BeautyTalks with Reflekt Founder Nancy Schnoll

Tell us about what inspired you to launch your skincare line Reflekt.

Reflekt came to be after I realized a product that could cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate daily simply didn’t exist anywhere in the world. As a working actress, I was always looking for the best skincare and every expert I spoke to would tell me that the key to beautiful skin is exfoliation and hydration. I couldn’t understand why there wasn’t a product that could be used daily to accomplish both of these tasks gently and effectively between facial appointments, so I wanted to fill that need. Thus, Reflekt 1 was born.

You are a product pioneer. Tell us about the process of developing your exfoliating face wash and the formulation process.

After endless research on the benefits of each ingredient, a European chemist and I worked together to choose the ideal combination of high-quality ingredients such as, high-grade hyaluronic acid, vegetable collagen, vitamin B5, and jojoba esters. It actually took 31 tries before we could find the right bead but once the formulation was perfected, I worked with a French perfumer to create a fragrance custom-made for Reflekt 1. It was an amazing experience.

It truly is the one essential product you need in your routine, geared for women and men, how does one product do so much?

I knew I wanted Reflekt 1 to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate in one fell swoop, so each ingredient was chosen specifically with those goals in mind to simplify your skincare routine. Along with that came a bevy of multiple benefits.

Share with us your go-to essential key ingredients and what issues they tackle.

The essential ingredients in Reflekt 1 include hyaluronic acid, jojoba esters, vegetable collagen, and vitamin B5 making it a clean, non-toxic, and vegan product, which was really important to me. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful, but gentle, magnet for moisture that deeply hydrates, plumps, and shields the skin against free radicals. Jojoba esters are our biodegradable beads that gently exfoliate before dissolving into a satiating burst of hydration. Vegetable collagen is a plant-derived powerhouse aimed at improving elasticity and restoring skin’s youthful vigor. Vitamin B5 helps to fortify your skin’s natural protective barrier to help retain hydration and impart a natural glow. 

"When you look good, you feel good, and you go out into the world and you do good."

Do you believe self-care and a solid skincare routine change your mindset?

I absolutely believe self-care and skincare can change your mindset. When you look good, you feel good, and you go out into the world and you do good.

Do you see your brand expanding with different products?

We will actually be launching Reflekt 2 and 3—our serum and face cream—this May, which is so exciting. While we do have additional products on the horizon as well, our line will never be large because we believe simplicity is key for a happy stress-free lifestyle. You don’t need 20 products to have beautiful skin.

What inspired your brand’s name Reflekt?

Each and every individual reflects beauty from the inside out. And what better way to reflect beauty from the inside out than with glowing healthy skin?

What role does social media play in your brand?

Social media has allowed us to build brand awareness while fostering a community of loyal customers who genuinely love Reflekt, and we adore right back. Nothing makes us happier than hearing about how our hero product, Reflekt 1, has changed their skin! With their continued support and our mission, we are spreading the word about the importance of regular exfoliation.

What are your morning rituals?

I wake up every weekday around 7 or 7:30 AM, wash my face at the sink (with Reflekt 1, of course), and brush my teeth. From there I normally brew a fresh cup of coffee while checking emails and texts. Then I get organized, make my bed, jump in the shower, and am ready for the day ahead.

"My favorite part of building this brand is seeing the impact Reflekt has had on people’s skin and confidence."

What has been your favorite part about building this business?

My favorite part of building this brand is seeing the impact Reflekt has had on people’s skin and confidence. Before the pandemic, a friend invited me to a get-together and when I used the host’s bathroom, I saw Reflekt 1 sitting out so beautifully on their sink. It was such a surreal moment, realizing that people I don’t even know are using and loving my product—that will never get old for me.

As a female founder have you faced distinct challenges or found support in the industry?

The biggest challenge I faced wasn’t directly in the beauty industry but actually in the fundraising process. It’s often more difficult for female-founded businesses to receive funding, so it was tough to be taken seriously by all-male investors or investment teams—until we finally found our match.

Aside from beauty, what are you passionate about?

Aside from beauty, cooking and baking are huge passions of mine. It’s my favorite pastime and I collect cookbooks and read them like novels!

Philanthropy is in your DNA. What was the driver behind Reflekt Abundance?

I created Reflekt Abundance because I believe strongly in helping those in need. It's a belief instilled in me by my mom, and one exemplified by her commitment to feeding others. Whether volunteering for countless hours at the food bank in my hometown of Milwaukee, or baking and cooking for family and friends, my mom’s passion was giving the gift of food. I am honoring my mom and continuing her legacy through Reflekt Abundance and am proud to partner with WhyHunger by donating a portion of all sales to this incredible charity.