Ulta's Return Policy

Winnie Murugi

PissedConsumer Reporter

Ulta is one of the leading retailers in the cosmetic industry. Previously known as Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., it offers customers a wide range of both high-end and low-end cosmetic and personal care products.

However, before you go ahead with your purchase, it’s a good idea to check: what is Ulta’s return policy? Or is there an Ulta return policy for used items?

This article provides comprehensive answers to these questions, including the return period and processes, refund policy, whether there are exceptions and more.

Key Insights

• According to Ulta reviews, some customers may face challenges with the returns when they buy online but pick up in-store or when selecting to take credit for the returned products, etc.
• The company has over 1380 stores across the USA, making it easy for its customers to access their products.
• The Ulta return policy with receipt or proof of buying the item in the company’s system, enables customers to return items online via mail or at a store, depending on where the purchase was made.

What Is Ulta's Return Policy?

Ulta Beauty emphasizes their commitment to making the return process simple and seamless for customers. As such, the Ulta return policy allows you to return new or gently used products within 30 days of the original purchase date to be refunded on the original payment method.

In some cases, returns are accepted within 31-60 days from the date of purchase, but you are only eligible for a merchandise credit. You must have proof of purchase and be ready so that the company can ask for your physical ID and your phone number or email for any returns.

A proof of purchase is required for any return unless we can verify the original purchase in our system. To offer the best experience, Ulta Beauty reserves the right to require a government-issued physical ID and phone number or email for any returns, and to limit returns if there's reason to suspect misuse of our policy, such as excessive returns, reseller activity, or fraud. All returns are subject to validation and approval at Ulta Beauty's discretion. Any products that are not verified within our system or are not otherwise accompanied by proof of purchase are ineligible for a refund, exchange or merchandise credit.

Source: https://www.ulta.com/guestservices/all

What Are Exceptions to Ulta's Return Policy?

According to the Ulta Beauty return policy, the following items cannot be returned:

• Gift cards
• Single-use coupons
• Wigs and hair extensions
• Intimate wellness devices
• Opened mini-brand capsules.

How to Return Items at Ulta?

You can return items at a local Ulta store or online via mail. Below is an overview of the return process and conditions for each method.

In-store returns

Items bought at an Ulta Beauty store or online can be returned to any Ulta store. Simply bring the item in its original packaging to an Ulta Beauty store near you. Be sure to bring along the packing slip, receipt, or order confirmation. You should ask for help from an Ulta customer service associate.

This return process applies to Ulta Beauty products bought through DoorDash or Instacart marketplaces. The items must be returned within 60 days to an Ulta Beauty Store near you. Bring along your Doordash or Instacart receipt for the purchase. Your refund will be issued as a merchandise credit that can be used at Ulta Beauty stores. Note that the merchandise credit cannot be redeemed online on Doordash or Instacart.

On the contrary, a different return process applies to items bought at Target. Items bought online or at Ulta Beauty cannot be returned to the company’s locations at Target. Likewise, items bought at Ulta locations at Target, cannot be returned or exchanged through Ulta.com or stores. Instead, visit Target.com or an Ulta Beauty Target location near you for instructions on how to return your item.

Online returns

The fastest way to return items to Ulta and get an immediate refund is to return them in-store. However, online Ulta returns are also allowed via mail. However, you are required to cover the return shipping costs. Shipping charges for the original order are non-refundable. Also, it is not allowed to make exchanges via mail.

Below are the steps for returning items to Ulta Beauty via mail:

1. Go to Ultabeauty.com.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Go to your order history and find the order you would like to return.
4. Initiate the return process.
5. Get a return shipping label.
6. Pack your items in the same shipping package they came in.
7. Apply the return label to the package.
8. Address the return package to:
   Ulta.com Return Center
   925 Belle Lane
   Bolingbrook, IL 60490
9. Send out the package. Ulta Beauty recommends shipping with traceable, ground-only shipping methods.

Once your return has been received and a refund has been issued, you will be notified by email. You can check your return status by logging into your Ulta.com account and going to “Order Status”.

Returns without receipt

There is no Ulta return policy without receipt. Generally, proof of purchase is required when returning items unless an Ulta Beauty customer service representative can verify your purchase in their system.

Items that are not verifiable within their system or are not otherwise accompanied by proof of purchase are ineligible for refund, exchange, or merchandise credit.

How Are Returns Processed?

Ulta Beauty clearly states that the validation and approval of all returns is at their discretion. They may decline or limit returns if they suspect abuse of their return policy, such as excessive returns, reseller activity, or fraud.

For returns to be eligible for a refund, they must include all original components and be returned within the specified period. Typically, Ulta issues the refund to your original payment method.

However, the Ulta refund policy has certain restrictions as follows:

• Purchases made through online payment services such as PayPal or Afterpay are refunded to your preferred credit card, or debit card, or issued a merchandise credit if you return in-store.
• If you made a payment with an Ulta Beauty gift card, you will be issued a new gift card.
• Items with a gift receipt can be returned within 60 days of the original purchase date either for exchange with a different product of equal or lesser value or for merchandise credit.
• Online returns mailed within 31-60 days from the purchase date with proof of purchase will be refunded with an Ulta Beauty electronic gift card.
• Online returns that arrive at the Ulta Beauty warehouses past 60 days are not refunded and are sent back to you by mail.

What Has Been Your Experience with Ulta Returns?

Ulta Beauty return policy offers flexibility for most new or gently used products, especially if you have a receipt. What has been your experience? Write a review on PissedConsumer.com to share if it was smooth and simple or if you had some issues.