Nearly a year ago, Neora won a critical case against the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). “When we proactively filed suit against the FTC on Nov. 1, 2019, challenging the over-reach of the FTC, we knew we would have a battle on our hands, but we were supremely confident that the facts and data would show the truth,” said CEO Jeff Olson. “Living out our mission statement of making people better sometimes means taking the road less traveled, making the hard choice to defend what is right at all costs. This isn’t just a win for our industry, it’s a win for American entrepreneurship.”

According to Olson, the FTC’s overreach poses a real risk for American small business, the backbone of the US economy. In its suit, the FTC charged the company operated an illegal pyramid scheme. “We are thrilled with the judge’s ruling, which affirms what we have known all along—that Neora is an ethical company,” explained Deborah Heisz, co-CEO of Neora. “Our brand partners have worked diligently to build their businesses and this ruling is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We are proud to be part of an industry that empowers entrepreneurs—especially women—and creates real opportunities for success.”

In other news, Neora expanded its global reach earlier earlier this year with the acquisition of ACN Korea, a top 20 company in the direct sales industry. According to Neora, ACN Korea is the only provider of direct sales telecommunications and essential services in Korea. “I am thrilled to welcome ACN Korea into the Neora family,” said Olson. “The ACN team has built an impressive legacy, and our shared commitment of ‘making people better’ aligns perfectly with our global mission. Together, we are poised to build a transformative legacy in the Korean market.

Sales: $870 million

Sales rose 6% last year, according to industry estimates. The Neora product lineup includes skin care formulas like Prolistic Skin-Balancing Lotion with probiotic technology, acne and cleanser combo, Age IQ eye serum, Age IQ Invisi-Bloc sunscreen, Eye-V Moisture Boost hydrogel patches, Age IQ night and day combo and Neora Firm, which helps reduce the appearance of cellulite.

In May, Neora launched 3-in-1 Self-Tanning + Sculpting Foam. The product is said to highlight and hydrate skin and provide a natural-looking self-tan. The formula is vegan as well as paraben-, phthalate- and gluten-free. Neora says 3-in-1 Self-Tanning + Sculpting Foam is designed to support collagen, elastin and keratin in the skin while also helping to sculpt and tan safely without the harmful effects of tanning beds or the sun.

Neora’s wellness offerings include energy chews and sleep chews and Youth Factor complete vitality complex.

Sales: $820 million

Sales rose nearly 9% last year, according to industry sources.

Neora marked its 10th anniversary in 2021. What began with 10 employees has grown to 100. During this time, Neora has expanded into global markets including Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Columbia, Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore. The company earned two No. 1 spots on Inc. 500’s consumer products category and Beauty Inc.’s Top Sales Gains List.

The company’s two largest markets are the US and Mexico.

Want to make the most of your life? Here are 10 governing principles courtesy of Neora:

1. Be Real
2. Be Determined
3. Create a Positive Team and Family Atmosphere
4. Dream Big and Act On It Daily
5. Embrace and Drive Change
6. Encourage an Entrepreneurial Spirit
7. Have Fun and Help Others to Have Fun
8. Practice Servant Leadership
9. Pursue Constant Development of Self
10. Slow Down to Go Fast.

Skin care is the cornerstone at Neora.

Sales: $760 million (estimated)

Privately-held Neora sells a range of beauty and personal care products through direct sales channels.

In January, the company launched NeoraFit, a collection of nutritional supplements. According to CEO Jeff Olson, NeoraFit supplements are the result of exhaustive research and collaboration with experts in the field of weight management, leading to unique and highly effective products that can’t be duplicated.

“We have spent years researching the right ingredients and technologies with the goal of helping others create a sustainably fit lifestyle,” said Olson at the time of the launch. “NeoraFit’s line of innovative supplements stays true to our promise of providing natural and clean formulas backed by science.”

Sales: $486 million

Neora has some explaining to do. The company maintains that its mission is to “Make People Better,” but it is certainly not making them wealthier. For the 12 months ended January, 2020, Neora had 39,985 “active US brand partners,” 30.6% of whom earned cash commissions and 69.4% did not earn any cash commissions. Among those who did, the average annual gross cash earnings were $1,054. For its part, Neora says it is transparent about this with their BPs and further explains that Neora, LLC does not guarantee any level of income for any Brand Partner.

“The actual income of Neora Brand Partners varies depending on each Brand Partner’s individual goals, expectations, skill, effort and time commitment as well as market forces beyond the Brand Partner’s and/or Neora’s control,” the company said.

In other news, Neora sued the US Federal Trade Commission and the FTC later countersued Neora, formerly known as Nerium International, LLC. The FTC alleges that Neora, an international multi-level marketing (MLM) company that sells dietary supplements, skin creams, and other products, is an illegal pyramid scheme. The FTC also alleges that it deceptively promotes its Nerium EHT dietary supplement by making unproven claims that it’s a breakthrough antidote for serious brain diseases.