Ulta Return Policy: 30-Day Refunds, 60-Day Credit, ID Rules and Mail Returns

Ulta takes back opened beauty products, which makes it easy to try a new foundation shade or skincare line. The catch is a two-step clock and an ID check on every return. Here’s how each part of the policy works.

Based on Ulta Beauty’s official Guest Services returns policy for U.S. purchases (checked Sep 29, 2026). Ulta says all returns are subject to validation and approval at its discretion.

How long do you have to return something to Ulta?

Ulta’s policy has two windows, both counted from the original purchase date:

TheStreet reported that Ulta moved to this 30-day refund / 60-day credit structure in November 2024, so articles written before then may describe a longer refund window.

Can you return used makeup to Ulta?

Yes. The policy covers “most new or gently used products,” so an opened lipstick or a moisturizer that broke you out can go back inside the windows above. Ulta doesn’t define how much use counts as “gently used.”

These can’t be returned:

• Gift cards
• Wigs and hair extensions bought through an Ulta Beauty salon
• Intimate wellness devices
• Mini Brands Capsules, unless unopened and sealed

Single-use coupons you used on the original purchase aren’t returned to you, and coupons, special offers and Ulta Beauty Rewards points can’t be applied to past purchases.

Does Ulta require ID for returns?

Yes, for every return. Ulta requires a government-issued physical ID and either a phone number or email. The policy says this lets Ulta “limit returns if there’s reason to suspect misuse of our policy, such as excessive returns, reseller activity, or fraud.”

Ulta returns without a receipt

Ulta requires proof of purchase “unless we can verify the original purchase in our system.” If the purchase can’t be found and you have no proof, the product is not eligible for a refund, exchange or merchandise credit. Shopping while signed in to your Ulta Beauty Rewards account is the simplest way to make sure a purchase shows up later.

Returning with a gift receipt

With a gift receipt, returns made within 60 days of the original purchase can only be exchanged for a product of equal or lesser value or returned for merchandise credit. There’s no cash or card refund on gift receipts.

How to return an Ulta.com order

In a store

1. Bring the products and all original packaging materials.
2. Bring the original order confirmation email and your government-issued ID.
3. Return or exchange at any Ulta Beauty store.

This is usually the better option because you don’t pay shipping.

By mail

1. Pack the products, ideally in the same package the order arrived in.
2. Pay for shipping yourself. Ulta’s policy says you “must cover shipping charges when you send your return.”
3. Address it to: Ulta.com Return Center, 925 Belle Lane, Bolingbrook, IL 60490.

Returns mailed within 30 days with proof of purchase are refunded to the original payment method; mailed returns from day 31 to day 60 with proof of purchase get an Ulta Beauty electronic gift card. Ulta processes refunds within 30 business days of receiving the package at its distribution center. Because the 60-day cutoff is based on when Ulta receives the package, mail well before the deadline.

How Ulta refunds different payment methods

Other points to know:

• Shipping charges are non-refundable. You won’t get back what you paid to ship the original order.
• Rewards points come back out. Ulta Beauty Rewards points earned on returned products are deducted from your balance.
• Damaged item? You can return or exchange it in store with your receipt, or contact Guest Services.

What you’d get back: four quick examples

Checklist before you go to the store

• Government-issued physical ID, plus the phone number or email on your account.
• Receipt, gift receipt or order confirmation email, unless the purchase is in Ulta’s system.
• All original packaging materials if you’re returning an Ulta.com order.
• The date. Count from the original purchase date: day 30 is the last day for a refund, day 60 the last day for merchandise credit.
• The card you want refunded if you paid with PayPal or AfterPay, since those in-store refunds go to a card you choose or to merchandise credit.

Ulta vs. Sephora returns

Both accept gently used products within 30 days for a refund. Ulta adds the day 31–60 merchandise-credit window and requires ID on every return; Sephora ends returns at day 30 but gives you a free prepaid mail label. Details are in our Sephora return policy guide.