Popular YouTube streamer Valkyrae is in the middle of controversy due to her support for a line of unproven skincare products called RFLCT. After speaking candidly about the situation with other streamers on Discord, Twitch personality Atrioc leaked a Discord conversation between Valkyrae and Ludwig.
Dermatologists have called RFLCT skincare products into question recently, pointing to the limited research on the effects of blue light on the skin. When Valkyrae announced on Twitter that the collaboration with RFLCT was years in the making, the YouTube streamer defended the brand. According to Valkyrae, RFLCT had data supporting its protection against blue light produced by bright monitors, smartphones, etc.
During a recent Twitch stream, Atrioc was streaming Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout when he opened Discord. According to the leaked Discord chat between Valkyrae and Ludwig, Valkyrae struggled to decide whether she should believe RFLCT's studies. Other popular streamers have spoken against the brand that she co-founded, including members of her team.
Valkyrae cited a large donation from Ulta Beauty as a reason to believe in RFLCT and its ability to protect the skin of countless people. "Why would a company like Ulta invest in something like this if they didn't also believe the research," Valkyrae asked Ludwig. Valkyrae has been given some information about RFLCT's ability to protect customers from blue light, but the companies website doesn't make any of the medical information public.
Speaking to Ludwig in Discord, Valkyrae confirmed how much money Ulta Beauty donated to RFLCT was a whopping $4 million. Valkyrae stated that she believes the lack of public information from RFLCT is hurting her brand and that she would like for the studies to go public. Valkyrae also discussed a contract that she had signed regarding the RFLCT deal and joked about embracing the scammer life getting out of the contract and admitting she was wrong.
Although the RFLCT controversy continues to affect Valkyrae, Ludwig encouraged the YouTube streamer to do what feels right for her. The Twitch streamer tried to find a way that Valkyrae could turn the controversy into a win, which prompted further discussion about the contract. Valkyrae claimed in the Discord chat that she has leverage and has been working with public relations and lawyers to craft a statement.
Since the controversy with RFLCT began, Valkyrae admits she really messed up by trusting the information presented to her. Although the leaked Discord conversation suggests that she will be making an official statement soon, the YouTube streamer has already walked back several defenses of the skincare brand. Valkyrae has faced backlash regarding the endorsement of RFLCT from other Twitch streamers and viewers alike.
Valkyrae was in the midst of controversy prior to Atrioc accidentally leaking the Discord chat between her and Ludwig and the revelations discovered in the chat may bring her further controversy. Despite the YouTube streamer joking about being a scammer in the Discord chat, some fans may take her seriously and feel scorned as a result. Although Valkyrae hinted at getting out of her contract in the Discord messages, it's currently unclear what will happen with her endorsement of RFLCT skincare products.