Ulta Beauty strives to ensure a straightforward and hassle-free return experience for all its customers. Understanding their return policy is key, especially when it comes to purchases made with or refunded to Ulta Beauty Gift Cards. This guide breaks down Ulta Beauty’s return policy, focusing on how it applies to gift cards and other important aspects you should know.
Understanding Ulta Beauty’s General Return Policy
Ulta Beauty allows returns for most new or gently used products within a specific timeframe. Whether you’ve changed your mind or aren’t completely satisfied with your purchase, knowing the return window and conditions is crucial.
Return Timeframe
Generally, you have 30 days from the original purchase date to return items for a full refund to your original payment method. Returns made between 31 to 60 days after purchase are still accepted, but they will be processed for merchandise credit. It’s important to note that all returns must include all original components of the product.
Alt: Ulta Beauty storefront entrance with holiday decorations, showcasing a wide range of beauty products and gift options.
Proof of Purchase
A proof of purchase is necessary for all returns to ensure smooth processing. Ulta Beauty may be able to verify your original purchase within their system. However, to guarantee a seamless return, it’s always best to have your receipt or order confirmation readily available. Ulta Beauty also reserves the right to request a government-issued photo ID and phone number or email for returns. This measure helps prevent policy misuse and ensures fair returns for all customers. Returns are subject to validation and approval at Ulta Beauty’s discretion. Products not verifiable in their system or without proof of purchase may not be eligible for refunds or exchanges.
Return Restrictions and Exceptions
While Ulta Beauty aims to accommodate most returns, there are certain restrictions to be aware of. These are put in place to maintain policy integrity and fairness.
Refund Restrictions to Note:
- Online Payment Services: Purchases made using services like PayPal or AfterPay will be refunded to your preferred credit card, debit card, or as merchandise credit when returned in-store.
- Ulta Beauty Gift Card Refunds: If your original purchase was made using an Ulta Beauty gift card, your refund will be issued in the form of a new Ulta Beauty gift card. This is a key point for those using gift cards for purchases.
- Gift Receipts: Returns with gift receipts within 60 days of purchase can be exchanged for a different product of equal or lesser value or for merchandise credit.
- Non-Returnable Items: Gift cards themselves cannot be returned. Additionally, single-use coupons from the original purchase are not returned. Coupons, special offers, and Ulta Beauty Rewards points cannot be retroactively applied to prior purchases, and you cannot return items to repurchase them using a coupon or rewards points. Be aware that wigs and hair extensions purchased at Ulta Beauty salons, intimate wellness devices, and opened Mini Brands capsules are also non-returnable.
This policy is currently effective for all purchases made on or after November 3, 2024.
How Refunds Work, Especially with Ulta Beauty Gift Cards
Understanding how you’ll receive your refund is just as important as knowing what can be returned. The refund method often depends on your original payment method.
Original Payment Methods and Refunds
For most payment types, refunds are issued back to the original form of payment. This means if you paid with a credit card, the refund will go back to that credit card. However, as mentioned, purchases made with online payment services or returned in-store may offer options for credit or debit card refunds in addition to merchandise credit.
Ulta Beauty Gift Card Refunds: Getting a New Gift Card
If you used an Ulta Beauty gift card for your purchase and are making a return, the refund process is slightly different. Instead of cash or credit back to a card, you will receive your refund as a new Ulta Beauty gift card. This ensures that the refund stays within the Ulta Beauty ecosystem, allowing you to make future purchases. This is particularly relevant for those who frequently give or receive Ulta Beauty gift cards.
Alt: A vibrant display of Ulta Beauty gift cards in various denominations, perfect for gifting beauty products.
Return Methods: In-Store, Online, and Marketplace
Ulta Beauty offers multiple convenient ways to return products, whether you purchased them in-store or online.
In-Store Returns
For purchases made directly at an Ulta Beauty store (excluding Ulta Beauty at Target locations, DoorDash, or Instacart purchases), the simplest method is to return the item to any Ulta Beauty store. Just bring the product and your proof of purchase, and an Ulta Beauty associate will assist you with the return process.
Online Returns (Ulta.com)
Purchases made on Ulta.com can be returned either in-store or by mail. Note that original shipping charges are non-refundable. Returning in-store is generally faster for refunds.
Returning Ulta.com Purchases In-Store: Bring the items you wish to return, along with your original order confirmation email or packing slip, and original packaging if possible, to any Ulta Beauty store. You can also access your order information by logging into your Ulta.com account.
Returning Ulta.com Purchases by Mail: If you prefer to mail your return, you will be responsible for the return shipping costs. It’s recommended to use the original shipping package if possible and include the packing slip. Use the provided return mailing label and ship to:
Ulta.com Return Center
925 Belle Lane
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
Ensure you use ground-only shipping methods, especially for hazardous materials like aerosols. Using a traceable shipping method like UPS or USPS insured mail is recommended to track your return. Refunds are typically processed within 30 business days of Ulta Beauty receiving the return at their distribution center and may take 7-10 days to reflect on your credit card or bank account after notification. For return status updates, you can log into your Ulta.com account. Returns by mail within 30 days with proof of purchase will be refunded to the original payment method, or as an Ulta Beauty gift card if the original purchase was made with one. Returns between 31-60 days will receive an Ulta Beauty electronic gift card. Returns received after 60 days will not be refunded and will be returned to you.
Returns for Purchases from DoorDash or Instacart Marketplace
Products purchased through DoorDash or Instacart can be returned within 60 days to an Ulta Beauty store with the DoorDash or Instacart receipt. Refunds for these marketplace purchases are issued as merchandise credit redeemable only at Ulta Beauty stores, not online.
Special Cases and Exceptions in the Return Policy
There are a few additional points within Ulta Beauty’s return policy that are helpful to understand.
Ulta Beauty Rewards Points and Returns
Ulta Beauty Rewards points earned on returned items will be deducted from your rewards balance. If you used points to purchase an item you are returning, those points will be credited back to your account. For partial returns of purchases made with rewards points, a proportional number of points will be returned to your balance.
Returned Merchandise Policy and Quality
Ulta Beauty maintains a high standard for product quality and does not resell used, damaged, or expired products. Returned items that do not meet these standards are disposed of appropriately.
Ulta Beauty Salon Services
If you are unsatisfied with a service received at an Ulta Beauty salon, contact the store manager within 7 days of the service date to discuss your concerns and potential resolutions.
By understanding Ulta Beauty’s return policy, especially regarding Ulta Beauty gift cards, you can shop with confidence and know what to expect should you need to make a return. Ulta Beauty aims for customer satisfaction, and their clearly defined return process helps ensure a positive shopping experience.
