The Ulta return policy offers a 30-day window for full refunds and up to 60 days for merchandise credit. Opened and gently used beauty products are accepted with proof of purchase, making it easy to shop risk-free. Whether you ordered online or bought in-store, this 2025 guide walks you through Ulta’s return process, timelines, exceptions, and refund methods—so you can return with confidence.
Key takeaways
- Ulta’s standard return window is 30 days for a full refund to the original payment method.
- Returns between 31–60 days are eligible for merchandise credit only.
- Proof of purchase is required for all returns; Ultamate Rewards members can use their account for verification.
What is the Ulta Return Policy?
The Ulta Beauty return policy is designed to ensure customer satisfaction while maintaining product integrity. Most products can be returned within a specific window, provided they meet certain condition requirements and you have valid proof of purchase. The process is straightforward, whether you shop in-store or online.
Standard Return Window
- 30 Days for Most Products: As of late 2024, Ulta’s return window is 30 days from the original purchase date for a full refund to the original payment method. This applies to both in-store and online purchases.
- 31–60 Days: Returns made between 31 and 60 days from purchase are eligible for merchandise credit only.
- After 60 Days: Returns are not accepted after 60 days; items will be returned to you if mailed in.
Special Circumstances
- Holiday or Promotional Periods: Ulta may extend the return window during major holidays or special promotions. Always check your receipt or Ulta’s website for seasonal updates.
- Ulta Beauty at Target: Purchases made at Ulta Beauty at Target must be returned at Target, not at Ulta stores, and vice versa.
Condition Requirements for Returns
General Requirements
- New or Gently Used: Items must be new or gently used for a return. Ulta allows returns of most opened or lightly used products, recognizing that beauty products may not always meet expectations.
- Original Packaging: Products should be returned with all original packaging and components, including inserts, accessories, and seals when possible.
- No Resale of Used Products: Returned items that do not meet Ulta’s standards are properly disposed of and not resold.
Exceptions
- Damaged or Defective Items: If you receive a damaged or defective product, you can return it for a refund or exchange. Contact Guest Services or visit a store for assistance.
- High-Value or Electronic Items: Some items, like beauty tools or electronics, may have stricter return requirements. Always check at the time of purchase.
Ulta was founded in 1990 as Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. by Richard E. George in Illinois and operates over 1,200 stores across 50 states in the USA.
Proof of Purchase: What You Need
Accepted Forms
- Original Receipt: Strongly recommended for all returns.
- Order Confirmation Email (Printed or Digital): Accepted for online purchases.
- Packing Slip or Shipping Invoice: Valid for online orders.
- Gift Receipt: Returns with a gift receipt within 60 days are eligible for exchange or merchandise credit.
- Ultamate Rewards Account: If your purchase is linked to your rewards account, Ulta can often verify the transaction without a physical receipt.
No Proof of Purchase?
- Returns Without Proof: If you lack proof of purchase and Ulta cannot verify your transaction, the return will not be accepted.
- ID Requirement: Ulta may require a government-issued ID and contact information for returns, especially if there is suspected misuse.
Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
Certain categories are not eligible for return or exchange under any circumstances:
- Gift Cards: Cannot be returned or refunded.
- Single-Use Coupons: Not returnable.
- Wigs and Hair Extensions (Salon Purchases): Final sale.
- Intimate Wellness Devices: Final sale.
- Opened Mini Brands Capsules: Final sale.
- Personalized or Custom Items: Generally non-returnable.
- Clearance Merchandise: May be marked final sale—check at purchase.
- Defective Items: Exception—if an item is defective, you may be eligible for a refund or exchange even if it’s usually final sale.
How to Start a Return at Ulta
In-Store Purchases
- Bring the item, receipt (or proof of purchase), and all packaging to any Ulta store.
- Present a government-issued ID if requested.
- Receive your refund to the original payment method, or merchandise credit if outside the 30-day window.
Online Purchases
In-Store Return:
- Bring the item, order confirmation email or packing slip, and all packaging to any Ulta store.
- Follow the same process as in-store purchases.
Mail Return:
- Log into your Ulta account and access your order history.
- Print a return shipping label (if available) or use your own shipping method.
- Include the packing slip in the package.
- Ship to:
Ulta.com Return Center
925 Belle Lane
Bolingbrook, IL 60490 - Use ground shipping and a traceable method.
- Refunds are processed within 30 business days of receipt at the distribution center.
Ulta Refund Policy
- Original Payment Method: Refunds for returns within 30 days.
- Merchandise Credit: Returns between 31–60 days, or if you used a gift receipt.
- Gift Card Purchases: Refunded as a new Ulta gift card.
- Online Payment Services (PayPal, Afterpay): Refunded to your preferred card or as merchandise credit for in-store returns.
- Shipping Fees: Not refundable unless the product is defective.
- Refund Processing Time:
- In-store: Immediate for most payment methods.
- By mail: Up to 30 business days after receipt at the return center.
- Credit/debit cards: 7–10 days to appear after refund notification.
“I love Ulta. They have the best selection of beauty products and their customer service is top-notch.” – Chrissy Teigen, Model and TV Personality
Return Policy Full Breakdown
- Ulta’s standard return window is 30 days for a full refund to the original payment method.
- Returns between 31–60 days are eligible for merchandise credit only.
- Proof of purchase is required for all returns; Ultamate Rewards members can use their account for verification.
- Most products, including gently used items, are eligible for return if all original packaging is included.
- Final sale items include gift cards, certain salon items, intimate wellness devices, and opened Mini Brands capsules.
- Online purchases can be returned by mail or in-store, but exchanges are only processed in-store.
- Shipping fees are non-refundable unless the item is defective.
- Refunds are processed within 30 business days for mail returns; in-store refunds are typically immediate.
- Returns without proof of purchase or outside the 60-day window are not accepted.
- Ulta may require a government-issued ID and reserves the right to limit returns if misuse is suspected.
- Purchases at Ulta Beauty at Target must be returned at Target, not Ulta stores.
- Damaged or defective items should be returned as soon as possible for prompt resolution.
- Merchandise credit cannot be redeemed online if issued for DoorDash or Instacart returns.
- Coupons and rewards points used on returned items are not refunded.
- Ulta does not resell returned used, damaged, or expired products.
Ulta Return policy FAQs
How long do I have to return items to Ulta in 2025?
Ulta accepts returns within 30 days for a full refund and 31–60 days for merchandise credit.
Does Ulta accept returns on used or opened beauty products?
Yes, most gently used or opened products can be returned within the return window, provided all original packaging is included.
What proof of purchase is required for Ulta returns?
You need the original receipt, order confirmation email, packing slip, or a verified Ultamate Rewards account transaction.
Can Ulta.com orders be returned at an Ulta store?
Yes, online purchases can be returned at any Ulta store with the proper proof of purchase.
Which items are final sale or non-returnable at Ulta?
Yes, final sale items include gift cards, certain salon products, intimate wellness devices, and opened Mini Brands capsules.
How does Ulta process refunds after a return?
Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 30 days (mail returns) or immediately (in-store), or as merchandise credit if outside the 30-day window.
Will Ulta refund shipping charges on returned online orders?
No, shipping fees are not refunded unless the item is defective.
Can I return items to Ulta without a receipt?
If Ulta cannot verify your purchase, the return will not be accepted.
Are Ulta Beauty at Target products returnable at regular Ulta stores?
No, these must be returned at Target.
Do I lose Ultamate Rewards points when I return an item to Ulta?
Points earned on returned items are deducted from your balance; points used for a returned purchase are credited back.