Return policy comparison · 2026
Borboleta vs K18
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Borboleta) and July 24, 2026 (K18)
Borboleta
B-
2.7 / 5.0 · Fair
Winner
K18
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
The verdict
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Borboleta's B- (2.7/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
BorboletaK18
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Borboleta | K18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 60 days (unopened, unused; lash serum 180 days) | ✓ 90 days (direct website purchases only) |
| Free returns | No - customer pays return shipping | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | Customer-paid; Borboleta not responsible for return shipping cost | — |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | Opened or used items | Products bought at partner salons (must go back to that salon, not K18 directly) |
| Watch-out items | Defective item claims must be reported within 30 days for refund/replacement (shorter than the standard 60-day window) | — |
Borboleta tip
The flagship lash growth serum gets a much longer 180-day return window than other lash care products (60 days), but only if it's unopened and unused - once opened it's not eligible.
K18 tip
This generous 90-day window only covers orders placed directly on k18hair.com — if you bought it at your salon, K18 corporate won't take it back, you have to go through the salon itself.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Borboleta or K18?
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Borboleta's B- (2.7/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is Borboleta's return window?
Borboleta's return window is 60 days (unopened, unused; lash serum 180 days).
What is K18's return window?
K18's return window is 90 days (direct website purchases only).
Does Borboleta or K18 offer free returns?
Borboleta: No - customer pays return shipping. K18: Yes.