The Bath and Body Works return policy allows returns within 90 days for most items, with a full refund to your original payment method if you have proof of purchase. After 90 days, or without a receipt, store credit may be issued—with a $250 cap every 90 days for no-receipt returns. This 2025 guide breaks down everything: eligible items, refund timeframes, exchange rules, and how to return both in-store and by mail.
Key takeaways
- Bath and Body Works offers a 90-day return window for most items.
- Proof of purchase is required for a full refund to the original payment method.
- Non-receipted returns are capped at $250 per 90 days and require ID.
What is the Bath and Body Works Return Policy?
Bath & Body Works offers a generous return window:
- 90 days from the original purchase date for most returns and exchanges.
- Returns beyond 90 days may be eligible for merchandise credit, not a refund to the original payment method.
- During peak holiday seasons or special promotional periods, the standard return window generally applies, but always check for posted exceptions.
- Online orders can be returned by mail or at any store. For mail returns, include the shipping confirmation and use a trackable service.
- In-store purchases must be returned in the country of purchase.
Condition Requirements for Returns
To qualify for a return or exchange:
- Items must be new, gently used, or defective due to materials or craftsmanship.
- Products showing excessive wear or use (e.g., more than half empty, obvious damage not due to a defect) are not eligible for return.
- All items should be in their original packaging, with tags attached if applicable.
- The company reserves the right to determine what constitutes “gently used” or “excessive wear.”
- Exchanges must be for products of the same type and ticket price.
Example:
You can return a body lotion you tried once, but not one that’s half empty. A three-wick candle can only be exchanged for another three-wick candle of the same price.
Bath and Body Works’ iconic scent, Warm Vanilla Sugar, was first introduced in 2000 and quickly became a fan favorite.
Proof of Purchase: What’s Accepted
Accepted forms:
- Original store receipt (paper or digital)
- Gift receipt
- Order confirmation email (for online purchases)
- Packing slip or shipping invoice
- Loyalty program account lookup (if purchase was registered)
No proof of purchase?
- Eligible for merchandise credit at the lowest selling price of the item within the last 90 days.
- Non-receipted returns are capped at $250 within a 90-day period per customer, tracked via government-issued ID at select stores.
Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
Certain items are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged:
- Gift cards
- “Final Sale” marked items
- Shipping charges
- Free gifts with purchase
- Products from unauthorized sellers (e.g., third-party marketplaces)
- Used, damaged, or altered items (unless defective)
Exceptions:
Defective items may be eligible for return or exchange even if marked final sale.
How to Start a Bath and Body Works Return
In-Store Returns
- Bring the item(s) and proof of purchase to any Bath & Body Works store.
- Present your receipt, gift receipt, or order confirmation at checkout.
- Choose refund (to original payment or store credit) or exchange (same type/price).
- Provide a government-issued ID for non-receipted returns (if required).
- Receive your refund or exchange on the spot.
Online Returns (Mail)
- Log in to your Bath & Body Works account or use the order confirmation email.
- Print the return form and include it in your package.
- Pack items securely with original packaging.
- Ship via a trackable, insured carrier to the address provided.
- Allow up to 21 days for processing and refund.
Returns by Mail for In-Store Purchases
- Not typically accepted; in-store purchases should be returned in person.
Bath and Body Works Refund Processing
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 90 days.
- After 90 days, refunds are issued as merchandise credit.
- Refund timeframes:
- In-store: Immediate for most payment types.
- Online/mail: Up to 21 days after receipt and inspection.
- Shipping fees are non-refundable unless the return is due to a company error or defective item.
- Price adjustments: One-time price adjustment available within 14 days of purchase for in-store purchases with receipt (excludes flash sales).
“I’m obsessed with Bath and Body Works. I love their candles and their lotions. I always have them in my house.” – Ariana Grande
Return Policy Full Breakdown
- Bath & Body Works offers a 90-day return window for most items.
- New, gently used, or defective products are eligible for return.
- Proof of purchase is required for a full refund to the original payment method.
- Non-receipted returns are capped at $250 per 90 days and require ID.
- Final sale items (gift cards, free gifts, etc.) are not returnable.
- Returns can be made in-store or by mail (for online orders).
- Refunds are processed to the original payment method or as merchandise credit.
- Exchanges must be for the same type and ticket price.
- Online returns by mail require the customer to pay shipping, except for defective items.
- Price adjustments are available within 14 days (with exclusions).
- All returns are subject to store associate discretion regarding condition.
- Purchases from unauthorized sellers are not eligible for return.
- Returns must be made in the country of purchase.
- Purchases made with rewards or loyalty accounts can often be looked up.
- The return policy may vary slightly by location; check posted policies in-store.
Bath and Body Works Return Policy FAQs
What is the return window for Bath and Body Works purchases in 2025?
You have 90 days from purchase (or delivery for online orders) to return most items.
Can you return used or partially used products to Bath and Body Works?
Yes, if they are gently used. Excessively used or empty items are not eligible.
Do I need a receipt to return items to Bath and Body Works?
A receipt, order confirmation, or rewards account lookup is preferred for a full refund. Without proof, you’ll receive merchandise credit at the lowest price.
Which products are considered final sale and non-returnable at Bath and Body Works?
Gift cards, “Final Sale” items, shipping fees, free gifts, and unauthorized seller products.
Can BathandBodyWorks.com orders be returned in-store?
Yes, bring your packing slip or order confirmation for a smooth process.
How are refunds processed at Bath and Body Works after a return?
To the original payment method within 90 days, or as merchandise credit after 90 days.
Is there a limit to how many items I can return without a receipt?
Yes, $250 in non-receipted returns or exchanges per 90 days, tracked by ID.
What is the process for returning damaged or defective products to Bath and Body Works?
Defective items can be returned or exchanged, even if used or final sale.
Does Bath and Body Works refund original shipping fees on online returns?
Only if the return is due to a Bath & Body Works error or a defective product.
Can I exchange a Bath and Body Works product for a different scent or item?
Exchanges must be for the same type and ticket price (e.g., a candle for another candle of equal value).