Sephora Return Policy: Simplified

Sephora is a top destination for beauty lovers in the U.S., offering everything from makeup to skincare and fragrance. But what happens if you’re not happy with a product? Don’t worry — Sephora has a return policy that’s pretty friendly, but there are some rules and exceptions you should know.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every detail of the Sephora return policy in the simplest way possible, so you can shop (and return) with confidence.

Quick Overview of Sephora Return Policy

Here’s a handy snapshot of the most important info you need:

Returning Sephora.com Purchases

You have two options: return by mail or in-store.

Option 1: Return by Mail (Free!)

• Go to the return portal on Sephora’s website.
• Enter the Order Number and Zip Code as shown to start the return process. The screenshot of the returns portal page is shared below

• Select the item(s) and reason for return
• Print the prepaid FedEx label, or request a printerless FedEx Mobile Return Code
• Pack the item securely in the original packaging or any padded envelope
• Drop it off at a FedEx location (Hazmat items must go via USPS and cannot use mobile return codes)
• Track your return using the same portal
• You’ll get an email when your return is processed.

It can take up to 30 days to complete the return and credit your account or issue online credit. Your bank may take longer to show it.

You cannot return items by mail if they were bought:

• In a Sephora store
• Through Buy Online Pickup in Store
• Through Same-Day Delivery
• Via Instacart, DoorDash, or Shipt

Also, some items are non-returnable by mail or in-store:

• Gift cards
• Certain Sephora Favorites kits
• Some intimate care products

*Klarna/Afterpay refunds by mail go back to the account. Plan is adjusted.

Tip: No packing slip needed if you use their prepaid label!

Option 2: Return to a Sephora Store

If you’d rather return in person, just visit any standalone Sephora location (not Sephora at Kohl’s). Bring one of these:

• Your original packing slip
• Order confirmation email
• Beauty Insider info
• The credit/debit card you used (if applicable)

Note: In-store Klarna/Afterpay refunds do NOT go back to your Klarna/Afterpay account. You still have to finish the payments.

Returning In-Store, Pickup, and Delivery Orders

Each type of purchase has different return steps. Let’s break them down.

Sephora In-Store & BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In Store)

• Return at any Sephora store within 30 days
• Items must be new or gently used
• Bring proof of purchase or use your Beauty Insider account
• Refund goes back to the original payment method

Same-Day Delivery, Instacart, DoorDash, Shipt

These cannot be returned by mail. Bring them to a store.

• Must be returned within 30 days
• Product must be new or gently used
• Bring a receipt or gift receipt

• Instacart refunds are processed by Instacart, not Sephora.
• No refunds for delivery fees or shopper tips from third-party services.

Returning Gifts to Sephora

Got a gift you didn’t love?

• Return it in-store only (not by mail)
• Bring the gift receipt or order/shipping confirmation
• You’ll get merchandise credit or can do an exchange

Non-Returnable Items

Make sure you don’t try returning these, because Sephora won’t accept them:

• Gift Cards
• Final Sale Items
• Some Sephora Favorites Kits
• Certain intimate care products
• Hazmat-restricted items using FedEx mobile returns

Returns that don’t meet Sephora’s criteria (wrong time, condition, no proof) won’t be refunded or sent back to you.

Can I Exchange Items at Sephora?

Yes, Sephora does allow exchanges — but only in-store and within 30 days of purchase. The item must be new or gently used, just like with returns.

Sephora does not offer exchanges by mail, even for online orders.

How to Exchange an Item

To exchange your item, just follow the same steps listed in the in-store return process explained above:

• Bring your item to any free-standing Sephora store (not Sephora at Kohl’s)
• Bring a receipt, packing slip, order confirmation, or your Beauty Insider info
• You can exchange the item for something else in-store

Sephora will not accept exchanges without proof of purchase, and all exchanges are subject to validation and approval.

What About Third-Party Orders?

You can exchange eligible purchases made via Instacart, DoorDash, or Shipt at Sephora stores, just like with regular in-store purchases — again, within 30 days and in gently used condition.

Exchanges are not available for Sephora at Kohl’s or Hearst Shop purchases.

Returns at Sephora at Kohl’s (Special Rules)

You can’t return Sephora.com or Sephora store items at Sephora at Kohl’s.

If you bought from Kohl’s or kohls.com, return it to a Kohl’s store:

• Within 30 days
• Product must be new or gently used
• No returns without a receipt
• PayPal and gift card refunds = Kohl’s merchandise credit

Sephora at Hearst Returns (Oprah Shop, Women’s Health, etc.)

This policy applies to purchases made on or after June 3, 2025

Sephora sells products through a few special “Hearst Shops” like:

• Women’s Health Shop
• Cosmopolitan Shop
• Shop Bazaar
• Men’s Health Shop
• Prevention Shop
• Oprah Shop

If you buy Sephora products through one of these shops:

• You can’t return or exchange those items at Sephora stores or Sephora.com
• You must return them directly through the shop where you bought them
• Items must be in new or gently used condition
• You’ll get a refund to your original payment method

Any item marked as non-returnable or final sale cannot be returned.

After June 22, 2025, all purchases through Hearst Shops will be FINAL SALE — no returns allowed at all.

Also, if you try to return an item that wasn’t purchased at a Hearst shop (like something from a Sephora store) to one of these shops, they won’t accept it. And the same goes in reverse — you can’t bring Hearst purchases to a regular Sephora store.

Lastly, returns are subject to Sephora’s approval, and Beauty Insider points and spend will be removed from your account when a refund is processed.

How to Contact Sephora for Help

If you’re stuck, Sephora’s got a few ways to reach out:

Chat with Them

• Mon–Fri: 5am–9pm PT
• Sat–Sun: 6am–9pm PT
• Chat is available via the Returns & Exchanges page

Call Support

• 1-877-SEPHORA (1-877-737-4672)
• Same hours as chat
• TTY available for deaf/hard-of-hearing users, contact 1-888-866-9845.

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Returns

Okay, shopper-to-shopper—here are my go-to moves for stress-free returns:

1. Don’t wait until day 30 – Processing + shipping takes time!
2. Keep that box – Original packaging helps avoid issues.
3. Start returns online – It’s faster, cleaner, and gives you a free shipping label.
4. Track everything – That return portal link is gold.
5. Watch for hazmat rules – FedEx mobile returns won’t work on restricted items.
6. Know your payment method – Refunds follow different rules for Klarna, PayPal, and gift cards.
7. Check if it’s final sale – Some items can’t go back, ever.
8. Gift return? Go in-store – That’s the only way to avoid the refund going to the sender.

If you have any more questions about the returns, you can visit the return policy on their website.

Common Questions

Summary

Sephora’s return policy is pretty flexible — especially for gently used products — but it comes with fine print. The key is to return within 30 days, keep your receipts, and know where you bought it (especially if it was Kohl’s or Instacart).

Hopefully, this guide clears it all up. Happy shopping — and happier returns!

Please Note: Return policies can change over time. While this article aims to provide accurate information based on the policy at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check the return policy on official Sephora website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting Sephora Customer Service directly is the best resource.