Breaking Down Barriers to Skincare
- Practically everyone has experienced the frustration of having HSA or FSA funds remaining at the end of the year without enough time to use them.
- But a new partnership between Dermstore and Flex is changing the game by enabling HSA/FSA payments at checkout, making it easier for consumers to invest in their skin health using pre-tax dollars.
The Benefits of Using HSA/FSA Funds for Skincare
- Save up to 30% on skincare products by using HSA/FSA dollars.
- Access to professional-grade, expert-recommended products to manage skin conditions and support post-procedure care.
- Remove financial barriers that might prevent individuals from investing in their skin health.
| Skincare Conditions | Eligible HSA/FSA Products |
|---|---|
| Acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, sun damage, cold sores, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, burns, lesions, cuts, abrasions, ulcers, and pressure ulcers | Professional-grade, expert-recommended products from brands like SkinCeuticals, EltaMD, PCA Skin, SkinMedica, iS Clinical, Medik8, Paula’s Choice, La Roche-Posay, and Supergoop! |
A Seamless Solution for Skincare
Dermstore and Flex have collaborated to make HSA/FSA payments a seamless and automatic process.
“For the first time, shoppers can use their HSA or FSA at checkout on Dermstore just like they would use a credit card or PayPal,” says Sam O’Keefe, CEO and Cofounder of Flex.
Flex’s proprietary technology analyzes a merchant’s catalogue to identify qualified medical expenses based on the IRS guidance in Section 213d of the tax code.
How it Works
Customers can build their carts at Dermstore by selecting products marked with the “HSA | FSA Eligible” badge, making it easy to identify items that qualify for purchase with HSA or FSA funds.
At checkout, customers simply select their HSA/FSA card as the payment method, and Flex’s technology verifies eligibility in real time.
Customers also have the option to provide a Letter of Medical Necessity to support their purchase.
After checkout is complete, Flex will email an itemized receipt, which customers should keep in case their HSA/FSA provider requests it.
Expert-Backed Solutions
Dermstore is committed to supporting customers’ skin health journeys through trusted, expert-backed solutions.
“At Dermstore, we are deeply committed to supporting our customers’ skin health journeys with access to professional-grade, expert-recommended products,” says James Bonner, President of US Retail at Dermstore.
Dermstore created a dedicated landing page that includes a step-by-step checkout guide and detailed information on shopping across skincare, sun care, and devices.
“Additionally, we provide separate list pages specifying all eligible products, which require a Letter of Medical Necessity, and which are auto-eligible,” Bonner says.
Each qualifying product also clearly displays its eligibility status with an ‘HSA | FSA Eligible’ badge on its individual product page.
A Partnership that Goes Beyond Saving Money
“Skincare is healthcare,” says Sam O’Keefe. “Conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis can have a huge impact on physical comfort and mental well-being. By enabling HSA/FSA payments for medical-grade skincare, we’re helping consumers get access to the treatments they need without jumping through hoops or paying entirely out of pocket.”
“By making these products more financially accessible, we’re also helping customers maintain consistency in their routines—a crucial factor in realizing the full benefits of skincare,” says James Bonner.
O’Keefe believes the partnership goes beyond saving money and making things easier by showing that skincare is a real part of taking care of one’s health.
“It makes it easier for people to care for their skin without the hassle or extra costs,” he says. “Consumer priorities are evolving from purely cosmetic to having a focus on treating underlying conditions. We’re excited to see such an established retailer like Dermstore leading the way in making these products more accessible through HSA/FSA payments and expect many retailers will follow.”
Conclusion
Ultimately, this new partnership will help shoppers improve their skin health and skincare routines.
“By allowing shoppers to use their HSA and FSA funds seamlessly on dermatologist-recommended products, we aim to remove financial barriers that might prevent individuals from investing in their skin health,” says James Bonner.
“Access to professional-strength, expert-backed skincare enables customers to better manage skin conditions, support post-procedure recovery, and adopt preventive routines that benefit long-term health and wellness.
