Top 100 Richest Women In The World

Over the last 30 years, the title of the richest woman in the world has been influenced by inheritances, self-made fortunes, and shifts in global markets, reflecting the diverse avenues through which women have amassed significant wealth. In the early 1990s, the list was often dominated by women who inherited substantial wealth from their families or spouses, involved in industries ranging from retail and cosmetics to manufacturing and media.

One prominent figure throughout much of this period was Liliane Bettencourt, the French heiress of the L’Oréal fortune. Bettencourt inherited her father’s stake in the world’s largest cosmetics company, which grew significantly over the decades. Her wealth was a testament to the enduring value of global brands and the cosmetics industry’s resilience and growth potential.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, frequently appeared at the top of the list. More recently, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, Liliane Bettencourt’s granddaughter, has been recognized as the world’s richest woman following her inheritance of the L’Oréal fortune. Her wealth illustrates not only the lasting influence of established family fortunes but also the significant role of the beauty and personal care industry in generating wealth.