Rodan and Fields Canada: Lawsuit, Scandal & Business Changes

If you’ve been paying attention to skincare news in Canada, you’ve probably caught wind of some serious turmoil surrounding Rodan + Fields, the dermatologist-created brand that once seemed unstoppable. Between a class action lawsuit, shifting business models, and lingering questions about product safety, it’s a lot to untangle — especially if you’re a Canadian wondering whether you can still buy the stuff, or whether you should — but this article walks through what’s actually happening with Rodan + Fields in Canada, from the legal drama to how you can purchase their products today.

Founders: Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields ·
Headquarters: San Francisco, California ·
Lawsuit status: Active class action lawsuit filed by Keller Rohrback

The table below summarizes essential details about Rodan + Fields Canada.

What is the Rodan and Fields scandal?

Timeline of events

The story of Rodan + Fields’ troubles starts years before the headlines hit Canada. The brand, co-founded by dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields in 2002, grew into a massive multi-level marketing operation with estimated U.S. revenue of $1.5 billion in 2017 (Scary Mommy (parenting and lifestyle publication)). By 2018, it was the top-selling skincare brand in the United States. But that same year, a federal class action lawsuit landed on April 13 in U.S. District Court in Oakland, California, filed by the law firm Keller Rohrback.

Allegations against Rodan + Fields

• Deceptive labelling and unlawful marketing of Lash Boost eye serum (Keller Rohrback LLP (plaintiff law firm))
• Lash Boost contains isopropyl cloprostenate, a prostaglandin analog medication used for glaucoma — not disclosed as a drug ingredient (Business For Home (MLM industry tracker))
• Failure to warn consumers about side effects including iris color changes, eyelid drooping, itchy eyes, and vision impairment (Top Class Actions (class action news and tracking))

The lawsuit alleges that Rodan + Fields marketed Lash Boost as a cosmetic when it technically contains a drug ingredient without FDA approval. Consumer advocates have flagged that this practice may violate federal law (Top Class Actions (class action news and tracking)).

Company response

Rodan + Fields has not publicly admitted wrongdoing. The company continues to operate its Canadian website and consultant network. In 2024, it announced changes toward a direct-to-consumer sales model, which some analysts interpret as a response to mounting legal and regulatory pressure.

The pattern is clear: legal and regulatory challenges are reshaping how this brand operates in Canada.

Why is there a lawsuit against Rodan and Fields?

Details of the lawsuit

The core of the class action, filed by Keller Rohrback, centres on Lash Boost — a lash-enhancing serum priced at $150 (Business For Home (MLM industry tracker)). The suit claims the product was deceptively marketed as a cosmetic while containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient. For comparison, Allergan’s Latisse, the only FDA-approved lash enhancement medication, also uses a prostaglandin analog but fully discloses side effects in its labelling (Business For Home (MLM industry tracker)).

Plaintiff allegations

Plaintiffs allege they experienced side effects including irreversible iris colour changes, eyelid skin darkening, and vision problems after using Lash Boost. They argue that Rodan + Fields knew or should have known about these risks because the ingredient is a well-studied prostaglandin analog used in prescription glaucoma medications.

Legal status

As of 2024, the case remains active in the U.S. legal system. Additionally, Rodan + Fields agreed in 2024 to pay $8 million to settle a separate class action over wage and hour violations by its California consultants, covering the period from March 1, 2020, to June 20, 2025 (Claim Depot (settlement administration)). No similar class action has yet been certified in Canada, but Canadian consultants are watching closely.

The implication: Canadian consumers should be aware that product labelling claims may not be fully regulated.

Has Rodan and Fields gone out of business?

Current business status

No, Rodan + Fields has not gone out of business. The company continues to operate its website, maintain its consultant network in Canada, and sell products through both channels. There has been no bankruptcy filing or announcement of ceasing Canadian operations.

Availability in Canada

Canadian consumers can buy Rodan + Fields products through two main channels: directly from the Rodan + Fields Canada website and through independent consultants. The brand is also available at select retailers like Walmart Canada, though inventory varies by location.

Changes to business model

The most significant shift: Rodan + Fields has moved toward a direct-to-consumer sales model, reducing reliance on the traditional multi-level marketing structure. This change, announced in 2024, makes it easier for Canadians to buy products without going through a consultant. The implication: the brand is adapting to a marketplace that increasingly prefers e-commerce over in-person sales parties.

What this means: the brand is pivoting but still faces unresolved product safety questions.

Can you buy Rodan and Fields without a consultant?

Purchasing options

Yes, you can buy Rodan + Fields products in Canada without involving a consultant. The company’s Canadian website allows direct purchases. No consultant code or referral is needed to complete an order.

Role of consultants

Independent consultants still exist and can provide product recommendations, samples, and personalized regimens. But they are no longer a mandatory gateway to purchase. This shift reflects the broader industry trend away from MLM exclusivity.

Direct online buying

To buy directly: visit the Rodan + Fields Canada website, select your products, and check out. The site accepts standard payment methods and ships across Canada. Shipping times and fees apply.

Canadian availability

Products are shipped to all Canadian provinces and territories. However, some products available in the U.S. may not be listed on the Canadian site due to regulatory differences. Canadians should check the Canadian site for region-specific formulations and pricing.

The catch: convenience comes at the cost of personalized advice from a consultant.

Do Rodan and Fields really work?

Clinical studies

Rodan + Fields products are created by dermatologists, which lends them a degree of clinical credibility. The company has published studies on some of its regimens, but independent peer-reviewed research on the specific formulations is limited. The REDEFINE line, for example, contains peptides and retinoids that are well-studied ingredients, but the exact blends are proprietary.

Customer testimonials

Customer reviews on platforms like Walmart Canada are mixed. Some users report visible improvements in skin texture, fine lines, and tone. Others cite high prices and lack of dramatic results. On Walmart Canada, the REVERSE regimen has a 4.2-star average from roughly 50 ratings — solid, but not universal.

Comparison with other brands

For Canadian consumers, the key comparison is with other dermatologist-developed brands like La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, or Canadian brands like Reversa or Marcelle. Rodan + Fields products cost significantly more — a full regimen can run over $200 — while drugstore alternatives with similar active ingredients cost a fraction of that. The question is whether the proprietary delivery systems and regimen structure justify the premium.

Pros and Cons

The implication: value for money depends on individual results and tolerance for risk.

Timeline

• 2002 — Company founded by Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields (Rodan + Fields about page)
• 2017 — Rodan + Fields becomes top-selling U.S. skincare brand with $1.5 billion revenue (Scary Mommy (parenting and lifestyle publication))
• April 13, 2018 — Class action lawsuit filed over Lash Boost labelling (Keller Rohrback LLP (plaintiff law firm))

The pattern: key events show a progression from success to legal scrutiny.

Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear

What we know

• Rodan + Fields is an active company operating in Canada
• A class action lawsuit has been filed over Lash Boost labelling
• Products are available in Canada online and through consultants
• The company announced a direct-to-consumer business shift

What remains unclear

• Final outcome of the lawsuit — no settlement or trial date set
• Exact effectiveness of products for all users — reviews are mixed
• Long-term impact of business model changes on Canadian consultants
• Whether Canadian regulators will investigate Lash Boost or similar products

What this means: much remains uncertain about the brand’s future in Canada.

Expert perspectives

“The lawsuit alleges that Rodan + Fields deceptively marketed Lash Boost as a cosmetic while it contained a known drug ingredient without proper FDA approval.”

— Keller Rohrback LLP, law firm representing plaintiffs in the class action (Keller Rohrback LLP (plaintiff law firm))

“Lash Boost contains isopropyl cloprostenate, a prostaglandin analog medication used to treat glaucoma and other eye conditions. The reported side effects are consistent with known prostaglandin analog effects.”

— Business For Home, MLM industry tracker (Business For Home (MLM industry tracker))

“This product works great! My skin looks years younger. Highly recommend for anyone with fine lines.”

— Verified customer review, Walmart Canada (REVERSE regimen, 5-star)

“Very expensive for what you get. I didn’t see much difference after three months. Went back to my drugstore routine.”

— Verified customer review, Walmart Canada (REDEFINE regimen, 2-star)

Summary

Rodan + Fields Canada sits at a crossroads. The brand retains its dermatologist-created credibility and a loyal customer base, but the class action lawsuit, wage and hour settlement, and shift away from MLM exclusivity signal real turbulence. For Canadian consumers, the brand remains available and some users report satisfaction — but the price premium and unresolved legal questions mean caution is warranted. For Canadian shoppers considering a regimen, the implication is clear: research ingredients, read reviews from multiple sources, and weigh the cost against proven alternatives available at any pharmacy, or accept the premium for the brand’s structured regimen approach.

Frequently asked questions

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