Rodan and Fields Review and Profile

Rodan + Fields was founded by Stanford University-trained dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, who are also known for creating Proactiv. The doctors recognized that dermatologist-based treatment for many common skin concerns was not available to most people, and created Rodan + Fields as a way to bring dermatology-inspired skincare to a broader consumer market. Their products quickly became a leading prestige skincare brand in top-tier department stores.

The company's founders later concluded that their vision could not be fully realized with the products kept behind department-store counters. In a major shift for the prestige skincare category, Rodan + Fields moved from traditional retail into direct selling, giving independent consultants the ability to introduce customers to the products, product-support programs, and the lifestyle potential of the business opportunity. The brand was supported by the reputation of Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields as skincare product developers and recognized voices in the beauty and dermatology industries.

Rodan + Fields operated for many years through a social-selling and multilevel direct-selling model using Independent Consultants who sold products, developed customer relationships, and built sales teams. The company's product line includes skincare regimens, serums and treatments, moisturizers, cleansers, sun protection, lash and brow products, masks, hand and body products, scalp-focused haircare, shampoos, conditioners, styling treatments, and regimen sets.

In July 2024, Rodan + Fields announced that it would move away from its multilevel direct-selling model, with the transition taking effect on September 1, 2024. Under the new affiliate-powered direct-to-consumer model, existing Brand Consultants earn a 30% affiliate commission on sales, receive a 30% product discount, and pay a $9.99 annual renewal fee in the United States. The company has stated that it is not currently accepting new Brand Consultants.

The 2024 restructuring removed recruitment-based commissions from the Rodan + Fields compensation structure. Commissions that consultants previously received from product sales by recruited consultants were eliminated, and the company said the restructuring would result in the elimination of approximately 100 corporate roles. Rodan + Fields now sells directly through RodanAndFields.com while continuing to use existing Brand Consultants as affiliate-style product advocates.

Rodan + Fields has also faced legal and regulatory attention. In April 2020, the FTC sent the company a warning letter as part of a broader action involving MLM companies and COVID-era health or earnings claims. The company was also involved in Lash Boost class-action litigation, with a $38 million settlement receiving final approval in 2022 for consumers who purchased Lash Boost between October 1, 2016, and March 11, 2022. Rodan + Fields denied wrongdoing in the Lash Boost matter, and the settlement resolved the claims without a court finding against the company.