The Updated Sephora Return Policy For 2025: 5 Critical Changes You Must Know

As of today, December 18, 2025, the Sephora return policy is undergoing a significant shift that every Beauty Insider needs to be aware of to avoid losing out on refunds or credit. For years, Sephora was known for its generous 60-day window, but a major change is rolling out in early 2025 that tightens the timeline considerably. Understanding the new rules for returning new or gently used products, especially for online orders and purchases made at Sephora at Kohl's, is crucial before your next shopping spree.

The core policy currently allows for a full refund within 30 days, but the secondary window for store credit is shrinking dramatically. This comprehensive guide breaks down the current standard policy, highlights the critical upcoming change, and details the specific steps for mail-in returns, in-store exchanges, and special cases like the holiday season and third-party payment methods like Klarna and Afterpay.

The New Sephora Return Policy Timeline for 2025

Sephora’s return policy is generally straightforward, but the timeline is the most important factor, especially with the impending update. The policy distinguishes between two time frames based on the date of purchase.

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1. Standard Return Window (Current Policy Until April 2025)

Currently, the standard policy operates on a two-tiered system:

• 0–30 Days (Full Refund): You can return new or gently used merchandise for a full refund to your original method of payment. This requires proof of purchase (a receipt or your Beauty Insider account lookup).
• 31–60 Days (Store Credit/Exchange): If your return falls between 31 and 60 days from the purchase date, you are eligible for store credit, which is issued on a Merchandise Credit card, or an exchange. The product must still be new or gently used.

2. The Major Policy Change (Effective After April 2025)

A critical update is coming: After April 2025, the 31–60 day window for store credit or exchange will be eliminated. This means that any return made after the 30-day mark will no longer be accepted, making the policy a strict 30-day return period for all refunds or exchanges. This is a significant change that moves Sephora closer to other major retailers' stricter policies.

Returning Online and In-Store Purchases: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you made your purchase on Sephora.com or at a physical store, you have two primary options for processing a return.

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In-Store Returns (Easiest Option)

The quickest way to get your refund or exchange is to visit any stand-alone Sephora store. This method is often preferred because the refund process is initiated immediately.

1. Bring Proof of Purchase: Always have your receipt, packing slip, or the credit card/Beauty Insider account used for the purchase. The store can typically look up your transaction using your Beauty Insider details.
2. Product Condition: The item must be new or "gently used." Sephora accepts gently used products because they want customers to feel confident trying new makeup, skincare, or haircare. "Gently used" generally means a small amount has been used, not that the product is nearly empty.
3. Refund Processing: If returned within 30 days, the refund is processed back to the original payment method (e.g., credit card, PayPal). Note that it may take 3-10 business days for the funds to post to your account.

Mail-In Returns (For Online Orders)

If you purchased on Sephora.com, you can return the item by mail. This is especially useful if you do not live near a physical store.

1. Initiate the Return: Go to your order details on Sephora.com and select "Start A Return." This will direct you to Sephora's online return portal, often managed by Narvar.
2. Print the Label: You will be provided with a pre-paid return shipping label.
3. Ship the Item: Package the product securely and mail it back using the provided label.
4. Processing Time: Be patient. Mail-in returns can take up to 30 days to be fully processed once the package is received at the warehouse.

Special Cases: Kohl's, Holiday Purchases, and Proof of Purchase

Several scenarios fall outside the standard Sephora policy. Knowing these exceptions will save you time and frustration.

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Sephora at Kohl’s Returns

Purchases made at a Sephora at Kohl's location or on Kohls.com must be returned to Kohl's, not a stand-alone Sephora store.

• Timeline: The return window is a strict 30 days.
• Receipt Required: Unlike stand-alone Sephora stores, non-receipted returns are generally not allowed at Kohl's. You must have a valid receipt or the purchase must be found via your account lookup.
• Credit: Returns made with a Sephora Gift Card or PayPal at Kohl's will be issued a Kohl's merchandise credit.

The Holiday Return Policy (2025/2026)

For the 2025 holiday season, Sephora extends its return window to accommodate gifts. For merchandise purchased on or after Friday, October 31, 2025, the return or exchange deadline is extended to Saturday, January 31, 2026. This extension applies to both new and gently used items.

Returning Without a Receipt

If you do not have the physical receipt, a return is still possible, provided you have proof of purchase.

• Beauty Insider Account: If you used your Beauty Insider account during the transaction, the store associate can look up the purchase history. This acts as your proof of purchase.
• No Proof of Purchase: If the transaction cannot be found in the system (e.g., you paid cash and did not use your Beauty Insider account), the store may refuse the return.

Returns with Klarna, Afterpay, and PayPal

If you used a third-party payment service, the refund process is slightly different but still straightforward. If Sephora receives your return within the 30-day window, a full refund is processed to the original method.

• Klarna/Afterpay: Once Sephora processes the refund, Klarna or Afterpay will be notified and will automatically adjust your payment plan or refund any payments you have already made. They will send you an updated statement.
• PayPal: The refund is returned to your PayPal account.

Policy Abuse and Return Monitoring

It is important to note that Sephora monitors return activity. The company reserves the right to limit or refuse returns from customers who exhibit a pattern of abuse, such as returning products that are clearly not "gently used" or making excessive returns. This is to protect against fraudulent activity and ensures the policy remains fair for all customers.

In summary, while Sephora's policy remains customer-friendly by accepting gently used items, the move to a strict 30-day window after April 2025 means you must be more vigilant about returning items promptly. Always use your Beauty Insider account to ensure your purchases are tracked, making the return process as seamless as possible.