9 MLMs That Switched To Affiliate Marketing

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Recently, BODi (formerly Beachbody) dropped their MLM compensation structure for a more transparent affiliate marketing structure.

In recent years, the MLM has undergone a remarkable transformation as established companies in this space shift toward simpler, more transparent affiliate marketing models.

This transition represents a fundamental change in how these businesses compensate their distributors and engage with customers.

If you’re weighing your options between joining an MLM or doing affiliate marketing in 2025, you need to understand why these transitions are happening.

This article examines nine well-known companies that have decided to pivot from traditional MLM structures to affiliate marketing models, detailing their commission structures and the benefits of these changes.

Whether you’re a seasoned direct seller or considering your first venture into product promotion, these examples will help you make an informed decision about which path offers greater potential with fewer complications.

What’s the Difference? MLM vs Affiliate Marketing?

Before we get into these 9 companies, it’s important to understand the differences between multi-level marketing and affiliate marketing business models.

How Does MLM Work?

MLMs operate on a hierarchical structure where participants earn money not only from their personal sales but also from the sales of people they recruit. This creates a multi-tiered compensation plan with several key characteristics:

Focus on recruitment and building downlines for commission
Complex compensation plans with multiple ranks and qualification requirements
Personal volume purchase requirements to maintain status
Success heavily dependent on team building, not just personal sales
Starter kits and ongoing inventory investments often required

The MLM model has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years due to its pyramid-like structure where those at the top earn a lot more than those at the bottom, often at the expense of those they’ve recruited.

The Affiliate Marketing Advantage

In contrast, affiliate marketing offers a simpler approach to earning commissions through product promotion:

Simple, single-tier commission structure based on direct sales
No recruitment requirements or downline management
Zero inventory requirements or personal purchase quotas
Low or no startup costs with straightforward commission structures
Success depends solely on your own marketing efforts

This simplified model removes many of the pain points associated with MLMs while still allowing individuals to earn income by promoting products they believe in.

Why Companies Make the Switch

There are several factors driving this industry-wide shift.

Regulatory scrutiny and FTC pressure on MLM practices
Consumer skepticism toward pyramid-like structures
Technological improvements in affiliate tracking and payout systems
Higher retention rates among promoters in affiliate programs
Simplified business operations and reduced compliance concerns

As these pressures mount, more companies are recognizing that affiliate marketing offers a more sustainable business model that better serves both the company and its promoters.

9 MLMs That Switched To Affiliate Marketing

Let’s look at 9 MLM companies that made the transition from an MLM model to a fresher affiliate marketing model.

Company	Commission rate	Program Status	Previous MLM Requirements
Beachbody (BODi)	Up to 50%	Active	Team building, personal volume
Seint	Up to 45%	Active	Downline recruiting, starter kits
Shaklee	20% (new), 5% returning	Active (hybrid)	Complex rank qualifications
Stella & Dot	Up to 30%	Active (hybrid)	Team building, inventory
Rodan + Fields	30%	Active (not open to new brand ambassadors)	Multi-tier downlines
Origami Owl (Think Goodness	15%	Active	Designer recruitment
Modere	15%	Active (hybrid)	Limited downline elements
doTerra	10-25%	Ending December 2025	Wellness advocate structure
Avon	10%	Active	Representative recruitment

1. Rodan + Fields

One of the most famous examples of the MLM to affiliate marketing transition is Rodan + Fields. The premium skincare company founded by dermatologists, evolved from its complex consultant-based MLM structure to a more streamlined affiliate model in September 2024.

In a blog post on their website they explained that the shift would “help us reach a broader audience, allowing brand lovers to shop from our website or purchase from our Brand Consultants.”

If you’re hoping to promote Rodan + Fields products now that they’ve moved to affiliate marketing, you’re out of luck. Only existing Rodan + Fields brand consultants can promote the brand and it’s products as affiliates and the program is closed to any new signups.

The company now offers 30% per sale commission rate that rewards affiliates for their direct sales without the complicated downline calculations. This shift has allowed brand consultants to focus entirely on product recommendations rather than team building, resulting in higher retention rates and greater customer trust.

2. Beachbody (now BODi)

Beachbody, now operating as BODi, has made one of the most impressive transitions in the industry. The company has evolved from its Team Beachbody MLM structure to an affiliate program offering up to 50% commissions – one of the highest rates in the fitness industry.

It was this particular transition that inspired me to look into other MLMs who also changed the way they did business. BODi announced the move last October and as of January 1st, 2025, they shut down the old partner network.

BODi’s executive chairman referred to the old way as “outdated and unsustainable” and then went on to say this:

“The evolution to the affiliate model offers a simpler, more modern approach to customer acquisition and will directly reward the seller for their effort. The organizational challenges and complexity of the MLM approach has weighed on the company’s turnaround and the ability of partners to optimize their potential. We are confident this shift will be beneficial to stakeholders and to new potential participants.”

Previously, “coaches” needed to maintain personal volume requirements and focus heavily on recruiting other coaches to advance in rank. The new affiliate structure eliminates these requirements, allowing affiliates to earn substantial commissions solely based on their ability to refer customers to BODi’s fitness programs and supplements.

The BODi affiliate program is hosted on the Impact affiliate network where you can find lots of other great brands to promote. The impressive commission rate makes this one of the most attractive affiliate programs for those in the health and fitness space.

3. Seint (formerly Maskcara Beauty)

Seint, formerly known as Maskcara Beauty, has transitioned from its MLM “artist” program to an affiliate model offering 25% – 45% commissions. This makeup and beauty company now allows promoters to earn substantial rewards without the need to build and manage teams.

The new structure has been particularly appealing to beauty influencers and content creators who can showcase Seint’s innovative makeup products through tutorials and reviews while earning commissions that rival or exceed what was possible in the previous MLM model.

In addition to earning up to 45% commissions, Seint affiliates also get a few other awesome benefits.

Bonuses for hitting specific sales tiers
Up to 5 paydays a month
25% discount on personal purchases of Seint products
Early access to most new releases
Qualify to earn a share of the company’s entire sales volume

While the majority of affiliate programs are free to join, Seint still hasn’t totally ditched the MLM practice of charging to become an artist. You’ll need to pay a USD $50 enrollment fee to get started and an annual fee of USD $35 to maintain your artist status.

By removing the multi-level component, Seint has created a more sustainable business model that focuses on product quality and authentic promotion rather than recruitment tactics. This has improved both brand perception and promoter satisfaction.

4. Origami Owl (now Think Goodness)

Origami Owl, which rebranded as Think Goodness, has shifted from a traditional MLM structure to a straightforward affiliate program offering 15% commissions on sales. This transition coincided with their rebranding, signaling a fresh approach to direct selling.

The new company now combines three brands – Origami Owl, Willing Beauty, and CMYK, all of which affiliates can earn from under one brand name.

The company’s previous model required “designers” to maintain personal sales volumes and build teams to earn higher commissions. The new affiliate structure eliminates these requirements, allowing promoters to focus solely on sharing products they love without the pressure of recruitment or inventory purchases.

Affiliates of Think Goodness can also give a 15% discount to new customers to help their promotional efforts. They also get access to a collection of click-worthy visuals they can use to link to products they’re promoting. And they also get a 15% discount on personal purchases.

5. Stella & Dot

Stella & Dot used to be all about inventory purchases, starter kits, and team building. While not completely abandoning MLM, they expanded into a more affiliate-friendly model called “Social Retail” around 2020, which allowed people to earn commissions without recruiting others.

The new structure allows fashion enthusiasts to promote Stella & Dot products through their social media channels, blogs, or websites, and earn up to 30% commissions from sales without the overhead costs or recruitment pressure of the MLM model.

I took a look at Stella & Dot’s commission schedule and it’s a bit confusing with tiers and qualifications from sales. Still, the shift to a more affiliate-structured model has positioned Stella & Dot more competitively in the fashion and accessories market, where affiliate marketing has become the standard for influencer collaborations.

6. Modere

On February 12, 2025, launched their Brand Partner program in the United Kingdom. They has already made a move towards a more affiliate-like structure with “social selling”. Now they have a hybrid MLM that includes both “Brand Partners” and “Social Marketers”.

Under the Brand Partner program, partners may earn up to 15% commissions on the net sales value of referred customers purchases. Departing from the MLM structure, Brand Partners benefit in a number of ways.

No enrollment fee
No exclusivity
No minimum followers
No monthly purchases
No volume requirements
No maintenance fee
Personalized referral code

Unlike Social Marketers who may enroll other social marketers, Brand Partners cannot enroll other Brand Partners or Social Marketers. However, if they choose, they can upgrade to become a Social Marketer later on.

This transitional approach has allowed Modere to retain some network marketing elements while moving closer to an affiliate model, addressing many of the concerns associated with traditional MLM structures. The simplified commission structure and reduced focus on recruitment have been well-received by health and wellness creators.

7. Shaklee

Shaklee, one of the oldest companies in the direct selling space, offers two ways to earn – either as an ambassador or an affiliate. That’s right. The company, which sells health and wellness products maintains some MLM aspects but offers a straight affiliate marketing opportunity.

With the ambassador program, you’ll need to purchase a kit (either $50 starter or the $179+ bundle) to get started. Ambassadors earn 30% commissions on new customer purchases in their first 30 days and 10-40% commissions on returning customers.

On the flip-side, if you’re an affiliate, you can join the Shaklee affiliate program through the CJ Affiliate network where you’re rewarded with 20% commissions on new purchases and 5% commissions on returning customers.

Shaklee affiliates benefit by not having to purchase a kit just to promote the products. Ambassadors do not have the freedom that affiliates have to build a personal brand and earn solely from their own promotions.

Shaklee has made a progressive move by introducing the affiliate program to reach new consumers without the pressures of the MLM way of doing things.

8. Avon

I remember seeing the Avon affiliate program inside an affiliate network. This surprised me because I knew that they were an MLM company where Avon reps sold the products and recruited others to do the same.

Following its acquisition by Natura & Co., Avon transformed its century-old MLM structure into a more streamlined affiliate model offering 10% on sales. This represents one of the most significant transitions in the industry, given Avon’s historical prominence in direct selling.

The new structure simplifies what was once a complex, multi-tiered compensation plan. Today’s Avon representatives can earn from their personal sales without the same emphasis on recruiting and team building that defined the company for decades.

While the 10% commission rate is lower than some others on this list, the elimination of inventory requirements, simplified qualification criteria, and reduced pressure to recruit have made this a welcome change for many long-time Avon representatives seeking a more sustainable business model.

Interested affiliates can sign up through the AWIN affiliate network to promote the UK-based company. Affiliates benefit in a number of ways:

10% commissions on new customer sales
8% commissions on returning customer sales
Free beauty products when you start
30-day cookie window
Dedicated support from the affiliate management team
Inside knowledge of upcoming launches

9. doTerra

doTerra is another example of an MLM company currently using the affiliate program model. They’re offering 10-25% commissions, marking a significant departure from its traditional MLM structure.

However, there’s an important caveat: the company has announced that no new affiliates can sign up, and the program will shut down in December 2025.

This limited window suggests doTerra may be testing the affiliate model (which they’ve said is in beta) or transitioning to another structure entirely. For current affiliates, the affiliate option offers a simplified earning opportunity without the recruitment pressure and rank advancements of their traditional Wellness Advocate program.

The commission structure rewards product specialists who can effectively communicate the benefits of doTerra’s essential oils, providing a path for existing distributors who prefer product promotion over team building.

Unfortunately, if you’re interested in promoting doTerra products, they aren’t accepting any new affiliates since they’re planning to shut down the affiliate program at the end of the year.

Why Affiliate Marketing is Better Than MLM for Most People

The transition of these 9 companies reflects a broader recognition that affiliate marketing offers several advantages over traditional MLM structures for the average person looking to earn income through product promotion.

Financial Advantages

Transparent earnings: Affiliate commissions are straightforward percentages of sales without complex calculations or qualification requirements
No inventory investment: Affiliates never need to purchase, store, or ship products
Lower startup costs: Most affiliate programs are free to join with no required starter kits
Direct correlation: Your earnings directly reflect your marketing efforts without depending on team performance

Lifestyle Benefits

Freedom from recruitment pressure: No more uncomfortable conversations trying to convince friends and family to join your “business opportunity”
Authentic promotion: Focus solely on recommending products you genuinely believe in
Multiple income streams: Promote products from various companies simultaneously
Better work-life balance: No team management responsibilities or high-pressure rank advancement goals

Business Legitimacy

Reduced stigma: Affiliate marketing doesn’t carry the same negative associations as MLM
Clearer regulatory compliance: Straightforward commission structures avoid pyramid scheme concerns
Modern marketing alignment: Affiliate marketing integrates naturally with digital marketing best practices
Sustainable business model: Focus on customer value rather than recruitment creates a more viable long-term business

How To Go From MLM to Affiliate Marketing

If you’re currently in an MLM or considering your options, here’s how to leverage your skills in the affiliate marketing space.

Leveraging Your Existing Skills

Your experience in direct selling provides valuable skills that you can transfer to affiliate marketing.

Product knowledge: Your existing product expertise is directly applicable to affiliate marketing
Relationship building: The connections you’ve built can become your initial audience
Sales communication: Your ability to communicate product benefits remains valuable

First Steps to Take

Evaluate programs: Research affiliate opportunities in your niche, comparing commission rates and terms
Build digital assets: Create a blog, YouTube channel, or engaging social media presence
Learn affiliate basics: Understand how tracking links, cookies, and payouts work
Join affiliate networks: Platforms like Impact, Amazon Associates, or CJ Affiliate offer access to multiple programs

Common Challenges and Solutions

Income transition: Earning takes time while building your affiliate presence
Content creation: Invest time in learning basic SEO, video, or social media content skills
Personal branding: Develop your unique voice that isn’t tied to any single company

Conclusion

The transition of these 9 established companies from MLM to affiliate marketing structures represents a significant shift in the direct selling industry. With commission rates ranging from 10% to an impressive 50%, these programs offer substantial earning potential without the complications of recruitment, ranks, and inventory requirements.

If you’re currently in an MLM or deciding between MLM and affiliate marketing, these examples demonstrate that affiliate marketing provides a more sustainable, transparent, and often more profitable path forward.

By focusing on authentic promotion rather than team building, you can develop a genuine business based on products you believe in, without the typical frustrations associated with MLM structures.

More MLM companies are expected to follow this trend. Now is the perfect time to position yourself within the growing affiliate marketing ecosystem. The future of direct selling clearly favors those who can create genuine value through content and recommendations which is what the affiliate marketing model rewards.