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Cosmetics & Beauty Return Policy Guide 2026
Updated January 2026 · 7 stores compared
Beauty products have some of the most consumer-friendly return policies around — you can return opened, used products at Sephora, Ulta, Bath & Body Works, and Target. This 'try before committing' approach is standard in the beauty industry.
Best Window
90 days
Average Window
78 days
Stores Compared
7
Cosmetics & Beauty Return Policy Comparison
Sorted by return window length. Windows shown are specific to cosmetics & beauty where stores have category exceptions.
| Store | Return Window |
|---|---|
| Bath & Body WorksBest | 90 days |
| Target | 90 days |
| Walmart | 90 days |
| Kohl's | 90 days |
| Amazon | 30 days |
| Sephora | Non-returnable |
| Ulta Beauty | Non-returnable |
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Best Store to Buy Cosmetics & Beauty: Bath & Body Works
Bath & Body Works offers a full 90-day return window and accepts returns even without a receipt for up to $250 per 90-day period. Ulta Beauty gives 60 days (with merchandise credit if 31-60 days). Sephora gives 30 days for cash refund — shorter but still generous for opened products.
See Bath & Body Works's full return policy →Tips for Returning Cosmetics & Beauty
- ✓All major beauty retailers (Sephora, Ulta, Bath & Body Works) accept opened/used products — no need to leave the seal intact.
- ✓At Sephora, returns after 30 days become merchandise credit only — time your return if you want cash back.
- ✓Ulta Beauty: items returned 31–60 days get merchandise credit, not a refund. After 60 days, no return.
- ✓In-store purchases at Sephora inside Kohl's follow Kohl's policy, not Sephora's standard policy.
- ✓Target accepts opened cosmetics within 90 days for Target-brand products and 30 days for most name brands.
- ✓Bath & Body Works' no-receipt returns are tracked — excessive returns may be flagged.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetics & Beauty Returns
- Can I return opened makeup to Sephora?
- Yes — Sephora explicitly allows returns of opened, tried products within 30 days for a full refund. Items returned 31–60 days get store credit. After 60 days, no return is accepted. This applies to both in-store and online purchases.
- What is Ulta Beauty's return policy for cosmetics?
- Ulta Beauty gives 60 days total: 0–30 days for a full refund, 31–60 days for merchandise credit only. After 60 days, no returns are accepted. All products (opened or not) can be returned within this window.
- Can I return cosmetics to Target?
- Yes — Target accepts cosmetics returns within 30 days for most brands (90 days for Target's own brands). This includes opened products. You'll need the receipt or Target Circle account for the smoothest return.
- What is Bath & Body Works' return policy?
- Bath & Body Works has one of the best beauty return policies: 90 days, accepts opened/used products, and allows no-receipt returns for up to $250 per 90-day period. Returns after 90 days may still be accepted at manager discretion.