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 2020, and the rules are straightforward. Here's everything you need to know.
The Rule: SPF 15 or Higher
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 Doesn't Qualify
- 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 to Buy Sunscreen with Your FSA
Option 1: Use Your FSA Card 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.
Option 2: Amazon FSA/HSA Store
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.
Option 3: Pay Out of Pocket and Submit for Reimbursement
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.
Best Sunscreens to Buy with Your FSA
Here are popular, 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 deals.
Pro Tip: Buy in Bulk Before Your Deadline
Sunscreen has a shelf life of about 3 years, so buying a year's supply (or more) with your FSA before your deadline is a smart move. 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.
Track Your FSA Spending
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.