With decades of history and a reputation for promoting natural health, Nature’s Sunshine has become a well-known name in the health and wellness industry. But as an MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) company, it’s often surrounded by questions and skepticism.
Is it a legitimate business opportunity or just another MLM with promises that are too good to be true? Are its products genuinely effective, or are they overpriced supplements lost in a saturated market? And perhaps the biggest question—can you really make money with Nature’s Sunshine?
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Nature’s Sunshine to uncover the truth behind its products, compensation plan, and business model. Whether you’re considering joining as a distributor or simply curious about their offerings, this guide will give you all the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Disclaimer: This Nature’s Sunshine review has been thoroughly researched with information and testimonials that are available online to anyone in the public. Any conclusions drawn from that information are my own opinions.
Nature's Sunshine Review Overview
Product Name: Nature’s Sunshine
Owner: Gene Hughes, Kristine Hughes
Product Type: Health and Wellness MLM company
Price: $40 subscription + $400 to $550 seminar
Best For: Established Network Marketer
Pros
- No Sales Quota
- Positive Product Reviews
- Established Reputation
Cons
- Expensive Products
- Low Earnings Revealed in Income Disclosure
- Saturated Market
- Pyramid Scheme in Disguise?
- Downward Trend in Interest
Quick Summary
Nature’s Sunshine is a long-established health and wellness company with a strong reputation for selling natural and herbal supplements. Its products have received positive reviews for quality and effectiveness, which makes them appealing to health-conscious consumers. However, the high cost of these products, combined with a competitive and saturated market, poses challenges for distributors trying to achieve meaningful sales.
The company’s income disclosure reveals that 37% of distributors earned no income and over 80% made less than $500 annually, despite the time and effort required. While recruitment and downline commissions provide an opportunity to increase earnings, this dependency on recruitment raises ethical concerns. Additionally, the slim chances of achieving financial success make the business model less appealing for those seeking sustainable income.
Nature’s Sunshine may work for individuals who are passionate about its products and have a strong sales or recruitment network. However, for most people, the combination of high costs, low earnings potential, and reliance on recruitment makes it an impractical option compared to other, more reliable business opportunities.
Recommended? Not Really, Competitive Market and Really Low Success Rate
Table of Contents
Is Nature’s Sunshine a Scam?
Nature’s Sunshine is not a scam. The company operates legally, sells a range of health-focused products, and has maintained a strong reputation since its founding in 1972. Members are compensated for product sales rather than relying solely on recruitment, which is a key indicator that it’s not a pyramid scheme.
However, while the company’s structure is legitimate, many members find it challenging to succeed financially. Like other MLMs, Nature’s Sunshine faces criticism from those who struggle to make a sustainable income, often leading to allegations that it’s a “scam.”
So, is Nature’s Sunshine truly a scam? No. But the difficulties in achieving profitability within the MLM model may leave members frustrated, especially if they’re unaware of the potential costs and challenges.
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What is Nature’s Sunshine?
Nature’s Sunshine is a health and wellness company that operates through a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) structure. Founded by Gene and Kristine Hughes in 1972, the company was a pioneer in encapsulating herbal supplements, which revolutionised the industry.
Their mission is to promote healthier lifestyles through natural products, and over the years, they’ve expanded their catalog to include vitamins, herbal remedies, and wellness supplements.
Today, Nature’s Sunshine is well-known in the MLM space, boasting:
- Decades of industry experience.
- A dedicated Hughes Center for Research and Innovation staffed with medical professionals and scientists.
- A diverse range of health-focused products marketed as natural and effective.
The company provides an affiliate program where members sell products and recruit others to earn commissions. While it has helped individuals generate income, the success rate is relatively low—typical of MLMs.
Check out this 7-minute video to learn more about the company:
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Who Owns Nature’s Sunshine?
Nature’s Sunshine was founded in 1972 by Gene Hughes and Kristine Hughes, a husband-and-wife duo who wanted to share the benefits of herbal health supplements with the world.
The company began as a small operation in their home, where they encapsulated powdered herbs for easier consumption. Over time, their innovative approach caught on, and Nature’s Sunshine grew into a global company.
Today, the company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol NATR, further solidifying its legitimacy. Leadership has evolved over the years, with a focus on scientific research and product innovation, as evidenced by the creation of the Hughes Center for Research and Innovation.
Under its current leadership, Nature’s Sunshine continues to emphasize quality, sustainability, and scientific rigor in its products, which are manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities.
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Is Nature’s Sunshine a Pyramid Scheme?
While Nature’s Sunshine isn’t a pyramid scheme, it’s fair to ask whether the company might resemble one in disguise.
A pyramid scheme is an illegal business model that focuses primarily on recruitment rather than product sales. Members at the top of the pyramid profit at the expense of those below, and the system eventually collapses when recruitment slows or stops.
Nature’s Sunshine avoids this categorization by offering genuine products that members can sell to earn commissions. However, recruitment remains an integral part of its business model, and some critics argue this blurs the line.
What is a Pyramid Scheme?
A pyramid scheme is a fraudulent business model that rewards members primarily for recruiting others rather than selling legitimate products or services. These schemes are illegal in most countries because they are unsustainable and rely on endless recruitment.
Here’s a simple video that explains the structure of a pyramid scheme:
In these schemes, profits are funnelled to the top of the “pyramid,” leaving most participants with losses. Even when disguised as legitimate businesses, pyramid schemes often emphasize recruitment over product sales.
Is Nature’s Sunshine a Pyramid Scheme in Disguise?
No, Nature’s Sunshine is not a pyramid scheme in disguise. The company offers real products, and members can earn commissions from sales without needing to recruit others. This is a critical distinction from illegal pyramid schemes.
However, recruitment is still a significant part of Nature’s Sunshine’s MLM structure, and members often feel pressure to build a downline to maximize their earnings.
It’s also worth noting that success rates in MLMs like Nature’s Sunshine are notoriously low. Studies show that 72.5% to 99.9% of MLM participants lose money due to high costs, limited sales, and a focus on recruitment.
For a deeper understanding of how to identify pyramid schemes, watch this 5-minute video:
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How Does Nature’s Sunshine Work?
Nature’s Sunshine operates as a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) company, relying on independent distributors to promote and sell its products. Members, often called “consultants” or “distributors,” earn money through two main activities:
- Selling Products – Members purchase Nature’s Sunshine products at a wholesale price and sell them to customers at a retail markup, earning a profit on each sale.
- Recruiting New Members – Members can recruit others to join the company. They earn bonuses and commissions based on the sales and recruitment activities of their “downline” (the members they recruit and their recruits’ recruits).
While these earnings might sound appealing, the MLM structure benefits those at the top of the hierarchy the most, making it difficult for new members to generate significant income.
Additionally, Nature’s Sunshine benefits from having distributors handle marketing, effectively saving the company millions in advertising costs. Members shoulder these expenses, often through personal social networks, which can strain relationships.
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Turn Your Passion into Profits
What Products Does Nature’s Sunshine Sell?
Nature’s Sunshine offers a wide range of health and wellness products marketed as all-natural and herbal supplements.
The product categories include:
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Herbal Supplements
- Weight Management Products
- Digestive Health Products
- Essential Oils
Here are some of their best-selling products:
- Collatrim ($26) – A capsule-based supplement designed to improve skin and joint health. It contains hydrolyzed collagen, amino acids, and peptides to promote a youthful, vibrant feeling.
- Rejuvenaid ($65) – A powdered supplement packaged in single-serving sticks. It’s marketed as a cardiovascular health booster and energy enhancer.
- CleanStart Cleanse ($53) – A detoxifying supplement in a convenient packet form. It claims to improve digestive health and eliminate toxins from the body.
Do Nature’s Sunshine Products Work?
The efficacy of Nature’s Sunshine products is a topic of debate. While many users report positive experiences, such as improved energy levels and digestive health, others find the results underwhelming, particularly given the high cost of the products.
Are Nature’s Sunshine Products Safe?
Nature’s Sunshine emphasizes that its products are made with natural and organic ingredients and are backed by research conducted at the Hughes Center for Research and Innovation. However, potential users should:
- Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
- Be aware that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe or effective for everyone, particularly for those with allergies or pre-existing conditions.
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How to Make Money With Nature’s Sunshine
Nature’s Sunshine members, also known as distributors, can earn money through two primary methods:
- Selling Products
Distributors purchase Nature’s Sunshine products at a discounted wholesale price and sell them at retail prices. The difference between the wholesale and retail price is their profit.- Example: If a product costs $40 wholesale and sells for $60 retail, the distributor earns $20 per sale.
- Recruiting Members
Distributors can recruit others to join Nature’s Sunshine as part of their team. When their recruits sell products or recruit additional members, the original distributor earns commissions and bonuses based on the performance of their “downline.”- This is typical of MLMs and forms the backbone of the business model.
Bonuses and Additional Earnings
Nature’s Sunshine offers additional incentives, including:
- Smart Start Bonus – Earn 10% to 30% commission on the first order of a newly recruited member, depending on your rank.
- Promotion Bonus – Receive one-time cash bonuses ranging from $250 to $1,000 when you achieve higher ranks, such as Regional Manager or Elite Manager.
While these earnings opportunities sound enticing, success often depends on:
- Building a large and active downline.
- Maintaining consistent product sales.
- Investing time and effort into recruitment and marketing.
It’s important to note that most distributors in MLMs struggle to generate sustainable income, with many earning less than minimum wage after expenses.
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How Much Does It Cost to Join Nature’s Sunshine?
Joining Nature’s Sunshine requires an initial subscription fee of $40. However, this fee can be waived if the member purchases $40 worth of products upfront.
Optional Training Programs
Distributors can opt for additional training programs to improve their selling and recruiting skills. These include:
- In.Form Coach Program ($550) – Provides certification as a Nature’s Sunshine health coach.
- Online Training ($400) – Offers advanced strategies for selling products and growing your team.
These programs are not mandatory, but many distributors feel pressured to invest in them to succeed.
Yearly Costs
While Nature’s Sunshine doesn’t have a mandatory sales quota, members typically incur other costs, such as:
- Purchasing products for personal use or demonstrations.
- Marketing and promotional expenses.
- Optional training and coaching programs.
Here’s a breakdown of the minimum costs for the first year:
- Subscription Fee: $40
- Optional Training: $400 to $550
- Estimated Total (without additional expenses): $440 to $590
These costs do not include product bundles, marketing tools, or other miscellaneous expenses that may arise.
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Nature’s Sunshine Compensation Plan Explained
Like many MLMs, Nature’s Sunshine has a complex compensation plan, but I’ll simplify it for you. The company offers two main plans that members can choose from:
1. Classic Plan
- Earn 12% commission on every product you sell.
- Earn additional commissions from your downline:
- Level 1: 10%
- Level 2: 5%
- Level 3: 3%
- Levels 4–5: 1%
2. Legacy Plan
- Earn 10% commission on every product you sell.
- Downline commissions:
- Level 1: 10%
- Level 2: 5%
- Level 3–7: 1%
Additional Bonuses
Nature’s Sunshine offers extra incentives to reward members for sales and recruitment:
- Smart Start Bonus – Earn between 10% and 30% on the first order of new recruits. Your percentage depends on your rank.
- Promotion Bonus – Receive bonuses ranging from $250 to $1,000 when you advance to higher ranks, such as Regional Manager or Elite Manager.
Simplified Summary
To earn with Nature’s Sunshine, you’ll primarily rely on:
- Selling products directly to customers.
- Recruiting and growing a downline team to benefit from their sales.
While the compensation plan allows for different ways to earn, the real challenge lies in consistently meeting sales goals or recruiting enough active members to maintain income.
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Can You Make Money With Nature’s Sunshine?
While it is possible to make money with Nature’s Sunshine, the company’s income disclosure highlights the challenges distributors face in earning a substantial income. According to the data:
- 37% of distributors earned $0, making no money at all.
- 30% earned $100 or less over the year, which is far from a sustainable income.
- 8% earned between $200 and $500, which is still minimal compared to the effort typically required.
- 5% earned between $500 and $1,000, meaning only a small fraction of members achieved income levels close to part-time wages.
These statistics reveal that the vast majority of distributors (80%+) earn less than $500 annually, making it clear that significant income with Nature’s Sunshine is rare.
Why Is Earning So Difficult?
- High Product Costs – The steep pricing of Nature’s Sunshine products makes it difficult for distributors to compete with other health and wellness brands, especially in a saturated market.
- Recruitment Dependency – The MLM model rewards recruitment more than direct sales, pressuring distributors to recruit a downline rather than focus solely on selling products.
- Hidden Expenses – Expenses like product purchases, marketing materials, and optional training programs can quickly outweigh any earnings.
The Harsh Reality of MLM
Although there are occasional success stories, the income disclosure shows that Nature’s Sunshine’s MLM model primarily benefits a small percentage of participants. Most distributors earn too little to justify the time, effort, and financial investment required.
Key Takeaway
While some members may find success, the odds are stacked against most distributors, and the effort required is substantial. If you’re looking for a reliable and profitable income stream, an MLM like Nature’s Sunshine may not be the best option.
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Nature’s Sunshine Online Reviews
When deciding whether to join or purchase from Nature’s Sunshine, hearing what others have to say can provide valuable insight. Online reviews from customers and employees paint a mixed picture, highlighting the company’s strengths and challenges. Let’s take a closer look at the positive and negative feedback shared by real people.
Positive Reviews
Nature’s Sunshine has received several positive reviews, particularly from customers who appreciate the quality of its products and employees who find value in its work culture. Here are some examples from review platforms like Indeed:
- “If you have worked at a call center before, this is one of the better ones. Working from home is a huge benefit for me, but I do feel that it can limit you in moving up in the company. Particularly because the Canada team is so small, there is almost no room for growth on that particular team.”
- “The people at the company are always so pleasant, helpful, and provide excellent customer service.”
Customers have also highlighted the natural and herbal ingredients of Nature’s Sunshine products, with some claiming noticeable health improvements.
Negative Reviews
Despite the positive feedback, Nature’s Sunshine also faces criticism, especially regarding its business model and employment practices. Here are some of the common complaints:
- “Loved my job there for two-plus decades. Sadly, about 8 years ago they started doing layoffs every fall. I survived until last fall. It seemed to become a way of clearing out a few of the long-term employees every year.”
- “It is a sinking ship. I was part of one of several lay-offs they’ve had recently. Maybe the new management will be able to turn things around, but don’t count on it.”
Other critiques often focus on:
- The high price of the products, which some customers feel aren’t justified by the results.
- The low earnings potential for distributors, which discourages long-term participation.
Summary of Online Reviews
Nature’s Sunshine seems to perform well in terms of product quality and workplace satisfaction but struggles with negative perceptions of its MLM structure and pricing. For potential distributors, the mixed reviews emphasize the need to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before joining.
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Nature’s Sunshine MLM Review: Pros
When evaluating Nature’s Sunshine, there are several standout features that set it apart from other MLMs. Here are the most notable advantages:
#1 No Sales Quota
One of the biggest perks of Nature’s Sunshine is the absence of a sales quota.
Unlike most MLMs, where members are required to sell a minimum amount of products to qualify for commissions, Nature’s Sunshine allows distributors to earn without this pressure. This flexibility can make it easier to stay involved without feeling overwhelmed.
#2 Positive Product Reviews
Nature’s Sunshine products have garnered numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers.
Many users praise the products for their effectiveness, which can make them easier to sell for distributors. Strong customer feedback helps build trust and credibility, a valuable asset for anyone considering joining the company.
#3 Established Reputation
Nature’s Sunshine has been in business since 1972, giving it a long-standing reputation for stability and reliability.
Most MLMs don’t survive beyond five years, but this company has remained a consistent player in the health and wellness industry for more than four decades. This longevity suggests the company has built a sustainable foundation that could appeal to prospective distributors.
Nature’s Sunshine MLM Review: Cons
While Nature’s Sunshine has its strengths, there are also significant drawbacks that potential members should consider before joining.
#1 Expensive Products
Nature’s Sunshine offers high-quality products, but they come with a hefty price tag.
With many competitors in the health and wellness space offering similar products at lower prices, distributors may struggle to convince customers to choose Nature’s Sunshine. Price sensitivity is a major barrier to success in such a saturated market.
#2 Low Earnings Revealed in Income Disclosure
Nature’s Sunshine has an income disclosure statement, but the numbers don’t paint a promising picture for prospective distributors.
The data shows that:
- 37% of distributors earned $0 over the year.
- 30% earned no more than $100, barely enough to cover basic expenses.
- Only 5% of distributors earned between $500 and $1,000, meaning very few participants made a part-time income.
This means over 80% of distributors earned less than $500 annually, highlighting how difficult it is to make meaningful income through the company’s MLM model.
While some distributors may find success, these figures demonstrate that the vast majority face financial challenges, with earnings far below expectations. This transparency is helpful, but it also raises concerns about the viability of the business opportunity for most people.
#3 Saturated Market
The health and wellness niche is highly competitive, with numerous MLMs and traditional companies offering similar products.
This oversaturation makes it difficult for distributors to differentiate Nature’s Sunshine products from the competition, especially when price and effectiveness are similar across brands.
#4 Is Nature’s Sunshine a Pyramid Scheme in Disguise?
While Nature’s Sunshine is not an outright pyramid scheme, its heavy emphasis on recruitment raises questions.
Distributors earn bonuses and commissions based on the sales of their downline, which incentivizes recruiting new members. Although product sales are part of the business, the structure’s reliance on recruitment can resemble pyramid schemes.
#5 Downward Trend in Interest
Google Trends data shows a decline in interest in Nature’s Sunshine over time.
This downward trend suggests the company is losing momentum, which could make it harder for new distributors to gain traction or attract new customers. Reduced interest in the brand may also reflect growing competition or changing consumer preferences.
Nature’s Sunshine MLM Review: Conclusion
Nature’s Sunshine is undoubtedly a legitimate and reputable company, with a track record spanning decades and a focus on selling real, effective health products. However, like many MLMs, the business opportunity comes with significant drawbacks that are hard to ignore.
The high cost of their products and the competitive health and wellness market make it difficult to achieve consistent sales. While recruitment can provide additional income, relying heavily on this aspect feels ethically questionable, especially when most members are unlikely to turn a profit.
Final Thoughts
If your primary goal is to make a sustainable income, there are better opportunities available that don’t require recruiting others or navigating the challenges of the MLM model. Nature’s Sunshine may be worth considering if you’re passionate about health and wellness and love their products—but for most people, the risks outweigh the rewards.
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Thanks for reading my Nature’s Sunshine Review! If you have any questions, or any experiences to share then please write them in the comments below. ;).
