Return policy comparison · 2026
Commodity vs K18
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Commodity
C
1.8 / 5.0 · Mediocre
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 Commodity's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 14-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
CommodityK18
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
| Commodity | K18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 14 days (unopened, unused, from fulfillment date) | ✓ 90 days (direct website purchases only) |
| Free returns | No - $15 flat fee (deducted from refund) | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | $15 flat fee for US customers; international customers pay their own return shipping | — |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Sample sale purchases, discovery kits (Exploration, Personal, Expressive, Bold, Scent Space, Archive), individual 30ml bottles from 30ml Duo Sets, free/gifted items, gift cards, shipping and customs fees | Products bought at partner salons (must go back to that salon, not K18 directly) |
| Watch-out items | Damage claims must be reported within 14 days of receipt | — |
Commodity tip
The 14-day window is short and starts at fulfillment (not delivery), so don't sit on an order you're unsure about — by the time a slow shipment arrives you may already be close to the deadline.
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, Commodity or K18?
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Commodity's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 14-day window (very tight).
What is Commodity's return window?
Commodity's return window is 14 days (unopened, unused, from fulfillment date).
What is K18's return window?
K18's return window is 90 days (direct website purchases only).
Does Commodity or K18 offer free returns?
Commodity: No - $15 flat fee (deducted from refund). K18: Yes.