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

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Bought a foundation shade that didn’t match or a skincare product your skin didn’t love? Ulta’s return policy is surprisingly flexible — even if you’ve used the product. Knowing the rules helps you shop confidently and avoid common return headaches. Here’s exactly how Ulta’s return process works for both in-store and online purchases.

Return Timeframes

Ulta keeps returns simple, offering a clear 60-day return period — with flexibility even after that window closes.

General Return Window

• 60 days from the original purchase date for a full refund to your original payment method
• Returns after 60 days are still accepted, but you’ll receive store credit based on the item’s lowest selling price

Holiday or Promotional Return Extensions

• During holidays and peak seasons, Ulta sometimes extends return deadlines
• Policies may vary each year, so check your receipt or ask a store associate

Important Notes

• Proof of purchase (receipt or Ultamate Rewards lookup) makes returns much smoother
• In-store and online purchases follow the same 60-day policy
• Starting your return early helps you avoid falling into the store-credit-only window

What Items Are Eligible for Return?

Ulta is famously flexible — they even allow returns on gently used beauty products if you’re not satisfied. Still, some rules apply.

Eligible Items

• Beauty products (even if lightly used)
• Haircare and skincare items
• Hot tools like hair dryers and straighteners (must include all accessories)
• Fragrances (must be mostly full)

Non-Returnable Items

• Gift cards
• Items purchased from third-party retailers (e.g., Target, Kohl’s)
• Items missing essential parts (like attachments for hot tools)

Tip: For non-cosmetic items, bring original packaging, manuals, and accessories to avoid delays.

Refund Options

Here’s what to expect when Ulta processes your return.

Refund Methods

• Refund to the original payment method (card, PayPal, Ulta gift card, etc.)
• Store credit for returns without a receipt or for returns made after 60 days

Refund Timeline

• Most refunds appear within 5 to 7 business days after processing
• Cash refunds are issued immediately if the original purchase was made in cash

Possible Deductions

• No restocking fees
• Shipping fees are non-refundable unless Ulta made an error

In-Store vs. Online Returns

Ulta makes it easy to return products regardless of how you purchased them.

Common Return Issues and How To Solve Them

Missing Your Receipt?

Losing a receipt doesn’t automatically disqualify your return at Ulta. If you used your Ultamate Rewards account at checkout, the store can usually look up your purchase history and process your return normally.If no purchase record is found, Ulta will still take the item back — but your refund will be issued as store credit based on the item’s lowest selling price. This protects you from being stuck with a product, while helping Ulta avoid refunding above-sale pricing.

Returning Used or Opened Products?

One of the reasons Ulta is popular with beauty shoppers is its flexible satisfaction guarantee. If you try a product and it just doesn’t work for you — wrong shade, poor reaction, not the right texture — Ulta will accept gently used items within 60 days.

The key is that the product must still be in reasonable condition and returned within the standard window to qualify for a full refund.

Returning Gifts?

Gift returns work a bit differently but are still easy to navigate. If you have a gift receipt, Ulta will issue the refund onto an Ulta gift card, allowing you to pick something else you’ll actually use.

If you don’t have a gift receipt, Ulta can still process the return, but the refund will be given as store credit for the item’s lowest selling price.

Past the 60-Day Window?

Even if you miss the full refund period, Ulta doesn’t leave you empty-handed. Returns made after 60 days are still accepted, but you’ll receive store credit only — no refunds back to your original payment method.This gives you flexibility to replace the item or try something new, even if you’re outside the official timeframe.

How To Start a Return

Whether you’re going in-store or mailing the item back, the process is simple.

In-Store Return

• Bring the item, original receipt (or rewards account info), and your payment method
• Visit the Guest Services desk
• Staff will issue a refund or help with an exchange on the spot

Online Return

• Log into your Ulta account
• Go to Order History
• Select the item and follow the return prompts
• Print the free return label
• Package the item securely and drop it off with the carrier

Make sure to keep the tracking number until your refund is complete.

Final Take: Ulta Returns Are Pretty Hassle-Free

Ulta’s return policy gives shoppers plenty of room to explore new products without worrying about getting stuck with something that doesn’t work. Their flexible 60-day window — plus the ability to return gently used items — makes the process easy and customer-friendly.

Information is accurate as of Dec. 4, 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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