Second richest woman in the world, the $95 Billion Heiress You've Never Heard Of

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers a name that might not ring a bell, yet it represents a fortune of approximately $95 billion. As the second richest woman globally and the 20th wealthiest person on Earth, according to Forbes, her story is one of inherited wealth and quiet influence.

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers Photo File Getty Image

Unlike many of the mega-rich who’ve built empires from the ground up, Bettencourt Meyers’ wealth is the legacy of her family. She inherited her vast fortune from her mother, who in turn received it from her father. This lineage connects her to the L’Oréal empire, founded by her grandfather, Eugène Schueller.

To put her wealth into perspective, consider this Bettencourt Meyers could theoretically purchase NBA tickets for every single person in America to watch a game between Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors and Lebron James’ LA Lakers. And not just any tickets – we’re talking about seats costing $135.70 each. She could even throw in an official NBA Wilson ball priced at $44 for everyone and still have around $33 billion remaining!

So, why isn’t Bettencourt Meyers a household name? The answer lies in her preference for privacy and a life less exposed to the media spotlight. While she holds a significant position on the L’Oréal board and is deeply involved in the family’s philanthropic endeavors, she generally avoids the flamboyant displays of wealth often associated with the world’s richest.

Despite her inherited wealth, Bettencourt Meyers is far from passive. She is actively involved in the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which supports scientific research, education, and the arts. Her focus on philanthropy and intellectual pursuits sets her apart from many other high-profile billionaires.

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ story is a fascinating contrast to the self-made narratives we often hear about the ultra-rich. Her life offers a glimpse into a world of inherited fortunes, quiet philanthropy, and a deliberate choice to remain out of the limelight, despite her immense wealth and influence.

Meyers pictured with her mom Liliane Bettenourt a year before her death (Paul Hubble/GC Images)

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers: More Than Just an Heiress – A Portrait of Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy, and Literary Pursuits

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, born on July 10, 1953, is a multifaceted figure who transcends the simple label of “heiress.” As a French entrepreneur, philanthropist, writer, and billionaire, she embodies a blend of inherited privilege and self-driven ambition. Currently recognized as the second richest woman in the world, with an estimated net worth of $88.2 billion as of July 2025 according to Forbes, her story is one of both legacy and personal achievement.

The only child of Liliane Bettencourt and granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, the visionary founder of L’Oréal, Françoise inherited not only a vast fortune but also a connection to one of the world’s leading beauty and cosmetics companies. Following her mother’s death in September 2017, her fortune has tripled, fueled by strategic investments through her family holding company, Téthys Invest, and the consistently high valuation of L’Oréal shares on the stock exchange.

Beyond her business acumen, Bettencourt Meyers is deeply committed to philanthropy. She plays a significant role in the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which supports projects in the fields of science, arts, and social inclusion. Her dedication to giving back reflects a desire to use her wealth for the betterment of society.

Adding another dimension to her persona, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is also a published writer. She has authored books on topics ranging from Greek mythology to Jewish-Christian relations, showcasing her intellectual curiosity and her desire to engage with complex cultural and historical themes.

While her inheritance undoubtedly shaped her path, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers has carved out her own identity as a successful entrepreneur, a dedicated philanthropist, and a thoughtful writer. Her story serves as an inspiring example of how inherited wealth can be leveraged to create a positive impact on the world.

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heir to the L’Oréal empire, leads a life marked by immense wealth, intricate family dynamics, and significant philanthropic endeavors. Her story is a tapestry woven with threads of faith, controversy, and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

Raised Catholic, Bettencourt Meyers has demonstrated a deep engagement with religious texts, having authored several Bible commentaries. This intellectual pursuit reflects a thoughtful approach to faith and spirituality.

As the only child and heir of Liliane Bettencourt, Françoise’s life has been intertwined with both privilege and public scrutiny. Her marriage to Jean-Pierre Meyers, a business executive and grandson of a rabbi murdered at Auschwitz, added another layer of complexity. Despite being raised Catholic, she converted to Judaism, and together they raised their children, Jean-Victor and Nicolas, in the Jewish faith.

Her marriage also stirred controversy due to her grandfather Eugène Schueller, L’Oreal’s founder, having faced prosecution for collaboration with the Nazi government. Despite this historical shadow, Bettencourt Meyers and her family continue to hold a 33 percent stake in the company.

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Legal Battles and Scandals

In 2008, Bettencourt Meyers initiated legal action against François-Marie Banier, accusing him of exploiting her mother for financial gain . She also sought to have her mother declared mentally incompetent, leading to the unearthing of secret recordings that triggered the Woerth–Bettencourt scandal. In December 2010, she reached an out-of-court settlement with both her mother and Banier.

Philanthropic Contributions

Following her mother’s death in September 2017, which saw her net worth rise to approximately $39.5 billion, Bettencourt Meyers has continued to make significant contributions to society. After a devastating fire severely damaged Notre-Dame de Paris, she and L’Oréal pledged $226 million to aid in the cathedral’s restoration.

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ life is a testament to the complexities of wealth, family, and faith. Her journey, marked by both personal conviction and public controversy, underscores her position as a figure of significant influence in the worlds of business, philanthropy, and culture.

How Françoise Bettencourt Meyers Became a Billionaire

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ journey to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is a story deeply rooted in family legacy and the enduring success of a global beauty empire. Her fortune, while significantly amplified by strategic business decisions, originates from the vision of a French chemist named Eugène Schueller, the founder of L’Oréal.

Eugène Schueller, a pioneering chemist with an entrepreneurial spirit, established L’Oréal in the early 20th century. As he had only one child, Liliane, all of his wealth and the ownership of L’Oréal were passed down to her upon his death in 1957. This inheritance laid the foundation for the Bettencourt family’s future wealth.

Inherited Stake and Strategic Influence

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ riches primarily stem from her inherited stake in L’Oréal. Her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, was one of the principal shareholders in L’Oréal until her death in 2017. Françoise currently owns 33 percent of the business, making her the firm’s largest individual shareholder.

Her influence extends beyond mere ownership. She holds a seat on L’Oréal’s board of directors and serves as chairwoman of the family holding company, ensuring her ongoing involvement in the strategic direction of the business. This active participation allows her to shape the company’s future and safeguard her family’s interests.

Growth and Global Expansion

In addition to her inheritance and board involvement, L’Oréal’s continued growth, particularly in global beauty markets and e-commerce, has significantly boosted her fortune over time. The company’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and expand its reach into new markets has translated into substantial financial gains for its shareholders, including Bettencourt Meyers.

A Legacy of Beauty and Business

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ fortune is a testament to the enduring power of a well-built business and the strategic management of inherited wealth. From the innovative vision of Eugène Schueller to the continued growth and global expansion of L’Oréal, her story is a compelling example of how a family legacy can evolve into a global empire.

Tracking Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ Net Worth

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ position as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is a subject of constant fascination, with her net worth fluctuating alongside the tides of the global economy. While pinpointing an exact figure can be challenging due to market volatility, recent estimates offer a glimpse into the magnitude of her fortune.

As of the time of writing, Forbes’ real-time billionaires list places her wealth at approximately $95.3 billion. This figure, updated frequently, provides a snapshot of her current standing based on available market data.

It’s important to note that this number is not static. The stock price of L’Oréal, the company at the heart of her fortune, plays a significant role in determining her net worth. Additionally, exchange rates and the overall health of the global economy can also influence these estimates.

Bloomberg’s billionaire list currently values her at $95.9 billion, slightly higher than Forbes’ estimate. According to Bloomberg, this makes her the 19th richest person on Earth. However, it’s worth noting that Bloomberg’s list has removed its founder and owner, Michael Bloomberg, from its rankings.

For context, Forbes estimates Michael Bloomberg’s net worth at $109.4 billion, ranking him as the 17th wealthiest person in the world. This comparison highlights the dynamic nature of these rankings and the varying methodologies used by different sources.

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ net worth is a moving target, influenced by a complex interplay of market forces and economic trends. While the exact number may vary from day to day, her status as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals remains firmly established.