Shaklee MLM Review: A Legitimate Money-Making Opportunity?

Shaklee is one of the longest running multi-level marketing companies in the world. It’s also one of the most controversial, with some people calling it a scam and others swearing by its products. So, what’s the truth? Is Shaklee a legitimate MLM or a scam? In this Shaklee MLM review, we’ll take an unbiased look at all aspects of this company, from its history to its products to its compensation plan. We’ll answer all your questions so you can decide if Shaklee is right for you.
What is Shaklee?
Shaklee is a multi-level marketing company that sells natural nutrition supplements, weight-management products, beauty products, and household products through a network of distributors. The company was founded in 1956 by Dr. Forrest C Shaklee, a naturopathic physician who developed the first vitamin C supplement in the world. It is headquartered in Pleasanton, California. Shaklee claims to be the first company in the world to receive Climate Neutral certification and is a member of the Direct Selling Association.
What are Shaklee’s products?
Shaklee’s products fall into four main categories: nutrition, weight management, beauty, and household. Shaklee’s most popular products include their Vita-Lea line of vitamins, ShakLEAN meal replacement shakes, and Basic H cleaners. Shaklee also offers a line of Shaklee Sports products, which are designed to improve athletic performance.
- Nutrition: Shaklee’s nutrition products include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other nutritional supplements. Shaklee’s Vita-Lea line of vitamins is their flagship product and includes a daily multivitamin, Vitamin C supplement, Omega-three supplement, and more.
- Weight Management: Shaklee’s weight management products include meal replacement shakes, protein bars, and appetite suppressants. Shaklee’s ShakLEAN meal replacement shakes come in three flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
- Beauty: Shaklee’s beauty products include skincare, makeup, and haircare products. Shaklee’s most popular beauty product is their Basic H line of cleaners, which includes a face wash, toner, and moisturizer.
- Household: Shaklee’s household products include cleaners, laundry detergent, dish soap, and more. Shaklee’s Basic H line of cleaners is their most popular household product and includes a all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and bathroom cleaner.
Are Shaklee products good?

Shaklee’s products have a mixed reputation. Some people swear by them and say they’ve seen real results, while others find them overpriced and no more effective than similar products on the market. Shaklee’s Vita-Lea line of vitamins is the most popular product, with customers saying it gives them more energy and improves their overall health. Shaklee’s ShakLEAN meal replacement shakes are also popular, with customers saying they help with weight loss and curbing hunger. Shaklee’s Basic H line of cleaners is also well-reviewed, with customers saying it works better than other cleaners on the market.
How does Shaklee work?
Shaklee is a multi-level marketing company, which means that its distributors make money by selling Shaklee products and recruiting new distributors. Shaklee distributors make a commission on the products they sell, as well as a percentage of the sales made by the distributors they recruit. Shaklee also offers bonuses and incentives for meeting sales goals.
To become a Shaklee distributor, you must purchase a Shaklee starter kit, which ranges in price from $49.95 to $499.95. Shaklee also requires that you maintain a monthly minimum order of 100 PV (point value), which is about $100 worth of Shaklee products.
What is Shaklee’s compensation plan?
Shaklee’s compensation plan is based on a binary system, which means that distributors must recruit new distributors who fall into one of two “legs.” Distributors earn a commission on the sales made by their downline, as well as bonuses and incentives for meeting sales goals. Shaklee also offers a car bonus program for distributors who meet certain sales goals.
The amount of money distributors make depends on four types of memberships:
- Shaklee Distributor: Shaklee distributors make a 20% commission on the products they sell.
- Shaklee Preferred Member: Shaklee preferred members make a 25% commission on the products they sell.
- Shaklee Independent Associate: Shaklee independent associates make a 30% commission on the products they sell.
- Shaklee Presidential Master Coordinator: Shaklee presidential master coordinators make a 35% commission on the products they sell.
Is Shaklee a pyramid scheme?
Shaklee is not a pyramid scheme. Shaklee is a legitimate multi-level marketing company with over 50 years in business. Shaklee does have a compensation plan that rewards distributors for recruiting new distributors, but Shaklee distributors also make a commission on the products they sell.
What lawsuits and complaints have been filed against Shaklee?
Shaklee has been the subject of several lawsuits and complaints over the years. The most recent lawsuit was filed in 2016 by a Shaklee distributor who claimed that Shaklee was operating as a pyramid scheme. Shaklee settled the lawsuit. Shaklee has also been accused of using misleading marketing practices, such as promising unrealistic earnings potential and making false health claims about its products. It has also been sued for false advertising and for making unsubstantiated health claims. Shaklee settled the lawsuit and agreed to change their marketing practices.
What we like about Shaklee
- Shaklee has been in business for over 50 years.
- Shaklee is a legitimate multi-level marketing company, not a pyramid scheme.
- Shaklee offers a wide range of products, including vitamins, supplements, weight loss shakes, and cleaners.
What we don’t like about Shaklee
- Shaklee has been the subject of several lawsuits and complaints.
- Shaklee requires that you purchase a starter kit and maintain a monthly minimum order to become a distributor.
- The amount of money you can make as a Shaklee distributor depends on how many people you recruit, which may be difficult for some people.
Are there alternatives to Shaklee?
There are other multi-level marketing companies that sell vitamins, supplements, and health-related products, such as Herbalife, Beachbody, and Isagenix. There are also many direct sales companies that sell a wide variety of products, such as Jamberry, Mary Kay, and Avon.
- Herbalife: Herbalife is a multi-level marketing company that sells nutritional supplements, weight management products, and personal care products.
- Beachbody: Beachbody is a multi-level marketing company that sells fitness programs, workout DVDs, and nutritional supplements.
- Isagenix: Isagenix is a multi-level marketing company that sells nutrition supplements and skincare products.
- Jamberry: Jamberry is a direct sales company that sells nail wraps and other beauty products.
- Mary Kay: Mary Kay is a direct sales company that sells skincare, cosmetics, and fragrances.
- Avon: Avon is a direct sales company that sells beauty, skincare, and fashion products.
What to look for in an MLM company

When considering joining an MLM company, it is important to do your research to make sure the company is legitimate and has a good reputation. You should also look at the compensation plan to see if it is realistic for you to make money. Shaklee is a legitimate MLM company with a wide range of products, but you may want to consider other options if you are not interested in recruiting new distributors.
On of your top sources of information on MLM companies is I Buy I Review. We offer our unbiased opinion on whether an MLM is worth your time and money or whether it is a scam.

I buy and review courses so you don’t have to. Sometimes, I even find courses that are legitimate and worthwhile; and that’s how I accidentally came across one that led me to building a 6-figure business in a little under 5 years. Now, I still review courses because it’s my favorite hobby. 🙂 Learn more about me here.