Rodan + Fields: Ringleaders of the Modern Day Skin Care Industry

The obsession for perfect skin has become an American value. In fact, according to a report from the Global Cosmetic Industry, the skincare market is expected to make $11 billion in 2018. Brands like Proactiv became a global sensation with the endorsements of such A-list celebrities like Lindsay Lohan, Alicia Keys, and Katy Perry. Yet, have we always been desperate to get rid of our wrinkles and pimples? It’s not exactly clear when the national desire for magazine model-esque skin began, but its roots can be traced back to Kathy Fields, MD, and Katie Rodan, MD, two San Francisco-based dermatologists with lines of anti-aging and pimple-prevention creams that have permanently changed the course of the skin care industry.

Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields rolled out with Proactive in 1990. Fast forward to 2002, and the pair unleashed Rodan + Fields, a high-end line of creams and tonics that allegedly cure acne, wrinkles, sun damage, and discoloration (think of it as Proactiv redux). Not only have they “medicalized” basic skin care products, but they’ve turned the traditional multi-level marketing scheme on its head.

Rodan + Fields has spun a web of salespeople across the country who engage in live Facebook events and Periscope parties to sell their products. Each line consists of a cleanser, toner, and skin cream that retails between $160 and $190 for a two-month supply. Today, Rodan + Fields counts 150,000 consultants touting their creams all the while recruiting others to join their club.

“This is an opportunity for women to have it all,” Dr. Fields told Forbes. But, is it really? According to the story, 42 percent of consultants didn’t make a single dime.

Read more about how Rodan + Field’s made their mark on the skin care industry:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/katevinton/2016/06/01/billion-dollar-brand-proactiv-rodan-fields/#5686f0583bfe

http://www.allure.com/story/rodan-fields-skin-care-consultants