Unicity International, a multi-level marketing company founded in 2001, faces continued scrutiny for its business practices. The company, formerly Unicity Network, originated from a merger of Rexall Showcase and Enrich International, with Stewart Hughes at the helm since its inception. A recent review revisits the company’s operations, which previously drew criticism for an autoship recruitment model.
Hughes, who also promoted for Rexall Showcase, has led Unicity for over two decades. The company’s history is not without regulatory encounters. Rexall Showcase itself faced issues as far back as 1994. Unicity, while largely avoiding federal attention for years, encountered state and international regulators more recently. In 2015, California sued Unicity over lead exposure from its products, resulting in a $200,000 settlement. Vietnam imposed a $10,620 fine in 2018 for regulatory violations concerning its headquarters and sales network disclosures. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also issued a notice to Unicity in 2021 concerning deceptive or unfair conduct.
Beyond government action, the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSCC), a BBB-affiliated body, recently cited Unicity for deceptive earnings and product claims. This follows a pattern of marketing concerns that have shadowed the company.
Unicity’s product line has also seen changes. In 2013, the company offered a broad array of personal care, anti-aging, and wellness items. The current offerings focus more narrowly on dietary supplements. Products include LC Pro, priced at $51 for a 16.7 oz tub, which claims to fuel the body and regulate blood sugar. Balance, a fiber matrix product, retails for $79 per 30-sachet pack. BioReishi FX, a coffee blend with reishi mushroom, costs $42 for 10 single-serve packets. Bone Complex, formulated with calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals, is $43 for 30 servings. Chi-Oka Matcha, a green apple flavored matcha, sells for $85 for 30 servings. CoQ10 Advanced Formula, supporting heart health and energy production, is $47 for 60 softgels. Imunizen, designed to support the immune system, costs $56 for 60 capsules. Joint Mobility, aimed at supporting joint function, is $55 for 60 capsules. LiFiber, a psyllium husk product, is also part of the lineup.
The DSCC's findings suggest that claims made about these products and the income opportunities available through Unicity’s multi-level marketing structure continue to be areas of concern. The council recommended that Unicity immediately cease making earnings claims that are not substantiated by data, and ensure that product claims are supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence.
For individuals seeking information about multi-level marketing companies or considering joining one, resources such as the FTC's website and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offer guidance on avoiding scams and understanding compensation structures. The FTC specifically advises consumers to be wary of opportunities that promise high returns with little effort and to research any company thoroughly before investing time or money.