Yes, Sunscreen Is FSA and HSA Eligible (2026)

Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is an eligible FSA and HSA expense, no letter needed. The label rules, and where sunscreen stops qualifying.

Aug 27, 2026

8 minute read

Burst guide cover, for shoppers: the headline "Sunscreen is FSA and HSA eligible" over the line "SPF 15 or higher, broad spectrum, no letter needed" with three tags: SPF 15+, Broad spectrum, No letter.

Short answer

Yes. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is an eligible FSA and HSA expense, and you do not need a letter of medical necessity for it. The CARES Act removed the prescription requirement for over-the-counter products in 2020, so plain sunscreen goes through on a receipt like any other eligible item.

Where it breaks is combination products. A tinted moisturizer, an SPF foundation, or a day cream with SPF is a cosmetic first and sunburn prevention second, and plans deny those. Those are the cases where a clinician's letter matters, and Burst can issue one for $35, refunded if the clinician declines or your plan denies the claim. Request a letter for a sunscreen product, or read what else your FSA covers.

Sun protection matters year round, not just on vacation or at the pool. In the U.S., sunscreen is classified as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

More and more people are realizing the variety of things they can buy with their FSA and HSA funds, including the wellness products they already buy regularly. But is sunscreen FSA-eligible or HSA-eligible?

Since regular use of sunscreen is widely recommended by dermatologists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other medical authorities, it often qualifies as a medical expense. This means you can buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher with your pre-tax FSA or HSA dollars before they expire.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the specific eligibility rules, SPF requirements, how to know if a product is broad-spectrum, how to pay, and edge cases to know about when buying sunscreen with FSA or HSA funds.

What are FSA and HSA accounts?

FSA stands for flexible spending account, and HSA is short for health savings account. Both are tax-advantaged accounts, meaning they let you set aside pre-tax earnings to pay for qualifying health-related expenses as defined by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).

What's the difference?

The main difference is that an HSA is owned by the individual, while FSAs are employer-owned. So, with an HSA, the funds roll over into the next calendar year and can be used indefinitely, even if you change jobs or retire. FSAs are sometimes described as "use it or lose it." The funds have to be spent within the plan year, and you lose them if you leave your job.

FSAs and HSAs also have different contribution limits for individual and family plans. These are set by the IRS and change every year.

Is sunscreen FSA- and HSA-eligible?

Yes, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher qualifies as an eligible OTC expense for FSA and HSA funds.

When the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act passed in 2020, it made sunscreen eligible for reimbursement using pre-tax savings accounts, without the need for a prescription or a letter of medical necessity (LMN). This new rule covers face, body, and lip products containing SPF 15 or higher that meet the FDA's broad-spectrum standard.

What sunscreen qualifies? (SPF and broad-spectrum rules)

As mentioned, there are two main qualifiers for sunscreen eligible to buy with FSA and HSA pre-tax dollars:

SPF 15+: Look for products with SPF of at least 15, including 30, 50, and higher. Anything lower (SPF 10, for instance) doesn't qualify, even if the product is labeled as "sunscreen."
Broad-spectrum: Eligible sunscreen products will state that they're "broad-spectrum" on the label. This means the formula protects your skin against both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays from the sun.

Face vs. body sunscreen

Both face and body sunscreen can be purchased with FSA or HSA dollars, as long as the products meet the above criteria. The same goes for lip balm.

You can purchase different forms of sunscreen, too. This includes lotions, creams, sprays, and roll-on sticks with broad-spectrum protection and SPF 15 or higher.

Combination products

There's sometimes confusion over combination products, such as tinted moisturizers, body lotions, lip oils, and makeup containing SPF. The same rules apply here. But beyond offering broad-spectrum coverage with SPF 15 or higher, the product should have an FDA "Drug Facts" label stating that its primary purpose is to help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Is all sunscreen FSA-eligible?

Not all sunscreen is automatically eligible to buy with pre-tax FSA funds. Again, products with SPF lower than 15 (or no SPF) that don't explicitly state that they offer broad-spectrum protection don't qualify.

So, for example, these products wouldn't qualify:

Non-SPF tanning oil
SPF 4 suntan lotion
Lip gloss with SPF 10
SPF 20 face cream that doesn't offer broad-spectrum protection

Check the label before buying any product you plan to submit for FSA or HSA reimbursement. It should clearly state that it's SPF 15 or higher and broad-spectrum in the product name or on the label.

How to pay for sunscreen with your FSA or HSA

If you have an FSA or HSA debit card, you can use that to pay for sunscreen at eligible retailers, either online or in stores. If you don't have a card or the retailer doesn't accept this type of payment, you can purchase the product, save the receipt, and then submit it for reimbursement.

Save your itemized receipts

Save copies of any itemized receipts you use for FSA or HSA reimbursement. This means the receipt clearly lists the products you purchased and the prices. It verifies that the tax-free funds were spent on eligible products based on the IRS's rules.

Do you need a letter of medical necessity for sunscreen?

No. You don't need a letter of medical necessity to buy sunscreen with HSA or FSA funds, as long as the product is SPF 15 or higher and a broad-spectrum formula.

An LMN might be required if you're buying a dual-purpose item containing SPF that doesn't state sunburn prevention as its primary purpose. For example, a daily moisturizer or a makeup foundation with SPF. Also, things like specialty dermatological products or aloe vera gel for after-sun care that don't contain an active, FDA-approved ingredient won't qualify unless you have an LMN.

A letter of medical necessity is a formal document you get from your healthcare provider. It states that a specific product is essential for diagnosing, treating, or preventing a specific medical condition. In this case, an LMN would state that the product is needed to prevent sunburn, lower the risk of skin cancer, or manage a sunburn following excess sun exposure.

Burst's LMN guide goes over items that require a letter of medical necessity and how to get one (it's easy to do through Burst).

Common mistakes to avoid

Here's where people often run into trouble when using HSA or FSA funds to buy sunscreen:

Buying products that miss the SPF 15+ and broad-spectrum rules: These are the main two things to keep in mind when buying items that qualify without the need for an LMN.
Assuming everything labeled "sunscreen" automatically qualifies: See above.
Not getting an LMN for products that aren't directly eligible: If your healthcare provider recommends something, have them write up an LMN so you can use your pre-tax dollars.
Not saving receipts: You need itemized receipts for both reimbursement and tax records.

Shop FSA/HSA eligible sunscreen with Burst

Is sunscreen HSA-eligible or FSA-eligible? In many cases, yes. Just make sure the products you buy offer broad-spectrum protection, with an SPF rating of 15 or higher. Qualifying items can include traditional sunscreen, body lotion containing SPF, facial sunscreen, mists, sprays, kids' sunscreen, and lip balm that meet these criteria.

While the FDA's rules call for SPF 15 or higher, many dermatologists recommend using a formula with at least SPF 30. Burst helps you shop verified FSA- and HSA-eligible SPF 30 sunscreen and SPF 50 sunscreen from top-rated brands.

Using your HSA and FSA funds doesn't need to be complicated. Burst makes it easy to use tax-free dollars on what you already buy. With the Burst browser extension, you can turn your FSA/HSA dollars into instant cash back. Need an LMN? Burst handles the paperwork and emails the letter in about 12 to 24 hours if a clinician approves your case.

Check out the FSA/HSA shop to explore eligible sunscreen products you can use with your pre-tax dollars before they expire.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a prescription for sunscreen with an FSA or HSA?

No. Over-the-counter products stopped needing a prescription in 2020. Buy a qualifying sunscreen and pay with your card, or pay any way you like and claim it back.

Is SPF 15 really the minimum?

Yes, and it has to be broad spectrum as well. SPF 30 and SPF 50 qualify. An SPF 4 tanning oil or an SPF 10 lip gloss does not, no matter how it is marketed.

Is tinted moisturizer or SPF makeup eligible?

Usually not on its own. These are dual-purpose products, and plans read them as cosmetics. A letter of medical necessity naming a skin condition is what changes the answer. The same logic applies to acne treatment.

Can I use my FSA card for sunscreen on Amazon or at Target?

Often yes, at retailers whose checkout systems recognize eligible health items. When the card gets declined, pay with any card and claim the purchase back afterward. See using your HSA on Amazon.

What if my sunscreen claim gets denied?

Keep the itemized receipt and check the label. Denials on sunscreen almost always come down to SPF under 15, no broad-spectrum claim, or a product the plan reads as cosmetic.