Rodan + Fields

Fields and Rodan met in 1984 during their dermatology residency at Stanford University School of Medicine. In 1995, they developed Proactiv Solution as a preventative skincare for acne.[2][3] Proactiv is now a registered trademark of Guthy-Renker and Nestlé.[4]

In 2002, Fields and Rodan launched Rodan + Fields. Products were sold in department stores. The following year, the company was purchased by Estée Lauder.[1] In 2007, Fields and Rodan reacquired the brand[5] and transitioned the company from department stores to multi-level marketing, where consultants can earn a commission for their own sales and for the sales of people they recruit.[1] Rodan + Fields launched in Canada in February 2015 and in Australia in September 2017.[1][6]

In 2018, private equity firm TPG bought a minority stake in the company. At the time, Rodan + Fields was valued at $4 billion.[7]

In April 2020, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning letter to Rodan + Fields for making unlawful and misleading earnings claims related to COVID-19.[8]

In 2021, Rodan and Fields is named the number one skincare regimen brand in the United States for the fourth year in a row (2018-2021).[3]

In October of 2022, the founders launched a whole line of shampoos, conditioners and stylers, on top of their skincare.[9][10] In November of 2022, Rodan and Fields were a part of a class action lawsuit in regards to their Lash Boost serum. The company offered $38 million to resolve the issue as well as change their verbiage on the product usage, instructions, and warnings.[11][12]

In 2002, Fields and Rodan launched their skincare line. Those products ranged from cleansers, to acne treatments.[5] Their Redefine skincare line is a three step regimen. Starting from either a Clay or Foaming Cleanser (Step 1), a Pore Refining Toner (Step 2), A Defense Lotion or Cream (Step 3), and lastly a Restorative Cream or Lotion (Step 4).[13]

In 2020, the company launched their Anti-Aging Regimen.[14]

Rodan + Fields has its headquarters in San Francisco, California.[15] Its products include cleansers, toners, moisturizers, creams, exfoliators and sunscreens.[5]

Rodan + Fields distributes via multi-level marketing,[16] which has been criticized by consumer advocates as akin to a pyramid scheme.[1][17] Consultants focus on social media, phone and in-person presentations to sell products and invite others to join their team.[18] The average 2015 annual income for a consultant was $3,182.[19]

Per the 2016 Income-Disclosure agreement, 90% of Rodan + Fields members earned less than $200 per month and 96% earned less than $500 per month.[20] In 2016, 125,348 (representing 44% of all recruits) recorded zero earnings and are thus no longer considered active.[20] 2% of active sellers make the annual minimum wage or higher.[1] Most use Rodan + Fields to supplement, not replace, other work.[21]

• "Skin Care Company Rodan & Fields Pursuing a Sale". The Wall Street Journal. February 18, 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2016.