Move over, corporate giants—there’s a new kind of CEO in town, and she’s wearing Rare Beauty.
Selena Gomez has officially been named to the 2026 CNBC Changemakers list, and honestly? We aren’t even surprised. This annual power list recognizes women who aren’t just participating in business—they’re completely flipping the script across sectors like tech, health care, and retail.
While the number of female Fortune 500 CEOs hit a record 11% this year, the gender gap in corporate America is still a major issue. Enter the “Changemakers”: the women defying those odds by identifying new opportunities where others see dead ends.
2025 was the year Selena proved that being “mission-driven” is actually the ultimate flex for your bottom line. Rare Beauty’s valuation skyrocketed to an estimated $2.7 billion, fueled by a massive retail expansion into Ulta Beauty and a serious move into the fragrance world.
If you haven’t smelled Rare Eau de Parfum yet, you’re missing out on the “it” scent of the decade. Launched in August 2025, this warm, spicy blend of caramel, pistachio, and pink pepper wasn’t just another celebrity perfume drop.
In true Selena fashion, the bottle was a masterclass in inclusivity:
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The Collab: Selena worked directly with hand therapists and packaging engineers.
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The Mission: The bottle was specifically designed for people with dexterity challenges, including those living with arthritis or lupus (a cause close to Selena’s heart).
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The Result: A luxury product that everyone can actually use.
What really sets Selena and her team apart is that the “Rare” mission isn’t just a marketing slogan.
The 2026 Changemakers list also honored Elyse Cohen, Rare Beauty’s Chief Impact Officer and President of the Rare Impact Fund. Under their leadership, the brand directs 1% of all annual sales to the fund, which is currently mobilizing $100 million to expand youth mental health resources globally.
“Changemakers take novel approaches to old business problems.” — CNBC
By proving that you can build a multi-billion dollar empire while prioritizing mental health and accessibility, Selena Gomez isn’t just a pop star or a founder—she’s the blueprint for the future of business.
These women are creating multibillion-dollar companies and brands, breaking down barriers in male-dominated industries, and tackling pressing social issues around the world. With guidance from the Changemakers Advisory Board, CNBC evaluated the applicants’ impact through both quantitative and qualitative lenses. Changemakers have been chosen for reaching a meaningful achievement in 2025, specifically.
Rare Eau de Parfum is available now at all Sephora stores nationwide and online at sephora.co.th.
