Is Rodan and Fields a Pyramid Scheme? (R+F Exposed in my Review)

Welcome to my review. Is Rodan and Fields a pyramid scheme scam? Is it a legit multi-level marketing business? Should you join it? Can you make money with it? Keep on reading…

Rodan and Fields is a skincare company that promotes products for healthy and glowing skin.

But also, they offer everyday people like you and me to join their MLM program and earn an income by selling their products.

And since these schemes tend to look like a pyramid plan, most people get scared away, so they search for a review before they join Rodan and Fileds.

So should you be scared?

Before we get into this review, let me introduce myself…

Hi, I’m Ivan and I’m an online marketer who went from losing my time waiting tables to running a thriving online affiliate marketing business.

In the meantime, I have actually tried and reviewed 600+ courses, scams, MLMs, and even pyramid schemes to find the very best way to generate income online.

Keep reading my Rodan and Fields review where I’m going to show you what this company is about.

Also, I show you how it works, and I share my opinion about whether Rodan and Fields is a pyramid scheme or a legit MLM opportunity.

Is Rodan and Fields a Pyramid Scheme? - Contents show

Rodan and Fields Review

Type: MLM
Owners: Dr Katie Rodan, Dr Kathy Fields
Price:$75 + Extra Business Costs
Recommended?: Read my review…

Overview: Rodan and Fields is a company that you can join and become a part of their direct selling team. In other words, it is an MLM (multi-level marketing) business.

And because of this, many people call Rodan and Fields a pyramid scheme.

So is it? That question has been answered in detail in my review. But if you’re in a hurry, I can save you time and say that Rodan and Fields are legit.

But like every other company that uses this model, it has problems. Keep reading my review to learn more before you make your own decision.

Alternative: If you’re a newbie who is looking to earn passive income online, there are other, more beginner-friendly, and cost-effective alternatives. My top-rated affiliate marketing course has helped me to go from earning $0 to $100’s per day!

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What Is Rodan and Fields?

Rodan and Fileds is a personal treatment Multi-Level-Marketing business that offers skincare items to assist you to get rid of acne and other skin conditions.

It was founded by friends, Katie Rodan and also Kathy Fields in 2002.

They are qualified skin specialists so they have a great deal of experience working in the skincare market. The company provides you with the possibility to generate income with the “direct sales” service version.

For this Rodan and Fileds review, I will assess their MLM program and the profitability of their items so that you can know whether or not their program is viable.

Is Rodan and Fields a Pyramid Scheme?

Rodan and Fields is a multi-level marketing business. Like Amway, Tupperware and Primerica the real income originates from building a network of suppliers listed below you.

But since you also can earn income from selling just their products, it is safe to conclude that Rodan and Fields is not a pyramid scheme.

I should admit, with all the talk of this being a pyramid plan, I believed Rodan and Fields would be a pyramid scheme as well. However, my first impressions have actually ended up being good.

Rodan and Fields have an active community of consumers and a loyal following, a great indicator that it’s not a scam. Having said that, although not lawfully a pyramid scheme, as discussed a minute ago … whether you consider Rodan + Fields a pyramid depends upon your viewpoint of pyramid schemes.

They are certainly structured as a pyramid with uplines and teams … which’s where the huge cash is. So, you can be the judge.

What Is a Pyramid Scheme?

According to Wikipedia, “A pyramid scheme is a business model that recruits members by promising payments or services in exchange for enrolling new members into the scheme, rather than providing investments or product sales”.

You can check out a short video below to learn more…

So why do so many people think that Rodan and Fields is a pyramid scheme?

It’s because it’s possible for representatives to sell their products to make commissions. Truth be told, it’s because you can make cash by recruiting a lot of individuals right into the multi-level marketing scheme.

That’s why some people call it a pyramid scheme in disguise…

Is Rodan and Fields a Pyramid Scheme in Disguise?

No. They promise you settlements based on the sales made by others you register. However, there are no direct repayments just for getting them to join. That said, Rodan and Fields is not a pyramid scheme.

They are a credible business as well as they run within the standards set out by the Federal Trade Commission.

Having said that, although not legally a pyramid scheme, whether you consider Rodan and Fields a pyramid depends upon your viewpoint of these schemes.

Related Review: Arbonne Pyramid Scheme

Is Rodan and Fields a Scam or Legit MLM?

No Rodan and Fields is not a scam. They sell legit products and also they pay their consultants specifically as they claim they will.

Their website is good. There is nothing “scammy” taking place right here. Their contact page includes all from a physical address, to phone numbers and even the hrs they’re readily available, so all the call details you would want are there.

Rodan and Fileds have a fan base that’s both enormous and enthusiastic, with numerous hundreds of followers on different social sharing systems.

Like any other MLM, Rodan and Fields operate based upon members going into the business through invitations and recruitment received from other members who signed up with the company prior to them.

When a brand-new member signs up with the company, he/she is instructed to buy a specific line of skin care items and a kit. A member that invited them gets a little percentage of that sale.

Many people do not see the genuine issue behind MLM, and I am not stating that doing this of doing service is illegal (thus why Rodan and Fields is not a scam).

So it goes without saying that Rodan and Fields is a legit opportunity. Nonetheless, is this the best job possible for you? You can be the court et cetera of this Rodan and Fields review will certainly help you to decide.

Related Review: Tupperware Pyramid Scheme

What Products Does Rodan and Fields Sell?

There are dozens of different products at Rodan and Fields that fall under one of the following product lines:

Redefine – cleansing mask, toner, eye cream, etc.
Reverse – sunscreen, exfoliation, toner, etc.
Recharge- mask, cleanser, sunscreen, etc.
Unblemish- Acne treatment, toner, etc.
Spotless- acne wash, clearing treatment, etc.
Soothe- Replenishing cream, gentle cream wash
Enhancements- lash boost, serum, SPF makeup, etc.
Essentials- Vitamin D supplement, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc.

As you can see there is a lot on offer but most of it is based on skincare and, in particular, removing acne.

These products help your skin feel:

more hydrated
refreshed
smoother skin
plumper
healthier looking

Are Rodan and Fields Products Any Good?

For a product to be medical-grade, it needs to have been checked in a clinical trial and have cosmetic and medicinal qualities.

Rodan and Fields are “skin specialist influenced” and scientifically checked. So, while items have actually been through clinical trials to show their efficiency, there is no mention of them being medical-grade.

However, considering they are created by skin specialists, you might state they are dermatologist-approved.

Are Rodan and Fields Products FDA Approved?

Some R + F items include over-the-counter active ingredients that technically need FDA approval. While they don’t have that main stamp yet, they are certified with all of the policies set out by the FDA.

This Rodan and Fields review will look into the price of these products later on. But for now, let’s understand the unique selling points of how this MLM scheme works.

How Does Rodan and Fields MLM Work?

As a member or representative, you’ll have to purchase Rodan and Fields products first. After that, you can use them yourself or promote the company. Or do both, which is the most recommended route.

This means that your compensation doesn’t come from marketing Rodan and Fields products alone. You can get incentives from the sales of new members that you recruit and that your employees hire as well.

However, this is the main reason why some people get confused and say that Rodan and Fields is a pyramid scheme.

The problem is that you’ll need to market a lot of their products to make any sort of cash. And don’t neglect the fact that you need to purchase the products initially in order to sell them (more about this soon!).

And that is a problem, at least in my opinion…

Essentially, you’re restricted to how much you can make based on just how much you can buy.

That said, the fact that you have to “pay to play” is the main reason why Rodan and Fields tend to get labeled a pyramid scheme. But before we jump the gun, let’s see how much and whether or not they pay first…

Related Review: DoTerra MLM Exposed

How Much Does It Cost To Join Rodan and Fields MLM?

To become a Rodan and Fields consultant, you will have to pay $75 just to get access to their program. Once you have that you will be urged to acquire a few different business kits that range in price from $395, $695 or $995.

How To Make Money With Rodan and Fields MLM?

There are a few ways you can make money as Rodan And Fields consultant:

Retail Profit: It is the difference between the consultants’ price and the retail or PC price.
Consultant Commission: Consultants earn a 10% commission when their downline consultant and preferred customer make a product purchase. To get this income consultant needs to acquire a minimum of 100 SV.
Personal Team Commission: Consultants earn a 5% commission on product purchases made by the personal team. Consultant needs to achieve Executive Consultant rank by completing 600 PSQV.
Generation Commission: Different generations are created under EC (Executive Consultant) present in the downline. A 5% commission is rewarded from each generation and at least Level I Executive rank is required to get this income.
Performance Bonus: Performance Bonuses are provided for major achievements and consist of special rewards.

As I said in my Rodan and Fields review, the best way to make money here is to try these products yourself and recruit more people in your downline to earn a passive income.

You earn bonuses and commissions from any sales or purchases your “downline” makes. This is another way that Rodan and Fields avoid being called an outright pyramid scheme.

Related Review: Young Living Pyramid Scheme

How Much Can You Earn With Rodan and Fields MLM?

So far unlike other MLMs, Rodan and Fields Compensation Plan was easy to find. Here you’ll understand the membership-level perks that this company offers to its participants.

Independent Consultant (with discount and retail selling only)
Active Consultant (with 10% commission, discount, and retail profit)
Executive Consultant (Perks of Active Consultant + 5% Commission from Team)
Level 1 Executive (Perks of EC + 5% Commission from the first downline of EC)
Level 2 Executive (Perks of L1E + 5% Commission from the first downline of L1E)
Level 3 Executive (Perks of L2E + 5% Commission from the first downline of L2E)
Level 4 Executive (Perks of L3E + 5% Commission from the first downline of L3E)
Level 5 Executive (Perks of L4E + 5% Commission from the first downline of L4E)
Premier Executive (Perks of L5E + 5% Commission from the first downline of L5E)
Elite Executive (Perks of PE + 5% Commission from the first downline of PE)
R+F Executive (Perks of EE + 5% Commission from the first downline of EE)

Here’s an overview of the whole compensation plan file:

And here is a training video where you can learn more about how the compensation plan and making money with Rodan and Fields works in practice…

Can You Make Money Selling Rodan and Fields?

The reality is, that the vast majority of people never achieve anything close to the monetary independence programs like these promote. As a matter of fact, 99% who join online marketing will fail.

That does not mean R+F is no good, it just implies that it’s not the best way to make money.

Although Rodan and Fields is a legit MLM company, not a scam or pyramid scheme, as a result of the nature of businesses that use private representatives, some business methods are deceptive and not always completely controlled by the business itself.

In other words, lots of MLM representatives will make outrageous and overhyped claims just to make more money. And that’s another reason why some reviews say that Rodan and Fileds is a pyramid scheme.

The pyramid scheme may not be a fraud, but the sales pitch may be.

However, if you hire people according to the strategy (and your downline does the exact same), you can end up being a top earner. But that almost never happens.

Even the very best need to keep dealing with their downline, talking at events, and helping their suppliers construct their organizations …

They promote a lavish way of life and recurring earnings while minimizing the time, effort, and unique circumstances needed to achieve it.

The factor many people fail to make cash with Rodan and Fields (or any MLM) is easy. Selling and hiring need a particular skill set, character, and uncommon ability to deal with rejection. It’s a basic truth that many people do not fit this profile.

Think of it in this manner. Success is hard. If the important things you do are irregular with your passions and your strengths, it’s impossible to make money with Rodan And Fields or any other MLM.

Related Review: Mary Kay Pyramid Scheme

How Much Do Rodan And Fields Representatives Make?

During the recruitment procedure to become a Rodan and Fields representative, they flash you bios of their greatest superstars, complete with family pictures and motivating stories.

And there are others much like them included on the Rodan and Fields website. Once again, I think there is a lot you and I can gain from their success. I think they are sincere in their desire to help others.

Most have discovered success, according to their profiles, by working part-time hours for roughly 6 months to 3 years.

But how much they made with Rodan And Fields? How much can you earn if you decide to become a representative? To get answers, let’s check out the official income disclosure from 2015…

According to Rodan and Field’s 2015 Income Disclosure, the average earnings of a Level III Executive Consultant was a whopping $14,623/per year. On the higher end (which is probably a small minority), you can expect to make just over $90,000.

But only 6.3% of paid consultants reach Level III Executive Consultant status…

Another crucial takeaway from this disclosure statement is the typical earnings of a Level V EC is $64,394, and only 2.3% of paid specialists reach this level.

I’m not suggesting that $64K each year is insignificant. However, these numbers are before expenses and certainly will not manage you the way of life that’s so greatly promoted by MLMs.

And yet, that’s the dream you will need to offer so people keep registering, and the commissions keep flowing up. A 2016 Forbes article stated this about Rodan + Fields …

Related Review: Primerica Pyramid Scheme

Rodan and Fields Review – Pros

First, let’s speak about the positive points of this Rodan and Fields review.

Owners are Real Doctors

The owners of this company are real skin doctors. So, you can state that this multi-level marketing is made by professionals who understand their field very well.

A great number of various other online marketing owners make and release MLM and then leave it to physicians to do the heavy stuff.

However, in this case, these products are created by the owners themselves as well as they claim that they tested and tried these items themselves.

Proven Background

This firm was founded in 2002, and ever since, it is holding its credibility. A lot of the multi-level marketing that is out there, leaves the scene in 1 to 3 years. But this company was introduced twenty years back and is still getting people’s attention.

Low Start-Up Costs

Their start-up price is extremely low. I have reviewed hundreds of multi-level marketing businesses that charge people hundreds as well as thousands of bucks simply to get started.

Not with Rodan and Fields. They are charging $75 and are offering you some valuable stuff in return, not like various other network marketing where they bill you $100s just for enrollment.

Lots of Positive Reviews

There are substantial numbers of positive reviews regarding Rodan and Fileds on Google…

Despite the fact that there are a variety of good testimonials, I am not gonna give my verdict based on these evaluations. Why? Because these reviews can be by their representatives that are trying to sell Rodan and Fields to you.

Related Review: Forever Living Pyramid Scheme

Rodan and Fields Review – Cons

There are lots of points that I disliked concerning Rodan and Fields. There are as follows…

Failure Rate is Extremely High

If you sign up with Rodan and fields, most likely you are going to fail. Most of the participants in MLM waste huge amounts of time and money trying to become successful.

I’m not taking these claims out of the thin air…look at the stats below!

The reality is that 95% of people that join multi-level marketing like Rodan and Fields wind up losing their money.

As you see in the chart just 0.3% of their consultants are making more than $15k/year. This indicates simply $1200/month. And the chances of you making $1000/month is 1 out of 333 professionals.

You’re Trading Time for Money

Most of their consultants hustle 24/7. The reason behind it is that network marketing cash is not easily obtained. You need to keep your toes up all the time.

If you read this review and still want to sign up with Rodan and Fields, you will experience this in your own skin.

I am not stopping you to join this MLM! I am just speaking about bitter realities that I familiarized regarding multi-level marketing business after evaluating 600+ multi-level marketing companies like Rodan and Fields.

Negative Google Trend

Rodan and Filed’s popularity pattern is getting down day by day. This indicates that this MLM company is losing its popularity.

As you can see from the graph listed below, the company’s popularity is in a downtrend, which suggests that it will certainly drop even more.

However, there is a good thing about this loss of popularity. A low google pattern means fewer competitors to you.

You Have to Sell to Friends and Family

One of the worst things that happen to people who join MLM like Rodan and Fields is that they are “forced” to start selling their friends and family.

A lot of the time they say yes, to get you off their back.

Rodan And Fields Lawsuits

In 2011, FDA provided a caution letter to Rodan and Fields for making lash boost serum with unapproved and misbranded drugs (Isopropyl Coprostenate, a glaucoma medication) which trigger serious side impacts.

In 2022, Rodan + Fields consented to pay $38 million for a settlement of the lawsuits.

The customers who buy Lash Increase between Oct 1st, 2016, and March 11, 2022, can receive $250 in credit or $175 in a money based on the court settlement notice.

Related Review: Nu Skin Scam

Rodan and Fields Review – Conclusion

The fact that many people fail to generate income with Rodan and Fields (or any kind of multi-level marketing) is clear as a day. Selling and recruiting requires a specific skill set, character, and also unusual capacity to manage denial.

And that is the main reason why people fail. They get excited by the financial opportunity, but once the reality hits them, they quickly give up and call Rodan and Fields a scam pyramid scheme.

But as I concluded in my review, it’s not…

Even so, a word of caution. If you do not care about skin treatment products, and recruiting people seems like a nightmare, don’t even think about joining ANY MLM.

Obviously, you can develop these abilities, but if it’s something you despise doing, it’s not sustainable. To succeed in a marketing pyramid requires high-energy marketing, public speaking, and also the distinct ability to sell as well as hire.

But statistics show that almost 99% of participants never earn any life-changing income and waste their time and money.

That’s the main reason why I am not recommending MLMs at all and that includes R+F!

Thanks for reading my Rodan and Fields review. What is your opinion? Were you a part of or maybe still are a member of this business?

Feel free to leave your reviews at the end of this page!

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