Ulta Beauty gives you two full months to decide. The Ulta return policy allows returns on most new and gently used products within 60 days of purchase. The first 30 days give you a full refund to your original payment method. From days 31 to 60, you can still return items but only for merchandise credit.
After 60 days, returns are not accepted. This split-window structure sets Ulta apart from competitors like Sephora, which dropped to a stricter 30-day rule in 2026.
| Information | Details |
| Website | www.ulta.com |
| Return Time | 60 days total: 30 days for full refund, 31-60 days for merchandise credit |
| Return Medium | In-Store and Online (by mail via UPS) |
| Exchange Period | 60 days (in-store only; exchanges not available by mail) |
| Refund Time | Immediate in-store; up to 30 business days by mail; 7-10 days for card to post after email notification |
| Refund Method | Original payment method (within 30 days); merchandise credit (days 31-60); gift card for gift card purchases |
| Contact | 1-866-983-8582 |
| Email Support | Via Guest Services form at ulta.com/guestservices |
The Two-Stage Ulta Return Window: 30 Days vs. 31 to 60 Days
The Ulta return policy operates in two distinct stages, and the difference between them directly affects how you get your money back. During the first 30 days, a return with valid proof of purchase earns you a full refund credited to the exact payment method you used at checkout. Paid by credit card? It goes back to your card. Paid in cash? You get cash.
From day 31 through day 60, returns are still accepted but the refund format changes to a merchandise credit, also called an Ulta electronic gift card. You receive the value back, but only in a form that can be spent at Ulta. After day 60, Ulta will not process the return. Knowing which stage you are in before heading to the store saves time and avoids unpleasant surprises at the register.
Can You Return Opened or Used Beauty Products?
Yes. Ulta Beauty’s return policy explicitly accepts new and gently used products within the return window. This is designed for real shopping situations: you buy a foundation shade online and it oxidizes differently on your skin at home, or a new conditioner leaves your hair feeling worse after a week. Those are valid return scenarios.
Products commonly returned in gently used condition include:
- Makeup: foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, blush, and bronzers after one or a few uses
- Skincare: serums, moisturizers, and cleansers after a trial period
- Haircare: shampoos and conditioners that do not agree with your hair type
- Fragrance: perfumes and body sprays after a trial, subject to hazmat shipping restrictions if mailed
The expectation is gently used, not heavily used. A foundation bottle that is nearly empty or a product that appears to have been used for weeks will likely be denied. Ulta associates have discretion to refuse returns that seem excessive, and the company monitors return frequency to flag potential misuse.
Proof of Purchase and ID Requirements
Every Ulta return requires proof of purchase. You do not always need a paper receipt. The following are all acceptable forms:
- Ultamate Rewards account: The most convenient backup. If your phone number was entered at checkout, your entire purchase history is accessible in the system
- Original store receipt (printed or digital)
- Order confirmation email for online purchases
- Packing slip or shipping invoice included with your online order
- Gift receipt: returns with a gift receipt within 60 days can be exchanged or issued merchandise credit
A government-issued photo ID is required for all returns, along with your phone number or email. Ulta uses this information to track returns and may restrict future returns from customers who show patterns of excessive or suspicious return activity.
Returning Ulta Purchases In-Store
In-store returns are the fastest way to get your refund. Bring your item, proof of purchase, and a valid photo ID to the customer service desk at any Ulta Beauty location. Refunds to credit cards or debit cards process immediately and typically appear in your account within 7 to 10 business days of the transaction.
You can return online Ulta purchases to any physical Ulta store, which is much faster than mailing items back and avoids shipping costs entirely. Buy Online Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) items are also eligible for in-store returns.
One important exception: items purchased at Ulta Beauty at Target locations must be returned to Target, not to a standalone Ulta store.
Returning Ulta Purchases by Mail
For online orders, Ulta gives you two mail-in return options:
- Log into your Ulta account, go to your order history, and generate a self-service return shipping label
- Bring the item to a UPS location after obtaining a QR code from the Ulta returns portal online
Pack the item in its original carton with all components. Ulta recommends traceable ground-only shipping. Once Ulta’s distribution center receives the return, processing takes up to 30 business days. You will receive an email notification when the refund is processed, and card credits appear 7 to 10 business days after that email.
Note: exchanges are not available by mail. If you want to swap a product for a different one, you must visit a physical Ulta store.
The mailing address for returns is: Ulta.com Return Center, 925 Belle Lane, Bolingbrook, IL 60490.
Refund Methods: How Ulta Pays You Back
The refund method varies based on when you return and how you paid:
- Within 30 days, paid by card: Full refund to the original credit or debit card
- Within 30 days, paid by cash: Cash refund at the store
- Days 31 to 60: Merchandise credit issued as an Ulta electronic gift card
- Paid with Ulta gift card: Refund issued as a new Ulta gift card
- Paid by PayPal or Afterpay, returning in-store: Refunded to your preferred credit or debit card, or issued as merchandise credit
- Returns via gift receipt: Eligible for exchange or merchandise credit only, within 60 days
Any Ultamate Rewards points you earned on the returned purchase are automatically deducted from your account when the return is processed. The points math corrects itself immediately.
Non-Returnable Items at Ulta Beauty
Some products cannot be returned regardless of condition or timing:
- Salon-purchased wigs and hair extensions: These are non-returnable
- Intimate wellness devices: excluded for hygiene reasons
- Gift cards: cannot be returned for cash
- Mini Brands Capsules: must be sealed and unopened to be returnable
- Ulta Beauty at Target purchases: must be returned to Target
- International purchases: excluded from U.S. return policy
Social Media Handles
Connect with Ulta Beauty on social media for trends, promotions, and beauty inspiration:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ulta Return Policy
1. Does Ulta give a full refund, or only store credit?
It depends on when you return. Returns within 30 days with proof of purchase earn a full refund to your original payment method. Returns between days 31 and 60 receive merchandise credit instead. After 60 days, no refund or credit is issued.
2. Can I return a used lipstick or opened foundation to Ulta?
Yes, if the product is gently used and you return it within the 60-day window. Ulta understands that beauty products sometimes do not work on every skin type or tone. Lightly tested products are accepted. Products that appear significantly used, damaged, or nearly empty may be denied.
3. What if I do not have a receipt for my Ulta return?
If your phone number or email was entered at checkout, Ulta can locate your purchase through its system without a paper receipt. If the purchase cannot be verified at all, you may receive a merchandise credit at the lowest recent selling price, provided you show a valid photo ID.
4. Can I return an online Ulta order to a physical store?
Yes. Online orders purchased at Ulta.com can be returned to any Ulta Beauty retail location. This is the fastest way to get your refund and avoids any shipping cost or delay.
5. How long does an Ulta mail-in return take?
Once Ulta receives your return at the distribution center, processing takes up to 30 business days. You will get an email when the refund is issued. If you paid by credit or debit card, allow an additional 7 to 10 business days for the credit to appear on your account statement.
Conclusion
The Ulta return policy offers one of the most customer-friendly frameworks in beauty retail. The 60-day total window with a split structure gives shoppers real flexibility, and the acceptance of gently used products removes the risk from trying new brands and formulas.
Enroll in Ultamate Rewards if you have not already. Your phone number becomes an automatic digital receipt for every purchase, which makes the entire return process faster and smoother. Return in-store when you can, test products promptly after purchase, and know which stage of the Ulta return policy you fall into before you head to the register.
Disclaimer: The return policy information on ReturnsPolicies.info is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the latest updates. Always verify the current policy directly on the retailer’s official website before making any purchase or return decision. We are not affiliated with any of the retailers mentioned.