Quick Answer
Yes, sunscreen is FSA-eligible and HSA-eligible. Any sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher qualifies without a prescription, per the CARES Act of 2020. This includes lotions, sprays, sticks, tinted sunscreens, mineral sunscreens, SPF lip balm, and children's sunscreen. Makeup with SPF (foundation, powder) generally does not qualify because its primary purpose is cosmetic.
One of the most commonly asked FSA eligibility questions is about sunscreen — and the answer is good news. Yes, sunscreen is FSA-eligible. It has been since the CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020, and the rules are straightforward. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is the SPF Requirement for FSA-Eligible Sunscreen?
Under the CARES Act (passed in March 2020), sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is FSA-eligible and HSA-eligible without a prescription. This includes:
- Sunscreen lotions
- Sunscreen sprays
- Sunscreen sticks
- Tinted sunscreens and mineral sunscreens
- SPF-rated lip balm
- Sport and waterproof sunscreens
- Baby and kids' sunscreens
The only requirement is that the product has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Nearly every commercial sunscreen meets this threshold — even most daily moisturizers with SPF.
What Sun Protection Products Are NOT FSA-Eligible?
- Sunscreen with SPF below 15: Rare, but some tanning lotions have low SPF. These don't qualify.
- Tanning oils or accelerators: Not sun protection, not eligible.
- After-sun lotions without active ingredients: Plain aloe vera gel is not FSA-eligible (unless it contains medicinal active ingredients like lidocaine).
- Makeup with SPF: Foundation, powder, or cosmetics that happen to contain SPF are generally not FSA-eligible because their primary purpose is cosmetic. However, standalone tinted sunscreen marketed primarily as sun protection (like EltaMD UV Clear) is eligible.
How Do I Buy Sunscreen with My FSA Card?
How do I use my FSA card for sunscreen in stores?
Most pharmacies and drugstores (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target) have their inventory coded for FSA eligibility. When you swipe your FSA debit card, eligible sunscreen products are automatically approved. If a product is declined, it may not be coded correctly — ask the pharmacist or pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement.
How do I buy sunscreen with my FSA on Amazon?
Amazon has a dedicated FSA/HSA Eligible Items store where you can filter products by FSA eligibility. To use your FSA card on Amazon:
- Add your FSA debit card as a payment method in your Amazon account.
- Visit the FSA store and browse sunscreen options.
- Select your FSA card at checkout. Amazon will only charge eligible items to your FSA card.
Can I pay out of pocket and get reimbursed?
Yes. Buy sunscreen anywhere with your regular credit card, keep the receipt, and submit a claim to your FSA administrator. This works for any sunscreen SPF 15+ and gives you the widest selection.
What Are Popular FSA-Eligible Sunscreens?
Here are well-reviewed sunscreens that are FSA-eligible:
| Product | SPF | Type | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 | 55 | Lotion | $9-12 |
| EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 | 46 | Tinted mineral | $30-38 |
| La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In SPF 60 | 60 | Lotion | $25-35 |
| Coppertone Sport SPF 50 | 50 | Spray | $8-12 |
| Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50+ | 50+ | Mineral lotion | $15-20 |
| Sun Bum Original SPF 30 | 30 | Lotion | $13-16 |
| Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 | 50 | Spray/lotion | $7-10 |
| Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen SPF 30 | 30 | Lip balm | $4-6 |
Prices vary; check Amazon's FSA sunscreen section for current pricing.
Should I Stock Up on Sunscreen Before My FSA Deadline?
Yes. Sunscreen has a shelf life of about 3 years (check the expiration date on the bottle), so buying a year's supply (or more) with your FSA before your deadline is a practical strategy. The average family uses 3-6 bottles per year at $8-15 each — that's $24-90 in FSA-eligible spending on something you'd buy anyway.
If you have a small balance remaining before your FSA deadline, sunscreen is one of the easiest and most practical ways to use it up without waste.
How Can I Track My FSA Spending on Sunscreen and Other Items?
Sunscreen is just one of thousands of FSA-eligible items. SpendRebel helps you search eligible products, track your balance, and make sure nothing goes to waste. Sign up free and take control of your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sunscreen with SPF 30 FSA-eligible?
Yes. Any sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is FSA-eligible. SPF 30, SPF 50, SPF 100 — all qualify without a prescription per the CARES Act of 2020.
Is tinted sunscreen FSA-eligible?
Yes, if the product is marketed primarily as sun protection. Standalone tinted sunscreens (like EltaMD UV Clear) qualify. However, cosmetic products like tinted foundation that happen to contain SPF generally do not qualify because their primary purpose is cosmetic.
Can I buy sunscreen for my family with my FSA?
Yes. Your FSA covers eligible purchases for yourself, your spouse, and your tax dependents. Kids' sunscreen, baby sunscreen, and sunscreen for your spouse are all FSA-eligible.
How long does sunscreen last before it expires?
Most sunscreens have a shelf life of approximately 3 years from the date of manufacture. Check the expiration date printed on the bottle. Expired sunscreen may not provide adequate UV protection and should be replaced.