Why Mineral Sunscreens Are the Gold Standard for FSA & HSA Reimbursement

At Covered by FSA, we specialize in offering skincare essentials that not only protect your skin but are also eligible for FSA and HSA reimbursement. Our exclusive focus on mineral SPF sunscreens isn’t just about clean beauty—it’s about efficacy, safety, and compliance with modern health and environmental standards. If you're looking for a smarter SPF investment, mineral sunscreens deliver powerful protection that’s covered by your FSA.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into what sets proceutical mineral sunscreens apart, the ingredients that make them shine, and why they’re typically FSA approved—while many chemical sunscreens are not.

What Is a Mineral Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, use natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block harmful UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays through a chemical reaction, mineral sunscreens sit on the surface and physically deflect sunlight, offering immediate broad-spectrum protection.

At Covered by FSA, both of our SPF options are 100% mineral-based, making them ideal for sensitive skin, environmentally conscious users, and anyone seeking a cleaner SPF solution that meets FSA eligibility standards.

Proceutical Formulation: More Than Just Sunscreen

Our sunscreens don’t stop at basic protection—they’re proceutical, bridging the gap between professional skincare and pharmaceuticals. Infused with skin‑nourishing ingredients, our formulations support skin health while delivering high-level UV defense.

Proceutical SPFs are ideal for those with rosacea, post-procedure skin, hyperpigmentation, or acne-prone skin, because mineral ingredients tend to be less irritating and non-comedogenic. They're also reef-safe, fragrance-free, and we even have an option that is slightly tinted for a flawless finish, making it the perfect everyday skincare companion.

Why Mineral Sunscreens Are More Likely to Be FSA Eligible

To qualify for FSA or HSA reimbursement, sunscreen must be considered a medically necessary product. According to IRS guidelines, only sunscreens labeled SPF 15 or higher and offering broad-spectrum protection meet this requirement.

Here’s where mineral sunscreens stand out:

Immediate broad-spectrum protection: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide naturally shield against both UVA and UVB rays.

Skin-safe for sensitive users: Their gentle formulation makes them suitable for conditions where sun protection is medically advised.

Dermatologist-recommended: Most mineral SPFs are backed by healthcare professionals, reinforcing their “medically necessary” status.

In contrast, many chemical sunscreens are excluded from coverage due to added fragrances, dyes, and inactive ingredients that aren’t considered essential to skin health. Products with cosmetic enhancements—like shimmer or bronzer—often don’t qualify either.

At Covered by FSA, we make it easy: all our sunscreens are fully eligible for FSA and HSA reimbursement, no guesswork required.

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens: What’s the Difference?

Mineral Sunscreens:

Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide

Action: Reflects UV rays

Suitability: Ideal for sensitive skin, babies, and allergy-prone users

Time to activate: Immediate protection upon application

Environmental impact: Reef-safe and Hawaii Beach compliant

FSA eligibility: ✅ More likely due to minimal additives and medical-grade formulation

Chemical Sunscreens:

Active ingredients: Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, etc.

Action: Absorbs UV rays and converts them to heat

Suitability: May irritate or cause allergic reactions

Time to activate: Requires 15–30 minutes before sun exposure

Environmental impact: Banned in Hawaii due to coral reef damage

FSA eligibility: ❌ Often ineligible due to cosmetic additives or unclear labeling

With growing awareness about health and ecological impacts of chemical UV filters, mineral sunscreen is emerging as the superior choice—especially when your FSA dollars are on the line.

Hawaii Compliant and Reef‑Safe

Did you know that Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate due to coral bleaching and marine toxicity? As a result, only mineral sunscreens are compliant for use on Hawaii’s beaches.

All sunscreen products at Covered by FSA meet these environmental standards. Our mineral SPFs are oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, and reef-safe—perfect for eco-sensitive travel or personal planetary protection.

Ingredients That Work With Your Skin—Not Against It

Covered by FSA’s mineral sunscreens contain only non-toxic, dermatologically trusted ingredients designed to nourish and protect.

You’ll find:

Zinc Oxide: Natural UV blocker with anti-inflammatory properties

Titanium Dioxide: Gentle and effective at reflecting UV radiation

Vitamin E: Antioxidant that protects against free radical damage

Botanical Oils & Extracts: Moisturize and soothe the skin barrier

You won’t find:

Chemical UV filters

Synthetic fragrances

Parabens

Harsh preservatives

Every sunscreen we carry uses GRASE (Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective) actives—specifically zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—the only two sunscreen actives currently classified as GRASE by the FDA. Other chemical UV filters—including oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone—remain under FDA scrutiny due to insufficient data or concerns about hormone disruption and systemic absorption.

By choosing Covered by FSA, you're choosing sun protection that meets the highest standards for both skin safety and regulatory compliance.

Final Thoughts: Covered By FSA, Covered for Life

Choosing sunscreen shouldn’t be a gamble—and with Covered by FSA, it isn’t. Every mineral SPF product on our site is carefully selected to be FSA and HSA eligible, skin‑safe, and environmentally responsible. Whether you're protecting your health, your family, or your wallet, our proceutical mineral sunscreens check all the boxes.

We believe sun protection is a right, not a luxury—and with the power of your FSA, you can invest in sunscreen that truly covers you.

Ready to make the switch?
Explore our FSA‑approved mineral sunscreen collection today at CoveredbyFSA.com and put your health dollars to work—where they matter most.