Arbonne proudly positions itself as a premier source of vegan, botanical-based wellness and beauty products. Founded way back in 1975, this veteran company leans on its Swiss heritage and sustainability credentials to justify its lofty prices.
With nearly 400k Instagram followers, Arbonne has clearly won over a passionate fanbase with its smells-like-a-luxury-spa image and uber clean ingredient lists.
The packaging drips with leaves, flowers and promises of uncompromising purity. And who wouldn‘t want skincare free from parabens, phthalates and 2000 other "no-no" additives? Not to mention cruelty and gluten free. Tick, tick, tick!
But as someone who‘s personally sampled my share of vendors with impressive manifestos – how much of Arbonne‘s hype holds up? Can their collection of teas, shakes and serums compete with more affordable drugstore options?
After testing several Arbonne bestsellers for 6 months as part of my health kick, I‘ll cut through the botanical beauty language to share an inside look warts and all!
Getting to Know Arbonne‘s Origins and Product Philosophy
Founded in Switzerland by a certified botanist named Peter Mørck, Arbonne‘s natural focus spawned from Europe‘s stringent beauty regulations. Mørck realized mainstream skincare and makeup relied on questionable chemical fillers unlikely to meet new EU standards.
Partnering with a renowned Polish chemist, he launched Arbonne in 1975 with a strict mandate – only premium botanical ingredients proven beneficial for skin and body.
No petroleum, mineral oils, artificial colors, synthetic preservatives or potential irritants. And absolutely no animal testing with sustainability top priority.
Fast forward 45 years and Arbonne‘s product filosophy has stayed remarkably consistent as its popularity exploded through viral marketing. Some highlights:
Sourced from biodynamic botanical gardens – not just farms growing ingredients. All products begin formulation from seed and soil.
Certified cruelty free and vegan – no ingredients or finished products tested on animals at any point.
No GMO ingredients – non-GMO verified status for all nutritional products. Some skincare items still undergoing conversion.
Carbon neutral facilities – net zero carbon and 100% renewable energy since 2017.
B-Corp certified – external validation meeting high standards of environmental/social responsibility. Required to make sustainability improvements.
Proprietary "Never List" – 2000+ ingredients banned from all formulations like phthalates due to toxicity concerns.
Sounds pretty awesome, right? But let‘s go beyond the seemingly bulletproof surface to see what lurks deeper in this company aiming for your wallet.
Understanding Arbonne‘s Network Marketing Hook
If you‘ve ever been pitched Arbonne at someone‘s home or added to a Facebook party – you‘re already familiar with their love of network marketing.
Known less affectionately as multi-level marketing (or MLM), this controversial sales tactic relies on existing customers to actively recruit new buyers. Pulling in friends/family by hosting events or spamming social media feeds.
As the one who signed you up, they also take an override commission from every dollar you spend. The more people underneath someone in their "downline", the higher their bonuses climb whether they made the sales or not.
This is how selling Arbonne differs wildly from typical retail work. No need to invest in products, maintain inventory or directly fulfill orders. Everything gets dropshipped while money trickles back up the pyramid to the top.
Sounds like a pretty sweet gig until you realize that according to Arbonne‘s own 2019 Income Disclosure Statement…
- Top 1% of sellers each earned an average $513K
- Top 10% of sellers each earned $13K
- Bottom 51% of sellers each LOST $217…yes lost money!
With the average order around $85 and requirement to stay "active" by placing monthly personal orders – many consultants spend far more than they‘ll ever profit. Let‘s discuss further…
The Ugly Reality Behind Arbonne MLMs
Despite what you‘ll see on Instagram, the vast majority attempting to hawk Arbonne struggle badly. Some figures that should give pause:
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As noted above, more than half lose money on this "opportunity" after personal purchase requirements to qualify for commissions and rewards.
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The median annual income is $502 for Arbonne consultants. 85% earn less than minimum wage for their efforts.
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To qualify for higher rewards like the famous Mercedes Benz, you need to continuously grow large downline teams purchasing monthly. Not easy retaining hundreds of people under you in a saturated market.
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Constant social media posts and parties necessary for sales burns time and goodwill from friends asked repeatedly to "support your small business". Rejection hurts.
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Quitting means no residual commissions and backlash from your upline counting on you for their rank advancement.
While Arbonne‘s not technically apyramid scheme since products do ship, the business structure heavily incentivizes recruiting over retail sales. Bringing in wide-eyed friends as consultants keeps the paychecks flowing upwards.
This reality behind the six-figure potential is why MLMs like Arbonne face no shortage of critics and ex-members warning to stay far away.
Analyzing Arbonne‘s Top Wellness Products
But what about the actual teas, shakes, supplements and creams themselves?
Does Arbonne walk the walk blending top notch vegan ingredients or is it all smoke and mirrors?
To find out, I committed to testing Arbonne‘s best selling products for 6 months as part of my recent health kick. Documenting the ingredient quality, effects, taste and overall value.
Here‘s my detailed take…
The Infamous Arbonne 30 Day Detox Tea
No wellness line would be complete without a cutesy teatox promising to erase bloat, blast fat and reset your body. Arbonne‘s rendition contains the usual suspects like peppermint, licorice, dandelion and fenugreek fiber to "gently cleanse" your system.
The Ingredient Pros:
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Milk thistle and dandelion for plant compound antioxidant and bitters support
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Ginger and peppermint to ease digestion
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Licorice root to alleviate heartburn
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Marshmallow root to soothe mouth and throat irritation
On paper, the formula seems thoughtfully crafted to aid digestion versus aggressively purging your system. Our digestive systems constantly filter toxins without fancy teas, but the extra bitters and botanicals supply proven assistance.
I found the ingredient list impressively transparent down to the exact mg per nutrient. Zero sneaky "proprietary blends" here.
The Ingredient Cons:
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Fenugreek poses a risk of intestinal distress, diarrhea or spice allergy
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Cassia cinnamon contains high coumarin levels toxic in excess unlike safer Ceylon cinnamon
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Licorice can trigger headaches or fluid retention if over-consumed
While likely safe short term, I‘d personally avoid fenugreek and cassia cinnamon as daily ingredients. Those with diabetes or digestive issues proceed carefully.
The Steeped Reality:
Sipped intermittently, Arbonne‘s blend makes a pleasant evening ritual. The subtle peppermint and ginger offer therapeutic aromatherapy perfect before bed. Think less "detox", more moment of mindfulness.
It won‘t incinerate fat or unleash digestive demons…just don‘t expect magic beyond the aroma.
Arbonne Vegan Protein Shakes – Any Good?
Seeking a dairy and gluten free protein source packed with amino acids, I opted to try Arbonne‘s Vanilla Pea-Rice Protein Shake. Sweetened with cane sugar, it contains a hefty 20g of protein per scoop from pea, rice and cranberry extracts.
But how did it stack up mixing muscle recovery, taste and nutrition?
The Protein Pros:
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Vegan protein blend from pea, rice and cranberry instead of just pea
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Probiotics and enzymes may ease digestion
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Only 160 calories and 7g sugar make a lighter option
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Contains coconut oil MCTs for fatty acid energy
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Sweetened with stevia and cane sugar, not artificial junk
I appreciate the multi source amino approach to fill more nutritional gaps than pea only. Enzymes and MCTs make for smoother nutrient absorption as well.
The Protein Cons:
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$89 per bag only lasts a month if consuming daily
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Contains "natural flavors" without detailing sourcing or safety testing
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35mg added caffeine seems unnecessary
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7g sugar not ideal for diabetics monitoring carbs closely
I‘d rank the amino profile a win overall but the natural flavors and price hurt its value. Plenty of cheaper grass fed whey/plant proteins exist if you don‘t require vegan.
The Shaken Truth:
Blended with almond milk and frozen berries, Arbonne‘s shake makes a delicious breakfast or afternoon treat. The amino combo leaves me feeling full and fueled sans dairy discomfort.
Is it the holy grail protein worth almost $100 a month? Probably not unless you need vegan + low sugar. Taste and texture earn high marks but the premium pricing falls short.
Arbonne Energy Fizz Sticks
When mid-day fatigue strikes, Arbonne‘s Energy Fizz Sticks provide a convenient alternative to that second coffee. Or third. Who‘s counting!
These portable powder packs promise "sustained energy and focus" thanks to green tea, CoQ10, B vitamins, ginseng and other stimulatory stars. Just add water, give a quick stir andBottoms up!
But do they really deliver?
The Energy Pros:
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45mg natural caffeine plus ginseng adaptogen jolt
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B12, B6, CoQ10 support energy metabolism
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Tasty citrus flavor in convenient stick packs
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100mg panax ginseng may benefit cognition
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Only 15 calories, no artificial sweeteners
For an quick pick me up, this combo of amino acids, vitamins and gentle stimulants ticks all the right boxes. The B boost further aids cellular energy production.
The Energy Cons:
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$65 for 30 tiny packs = $2+ per drink
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Added sugar from cane syrup, stevia and dextrose spike blood sugar
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"Natural flavors" sources are completely hidden
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54.5mg cautions not exceed 200mg ginseng daily
I‘m not thrilled by the strong proprietary mystery element despite clean labeling elsewhere. The addition of 3 sugar sources also contradicts their health halo.
But how‘s the taste and energizing effect?
The Fizzing Truth:
The effervescent citrus Tang-like flavor proves dangerously addictive, fading quickly to avoid teeth staining or acidic aftertaste. Those flavored powdered drinks from childhood, reinvented.
Energy kicks in within 30 minutes, peaking around the 45 minute mark before slowly fading over 2 hours. Focus and alertness feel enhanced minus the caffeine spikes.
For an occasional mental rev up, they deliver as promised. But the hidden natural flavors and expensive caffeine tabs concern me long term.
Further Arbonne Product Reviews
In the name of due diligence, I further playtested…
Gut Health Digestion Plus Supplement – Gentle herbal formula did seem to ease occasional GI upset. But for $50 a month, seeking root cause or OTC remedy may serve you better.
PhytoSport Pre/Post Workout Fizz Sticks – Containing BCAAs and electrolyte minerals, tasted extremely artificial. May aid recovery but check amino profile first. At $90 for 30, pass.
RE9 Advanced Prepwork Gel Cleanser – Enjoyed the botanical orange scent and creamy lather of this non-foaming face wash. Hydrated without over drying but $40 feels steep when Cerave compares favorably at 1/4th the price.
Detox Body Cream – My partner loved the ginger orange whipped texture but found no reduction in cellulite or fat. Felt pampered from the experience for $60 but no miracles.
Makeup Primer, Foundation and Lip Gloss – Impressed by the silky texture, blendability and lasting wear time on my skin. Cruelty-free makeup done beautifully but why does it have to cost 2-4X normal prices?
Weighing Up the Pros and Cons of Buying Arbonne
If you‘ve made it this far, hopefully I‘ve empowered you to make an informed choice around ingesting, spraying or slathering this MLM darling.
Arbonne Pros:
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Strict safety testing and quality control
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Broad product range meeting many needs
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Vegan, cruelty free, gluten free options
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Some clinical proof supporting certain ingredients
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Sustainability initiatives and packaging
Arbonne Cons:
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Exorbitant pricing across the board
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Proprietary blends and ambiguous sourcing
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Multi level marketing model concerns
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Limited income potential for most consultants
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Failure to complete 3rd party purity verification
So in summary, are Arbonne‘s products complete garbage?
No, often they follow sensible clean formulas avoiding the worst chemical offenders without supporting clinical data. And for conditions like IBS or food sensitivities, the vegan angle fills an important gap.
But does that make them twice as beneficial than comparable vitamin brands or clean beauty offerings from Target?
I argue no as the premium pricing relates more to hype and very thinly distributed income qualifying perks. For the everyday retail customer not building teams under them, you ultimately pay huge markups that supplement facts seldom justify.
