Jessica Alba's The Honest Company places her on Forbes' 40 richest women list

Jessica Alba is now officially one of the richest self-made females in the world after her healthy lifestyle brand The Honest Company closed with a Series D financing valuation of US$100 million (AU$136 million).

The company recently called for additional capital to expand the business, which includes the launch of Honest Beauty focusing on non-toxic colour cosmetics, skincare and hair care products, according to a press release on Business Wire. The Honest Company is also looking to boost its wholesale and online distribution channels.

When the business was launched in 2012, it only had 17 products. Now it boasts over 120 products across over 4,000 retail partners in the United States and Canada. People reports that Alba joins the list of Hollywood celebrities who have ventured into the lifestyle industry, including Gwyneth Paltrow, founder of Goop.

The capital raising programme instantly valued Alba's firm at over US$1.7 billion (AU$2.3 billion) and effectively boosted her net worth to around US$340 million (AU$463 million). The 34-year-old "Sin City" star owns about 20 percent of The Honest Company. What is interesting about Alba's financial position is she is now richer than pop superstar Beyonce Knowles, who has a net worth of US$250 million (AU$340 million), and YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki (US$300 million/AU$408 million), Forbes claims.

The Honest Company was recently embroiled in a scandal after some people used social media to question the quality of its sunscreen products, which became viral. The actress responded to critics on her Instagram account saying that her team developed The Honest Company products to protect their own kids and they believe in its efficacy. She also said that it saddens her to learn that some people are having a negative experience when it comes to using their products.

“Our team is reaching out to everyone who has posted on social media to assure you that we’re committed to your safety and satisfaction. For those who have expressed concerns about our Sunscreen Lotion, we want you to know that we hear you and we’re here for you. As always, we’ll do what it takes to make it right. You can reach us at: 1.888.862.8818,” Alba wrote in The Honest Company’s official blog. It was co-signed with business partner Christopher Gavigan.

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