Ulta Beauty is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction, and a key component of their customer service commitment is a straightforward and accommodating return policy. Understanding this policy can significantly enhance your shopping experience, providing peace of mind and flexibility. Whether you’ve changed your mind or encountered an issue with a product, Ulta Beauty aims to make the return process as seamless as possible.
Ulta Beauty’s Return Policy: Key Highlights
Ulta Beauty offers a generous return window to accommodate its customers’ needs. For most new or gently used products, you have 30 days from the original purchase date to initiate a return and receive a full refund to your original payment method, subject to certain restrictions. If you need more time, returns made between 31 to 60 days from the purchase date are still eligible for a merchandise credit. It’s essential to ensure that all original components are included with your return to facilitate a smooth process.
To process any return, Ulta Beauty typically requires proof of purchase, unless the original purchase can be verified within their system. This helps ensure accurate and efficient handling of your return. To maintain a positive shopping environment for all customers, Ulta Beauty reserves the right to request a government-issued photo ID and phone number or email for returns. This measure also allows them to limit returns in situations that suggest policy misuse, such as excessive return frequency, reseller activity, or suspected fraud. All returns undergo a validation and approval process at Ulta Beauty’s discretion. Products that cannot be verified within their system or are not accompanied by proof of purchase may not be eligible for a refund, exchange, or merchandise credit.
Understanding Ulta Beauty Return Restrictions
While Ulta Beauty strives to be accommodating, certain restrictions apply to refunds to ensure policy integrity and fairness.
- Online Payment Services: For purchases made using online payment platforms like PayPal or AfterPay, refunds for in-store returns will be issued to your preferred credit card, debit card, or as a merchandise credit.
- Gift Card Purchases: If your original purchase was made using an Ulta Beauty gift card, the refund will be issued in the form of a new Ulta Beauty gift card.
- Gift Receipts: Returns made with a gift receipt within 60 days of the original purchase date can be exchanged for a different product of equal or lesser value or returned for merchandise credit.
- Non-Returnable Items: Certain items are not eligible for return. These include gift cards and single-use coupons. Additionally, for hygiene and policy reasons, wigs and hair extensions purchased through an Ulta Beauty salon, intimate wellness devices, and opened Mini Brands capsules are non-returnable.
- Coupons and Ulta Beauty Rewards™ Points: Coupons, special offers, and Ulta Beauty Rewards™ points cannot be applied to prior purchases. Attempting to return products to repurchase them using a coupon, special offer, or rewards points is not permitted.
- Returned Check Fee: A service fee will be applied to any check returned unpaid by the bank, and a 10-day waiting period is required for such returns.
This policy is effective for all purchases made on or after NOVEMBER 3, 2024.
How to Return Your Ulta Beauty Purchase
Ulta Beauty provides multiple convenient options for returning products, catering to different purchase methods.
In-Store Returns (excluding Target, DoorDash, or Instacart)
For purchases made directly at an Ulta Beauty store (excluding locations within Target, or through DoorDash or Instacart), the in-store return process is simple. Just bring the product(s) you wish to return to any Ulta Beauty store, and their associates will gladly assist you with your return.
Ulta Beauty at Target Returns
Please note that products purchased at Ulta Beauty locations within Target stores are not eligible for return, exchange, or merchandise credit at standalone Ulta Beauty stores. Similarly, purchases made at Ulta Beauty stores or on ulta.com cannot be returned or exchanged at Ulta Beauty at Target locations. For returns or exchanges of products purchased at Ulta Beauty at Target, please refer to Target.com for their specific policies and procedures.
Online (Ulta.com) Purchase Returns
Purchases made online at Ulta.com can be returned either by mail or conveniently at any Ulta Beauty store location. Keep in mind that original shipping charges are non-refundable.
In-Store Returns for Online Purchases
Returning online purchases in-store is a straightforward option. Simply bring the product(s) you wish to return to any Ulta Beauty store, along with your original order confirmation email or packing slip. Having the original packaging materials can also be helpful. Alternatively, you can access your order information by logging into your ulta.com account and navigating to the order status section, which can be found here.
Returns by Mail for Online Purchases
If returning your online order by mail is more convenient, you can do so by shipping the products to Ulta Beauty’s return center. Please be aware that you will be responsible for the return shipping costs when returning by mail, and exchanges are not available through mail returns. For a faster refund process, returning in-store is generally recommended.
When preparing your return package, it is recommended to use the original shipping package if possible. Affix the return mailing label to the outside of the package and ensure the packing slip is included inside. Address your return package to:
Ulta.com Return Center
925 Belle Lane
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
For safety and regulatory compliance, returns must be shipped using ground-only shipping methods. Hazardous materials, such as aerosols or products containing flammable chemicals, must be shipped in accordance with USDOT regulations. It is advisable to use a traceable shipping method, such as UPS or USPS insured mail, to track your return and ensure its safe arrival.
Once your return is processed and a refund has been issued, you will receive an email notification. Refunds are typically processed within 30 business days of the product being received at Ulta Beauty’s distribution center. You can check the status of your return by logging into your Ulta.com account and selecting “Order Status.” Please allow 7-10 business days for credit card or bank card refunds to appear on your account after receiving the notification email.
For online purchases returned by mail within 30 days of purchase with proof of purchase, refunds will be credited to the original form of payment. If a store gift card was used for the original purchase, the refund will be issued as an Ulta Beauty gift card. For returns made between 31 and 60 days from the purchase date with proof of purchase, you will receive an Ulta Beauty electronic gift card. Returns received after 60 days from the purchase date will not be refunded and will be returned to you by mail.
Returns for DoorDash and Instacart Purchases
Products purchased through DoorDash or Instacart Marketplaces can be returned to an Ulta Beauty store within 60 days, provided you have the DoorDash or Instacart receipt as proof of purchase. Refunds for these returns will be issued as merchandise credit, which can be used at Ulta Beauty stores. It’s important to note that merchandise credit issued for DoorDash or Instacart returns cannot be redeemed online.
Ulta Beauty Rewards™ Points and Returns
The Ulta Beauty Rewards™ program is also integrated with the return policy:
- Points earned on returned products will be deducted from your Ulta Beauty Rewards™ balance.
- If you redeemed Ulta Beauty Rewards™ points to purchase a product and subsequently return it, those points will be credited back to your Ulta Beauty Rewards™ balance.
- For partial returns of a purchase made using Ulta Beauty Rewards™ points, a prorated number of points will be returned to your account.
Returned Merchandise Policy
Ulta Beauty is committed to maintaining high quality standards. To ensure this, they do not resell used, damaged, or expired products. All returned products that do not meet their quality standards are responsibly disposed of.
Ulta Beauty Salon Services Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with a service received at an Ulta Beauty salon, please contact the store manager within 7 days of the service date to discuss your concerns and potential resolutions.
Ulta Beauty’s comprehensive return policy is designed with customer service in mind, aiming to provide a fair, flexible, and easy process for all customers. By understanding these guidelines, you can shop with confidence, knowing that Ulta Beauty values your satisfaction and is there to support you even after your purchase. For any further questions or clarifications regarding returns or any other customer service inquiries, reaching out to Ulta Beauty’s customer service directly through their website or in-store is always recommended.
