Sephora Return Policy 2025: How Returns, Exchanges and Refunds Work
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHC™
Edited by
Joe Evans
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If that lipstick shade is way off or a new serum triggers irritation, the Sephora return policy can be a lifesaver. The good news: Sephora still lets you return most new or gently used products within a set window, both in-store and by mail. The key is knowing the 30-day rule, what’s actually returnable and how refunds work so you don’t get stuck with a drawer full of regrets.
Below is a clear, scannable breakdown of how Sephora returns work in 2025 — including eligibility, timelines and common issues — so you can shop (and return) with confidence.
Quick Facts: Sephora Return Policy at a Glance
| Topic | What To Know in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Standard return window | Most items can be returned within 30 days of purchase or shipment date for a refund to your original payment method |
| Condition required | Products can be new or “gently used” as long as you have proof of purchase |
| Where you can return | Items bought on Sephora.com or in stand-alone stores can usually be returned to any Sephora store or by mail; Sephora at Kohl’s and JCPenney have separate rules |
| Refund method | Refunds go back to the original form of payment when returned within 30 days; some returns may be issued as store credit |
| Holiday purchases | Where can you return |
| Why it matters | Retail returns are huge — shoppers sent back about $743 billion of merchandise in 2023, roughly 14.5% of all sales, so retailers are tightening and clarifying policies |
Sephora Return Timeframes
Sephora’s timing rules are the first thing you should understand, because they decide whether you get a refund or keep that product for good.
Standard Return Window
For most purchases:
- You have 30 days from the purchase date or ship date to return items for a refund to your original payment method
- This applies to most beauty products bought in stores or online
- Products can be new or gently used, as long as you have proof of purchase
If you miss the 30-day window, Sephora can decline the return, or at some locations, you may be offered store credit at their discretion – but this is not guaranteed.
Holiday Return Extensions
Around the holidays, Sephora often extends the return window to make gift shopping easier. For example, holiday purchases in late 2024 were returnable until January 31, 2025, for eligible items.
Because these dates change each year, always check Sephora’s current Returns & Exchanges page or the fine print on your receipt for the latest holiday rules.
What Sephora Items Are Eligible for Return?
Sephora is more flexible than many retailers when it comes to used beauty products, which makes sense when you’re trying foundation shades or skincare for the first time.
Items You Can Usually Return
As long as they’re new or gently used and within the 30-day window, you can generally return:
- Makeup – foundations, lipsticks, palettes and more
- Skincare – cleansers, serums, moisturizers, treatments
- Fragrance – perfumes and colognes
- Haircare – shampoos, stylers, tools
- Beauty tools and accessories – brushes, sponges, hair tools
“Gently used” typically means you tried the product a few times and still have most of it left. Completely used-up items are unlikely to be accepted.
Items That Usually Can’t Be Returned
Some purchases fall under stricter rules and are often final sale:
- Gift cards
- Items marked “Final Sale” at checkout
- Certain limited-edition sets or promotional items
- Products that are heavily used or damaged through misuse
Always check the product page or your receipt for any “non-returnable” labels before you buy.
Sephora Refund Options
Sephora gives you a few ways to get your money back, depending on how you paid and how you return your order.
How Refunds Are Issued
| How You Paid | How You’re Refunded | Typical Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Credit/debit card | Refund back to the same card | 3 to 5 business days after Sephora processes the return |
| PayPal, Klarna or other digital payments | Same day, once approved | Usually the same day in store |
| Sephora gift card | Refund as a new gift card or credit | Refund to the original service |
| Store credit | Applied to your Sephora account or a merchandise card | Same day once approved |
Important:
- Shipping fees are usually non-refundable unless Sephora made an error (wrong item, damaged on arrival, etc.).
- If you used Beauty Insider points to redeem a reward that you later return, those points can be removed from your account.
Sephora In-Store vs Online Returns
You can return most Sephora purchases either in person or by mail, but where you bought the item matters.
Standard Sephora Stores & Sephora.com
| Feature | In-Store Return | Online (By Mail) Return |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible purchases | Items bought in Sephora stores or on Sephora.com | Items bought on Sephora.com |
| Speed | Refund or exchange usually same day | Often free with a prepaid label; original shipping is non-refundable |
| Cost | Free | Refund or exchange is usually the same day |
| What you need | Product, proof of purchase, ID (sometimes) | Printed label, order number, secure packaging |
| Best for | Quick refunds and easy exchanges | If you don’t live near a store |
Sephora at Kohl’s or JCPenney
There’s one big catch:
- Items bought at Sephora at Kohl’s must be returned to a Kohl’s location
- Items bought at Sephora inside JCPenney must be returned at JCPenney
- These locations follow slightly different rules than stand-alone Sephora stores, so always check your receipt or each retailer’s policy page
Common Sephora Return Issues and How To Solve Them
Even with a clear policy, things can get confusing. Here are some of the most common headaches and how to fix them:
“I Lost My Receipt”
- If you’re a Beauty Insider, Sephora can often look up your order by phone number or email
- For online orders, log into your account and pull up your Order History for instant proof of purchase
“My Product Was Damaged or Defective”
- Take clear photos right away (box, product, damage)
- Start a return online and select a problem reason like “Item arrived damaged”
- Or bring everything to a store; in many cases, Sephora will replace or refund defective items at no extra cost
“I Missed the 30-Day Window”
- Sephora is strict on timing, especially as retailers try to control returns — remember, returns cost the industry about $145 million per $1 billion in sales
- You can still ask at your local store; some associates may offer store credit as a one-time courtesy, but it’s not guaranteed
“My Refund Amount Looks Wrong”
Double-check:
- Whether return shipping was deducted
- Whether any non-returnable item was sent back and rejected
- If you used discount codes, points or gift cards, the refund may be prorated
How To Start a Sephora Return (Step-by-Step)
Ready to send something back? Here’s what to do.
In-Store Return
- Bring the product, plus your receipt or order confirmation
- Take your original payment card and a photo ID
- Head to the checkout or customer service desk
- Explain the issue and choose a refund or exchange
- Get your refund processed on the spot in most cases
Online Return (Mail-In)
- Go to Sephora.com and log in to your account
- Select “Orders” and choose the item you want to return
- Click “Return Items” and pick the return reason
- Decide if you want a refund to your payment method or store credit (when options are offered)
- Print the prepaid return label
- Pack the item securely, including anything that came with it
- Drop it off with the listed carrier or schedule a pickup if available
- Watch your email for confirmation and refund updates
Keep your tracking number until the refund shows up. With online orders, it’s the easiest way to prove your package made it back.
Final Take to GO: Use Sephora’s Return Policy to Shop Smarter
The Sephora return policy in 2025 is designed to give beauty shoppers some breathing room. You typically have 30 days to return new or gently used products, with fast refunds and flexible in-store or mail-in options if you keep your proof of purchase handy. That flexibility matters in a world where roughly 14.5% of retail purchases end up coming back to stores each year.
If you regularly test shades, try new formulas or buy gifts, learn the basics now so you’re not scrambling later. Know your 30-day window, keep order confirmations and don’t be afraid to take a product back if it truly doesn’t work for you.
FAQ: Sephora Return Policy in 2025
Find answers to some of the most common questions about the Sephora return policy below:- How long do I have to return something to Sephora?
- In most cases, you have 30 days from the purchase or shipment date to return items for a refund to your original payment method. Holiday purchases may get extra time based on Sephora’s seasonal policy, but you should always check your receipt or Sephora’s site for the specific dates.
- Can I return used makeup or skincare to Sephora?
- Yes. Sephora allows returns on new or gently used products within the return window, as long as you have proof of purchase. “Gently used” typically means lightly tested, not nearly empty.
- Can I return a Sephora.com order in-store?
- Usually yes. Most items bought on Sephora.com can be returned to a stand-alone Sephora store for faster refunds. Items purchased at Sephora at Kohl’s or JCPenney, though, must be returned to those retailers instead.
- Does Sephora refund shipping fees?
- Generally no. Standard shipping fees are non-refundable unless Sephora made an error, like sending the wrong product or a damaged item.
- What do I need to bring for a Sephora in-store return?
- Bring the product, your proof of purchase (receipt, order email or Beauty Insider account) and the original payment method if you want the refund back on your card. A photo ID may also be requested for verification.
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- Sephora "website"
- Sephora "Returns & Exchanges"
- Sephora "Holiday Return Policy"
- Sephora "Return without box or receipt"
- Sephora "Orders & Returns"
- Sephora "Customer Service"
- National Retail Federation "2023 Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry"
