Beautycounter is a beauty and skincare company founded in 2013 with the mission to deliver clean, safe products that prioritize health and the environment. With a focus on sustainability, the brand excludes over 1,800 harmful ingredients from its formulations, aiming to make the beauty industry more transparent and ethical. They offer a wide range of products, from skincare to cosmetics and beauty tools, and operate via a multilevel marketing (MLM) model, which means their products are sold by independent consultants.
Pros of Beautycounter
- Clean and Safe Ingredients
Beautycounter is known for its commitment to safety and clean ingredients. They have banned more than 1,800 ingredients that are deemed harmful, and many of their products are EWG-verified, meaning they meet strict safety standards. One reviewer mentioned, "They actually care about cleaner products," highlighting Beautycounter's advocacy for legislation to regulate harmful ingredients in the beauty industry. - Diverse Product Range
From skincare to makeup, Beautycounter offers a vast selection of products, making it easy to find everything in one place. Many customers appreciate the convenience of having a "one-stop-shop" for their beauty needs. This diversity is appealing to those who prefer to buy all their personal care products from one trusted brand. - Sustainability Efforts
Beautycounter is transparent about its environmental impact and is working toward being carbon neutral by 2030 and using 100% sustainable packaging by 2025. This appeals to eco-conscious consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint while shopping for beauty products. - Support for Newcomers to Clean Beauty
The brand is particularly good for those new to clean beauty. With easy-to-use products and a focus on simplifying the buying process, Beautycounter provides a helpful entry point into safer skincare and makeup. - Consultant Perks
For those interested in joining as consultants, Beautycounter provides training, mentorship, and a potential revenue stream. Many consultants appreciate the flexible working conditions and being part of a company with a mission they believe in.
Cons of Beautycounter
- Price Point
Beautycounter’s products are on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, and several customers have mentioned that some items feel overpriced compared to alternatives on the market. One consultant noted, "I wasn’t overwhelmed by how amazing everything was," and expressed disappointment that only a small portion of products met her expectations for both price and quality. - Multilevel Marketing Model (MLM)
The MLM structure is a significant drawback for some. While the model offers flexibility, it is also viewed skeptically due to the difficulty of achieving significant financial success. Some consultants express concern that the majority of profits go to the company rather than the individual consultants. As one former consultant shared, "Multilevel marketing scares me," pointing out the difficulty of maintaining consistent sales to meet quotas. - Hidden Expenses
Becoming and staying a consultant requires upfront and ongoing costs, such as the initial sign-up fee and a minimum sales quota to remain active. One consultant noted how overwhelming it felt to keep up with these requirements. - Use of Synthetic Ingredients
Despite their "clean beauty" image, some of Beautycounter’s products do contain synthetic ingredients, which has disappointed customers who expected fully natural formulations. The company includes some synthetic preservatives to extend product shelf life, which is a tradeoff for some consumers.
Feedback from Real Users
- "Their product selection is vast, which is awesome, but they are definitely not the purest brand out there."
- "I decided to stop being a consultant because the quotas and expenses didn’t align with my goals."
- "While I support their mission, I found only a few products worth buying again."
Should You Become a Beautycounter Consultant?
Becoming a Beautycounter consultant offers flexibility, a supportive community, and the opportunity to align with a mission-driven brand. However, it’s important to be aware of the MLM structure and its challenges, particularly the sales quotas and potential hidden costs. If you're passionate about clean beauty and enjoy direct sales, Beautycounter could be a good fit—but success may not come easily or quickly.
In conclusion, Beautycounter is a solid brand for those seeking cleaner beauty products with a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility. However, the pricing, MLM model, and synthetic ingredients may be downsides for some potential users and consultants. For those interested in becoming a member, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before committing.