So today I learned that gamer/influencer Valkyrae used to have a skincare line called RFLCT. Yes, really.
Valkyrae co-founded RFLCT with former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan Joanna Coles, and Claudia Poccia, CEO and president of Gurwitch Products. What made this skincare line stand out was its alleged ability to protect skin from the blue light emitting from our screens.
It launched back in 2021, targeting gamers and content creators. The line consisted of a cleanser, lip balm, eye serum, eye masks, and a moisturizer. It boasted fancy ingredients like Japanese plant extract (Artemisia capillaris), vitamins A and C. It even had proprietary blends called BLPF (Blue Light Prevention Factor) and RE3
Sounds nice, but there was one small problem: the science that RFLCT was based on didn’t actually exist.
Selling Hype, Not Facts
RFLCT’s main and only selling point was the idea that blue light from our phones and monitors was damaging our skin. The products from the RFLCT line would act as a shield. At the time there was concern on whether too much exposure to the blue light was harmful.
However, dermatologists and researchers said that wasn’t necessarily true. While some blue light can cause hyperpigmentation, it comes from the sun, not your PC or smartphone. The brand’s vague references to conducting “years of research” left experts and gamers skeptical.
It didn’t help that the marketing revolved around Valkyrae, a popular streamer. The ads implied she played a big role in its development. She even claimed to have seen the non-existent research herself. Her reputation sold the idea that this was skincare by gamers, for gamers.
The Backlash Was Instant
As soon as the skincare line was announced, the internet asked itself: Blue light… skincare? Within days, streamers would label RFLCT a stupid idea fueled by pseudoscience. Both beauty and gaming fans slammed the brand for the lack of honesty.
When the so-called “research” supporting RFLCT’s claims never materialized, the line was shut down just two weeks after its launch. The company behind the line scrubbed social media, and announced that leftover products would be donated to those in need.
Initially, Valkyrae defended her skincare line. After RFLCT was shut down, she admitted on stream that she’d been kept in the dark about how the products were made.
When the Bandwagon Falls Apart
RFLCT is a clear example of how exploitative these gaming/beauty collabs can be at times. The gaming world has become a playground for fashion and beauty brands looking to tap into a passionate audience. At the end of the day, these companies know that gamers tend to buy without giving much thought to WHAT they’re purchasing.
It’s something RFLCT took advantage of. It tried to convince people that their favorite pastime was actually harming them, and only this product could fix it.
Valkyrae probably didn’t mean to be deceptive. She was likely a pawn used by Poccia and Coles. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that she promoted these products without any independent research. RFLCT is a cautionary tale for anyone who wants to get into the skincare business. Do your homework. Don’t expect your fame or hype to overshadow the non-existent science behind your product. blindly trust Always double, tripe check your claims. Read independent, peer-reviewed data. If you can’t prove your product will actually work as intended, don’t sell it.
