadline. - Massage and Recovery Tools: Back massagers and other therapeutic devices that support muscle recovery and wellness qualify for FSA coverage. - Recovery and Hydration Products: Electrolyte drink mixes and hydration packets designed to support your health and recovery are FSA-eligible expenses. - Verify Eligibility First: Before purchasing, confirm with your FSA plan administrator that specific products qualify, as eligibility can vary by plan and product formulation. Why Acting Before March 15 Matters The March 15 deadline creates a genuine opportunity to invest in health and wellness products that might otherwise go unpurchased due to cost. By using FSA funds strategically on items like sunscreen and wellness products, you're essentially getting a discount on products that support your health. Dr. Curry-Winchell emphasizes that this is the time to address health priorities you've been postponing. The bottom line: if you have an FSA balance, don't let it disappear on March 15. Review what qualifies with your plan administrator, prioritize health-focused items like sunscreen and wellness products, and make your purchases before the deadline. Your health—and your wallet—will thank you.
