Sephora’s Return Policy: What To Know Before You Go

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Got a lipstick shade that didn’t quite match? Or maybe that skincare set just didn’t work out the way you hoped? Don’t worry — the Sephora return policy makes it relatively easy to return beauty products, even if you’ve already opened them.

If you’re wondering how long you have to return an item, what you can and can’t send back, or how refunds work, this guide breaks it all down for you in plain, simple language.

Return Timeframes

Sephora offers a generous 30-day return window for most products, whether purchased online or in-store.

Standard Return Window:

• 30 days for a full refund to your original form of payment
• 31 to 60 days for store credit or an online credit if you return after the first 30 days
• Items must be returned with proof of purchase (receipt, order number or account lookup)

Special Cases:

• Holiday purchases may qualify for extended return windows — check Sephora’s seasonal policies.
• Some Sephora at Kohl’s and Sephora Inside JCPenney locations have slightly different return rules, so double-check your receipt.

Always start the return process as early as possible to get your full refund!

What Items Are Eligible for Return?

Sephora is pretty flexible about returns — even for gently used products.

Items You Can Return:

• Opened or unopened beauty products
• Skincare, makeup, haircare and fragrance
• Tools and accessories (like brushes and hair dryers)

Items That Can’t Be Returned:

• Gift cards
• Items marked as “Final Sale”
• Some limited edition or promotional items may be non-returnable

Pro Tip: Even lightly used makeup or skincare items are returnable if you’re not satisfied!

Refund Options

Sephora offers a few different ways to issue refunds depending on how and when you return your item.

Refund Methods:

• Original form of payment (credit card, PayPal, Klarna, etc.) for returns made within 30 days
• Store credit or online credit for returns made between 31 and 60 days
• Gift card refunds if the original purchase was made with a Sephora gift card

Refund Timeline:

• Typically 3 to 5 business days after processing credit card returns
• Immediate for cash or gift card refunds made in-store
• Shipping costs are non-refundable unless the return is due to Sephora’s error

In-Store vs. Online Returns

Sephora offers the option to return in person or ship items back, depending on what’s easiest for you.

Comparison Table:

Common Return Issues & How to Solve Them

Lost your receipt?

If you have a Sephora Beauty Insider account, staff can usually look up your purchase with your email or phone number.

Damaged or defective item?

Sephora will accept defective products and provide a full refund or exchange even after light use.

Missed the return deadline?

If you’re between 31 to 60 days, you can still get store credit instead of a refund to your original payment method.

Bought it at Sephora inside Kohl’s or JCPenney?

Policies can vary slightly. Returns at these locations must typically be made at the same store type where you bought the item.

How To Start a Return

Ready to return something? Here’s exactly what to do:

In-Store Return:

1. Bring the item, receipt (or Beauty Insider account info) and original form of payment.
2. Visit any Sephora store (except JCPenney or Kohl’s Sephora locations if you purchased elsewhere).
3. Staff will process your return or exchange immediately.

Online Return:

1. Log into your Sephora account or use the Guest Returns page.
2. Locate your order and select the item(s) you want to return.
3. Print the free return label provided.
4. Package your item securely and attach the label.
5. Drop off at a UPS location or schedule a pickup.

Always save your return tracking number until the refund is processed!

Final Take to GO: Sephora Returns Are Pretty Stress-Free

At the end of the day, Sephora’s flexible return policy makes shopping a little less risky, especially if you’re trying out a new skincare brand or lipstick shade.

Quick Recap:

• You have 30 days for a full refund or up to 60 days for store credit.
• Opened products are usually eligible for returns.
• Free returns in-store and by mail.
• Keep your receipt, order confirmation, or Beauty Insider info handy for faster returns.

Whether you bought online or in a store, knowing the Sephora return policy gives you peace of mind –so you can shop, experiment and love what you buy without second-guessing it.

Rudri Patel contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information is accurate as of April 29, 2025.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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