Update: I no longer use Rodan and Fields products. You can read about my current skincare routine, here.
If you haven’t heard of Rodan + Fields, then you probably don’t have Facebook, where scrolling through your feed, it seems like a third of your friends are selling it. It’s a premium skin care line that promises to deliver amazing results, by Drs. Rodan and Fields, creators of the popular acne line we all used in high school/college, Proactiv. And before I go on – no, I don’t sell it, and don’t plan to, so this is a totally unbiased review and I am not being compensated for this post.
I’ll be totally honest — most of the time, I’m annoyed by MLM companies because of some of their member’s marketing tactics. I have several friends involved in various MLM companies, and I admire the work they put into it and the organic way they talk about the products. They’re not pushy and don’t guilt friends and family into making purchases — if you’re one of these people, I salute you!
But, on the other side, there’s nothing I can’t stand more than lengthy Facebook posts about someone “owning their own business” (you still work for a company, selling their products) and being able to be a “present mother” by working from home. I support all women in their choices to do what’s best for their families, but I think that kind of messaging is off-putting. And don’t even get me started on preying on other women’s insecurities to get them to buy a product. I have gotten DMs from multiple women, even at a couple of months postpartum, about all kinds of slimming wraps and pills and shakes. NO. No no no. This is NOT ok.
Okay, vent over. I just had to get that out there, because those kinds of posts were one of the reasons I never wanted to try R+F or many other MLM products. If you want me as a customer, find creative ways to educate me about your product and make me want to try it on my own. Create content that is original and compelling instead of sharing the same things everyone else does.
So…let’s get to the point of this post — do Rodan + Fields products really work?
In short- for me, yes, they did. I find my skin to be more even, with less discoloration, smoother and with smaller pores. I have been much more comfortable being makeup-free and my skin just feels different – the texture really has improved and it’s more glow-y. I have never gotten more compliments on my skin in my life. Obviously I’m wearing makeup when people comment on my skin— however, my skin shows through my makeup (you can still see freckles) and my makeup looks better on my skin (and I use less of it) because the texture is so much smoother and my pores are more diminished in appearance.
THESE PHOTOS WERE TAKEN ABOUT ONE WEEK AFTER BEGINNING MY RODAN + FIELDS REGIMEN:
Note the fine lines, age spots, discoloration and larger pore size. Also, #postpartumhairloss. That scar above my lip is one I’ve had since I was 7, but I usually cover it with concealer. I’m obviously not wearing any makeup in these photos.
THESE PHOTOS WERE TAKEN AFTER APPROOXIMATELY 5 MONTHS OF USING MY RODAN + FIELDS REGIMEN- READ MORE BELOW ABOUT EXACT PRODUCTS USED:
The long story: Lincoln’s physical therapist that he saw as a baby is a consultant and I had always complimented her skin. She offered to let me try a regimen and we decided on the Redefine 3-step regimen.
I used it religiously and after a few weeks, my skin looked better, but I was hoping to see a reduction in my sun spots, too. That’s when my consultant Angie recommend I add the Reverse step C3 into my existing regimen. I purchased it right away, and that product was truly the winner that made the largest difference in my skin. It’s a combination of retinol and vitamin C cream and you mix them together before applying it to your skin.
I used the 3-step Redefine regimen religiously for about 3 months and then I stopped using the cleanser and went back to my La Roche Posay Effaclar cleanser. The Redefine cleanser is a cleansing mask that you leave on your skin for a few minutes and I found that it never felt like it fully cleaned my makeup off and I felt like it almost left a residue. Simply put, I just prefer a gel cleanser.
So I ditched the cleanser and was using the Redefine toner, Redefine PM cream at night and the Reverse step C3 cream during the day and this combo is what made the largest difference in my skin. When I ran out of the night redefine PM cream, I started to use the Reverse step C3 both day and night – I saw great sun-spot fading results using it twice per day.
As I mentioned earlier in this post, I got so many compliments on my skin at the conference I attended recently and I was kind of blown away by that because I’m not someone who has ever considered my skin to be a great asset of mine. But truly, my skin has changed. Y’all know I used tanning beds back in the day and it helped reverse some of that damage. I also wear this sunscreen religiously now (as you should if you’re using retinol and just in general to protect your skin from signs of aging).
So, do I think Rodan + Fields products are “worth it?” Yes— I think they’re a good starting off point if you’re just getting into skin care. The regimens are simple, easy to follow and last a long time (2-4 months). Using a 3-step regimen will get you into a good habit caring for your skin, especially once you’re in your thirties and want to prevent signs of aging/be more proactive. The regimens aren’t inexpensive by any means, but if you calculated how much it broke down to per month, it’s actually quite reasonable.
As an update to this post: there are many other better skincare lines that I now use including Biologique Rescherche, Drunk Elephant and Sunday Riley. You can see my updated skincare routine post here.
Rodan + Fields was the first time I used retinol/vitamin C products on my skin with any consistency. My dermatologist told me that retinol was the gold standard to prevent fine lines and wrinkles and make skin look its best, and I believe it. I didn’t use any skin care for about four years (though both pregnancies and nursing), so prior to this, I never had a defined, regular skin care regimen. I can see now that if you truly commit to one, the difference can be remarkable.
In my next post, I’ll be sharing my skin care routine now that I’ve finished my R + F products (see it here). It involves retinol, vitamin C and my first-ever foray into injections (spoiler alert- it’s botox!) Stay tuned!
PS- you can also really see the progression of my lash growth and thickness in these photos. I use Rodan + Fields Lash Boost and swear by it! I had the same results with it as I did with Latisse!
BELOW ARE PROGRESSION PHOTOS FROM START TO FINISH OF MY RODAN + FIELDS REGIMEN, TAKEN OVER AN APPROXIMATELY 5-MONTH PERIOD.
*Please note that these are my personal copyrighted photos and I do not authorize them to be used by any consultant to promote their business. You may link to my blog post in its entirety if you would like to share my results.
Are these after picture with botox?
Hi Jen!
Botox doesn’t change the appearance/texture/pigmentation of your skin- it just temporarily induces paralysis in the muscles where it is injected (I only got a small amount in my forhead). I believe I took the after photos very shortly after getting my first injection (but botox/dysport can take a week to kick in) and I ended up going back a couple of weeks later to get a bit more added (the first time I wanted to be super conservative, so I didn’t have enough injected for my entire forhead). These were definitely taken before I had my second injection. I will write an entire post about it soon so I can share the new products I’m using, plus my experience getting botox for the first time.
I’m referring to the forehead wrinkles and not really the pigmentation. The wrinkles are clearly minimized but I’m confused if that was the botox or the R +F?
Thanks! ..Can’t wait for the botox post.
Honestly, my botox took a week to kick in and a few weeks to really show any kind of smoothing of fine lines. My forehead was kind of oily in this photo so maybe the light reflection is showing that effect? I will say that my dermatologist told me that creams cannot really help much with lines above the brows. She said botox and/or filler is the only way to truly diminish the appearance. I do think retinol makes a small difference in fine lines, but botox is really the only way to get a more dramatic effect.
I use Redefine at night and Reverse in the morning. I do like the Redefine mask/cleanser so I use it both am and pm, plus the Reverse toner in the am. Also, the Lash Boost is crazy….I totally didn’t expect anything at all and it’s made such a difference in my lashes, I had to change the mascara I’ve used for years as it now just didn’t work with my longer, thicker lashes. I don’t sell R&F but feel it’s a much better investment in my skin than fancy makeup to hide/mask my sun damage and wrinkles! Total convert!
Lash Boost is R+F’s winning product IMO. It really does give the same results as Latisse, which is amazing. Skincare is so important, I feel bad that I ignored it for so many years. Glad to have a solid routine now!
You said you use the 3C…I am on the website and it has a 3C and 3R which seems to describe what you explained in our post (mixing together)…do you use both the 3C and 3R?
Yes- you mix the retinol and the vitamin c cream together!
Hi Katy! If you still have questions about our reverse line please contact me via email at [email protected] and we can figure out what will work best for you together!
I am intrigued. I would love a video showing your products and steps in the morning and evening. It overwhelms me honestly.
Hey – that’s actually the beauty of R+F. They’re all numbered so you know exactly what product to you when! If you take the solution tool it’ll help figure out which regimen would be best to target your skin concerns
https://pippascheele.myrandf.com/Pages/OurProducts/GetAdvice/SolutionsTool
My next post will detail my skincare routine as it is now (I have updated it!)
I have been using retinol on/off for years, but it is so drying. Are you using a moisturizer after the retinol? Are you doing any waiting periods between face washing, putting on retinol, and putting on a moisturizer?
Sara- I am not waiting after I wash my fade- I mix my tretinoin with moisturizer before applying it. I’ll have to check at home what concentration I’m using. I’m also only using it about 3 days a week. Plus I used Rodan + Fields first, so maybe that got my skin “used to” retinol. I’ve never had issues with dryness which I know is a common problem with retinol. I do have combination skin so maybe my natural oils help some.
Have you ever tried BeautyCounter products? They have a similar sales techniques. I feel like I’m getting scammed when I buy, but then I do like the products…
Jessica— I have not, but have been contacted many times by many reps to try the products. I don’t like companies that use scare tactics so I have remained reluctant to try it. Don’t get me wrong, I sometimes check EWG for sunscreen recommendations, but at the end of the day, I’m already an anxious person and I don’t have the energy to worry about every single minute ingredient in every product I use.
Hi, I enjoyed your post about RF. I am a consultant and passionate about the products. This is a multimed therapy line and Drs. Rodan and Fields do believe in the philosophy that using the right ingredients with the right products in the right order produces optimum skin results. Finally, on my personal journey serking great skin care, I found that my skin does agree with that philosophy. I use Reverse in the AM and Redefine in the PM. My daughter-in-law wanted to start Botox injections and I offered Redefine Amp MD system to start, and that includes a Retinol night Serum and she is loving the results. I use the roller system myself and I have found that it does really smooth my skin texture. I just wanted to recommend to you that I use the eye cloths to wipe off my makeup and then I use the Redefine mask. After two minutes I use warm water to cream up the mask with my fingers and I find my skin felt so much more cleansed. When I first used the product , I was wiping it off after the mask was dry with a warm wash cloth and I felt my skin wasn’t quite clean enough. I very much agree with you that preying on other individuals’ insecurities to sell a product is wrong, wrong, wrong. I have enough wisdom in my life at my age now to know that we all have to make decisions about our marriage, motherhood, and careers that benefit the good of our OWN family and that is different for all of us. I am in what I consider semi-retirement and I am caring for my elderly mom who now resides with us. I joined as a consultant for R+F because I do believe in these products, and I passionately want to share the goods and what these products can offer to others. I love that I can be a part of helping someone find quality products that brings them to the sink Morning and Night, and especially with results that they can see and feel. Someone said to me that it is so vain to post all those media pictures of myself. I don’t agree. I post real, unfiltered results in the hope of not preying on but giving others who may be struggling with lack of confidence because of skin issues, or who are in the midst of a drastic life-style change and need that feel good about me boost, or run down mom’s who give so much of themselves and don’t believe they deserve to care for themselves or that they are worth the time or cost, or just encouraging others to treat and care for their skin and invest in it. I love your blog and your honesty. It is so refreshing. Also, as a consultant, I do hope you will continue with this No.1 skincare line. Your skin really does look beautiful!
My concern about R+F is their ingredients. If they amuse fragrance it’s an automatic no for me because that word screams synthetic and toxic.
Elaine- I am very sensitive to scents and didn’t find R+F to be heavily scented, but I understand many people are even more sensitive to scents. I am now using regular ol’ tretinoin and I do not believe it is scented, but it does require a prescription.
It’s not that I’m sensitive. It’s a lifestyle change and choosing not to use fragrance because of toxins.
Ahhh got it! Gald you found some products that work for you and are in line with your needs 🙂
I am sorry but I just don’t see a difference. Also, the lighting in one picture is different than the other. Why is that? In every picture I have seen on line the pictures are never even close as far as the lighting is concerned. I realize you cannot get exact but you certainly can do much better. When this is not done, it just makes it look like one more scam. I still have never seen any of my friends skin look any different since using these products. I believe if they actually worked the way they are portrayed to work it would not be sold by individuals but only in doctor’s offices or specific medical professionals. It would be a “miracle product”
Hi Debbie!
I did see a difference in my skin and I have no incentive to make false claims – I do not sell this product and do not profit from blogging about it. I just wanted to share my experience. If you read my follow-up post https://www.veronikasblushing.com/2017/06/got-botox-q.html I actually state that I think getting retinol from your dermatologist by prescription is the way to go. You get a product with less additives that is stronger.
Rodan and Fields does sell products, such as proactiv, on their website and on television. I think the brand itself is well recognized and not just sold via individuals. Having said that, are there better products on the market? Absolutely.
I couldn’t see a difference either. I think if you believe there is a difference you will see it.
I am about the try the skin care range but do not know which one to try. You started the REDFINE but also bought the REVERSE C3 cream as an addition is this correct?
If you’re going to spend the money, I would personally go to the dermatologist and ask for a prescription for tretinoin, which is like Retin-A. It is prescription strength retinol and you can buy a vitamin C serum also. See my updated posts linked below. Rodan and Fields is really pricey and though it did give me great results, you’ll get even better ones from prescription-strength retinol.
https://www.veronikasblushing.com/2017/06/got-botox-q.html
https://www.veronikasblushing.com/2017/05/beauty-favorites-12-lip-gloss-need-now.html
Why does it cost so much
Rodan and Fields is a multi level marketing company, so the upcharge is a lot so that everyone that sells it can profit. However, many higher end skincare lines that use quality ingredients are expensive.
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am trying to decide whether or not to try roden+fields and your post was very informative. Can I ask how you still feel about these products now that roughly 6 months have passed since you wrote this? Along it the face regimines, I am also interested in using the lash boost. However, I am concerned, because I have seen reviews that after 6 months of using the product, people are complaining that their eye lashes are falling out in clumps. Have you had any issues with this yourself?
Thanks!
Jess
My wife suggested I use RF to clear up my skin. I have really oily skin and I am prone to breakouts. I was so impressed with how it worked and changed the tone and cleared up my pores and face. It really made a dramatic difference but it is so expensive. So I looked at all the ingredients and went on Amazon and found similar products for just a few dollars. That had the same effect as RF. Now I just use one neutragena product that costs a few dollars and sunscreen and I don’t notice any difference than when I was using the RF products. I’m getting the same great results and for the first time in my life I can really control my oil skin and complexion. I do really like RF and would still use their products if they were much much cheaper.
Rodan and Fields products are indeed pricey. I believe in investing in good skincare, but when you buy from an MLM, you are paying more so that people who sell it and downlines can make more money also. I’m glad you are finding products that work for you!
I would LOVE to know what product(s) you found for your acne that worked!!! If you don’t mind sharing ……. TIA
Hi! I noticed in the comments you said you said you got botox…I’m just curious how old you are and at what age you decided to get botox? Your skin looks great – btw! I do noticed a significant difference in the fine lines on the forehead – do you feel that any of that was due to the Rodan and Fields? That’s the primary reason I would be purchasing…I don’t really have any other issues.
Thanks!!!
I am 34 years old and this is the first year I got Botox. Personally if you want to help with fine lines, I would see a dermatologist and get a prescription-grade retinol. R+F products are good, but there are better ones that are stronger and cheaper.
Your lashes look amazing!!
you took the photos but they aren’t comparing the same with the same. I’ m confused?
Thank you for sharing your honest views and results. I’m the same way in not wanting to be pressured but wanting to have better skin and be able to wear no makeup when I go out. Do you feel like you “need” to use R+F after using the products for a season. I don’t want my skin to feel addicted or need these products (if that makes sense).
Hi Jenny. I don’t sell R+F but started using it faithfully last November. I am actually blown away by how great my skin looks – I’m 52 and the texture is softer and smoother! I am using REDEFINE. I don’t use the cleanser every time I was. At night I tend to use micellar water to remove makeup and ‘lazy clean’ my face. But then i use the toner, moisturizer and eye cream. I did add in the micro capsules and roller a few months ago but only use 2-3/week max. Love it all. Also bought the serum and do not like at all. Too sticky. But it was suggested to use on my hands so going to try that. Also added the Bright eye cream for day and have noticed some improvement but not dramatic. Just won a RENEW set so will start trying in the next couple of days. Luckily I was blessed with good skin (thanks Mom!) so not much discoloration but it was free so will try. Again, R+F seems expensive but because I paid for it, I’m more committed to using it. It’s made me actually stop and go through the steps at night before bed!
RODAN & FIELD IS A SCAM WHY WOULD THEY CHARGE $300 TO EVERY CUSTOMER??
@judy – why do you think it is a scam?
RIP OFF!! RIP OFF! Just save your money for injectables or laser treatment.
Hey!
So question. I have $200 to spend toward new skin routine products and I see that these products are amazing and expensive so I’d probably only be able to afford two to three items max. My skin routine is currently basic. Morning is wash with play age defying regenerist cream cleanser, then neutrogena visibily even moisturizer with spf 30 then night routine is cerave face wash, toner, vitamin e oil and a light serum.
My question is seeing I haven’t began the true investment journey for skincare, where do you suggest I start for the most important two to three items to start with purchasing? I am starting to get some fine lines around my eyes and a little on my forehead and same skin type as yours.
Thanks!!
Hi Megan! An affordable option I love is Olay’s retinol24. I have been using it nightly for two months. I also like drunk elephant’s framboos for a AHA/BHA formula. A vitamin C serum is essential for daytime – I like Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, but a more affordable option is Drunk Elephant’s vitamin C serum.
Can you tell me if R & F Spotless 2 step system will work well for my 15 daughter.
I am not familiar with those products – sorry! I know dermalogica has an acne line.
I’m 58 and have been using R&F for about a year, But my consultant is recommending I switch to Glymed. Do you have any experience with Glymed? It looks confusing and with so many products it’s overwhelming to think of trying to determine which products I need. And how much I really need to spend.
I’m 58 and have been using R&F for about a year, But my consultant is recommending I switch to Glymed. Do you have any experience with Glymed? It looks confusing and with so many products it’s overwhelming to think of trying to determine which products I need. And how much I really need to spend.
I have not used this line, but I would urge you to look into this line: https://www.shoprescuespa.com/shop-by-brand/biologique-recherche.html
Hello Veronika, First off , thank you for the awesome unbiased review of R&F. And thank you for stating there are better options out there. Especially at a lower price point. Im an esthetician and have been working in high end skincare/cosmetics for 23 yrs. I know the marketing ploys and I know about mlms and other lines like the one I work for do prey on our insecurities. Although I am top seller at my counter it is not due to me prcticing shark type tactics. Im well educated in this field and I do not try to sell anyone products they dont need and nothing more so my customers have alot of trust in me. Im so relieved to hear you talk about tretinoin. If my insurance would pay for it Id be using it. Its the holy grail of all skincare. Do I think R&F is worth the price point? No..but then again I dont think most of the products and lines we sell in our high end dept stores are either. Im glad Im at the lowest price point counter there. My opinion..if its not medical grade then it is not worth it and whose to say what is and isnt medical grade? R&F claims it is but I question that. I agree with you..if youre going to spend that much money on skincare spend it on some tretinoin. I used a medical grade in beauty school and it is an amazing line. And much less expensive than R&F. Btw everyone, just because it says developed by dermatologists does not mean it is medical grade. There are many lines in the drug store that are developed by and/or with dermatologists and theyre much cheaper. For one CeraVe which is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare line on the market. Wanting to ask you what skincare are you currently using?
Hi Michelle! You can find my skincare routine here: https://www.veronikasblushing.com/2020/04/my-updated-skincare-routine-2.html
I”ve used R&F for over 2 years, and it helps but have stopped using and switching over to an easier more effective regime. I do Vitamin C serum in the am and Retinol in the pm, with exfoliating day and night. I’ve learned through my dermatologist that moisturizing is what weakens the dermis over time and makes the skin dependent on it, so I quit moisturizing minus spf. So that’s what I do, exfoliate, tone, vitamin c serum, spf in the am, and exfoliate, tone, retinol in the pm. Its much cheaper, move effective. I use the Skin Ceuticals line for my products.
Thank you for your very honest review of R&F. Their products can work for some people; however, there are much better options available at a more affordable price point, that use higher quality, safer ingredients. If R&F’s products were that amazing, they’d be championed by dermatologist and skin care experts and sold in high end retail stores. Furthermore, if the product line is “medical grade” as R&F claims, is relying on peer to peer marketing consultants, with no medical or pharmaceutical training to peddle their goods, responsible or ethical? You cannot even purchase products via a website. Their products cannot even be purchased via website. If people (potential customers and consultants) performed just a little due diligence they’d discover R&F is not such a great company. They currently have several pending lawsuits for negligence and false claims. I’ll cite just one of them, here. Their lash boost uses Isopropyl Cloprostenate treat glaucoma (which does not grow lashes) and comes with FDA warnings due the serious side effects. irritation, hyperemia, iris color change, macular edema and ocular inflammation. The FDA is not happy this ingredient has made its way into cosmetic products. A quick google of the company populates plenty of results if you’re interested in doing a deep dive. I won’t go as far to say R&F is a scam; however, their business model is very scam’ish.