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If you’ve ever stared at your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balance in December and thought, “Well, it’s time to stock up on a million boxes of Band-Aids,” well, think again.
You can actually spend those FSA or Health Savings Account (HSA) dollars somewhere a little more fun than your doctor’s office: Ulta Beauty.
Yes, you read that right — your pre-tax healthcare money can go toward things like SPF-packed sunscreens, acne treatments, or even eczema care that doubles as self-care. I guess staying healthy and glowing can go hand in hand.
What is an FSA?
Rob Goebel – stock.adobe.comA Flexible Spending Account is a nifty benefit some employers offer, letting you stash away pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to cover certain healthcare expenses (think: doctor visits, prescriptions or approved over-the-counter products).
The catch? You typically have to use those funds by the end of the year, or risk losing them. Some plans offer a grace period or allow a small rollover, but no one likes a race against the calendar.
How does an FSA differ from an HSA?
Rob Goebel – stock.adobe.comThen there’s the Health Savings Account, or HSA: the cooler, more flexible cousin of the FSA. It works the same way; you put in pre-tax money and use it for qualified health expenses, but with one key difference: the money in an HSA never expires.
Whether you spend it this year or next decade, your funds are waiting patiently for you (and your next great sunscreen purchase).
And yes, you can absolutely use your FSA or HSA for eligible products at Ulta Beauty. While Ulta doesn’t directly accept FSA or HSA debit cards, there’s a super simple workaround: pay for your products using any regular debit or credit card, then submit your receipt to your FSA or HSA provider for reimbursement. In return, you’ll not only get your money back but also rack up Ulta Beauty Rewards points for future shopping sprees. That’s what we call a win-win.
From SPF 30 sunscreens to acne spot treatments, menstrual products and even hand sanitizers, Ulta Beauty’s lineup of FSA-eligible finds is surprisingly robust. Just remember, not every product qualifies (makeup usually doesn’t unless it’s got a treatment benefit like SPF or acne-fighting ingredients). So check your product eligibility before you hit checkout.
Because this year, you don’t have to choose between being responsible with your benefits and having fabulous skin. You can have both.
Click to jump to a specific category:
Acne Treatments | Suncare & SPFs | Hand Sanitizers | Eczema Products | Period Care
Acne Treatments
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Acne Pimple Patches
Ulta BeautyStick on this ultra-thin hydrocolloid patch before bed and wake up to a flattened zit sans the popping. This pure sticker magic is like a cozy little blanket for your breakout, absorbing gunk and shielding your skin from temptation so you can snooze without fretting.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
Ulta BeautyThe CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is a gel-to-foam superhero that packs 2% salicylic acid and purifying clay to zap breakouts and blackheads while you go about your day. It also sneaks in soothing niacinamide and three essential ceramides so your skin stays calm, strong and ready for whatever life throws (even an unexpected zit).
For more, read our full review on the best acne face washes.
Differin Adapalene 0.1% Acne Treatment
Ulta BeautyThe Differin Adapalene 0.1% Acne Treatment is your pores’ ninja, sneaking deep in to clear up breakouts and block future ones with a once-daily swipe. While it might cause a bit of initial fanfare (hello, glow down!), It’s totally worth it because it brings Rx-level power to your acne routine without needing a prescription.
Suncare & SPFs
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide
Ulta BeautyThis glowy sunscreen is your skin’s own personal highlighter, infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and tint your face with a lit-from-within radiance. It contains broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection and a shimmer-ready finish that doubles as a primer, so it’s perfect for slathering on before your makeup or hitting the outdoors.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50
Ulta BeautyThe La Roche‑Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 is a 100% mineral, broad-spectrum face sunscreen (with titanium dioxide) that offers SPF 50 protection and boasts a lightly tinted, ultra-light fluid texture with a matte finish — making it well-suited for sensitive or oily skin. After reviewing nearly everything from the brand, this is a clear-cut winner.
Vacation Classic Whip SPF 50 Sunscreen Mousse
Ulta BeautyThe Vacation Classic Whip SPF 50 Sunscreen Mousse delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection in a whimsically airy foam that dispenses in star-shaped peaks using a tilt-valve canister. Hello, retro-chic! After reviewing the brand’s full roster of products, it’s the perfect formula for that “lighter-than-air” beach-day feeling.
Hand Sanitizers
Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer
Ulta BeautyMeet the hand sanitizer that’s in every bag and every location of my house. The Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer is a sleek, travel-friendly sanitizer that delivers over 500 sprays of its non-sticky, fast-absorbing formula, which contains aloe vera and radish root ferment to hydrate and soften hands.
Milk + Honey Hand Purifier No.8
Ulta BeautyThe Milk + Honey Hand Purifier No.8 is a TSA-approved, alcohol-based hand sanitizer featuring a soothing blend of lavender and eucalyptus essential oils. Formulated with over 70% alcohol and organic glycerin, it effectively cleanses hands while moisturizing and leaving a refreshing, aromatic scent.
Hempz Travel Size Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer
Ulta BeautyThe Hempz Travel Size Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer combines a tropical fragrance with skincare benefits, featuring notes of juicy melon, fresh pineapple, and ripe mango. Talk about putting FSA and HSA dollars to sweet use.
Eczema Products
Avène XeraCalm Eczema Calming Relief Balm
Ulta BeautyThe Avène XeraCalm Eczema Calming Relief Balm is that cozy blanket for your skin: soothing, hydrating, itch-banishing. Formulated with 1% colloidal oatmeal and ceramides, it delivers 48-hour hydration and is gentle enough for everyone in the family, from infants to adults.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration Moisturizer
Ulta BeautyFirst Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration is packed with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin (a dreamy trifecta, may I add), which all work in tandem to soothe, hydrate, and strengthen your skin barrier. It’s a surefire go-to for dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin,
CeraVe Healing Ointment Skin Protectant
Ulta BeautyCeraVe Healing Ointment is like a super-soft shield that swoops in to rescue your dry, cracked skin. Packed with skin-loving ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it helps rebuild your skin’s natural armor while feeling non-greasy and lightweight.
Period Care
The Honey Pot Company Herbal Heavy Flow Pantiliners with Wings
Ulta BeautyThe Honey Pot Company Herbal Heavy Flow Pantiliners with Wings offer TLC for your private parts — infused with organic cotton and a refreshing herbal blend of lavender, aloe and mint, they offer a cooling sensation that keeps you feeling fresh and secure.
Designed for heavy days, these ultra-absorbent liners feature wings for extra protection and are dermatologist-tested to ensure comfort without the use of fragrances, pesticides or chlorine.
The Good Patch Cycle Plant-Based Wellness Patch
Ulta BeautyThe Good Patch Cycle Plant-Based Wellness Patch is your discreet, plant-powered ally during that time of the month. For less than $15, it’s an excellent value, too; just peel, stick and feel the relief!
BLUME Cloud 9 Essential Oil for Period Cramps
Ulta BeautyBLUME Cloud 9 Essential Oil for Period Cramps is your pocket-sized, plant-powered essential for that time of the month. It contains a dreamy blend of clary sage, peppermint, lemon and geranium to soothe cramps and lift mood.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
Meet the experts behind this article: Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, and P.J. McCormick, New York Post Commerce Senior Deals Reporter. Victoria and P.J. combine for 7 years of experience writing shopping content for The Post, specializing in finding the very best products and deals to save readers money every day, but especially during major sale events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. In an oversaturated shopping market, let them do the work for you. Not only do they scour the internet to confirm that our deals are really worth it, but they also spend countless hours testing best-selling products first-hand to find the ones we actually recommend buying. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
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