Aiza Day
Arbonne International has made a name for itself in the beauty and wellness industry since 1975. Founded by Norwegian entrepreneur Petter Mørck, this California-based MLM company offers everything from skincare to nutrition products, marketing them as vegan and organic alternatives. Today, they operate across several countries including the UK, Poland, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Taiwan.
The company’s story began when Mørck, who had worked in Norwegian skincare since 1965, moved to Arbon, Switzerland. There, he partnered with Pierre Bottiglieri to create a line of cruelty-free products without harsh chemicals. Some say Mørck actually purchased the formulations from Bottiglieri’s former employer, Laboratoires Cosmetiques Arval.
Over the years, Arbonne has gone through several ownership changes. Rita Davenport led the company as president from 1999 to 2011. In 2004, Levland Inc. became their holding company and main manufacturer. Harvest Partners bought the business in 2005, rebranding it as Natural Products Group, LLC. After Mørck’s passing in 2008, his son Stian took on the role of VP Brand Ambassador. In 2018, Groupe Rocher acquired Arbonne, and by 2020, the company earned B Corporation certification for its social and environmental standards.
Arbonne’s product range covers five main categories:
- Skincare
- Nutrition and wellness
- Beauty and makeup
- Haircare
- Bath and body care
Like most MLM companies, Arbonne offers two main ways to earn money: selling products for commission and recruiting new consultants to build your team. New members pay a fee and get access to discounted product packages, but they need to maintain a monthly sales quota (150 PQV) to keep their “Qualified Status.” Besides commissions from personal sales, consultants can earn “overrides” – a percentage of their team members’ sales. Top performers can also win awards, monthly bonuses, and even vacation trips.
A common question people ask is whether Arbonne is a pyramid scheme. The short answer is no – consultants earn money by selling actual products, not just from recruitment. The company’s 45+ years in business and continued global expansion speak to its legitimacy. However, like any MLM, some red flags to watch for include unusually high product prices compared to similar items on the market, which could suggest a focus on recruitment over sales.
If you’re passionate about beauty and wellness and have solid marketing skills, Arbonne might be worth considering as a side hustle. While MLM businesses aren’t for everyone, Arbonne’s long-standing reputation and legitimate business model make it a more trustworthy option in the direct selling industry.
