From luxury skincare to migraine relief gadgets, here's how to put those pre-tax dollars to good use.
If you have money sitting in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA), consider this your sign to go shopping.
When most people think about FSA-eligible purchases, they picture contact lens solution, first-aid kits, and the occasional box of cold medicine. All useful, sure, but not exactly exciting.
What you might not know is that your FSA dollars can go toward some genuinely fun things. Think designer glasses, fancy skincare, high-tech wellness gadgets, and products that make everyday life a little more comfortable.
Whether you're trying to use up your balance before your plan's deadline or simply looking to make the most of your benefits, we've rounded up 15 surprisingly exciting ways to spend your FSA money.
Skincare, Beauty & a Little Self-Indulgence
Because taking care of your health and treating yourself don't have to be mutually exclusive.
1. Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
You know that futuristic LED face mask you've seen all over social media? Turns out, you can buy one with your FSA dollars. The Dr. Dennis Gross FaceWare Pro uses red and blue light therapy to target acne and signs of aging, all in a quick three-minute treatment. It's definitely a splurge, but if you've been eyeing one for months, this is a pretty good excuse.
2. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5
If your skin starts protesting the second temperatures drop, meet your new cold-weather companion. This soothing skin protectant helps support the skin barrier and relieve irritation, making it a great addition to your routine when the air gets colder and drier. Because we're going for hydrated, glowing winter skin, not flaky and irritated.
3. Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30
Sunscreen and lip gloss? Yes, please. We spend plenty of time protecting our faces from the sun, but our lips tend to get forgotten. They're vulnerable to UV damage too, which can contribute to skin cancer. This glossy SPF 30 lip oil makes protecting them feel a lot less like a chore and a lot more like the finishing touch to your makeup routine.
4. Magic Molecule Hypochlorous Acid Spray
A skincare product with a name that sounds like a science experiment? We're intrigued. Hypochlorous acid is known for its gentle cleansing properties and is used in products designed to soothe irritated or compromised skin. This spray is an easy addition to a skincare routine, especially when your skin is feeling particularly temperamental.
5. Ray-Ban Zuri Glasses
Yes, designer eyewear can be a legitimate healthcare expense. These Ray-Ban Zuri frames are a stylish way to put your vision benefits to work, particularly if you've been putting off replacing your current glasses. Just remember that you'll need prescription lenses for an FSA-eligible purchase; unfortunately, regular fashion sunglasses don't count.
6. COOLA Dew Good Illuminating Serum Sunscreen SPF 30
Who says sunscreen can't double as skincare? This lightweight, illuminating serum from COOLA combines SPF 30 protection with a dewy finish that makes your skin look like you actually got eight hours of sleep. It's perfect for days when you want a little glow without wearing makeup, plus you're protecting your skin from sun damage while you're at it. A win-win.
For the Aches, Pains & General Discomforts of Being Human
Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, menstrual cramps, or a back that's been complaining since Tuesday, these are the kinds of purchases your future self might thank you for.
7. WTHN Acupressure Mat Set
Imagine a bed of tiny pressure points designed to help you unwind. That's essentially the idea behind WTHN's acupressure mat and pillow set. Inspired by traditional acupressure, it's designed to target tension, stiffness, and everyday aches. It might look a little intimidating at first, but for anyone who loves a good at-home wellness ritual, this is an interesting one to try. Just keep in mind that evidence for its pain-relieving benefits is limited.
8. Sunbeam XpressHeat Premium Heating Pad
A heating pad might not sound particularly glamorous, but anyone who has ever dealt with cramps, back pain, or stubborn muscle tension knows how wonderful a good one can be. This oversized, plush version has six heat settings, making it perfect for curling up on the couch when your body needs some extra TLC. Practical? Absolutely. Luxurious? Also yes.
9. Caring Mill Menstrual Red Light Therapy Pain Relief Belt
Period cramps are rude enough without having to rearrange your entire day around them. This wearable belt combines red light therapy with a design intended for menstrual pain relief. It's an intriguing alternative for people looking to expand their cramp-management toolkit, although research on red light therapy for menstrual pain is still emerging.
Shop Menstrual Pain Relief Belt
10. Sona Hot Stone Therapy System
If your favorite part of a massage is the hot stones, this one's for you. The Sona Hot Stone Therapy System brings that warm, spa-like experience home, offering a relaxing way to work on muscle tension without booking an appointment. It's the kind of self-care purchase that feels a little indulgent but can also serve a practical purpose.
For the Days You Just Need a Break
Headaches, tired eyes, and the occasional need to lie down in a dark room: we know the feeling.
11. Ease Migraine Eye Reliever with Compression & Heat
For anyone who deals with migraines or tension headaches, the idea of a little peace and quiet can sound pretty wonderful. This eye-relief device combines gentle compression and warmth for a soothing experience when your head needs a break. Think of it as a mini reset for those days when staring at another screen feels impossible.
Shop Ease Migraine Eye Reliever
12. IMAK Pain Relieving Sleep Therapy Eye Pillow
Sometimes the simplest products are the best. This weighted eye pillow provides gentle pressure and can be cooled for additional comfort, making it a lovely option for tired eyes, headaches, or winding down at the end of a long day. Bonus: it gives you a perfectly reasonable excuse to close your eyes for a few minutes.
Everyday Upgrades You Didn't Know Your FSA Could Cover
Not every healthcare purchase has to look like healthcare. Some just make your daily routine a little easier.
13. Zima Dental Pod
Be honest: when was the last time you really cleaned your retainer? If you've been wearing the same one for years and the thought of putting it back in your mouth gives you a slight ick, this one's for you. The Zima Dental Pod uses ultrasonic technology to clean dental appliances, including retainers, aligners, and night guards.
14. Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Drink Mix
Staying hydrated is important, but sometimes plain water just isn't cutting it. Cure's electrolyte drink mix is an easy way to replenish electrolytes, whether you're recovering from illness, dealing with dehydration, or following a clinician-recommended hydration plan. These convenient little pouches are easy to toss in your bag for wherever the day takes you.
A Different Kind of Investment in Your Health
15. Galleri Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test
This one is a little different from the rest of our list, but it's worth knowing about. The Galleri® test is a blood test that looks for a signal shared by more than 50 types of cancer, including some with no recommended screening tests. It's recommended for adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those age 50 or older, and you may be able to pay for it with your FSA (just confirm with your administrator first).
Think of it as an add-on, not a swap: you'll still want to keep up with the screenings your provider recommends, like mammograms and colonoscopies. It doesn't detect every cancer, and false positives and false negatives can happen. A Cancer Signal Detected result needs follow-up testing to confirm cancer, while a No Cancer Signal Detected result doesn't rule it out.
The test requires a prescription, hasn't been cleared or approved by the FDA, and isn't currently included in cancer screening guidelines, so it's a good one to talk through with your healthcare provider. If you don't have a regular doctor, you can request it on the Galleri website through an independent telemedicine provider.
The Galleri test isn't recommended for people who are pregnant, 21 or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment.
Transparency note: Guava and GRAIL, the company behind the Galleri test, are partners. GRAIL did not pay for inclusion in this article, and Guava doesn't earn a commission or affiliate revenue from Galleri tests.
A Few Things to Know Before You Shop
Before you fill your cart, there are a couple of things worth keeping in mind.
Not every FSA is the same. While the products featured here are sold through FSA-focused retailers or may qualify as medical expenses, eligibility can vary by plan, product configuration, and intended use. Certain purchases may require additional documentation or a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Know your deadline. Many FSAs follow a use-it-or-lose-it structure, but some employers offer a grace period or allow a limited amount of unused money to roll over. Check your plan details before assuming you have to spend everything by December 31.
Keep your receipts. Even when an item is marked FSA-eligible, your plan administrator may request documentation.
Most importantly, remember that your FSA funds are there to support your health. There's no reason every purchase has to be boring. Whether you decide to upgrade your skincare routine, invest in something for chronic pain, or finally do something about that questionable retainer, consider this your reminder to make the most of the benefits you already have.
