Is Farmasi a Legit MLM or Pyramid Scheme? [Review]

Farmasi Cosmetics is a Turkish brand that offers a range of cosmetics and personal care products. You may have learned about it through a friend or family member who’s involved with the company.

If you’re looking for some extra income, Farmasi Cosmetics offers an opportunity to work from home as an independent distributor. 

Now, here’s the big question: Is Farmasi Cosmetics a legit MLM or a pyramid scheme? We’ll get into that. And hey, we’ll also fill you in on a better way to make money from home.

Who Am I?

Hey there! I’m Benjamin, the person behind MLM Scam Insider. I used to be a sales rep at an MLM company, so I’ve seen both the good and bad sides of the MLM world.

After college, I joined HSBC as a relationship manager. Unfortunately, I got laid off due to some silly mistakes, and I felt pretty hopeless. During this tough time, a friend suggested I join his team.

He flaunted his success on Instagram with a Lamborghini (later, I discovered he had just rented it), so I believed I could attain the same. I purchased a starter kit from him and became a distributor. However, being a sales representative at an MLM company wasn’t what I had anticipated – it felt like a pyramid scheme. Uncomfortable with the idea of pitching to my friends and family, I only managed to sell a few starter kits.

Fortunately, I discovered how to make money blogging during Covid. So I soon quit my job as a sales rep and focused on my blog about budgeting, later selling it for $170k. Now, I’m a full-time internet entrepreneur running several blogs, including this one.

My goal is to provide you with honest reviews of various MLM companies, using my personal experiences to help you understand what’s really happening. I have connections with friends in the network marketing industry, and my team and I have spoken with different MLM distributors to give you the inside scoop.

What is Farmasi Cosmetics?

Farmasi is a privately held multi-level marketing company that sells beauty, household, and personal care products. It started in 1950 by Dr. Cevet Tuna in Istanbul, Turkey.

The name Farmasi comes from “pharmaceutic,” which is about maintaining high quality in pharmaceutical materials. This reflects the company’s focus on quality standards, as they have a background in pharmaceuticals. Farmasi promotes clean and safe products and operates as a manufacturer, retailer, and direct seller.

Farmasi stands out for its stance on animal rights. They’re cruelty-free, meaning they don’t test on animals and advocate for ethical treatment.

What’s intriguing is their “direct selling” opportunity. Want to make money selling their products? You can sign up as a beauty consultant and work from home.

Now, it’s in 25 countries and sells products in 125 countries. Over 4 million Beauty Influencers worldwide sell Farmasi products. It’s known as Europe’s fastest-growing brand and the third fastest-growing direct selling company globally. Farmasi ranks as the 32nd largest direct selling company worldwide.

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Who Founded Farmasi?

Farmasi was founded by Doctor Cevdet Tuna.

He was born in Edirne, Turkey, in 1923. He started the company in the 1950s as a pharmaceutical manufacturer. Sadly, he passed away in 2017.

Before Farmasi, Doctor Cevdet Tuna established a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1950. He ran it for 22 years before selling it to a foreign investment enterprise. Afterward, he imported raw materials for pharmaceutical products from 1977 to 1995.

In 1998, Dr. C. Tuna and his son, Omer Hakan Tuna, founded Tanalize Cosmetics, which made private label cosmetic products for retail shops worldwide. Later on, Omer Hakan Tuna became the president while Dr. C. Tuna held the honorary president position.

In 2003, the company launched its own cosmetics brand, Farmasi Cosmetics. Initially, it was sold through traditional retail channels but switched to direct selling in 2010.

Farmasi US LLC (Farmasi US) started in January 2019, marking a 70-year-old international legacy.

In September 2020, Sinan Tuna, a third-generation member of the Tuna family, was appointed CEO of Farmasi North America.

Is Farmasi an MLM?

Yes, Farmasi Cosmetics is an MLM, which is also commonly known as a direct sales or network marketing business.

So, what does this mean? Well, if you decide to become a sales rep for the company, known as Farmasi Product Influencer, you won’t be receiving a regular salary. Instead, you’ll be an independent distributor of their products and run your own business.

However, it’s hard to earn a good income solely from selling the products. As is the case with most MLMs, your success ultimately depends on recruiting new members to work under you.

Now, this is where it gets a bit complex. Imagine a triangle, where everyone in this triangle is part of your direct downline. In an MLM, the people below you are called the “downline,” and you are their “upline.” If the person at the top recruits 10 people, and each of those 10 people recruits 10 more, you’ll receive commissions from everyone in this triangle. If you can recruit 10 people, you could earn $1100.

Those at the top of the triangle usually have the most financial success, while those at the bottom have the least. To be successful in an MLM like Farmasi, you need a large number of people in your downline.

That’s why most people in an MLM would rather earn a lifetime of passive income by recruiting others, rather than a one-time commission by just selling products, even if the MLM offers a wide range of products.

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Is Farmasi a Pyramid Scheme?

No, Farmasi is not a pyramid scheme. Pyramid schemes focus on recruiting and typically lack tangible products. However, Farmasi’s main focus is selling products. In fact, the company invests significantly in research to develop new products.

While pyramid schemes generate income primarily from membership fees, Farmasi does not charge regular fees for selling their products.

Of course, some MLM companies may disguise themselves as pyramid schemes. They may appear legitimate by offering a “product” or “service,” but in reality, the primary source of income is recruiting more people.”

Learn more about the differences between MLM and pyramid scheme. 

An Overview of Farmasi’s Products

1. Terracotta Porcelain Powder 02

For a radiant and even skin tone, consider trying Farmasi’s Terracotta Porcelain Powder 02. Packaged in a sleek black box, this product contains 10g of terracotta porcelain powder.

What makes it stand out? It utilizes a light mineral blend for a healthy-looking finish, providing flawless coverage without feeling heavy on the skin. Unlike many foundations, it seamlessly blends into the skin for a natural look.

Moreover, Terracotta Porcelain Powder 02 is vegan and halal-certified, ensuring it’s free from animal-derived ingredients and suitable for various religious beliefs. Plus, its long-lasting formula means you won’t need frequent touch-ups, allowing you to enjoy a radiant glow throughout the day.

2. FCC CC Cream

This cream has been rated as the FCC’s highest-rated product, and it’s not hard to see why. With its cool or warm undertones, it’s perfect for almost any skin tone.

Another great thing about this cream is that it doesn’t clog pores like some other products can. And for the price, it’s a total steal. You really don’t need any other products to make it work – just blend it in with your fingers or a brush and you’re good to go.

3. FCC VFX PRO Makeup-Up Primer

This transparent foundation suits all skin tones and works wonders in softening wrinkles and minimizing pore appearance.

Packaged in a stylish silver cardboard box, it adds elegance to any makeup collection. The gray tube design ensures precise product control, containing 0.85 fluid ounces or 25 milliliters of primer for ample use.

What sets FCC VFX PRO Makeup Primer apart is its silicone-like texture, making blending a breeze. Its matte finish leaves skin feeling velvety smooth while reducing wrinkles and pore visibility.

4. Farmasi Extreme Curl False Lash Effect Mascara

This mascara boasts a revolutionary formula for stunning results.

Standout features include its super curled brush, enhancing lash curl and volume with each application. The soft, non-clumping formula ensures a natural look, avoiding an overdone appearance.

Moreover, it’s long-lasting, resisting smudging and flaking throughout the day, providing confidence in your lash look. Plus, its breathable formula ensures lashes feel light and free, not weighed down.

5. Farmasi Long Lasting Creamy Eyeshadow (Pink Glow)

Available in six stunning colors, including Silver Ice, Red Glaze, Pink Glow, Green Bean, and Golden Shot. Pink Glow stands out as the top choice for its versatility, complementing any outfit effortlessly.

The best part? No need for fancy tools or brushes; simply use your fingers for easy application. This eyeshadow is not only easy to apply but also smudge-proof and crease-resistant throughout the day.

Featuring a soft and smooth texture, blending is a breeze. Its velvety texture and highly pigmented formula ensure your eyes pop all day without worrying about creases or wrinkles.

6. FFC VFX PRO Camera Ready Foundation

This foundation offers full coverage for an airbrushed, photogenic finish.

What sets it apart? Its velvety soft texture feels luxurious on all skin types, delivering a semi-matte finish without emphasizing fine lines. With a range of shades available, including a yellowish-orange option ideal for fair skin, achieving the desired look is effortless with just two coats.

Packaged in a minimalist cardboard box, the foundation comes in a glass bottle with a pump, containing 30 ml of product. The transparent bottle allows you to monitor product usage easily without worrying about spills or leaks.

Perfect for those seeking high coverage and long-lasting wear, this foundation’s matte finish leaves skin radiant and luminous, even from a distance.

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Farmasi’s Compensation Plan

Many multi-level marketing (MLM) companies claim to have one of the best compensation plans, and Farmasi is no exception. Let’s take a closer look at what Farmasi’s compensation plan entails.

First off, the document explaining the plan isn’t very well-written. There’s a discrepancy in the number of years the company claims to have been around, which raises questions about the accuracy of their information.

To qualify for compensation, you need to stay active by generating 125 Personal Volume (PV) points each month, which means spending $125 on Farmasi products. This is a common practice in many MLMs and could be seen as a red flag.

If you meet the monthly quota and stay active, here’s how you can earn commissions as a Farmasi Beauty Influencer:

1. Retail Sales: You can earn a commission by selling Farmasi products to retail customers. As an active influencer, you can buy products at a 50% discount and earn a 50% commission on sales at full retail price. This commission can increase to 75%.

2. Personal Bonus: You can boost your retail commission by up to an additional 25% based on your total Farmasi Group Volume (GV) for the month. This includes your PV and the volume of any other influencers you’ve personally sponsored. You might also receive a ‘pass up’ bonus if someone in your downline earns less than you.

3. Leadership Bonus: If you reach the top personal bonus level of 25%, you may qualify for the leadership bonus. This bonus is paid when someone you’ve sponsored also reaches the 25% level. You can earn this bonus on up to 6 generations in your downline.

While the compensation plan isn’t well-explained, it appears that once you reach leadership ranks with Farmasi, you can start earning these bonuses. However, the details on how these bonuses are calculated are unclear.

While it’s enticing that top-level influencers can earn up to 25.25% in leadership bonuses, it’s not as favorable for new influencers, as over half of what they pay for Farmasi products goes to their upline as commission.

How Much Can You Make with Farmasi?

We’ve explored the potential to earn various commissions with Farmasi, but now let’s delve into whether influencers are actually making money.

We checked out the Farmasi Income Disclaimer, which states they can’t provide income details because they’re “waiting till the end of the first year.”

Given that Farmasi has been operating as an MLM for over 10 years, this statement is puzzling. It’s unclear whether they haven’t updated this page since 2010 or if Farmasi is hesitant to share earnings information because Farmasi Beauty Influencers aren’t making money.

According to FTC’s research, over 99% of MLM participants end up losing money. We don’t think Farmasi is an exception. 

How To Join Farmasi?

If you’re considering joining Farmasi, you’ll be glad to know that it’s very affordable.

For just $19.99, you can become a member of this fantastic organization.

Once you’ve paid the initial fee, you won’t need to pay a monthly fee to maintain your status.

Their business model relies on having many distributors, which is why the entry fee is so low. The more sales reps they have, the higher the sales, and the more profit they make.

Pros of Farmasi MLM

1. Affordable Prices

For just $19.99, you can become a consultant and get a 50% discount on all products, even if you don’t plan on promoting them. 

Most of their items are under $20, and if you’re a consultant, you get a whopping 50% off. 

2. Free Replicated Website

When you become a Farmasi Beauty Partner, you get your own replicated website that’s just like farmasius.com. This means that customers who buy products through your site will get a 50% commission.

You can also use this site to recruit others to join Farmasi and become your downline. This is a great way to start earning money right away.

3. Established for Many Years

One of the things that make Farmasi stand out is its longevity. The company has been around for almost 80 years, and it’s still growing.

With products available in 125 countries worldwide, Farmasi has just entered the US market. This means you have a chance to get in early and take advantage of the company’s reputation and experience. 

Plus, a company that has been around for so long is unlikely to run into financial trouble anytime soon, making it a solid investment.

4. Offers a Wide Variety of Products

Farmasi offers over 2000 different types of products, including services. This variety allows you to reach multiple audiences and improve your sales skills.

You can also get a better understanding of your industry and determine which niche is most profitable for you.

5. No Monthly Sales Quota

Farmasi doesn’t require you to meet a monthly sales quota. You won’t have to worry about buying a ton of inventory or filling up your garage with products you can’t sell. Instead, you only need to sell what you can each month. This gives you the freedom to sell at your own pace.

Cons of Farmasi MLM

1. Complicated Compensation Plan

If you have no experience with MLMs, the compensation plan may seem confusing and difficult to understand.

MLM companies often use complex compensation plans to entice people to join, using language and details that can be hard to follow.

This is known as “complexity bias,” and it’s a common tactic used by marketers. 

2. MLM Business Model

MLMs have a reputation for having a high failure rate, with many people losing money and damaging relationships due to pushy sales tactics.

If you’re not comfortable with selling products or recruiting others to join the company, this business model may not be the best fit for you.

3. Low Income Potential

While Farmasi itself may be reputable, the MLM business model can limit your earning potential. 

According to industry standards and company projections, the average gross revenue for beauty influencers is only $500 to $2,000 per year. 

4. Competitive Market

The beauty, wellness, and cosmetics markets are pretty crowded, with thousands of companies and brands vying for attention. It’s not easy to stand out in such a competitive landscape, especially if you’re a new brand. 

While Farmasi has been making waves in some circles, it’s important to remember that convincing people to switch to a brand they’ve never heard of can be a tough sell.

5. Poor Returns Policy

Farmasi’s return policy might become a point of controversy for customers and beauty influencers in the future.

It’s not entirely clear what the policy entails, and while influencers are expected to provide full refunds, the company itself only offers 80% refunds.

Is Farmasi a Scam?

No, Farmasi is not a scam. It’s a legitimate MLM company. If you’re willing to put in some effort and take on some risk, there’s money to be made as a distributor with Farmasi.

To become a sales rep, all you need is to buy a starter kit.

While this may seem like a good idea at first, the reality is that it’s unlikely you’ll make any money from it. In fact, you’ll probably end up like the majority of MLM recruits who don’t make a cent.

Not only that, but you may find that your relationships suffer as a result. People may see you as “that person” trying to push questionable products on them, and you may feel caught between two worlds.

But don’t worry, it’s not your fault. MLM companies spend a lot of money trying to recruit people and brainwash them into thinking it’s a good idea.

In the end, I don’t think Farmasi MLM is a good money-making opportunity.

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Other MLM Opportunities

Here are the other MLM companies we have reviewed:

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