Can Estheticians Deduct Their Skincare Products and Supplies?
Yes — skincare products, tools, and supplies used on clients are deductible business expenses for estheticians, but products you use on yourself or for personal skincare don't qualify, even if they're the same brand you use in the treatment room.
The distinction comes down to who the product is for. Serums, masks, peels, wax, and disposable tools used during client services are ordinary and necessary costs of running your business, so they're fully deductible. A personal skincare routine, even one that mirrors what you offer clients, is a personal expense in the IRS's eyes and doesn't cross over just because you're in the industry.
If you rent a room or booth at a spa or salon, that rental fee is also fully deductible, along with linens, sanitation supplies, and any equipment you purchase specifically for treatments, like facial steamers or LED devices.
Other commonly deductible esthetician expenses:
Esthetician license renewal and required continuing education
Room or booth rental fees
Linens, disposables, and sanitation supplies
Professional liability insurance
Booking software and client management tools
A common mistake: estheticians buy in bulk for both personal and professional use and deduct the full purchase, when only the portion actually used on clients qualifies. Keeping client-use and personal-use products on separate receipts avoids this issue entirely.
BossTax's free app helps you tag purchases as client-use versus personal as you buy them, so your deductions stay clean without extra bookkeeping at tax time.
Not sure which products and supplies actually qualify? Schedule a free 15-minute chat with our team — no pressure, just answers. Click here.
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Related articles:
Booth Rental vs. Commission: How Taxes Differ for Estheticians
Do Estheticians Need to Pay Quarterly Taxes?
What Can Estheticians Deduct Besides Skincare Supplies?
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