Ulta Beauty Return Policy
Editor-verified return-policy details for Ulta Beauty.
About Ulta Beauty
Drugstore mascara and high-end serums under one roof — that's the whole pitch, and it works. Ulta puts the $9 Maybelline next to the $68 Charlotte Tilbury, so you can grab your everyday stuff and your splurge in one trip. Most stores have a salon in the back too, if you want a cut or brow wax while you're there.
The rewards program is the real draw. It's free, you earn points on everything, and the twice-yearly 21 Days of Beauty sales rotate big discounts on prestige brands you rarely see marked down. Plenty of people shop here just for those. One heads-up: the points-to-cash math is genuinely confusing, and rewards expire if you go quiet for a while, so check your balance before it vanishes on you.
What they sell
- Drugstore makeup and skincare — Maybelline, e.l.f., CeraVe, The Ordinary, all at regular drugstore prices
- Prestige beauty — Charlotte Tilbury, Tarte, Too Faced, Kiehl's — often the brands Sephora carries too
- Hair care and tools — Olaplex, K18, plus Dyson and GHD on the pricier end
- Fragrance, including designer and the cheaper celeb/body-spray stuff
- In-store salon services — cuts, color, brows, and facials at most locations
Why Ulta Beauty earned a B+
Policy at a glance
- Return window
- 60 days (30 for full refund, 31-60 store credit)
- Window (days)
- 60 days
- Free returns
- Yes (in-store)
- Return shipping cost
- Customer pays mail return
- Restocking fee
- None
- Holiday extension
- Yes - Nov 1 to Dec 31 through Jan 31
- Holiday purchase window
- Nov 1 → Dec 31
- Holiday return deadline
- Jan 31
- Non-returnable items
- Gift cards, services, fully used products
- Time-bomb items
- Advent calendars excluded from holiday extension
- Category
- Beauty
Frequently asked questions
What is Ulta Beauty's return window?
60 days (30 for full refund, 31-60 store credit)
Does Ulta Beauty offer free returns?
Yes (in-store)
How much does Ulta Beauty charge for return shipping?
Customer pays mail return
Does Ulta Beauty charge a restocking fee?
None
Does Ulta Beauty extend its return window for the holidays?
Yes - Nov 1 to Dec 31 through Jan 31
What items cannot be returned to Ulta Beauty?
Gift cards, services, fully used products
How many days do you have to return something to Ulta Beauty?
Ulta Beauty gives you 60 days to make a return, but there's a catch: you only get a full refund during the first 30 days. Return between day 31 and day 60 and you'll receive store credit instead of your money back. After 60 days, returns are generally not accepted. The clock starts from your purchase date, so keep that receipt handy. If you're close to the 30-day mark and want cash back, don't wait — head in-store to avoid paying return shipping on top of missing the full refund window.
Can you return to Ulta without a receipt?
Ulta Beauty's policy does not publicly spell out a clear no-receipt process, but because purchases are tied to your Ultamate Rewards account, store associates can often look up your transaction using your phone number or email. If you paid with a credit card, that can also help verify the purchase. Without any proof of purchase, outcomes vary by store and manager discretion. Your best bet is to bring the original payment method and your rewards account info — that combination gives you the strongest chance of a smooth return even without a physical receipt.
Does Ulta Beauty charge a restocking fee on returns?
No, Ulta Beauty does not charge a restocking fee. Whether you're returning in-store or by mail, no percentage of your purchase gets skimmed off the top as a restocking charge. The only cost you might absorb is return shipping if you mail the item back, since Ulta does not provide prepaid return labels — that cost falls on you. Returning in-store is always free and avoids that expense entirely. Bottom line: no hidden restocking fees, just bring the item back within the return window.
Can you return opened or used makeup to Ulta Beauty?
Yes — Ulta Beauty actually accepts gently used beauty products within the 60-day return window, which is one of the more shopper-friendly policies in the beauty category. You don't need to return something completely untouched. That said, fully used products are explicitly excluded, so if the bottle or palette is essentially empty, don't expect a refund. Gift cards and salon or skin services are also non-returnable regardless of condition. The sweet spot is products you've tried but didn't love — those are fair game within 60 days.
What is Ulta Beauty's holiday return policy?
Ulta Beauty extends its return window for holiday purchases. Anything bought between November 1 and December 31 can be returned through January 31, giving you extra time past the standard 60-day window. One important exception: advent calendars are excluded from this holiday extension and follow the standard return policy. The normal refund vs. store credit rules still apply — full refund within 30 days of purchase, store credit from day 31 onward. If you're buying gifts in November, keep your receipts and note that January 31 is your hard deadline.
Can you return an Ulta online order to a physical store?
Yes, you can return Ulta Beauty online orders at any physical Ulta store, and this is the smarter move. In-store returns are free — no shipping label to buy, no waiting for a refund to process through the mail. If you return by mail instead, you're responsible for the return shipping cost, which Ulta does not cover. Bring your order confirmation or packing slip when you head in. The same 60-day window applies regardless of how you originally ordered, and the same refund vs. store credit rules kick in after day 30.
Does Ulta Beauty have a military discount?
Ulta Beauty's publicly available policy data does not include a standing military discount program. The retailer focuses its loyalty savings through the Ultamate Rewards program and periodic promotional events rather than a published military or veteran discount. It's possible individual stores or events offer one-time discounts — your best option is to call your local store directly or check with a store associate at checkout. For consistent savings, stacking Ultamate Rewards points with sale events tends to be the most reliable discount path at Ulta Beauty.
Does Ulta Beauty price match competitors?
Ulta Beauty does not have a publicly published price-match policy. The retailer does not advertise matching prices from competitors like Sephora or Amazon. If you spot a lower price elsewhere, your main options are to wait for Ulta Beauty's own sales, use Ultamate Rewards points to offset the difference, or take advantage of 21 Days of Beauty and similar promotional events. Some shoppers have had success asking in-store, but there's no official guarantee — don't count on it as a reliable strategy before you buy.
How do you return a gift at Ulta without a gift receipt?
Returning a gift to Ulta Beauty without a gift receipt is tricky because the policy on this specific scenario isn't publicly detailed. If the gift-giver is an Ultamate Rewards member, the purchase may be retrievable through their account — but that requires their cooperation. Without any transaction record, store credit is the most realistic outcome, and even that depends on the store manager's discretion. Bring the item in its original packaging if possible and be upfront with the associate. Gift cards themselves are non-returnable, so those can't be exchanged.
How do you return a broken or defective item to Ulta Beauty?
If you received a defective or damaged product from Ulta Beauty, the standard 60-day return window applies. Head to any Ulta store with the item and your proof of purchase — defective products should qualify for a full refund within the first 30 days or store credit from day 31 to day 60. Returning in-store is the fastest route and costs you nothing. If you need to return by mail, you'll still pay shipping, so in-store is the better move. For items damaged during online order delivery, contacting Ulta Beauty customer service directly may get you a faster resolution.
Also known as
ulta.com, ulta beauty, ulta at target
Return-policy data is sourced from Ulta Beauty’s public customer-service pages and editor-verified by the Thrifle team. Policies can change at any time — always confirm on Ulta Beauty’s official site before purchase.