Popular YouTube streamer Rachell "Valkyrae" Hofstetter remains embroiled in a controversy regarding her endorsement of RFLCT skincare, and the relationship between both parties has taken a new turn. Valkyrae's RFLCT store has gone offline as a result of the backlash the content creator is facing.
Valkyrae announced her endorsement of RFLCT skincare on October 19 and since then, several viewers, dermatologists, and other streamers have reached out to the popular YouTube content creator to voice their displeasure. RFLCT is intended to protect the skin against harm from blue light created by monitors, televisions, and smartphones, but the public data doesn't instill much hope in the science behind RFLCT. Although Valkyrae originally attested to the private studies done by RFLCT, she's since walked back defenses of the skincare brand.
The RFLCT website has been taken down and the product has been removed from retail partner Ulta Beauty's online shop as well. It's currently unclear whether or not the product has been withdrawn or any sold product will be recalled. Although an official announcement regarding RFLCT's removal from the internet hasn't been made as of now, the removal may be linked with Valkyrae's controversy with RFLCT as she is co-founder of the skincare brand.
Valkyrae fans looking to protect their skin from blue light won't be able to purchase RFLCT products online as things stand. The product may be rebranded and sold under a different name in the future, but the product may have been shelved indefinitely as a result of this controversy as well. It's likely that RFLCT, Valkyrae, and Ulta Beauty are working on a statement for fans who were looking to support Valkyrae's skincare brand and critics of the science behind it alike.
A Discord conversation between Valkyrae and popular Twitch streamer Ludwig was recently leaked by another Twitch streamer known as Atrioc. In this Discord conversation, Valkyrae discussed her contract with RFLCT, the studies it showed her, and a massive investment made to the skincare company from Ulta Beauty. Valkyrae also teased getting out of the RFLCT contract as a result of the backlash, stating that she's working with lawyers and public relations to undo the damage done to her brand.
It's currently unclear whether or not the leaked Discord messages between Valkyrae and Ludwig are the cause of the RFLCT store going offline, but it may have contributed to the change. Valkyrae discussed a lot of key details about the business in the private Discord chat and the messages being leaked may have added further stress to the situation. Some Valkyrae fans are speculating that the YouTube content creator found a way to break her contract with RFLCT, but this hasn't been confirmed by Valkyrae or RFLCT.
Source: Dexerto