Last updated: October 31, 2026 · On October 31, 2026 we checked the Returns section of Ulta Beauty’s official Guest Services page and the Ulta Beauty Rewards Terms & Conditions on ulta.com. Ulta Beauty can change its policy at any time, so confirm the live terms on ulta.com or with your store before you return anything.
- Ulta Beauty says you can return most new or gently used products within 30 days of the original purchase date for a refund to the original form of payment.
- Returns made 31 to 60 days after purchase get a merchandise credit in store, or an Ulta Beauty electronic gift card for mail returns.
- Every return needs a government-issued physical ID plus a phone number or email.
- No receipt: Ulta requires proof of purchase unless it can verify the purchase in its system. If it can’t, the return is not eligible for a refund, exchange or merchandise credit.
- Ulta Beauty Rewards points earned on returned items are deducted, and points you redeemed are added back.
Bought a foundation that turned out two shades too dark, or got a beauty gift you will never use? This guide explains what Ulta Beauty’s own Guest Services page says about returning it. It is written for US shoppers who want the real rules on opened makeup, missing receipts and deadlines before they head to the store.
This guide covers the 30-day refund window and the 31 to 60-day credit window, opened and gently used products, returns without a receipt, the ID requirement, in-store vs. mail returns for Ulta.com orders, Ulta Beauty Rewards points, gift receipts, salon services, items you cannot return, and what is (and is not) published about holiday returns for 2026.
Ulta return policy at a glance (October 2026)
| Situation | What Ulta Beauty officially says | Status on Oct 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 30 | Most new or gently used products: refund to the original form of payment, subject to refund restrictions | Active |
| Days 31 to 60 | Merchandise credit; mail returns with proof of purchase get an Ulta Beauty electronic gift card | Active |
| After 60 days (mail) | Order is not refunded and is mailed back to you | Active |
| ID | Government-issued physical ID plus a phone number or email for any return | Active |
| No proof of purchase | Required unless Ulta can verify the purchase in its system; otherwise no refund, exchange or credit | Active |
| Gift receipt (within 60 days) | Exchange for equal or lesser value, or merchandise credit | Active |
| Holiday extension | No 2026 holiday return extension published on the pages we checked | Not announced as of Oct 31 |
Based on ulta.com, checked October 31, 2026. Ulta Beauty can change its policy without notice.
How to return an item to Ulta (step by step)
- Check the date. Find the original purchase date. Within 30 days you can get a refund; from day 31 to day 60 you get a merchandise credit (or an electronic gift card by mail).
- Bring your ID. Ulta says it requires a government-issued physical ID and either a phone number or email for any return, even with a receipt.
- Gather proof of purchase. For store purchases, Buy Online Pick Up in Store and Same Day Delivery orders, bring the products with proof of purchase. For Ulta.com orders returned in store, bring the original order confirmation email and all original packaging materials.
- Include everything. Ulta says returns must include all original components.
- Get your refund or credit. Within 30 days, the refund goes back to the original form of payment, subject to the refund restrictions listed below.
Ulta also says all returns are subject to validation and approval at its discretion, and returns may be limited when it suspects misuse, such as excessive returns, reseller activity or fraud.
Can you return opened or used makeup to Ulta?
Ulta’s policy covers “most new or gently used products”, so a lipstick you swatched or a foundation you tried once is generally within the rule if you return it inside the window with proof of purchase. Ulta does not define “gently used” on its Guest Services page, and it does not address specific cases like a shade you simply did not like, so the final decision rests with the store.
A few points from the official page are worth knowing:
- Not resold: Ulta says it does not resell used, damaged or expired products.
- All original components: bring back every part of the product (for example, the full set from a kit).
- Mini Brands Capsules: must be unopened and sealed to be eligible for return.
Ulta returns without a receipt
Ulta says a proof of purchase is required for any return unless it can verify the original purchase in its system. Products that cannot be verified and do not come with proof of purchase are not eligible for a refund, an exchange or a merchandise credit.
In other words, Ulta’s official page does not offer store credit for unverified no-receipt returns. The Guest Services page does not explain exactly how Ulta looks up a purchase, so if you lost the receipt, ask the store whether it can find the purchase before you go. Either way, you still need a government-issued physical ID and a phone number or email.
Returning Ulta.com orders: in store or by mail
In store: bring the products with the original order confirmation email and all original packaging materials. Exchanges are possible in store.
By mail: Ulta says to use the same shipping package the order arrived in if you can, apply the return mailing label to the outside, and send it to the Ulta.com Return Center, 925 Belle Lane, Bolingbrook, IL 60490. Returns must be shipped using ground-only methods, and Ulta suggests a traceable option such as UPS or USPS insured mail. Key details:
- You cover the return shipping charges, and shipping charges are not refundable.
- Exchanges cannot be made by mail.
- Refunds are processed within 30 business days of the product reaching Ulta’s distribution center. Credit or bank card refunds may take 7 to 10 days to appear after your notification email.
- Mail returns between 31 and 60 days, with proof of purchase, get an Ulta Beauty electronic gift card. Returns received after 60 days are not refunded and are mailed back to you.
Delivery apps, UB Marketplace, TikTok Shop and international orders
| Where you bought | What Ulta says |
|---|---|
| DoorDash or Instacart | Return in store within 60 days; refund issued as merchandise credit for Ulta Beauty stores |
| Uber Eats | Refunds go back to the Uber Eats account |
| UB Marketplace | Returnable within 60 days if requirements are met; shipped back to the Marketplace seller, not Ulta |
| TikTok Shop | Returns are handled in the TikTok app |
| International purchases | Must be returned in the country of purchase |
Refund restrictions and items you cannot return
- PayPal, Afterpay and similar services: refunded to a credit or debit card, or as merchandise credit for in-store returns.
- Paid with an Ulta gift card: refunded as a new gift card.
- Promotions: discounts applied at purchase are prorated and deducted from refunds or credits, including loyalty points.
- Coupons: single-use coupons used on the original purchase are not returned, and coupons, offers or points cannot be used to rebuy items you returned for that purpose.
- Not returnable: gift cards, wigs and hair extensions bought through an Ulta Beauty salon, and intimate wellness devices.
Ulta Beauty Rewards points on returns
Ulta says points earned on returned products are deducted from your Ulta Beauty Rewards balance, and points you redeemed on returned products are added back (prorated for partial returns). The Rewards Terms & Conditions add that the deduction includes bonus points, and that if your balance was already used up when the return is processed, your account may go negative in points.
Gift returns and salon services
Gift receipts: purchases returned with a gift receipt within 60 days can only be exchanged for a different product of equal or lesser value or returned for a merchandise credit. They are not refunded to the giver’s card.
Salon services: if you are not happy with a salon service, Ulta says to contact the store manager within 7 days of the service date. Wigs and hair extensions bought through the salon cannot be returned.
Is there an Ulta holiday return extension for 2026?
As of October 31, 2026, Ulta’s Guest Services page does not mention a holiday return extension, and we did not find a 2026 holiday return announcement on ulta.com. Gifts bought now follow the standard 30 and 60-day windows. If Ulta announces an extension, we will update this page.
Tips to get the most from Ulta’s return policy
- Return within 30 days if you want your money back. After day 30, you only get a merchandise credit or an electronic gift card.
- Always carry a physical ID. Ulta requires a government-issued physical ID for any return, even with a receipt.
- Keep the box and every piece. Returns must include all original components, and Ulta.com orders returned in store need the original packaging materials.
- Save your order confirmation email. It is what Ulta asks for when you return an Ulta.com order in store.
- Return in store instead of by mail when you can. Mail returns cost you shipping and cannot be exchanged.
- Include a gift receipt with beauty gifts. It lets the recipient exchange or get credit within 60 days.
Frequently asked questions
Can you return opened makeup to Ulta?
Generally yes, within the window. Ulta says most new or gently used products can be returned within 30 days for a refund, or from day 31 to day 60 for merchandise credit. Returns must include all original components, and Ulta does not define “gently used,” so the store has the final say.
Does Ulta take returns without a receipt?
Only if Ulta can verify the purchase in its system. Products that cannot be verified and come without proof of purchase are not eligible for a refund, exchange or merchandise credit, according to Ulta’s Guest Services page.
Do you need an ID to return to Ulta?
Yes. Ulta requires a government-issued physical ID and either a phone number or email for any return.
How many days do you have to return something to Ulta?
30 days for a refund to the original form of payment. From 31 to 60 days, you get a merchandise credit, or an electronic gift card for mail returns. Mail returns received after 60 days are not refunded and are sent back to you.
Do you lose Ulta points when you return something?
Yes. Points earned on returned products, including bonus points, are deducted from your Ulta Beauty Rewards balance. Points you redeemed on those products are added back, and your balance can go negative if you already spent the points.
Related deals
- Ulta birthday gift (2026)
- Sephora birthday gift
- Target return policy
- Walmart return policy
- Costco return policy
- Kohl’s Cash
Sources: Ulta Beauty Guest Services: Returns, Ulta Beauty Rewards Terms & Conditions (checked October 31, 2026).
CouponVPS is not affiliated with Ulta Beauty, Inc. Ulta Beauty, Ulta Beauty Rewards and UB Marketplace are trademarks of their owners. Return rules, eligibility and prices are set by Ulta Beauty and may change at any time. Always check ulta.com for current terms.
