Rachell “Valkyrae” Hofstetter has sparked waves of controversy with her new skincare line, RFLCT. Announced days ago via Twitter, Valkyrae stated that she has worked on the project for over two years and will lead the project as the Co-Founder.
At a relatively low price point, the skincare set featured four products in total and was set to release both online and in-stores. The set was clearly marketed toward gamers and online audiences. Using Valkyrae as their figure head, RFLCT most notably claimed that their products prevented against blue light damage.
The website claimed that anyone who uses a screen is susceptible to blue light damage. RFLCT cites long exposure to blue light as the possible reason for ‘cellular damage’ and ‘skin barrier malfunctions.’ The skincare line supposedly combats blue light damage by enacted Blue Light Protection Factor (BLPF).
Almost as soon as Valkyrae announced her involvement with the project, concerns were raised about its effectiveness. Countless studies were linked that disproved any connection between blue light exposure and skin damage. Some studies even disconnected blue light damage from eye damage, which several other products attempt to address as well.
Valkyrae soon after posted an audio recording addressing the issue. In her recording, the Co-Owner stated that she was equally confused by the situation and that the website would update their page with further information. During this short interim period, Valkyrae took a break from streaming and even removed ‘100 Thieves Co-Owner’ from her Twitter bio to distance the esports organization from the situation.
In her first stream back, Valkyrae gave full transparency regarding the situation. Valkyrae stated that her Agent handed her a selection of brand partnerships and Valkyrae elected to start an anti-blue light skincare line. All studies for the project were conducted in-house however could not be published due to copyright issues.
Also in her livestream, Valkyrae addressed public reactions to the controversy, specifically her ‘friends.’ The YouTube streamer stated that the ordeal ‘showed her who her true friends are.’ While some close streamer friends such as Sykkuno and 100 Thieves Co-CEOs reached out after the initial backlash, Valkyrae alluded that others did not reach out until they were implicated.
Drama is still ongoing, especially as political commentator Hasanabi has taken fire for his response. Though the Twitch streamer condemned the product for over-blowing the issue of blue light damage, he attempted to offer some reassuring words referencing the past G-Fuel lead scandal. Valkyrae seemed to take offense to this as well and construe Hasan’s words as an attack on her product.
As it stands now, Valkyrae has stated that she stands by RFLCT and still believe in the product as a brand. Valkyrae also disclosed that she is still under contract to advertise the skincare line, so this should be taken with a grain of salt. The skincare set is still available for purchase both online and in-person. Valkyrae has since deleted her Tweets regarding the situation, including her initial announcement.
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Image Credits: RFLCT