Urban Retreat (formally Acti Labs) is a family-owned beauty and wellness brand that has steadily evolved from humble beginnings into a globally recognized entity. Originally known as Acti-Labs, the company launched in 2011 with just a handful of skincare products. Today, it offers a diverse range of high-end cosmetics, skincare, and wellness products, targeting both professionals (e.g., spas, dermatologists) and individual consumers through direct sales. With a commitment to cruelty-free, clinically-tested products, Urban Retreat emphasizes high-quality ingredients sourced ethically from nature.
Pros of Becoming an Urban Retreat Member
- High-Quality Products Backed by Science Urban Retreat prides itself on products that combine natural ingredients with clinical validation. The company’s ethos is “Powered by Nature, Proven by Clinical Trials.” Their formulations often feature plant-based extracts, marine-derived elements, and no GMOs, and all are dermatologically tested. This focus on quality and results has been praised by users who see noticeable improvements in their skin. One user stated, “I’ve used Urban Retreat products for years, and my skin has never felt better. My favorite is the Skin Tonic Collagen+; it’s transformed my complexion!”
- Opportunities for Earning Urban Retreat offers an ambassador program for those interested in selling products as part of a direct sales model. This system can be beneficial for people looking to make extra income while promoting products they believe in. Many consultants appreciate the flexibility and autonomy of this model. “Joining the ambassador program has been a game-changer. I set my own hours and genuinely love sharing these products with others,” shared one enthusiastic member.
- Ethical and Eco-Friendly Urban Retreat is noted for its strong stance on sustainability. Their products are cruelty-free, and the company is listed by PETA as an accredited cruelty-free brand. They also emphasize eco-friendly packaging and sustainable production practices, which is appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Direct Access to Products The company’s Lab Direct system allows customers to access professional-grade skincare and cosmetics directly from the laboratory, eliminating middlemen. This setup ensures better pricing and more transparency in the product journey.
Cons of Joining Urban Retreat
- Steep Learning Curve for Sales Like many direct sales opportunities, success with Urban Retreat's ambassador program requires a certain level of commitment, marketing skills, and customer acquisition strategies. Some new ambassadors have reported difficulties building a customer base and sustaining consistent income. “I struggled in the beginning, as I wasn’t prepared for how much personal effort it would take to make real sales,” one former ambassador reflected.
- Limited Global Presence While Urban Retreat has expanded significantly, its reach is still somewhat limited geographically. Customers and ambassadors in less-served regions might experience slower shipping times and fewer local support resources.
- Pricing As a premium brand, Urban Retreat’s products tend to be priced higher than many mass-market alternatives. While many customers find the quality worth the investment, others have noted that affordability could be an issue for those on a tighter budget.
What Are People Saying?
Overall, most users are satisfied with their experiences. Positive reviews frequently highlight the noticeable skin improvements after using the products. For example, a customer shared on Trustpilot, “Urban Retreat’s Ultra Fast Tan is incredible—it’s the only product that gives me an even tan without streaks, and the shimmer makes my skin glow!”
On the downside, there are occasional reports of slow customer service response times, which have frustrated some members. This is something to keep in mind if quick resolution of issues is important to you.
Conclusion: Is Urban Retreat Worth It?
If you are someone who values high-quality, natural, and cruelty-free skincare and wellness products and you enjoy promoting such products to others, joining Urban Retreat as a customer or ambassador could be rewarding. However, it’s essential to approach the ambassador program with realistic expectations about the time and effort needed to succeed.
For those looking for scientifically-backed beauty solutions and a community-oriented business model, Urban Retreat presents a compelling option. But potential ambassadors should be prepared to navigate the challenges of direct sales, especially if new to this kind of business.