Lauren Ratner – The Visionary Behind Rhode Skin’s Billion-Dollar Success Story
Who is Lauren Ratner?
Lauren Ratner is an American entrepreneur, brand architect, and marketing powerhouse best known as the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Brand Officer of Rhode Skin, the globally renowned skincare brand launched with model and businesswoman Hailey Bieber. Based in the United States, she has built a reputation as one of the most influential figures in modern beauty branding. Her strategic vision, business acumen, and understanding of digital-first audiences have made Rhode Skin one of the most successful beauty start-ups of the decade.
From building her career at some of fashion’s most respected names like Michael Kors, Reformation, and James Perse, to shaping Rhode into a billion-dollar enterprise, Lauren Ratner’s journey is a story of innovation, intelligence, and influence.
Early Life and Education of Lauren Ratner
Lauren Ratner was born on 9 August 1990 – 1991 in the United States. Although the exact year of her birth is not publicly disclosed, she is estimated to be around 34 years old in 2025. Intelligent and ambitious from a young age, she went on to study at the University of Pennsylvania, one of the Ivy League’s most prestigious institutions.
Between 2008 and 2012, she earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History, a discipline that shaped her analytical thinking and cultural sensitivity—qualities that would later become instrumental in her brand-building career.
Lauren Ratner’s Early Career Path
Before co-founding Rhode Skin, Lauren Ratner built a decade-long track record across fashion, retail, and marketing leadership roles. Her career began in 2012 as a Research Analyst – Specialty Retail at Telsey Advisory Group in New York City, where she gained deep insights into consumer behaviour and the retail landscape.
From there, she transitioned to Michael Kors, serving as Associate Manager of Global Marketing (2013 – 2015). Her ability to blend creative storytelling with strategic messaging quickly made her a standout.
She later became Director of Digital and Strategic Partnerships at DANNIJO (2015 – 2016) and Director of Marketing at Reformation (2016 – 2019)—two roles that defined her understanding of sustainability, influencer culture, and brand voice.
In 2020, Lauren took on the role of Senior Director of Marketing at James Perse Enterprises, followed by a Vice Presidency at Farrynheight, where she oversaw brand strategy for high-profile lifestyle clients.
These experiences collectively shaped her understanding of how to merge aesthetics, commerce, and emotion into one coherent narrative—a skill that would soon define her success with Rhode Skin.
The Birth of Rhode Skin
In 2020, Lauren Ratner joined forces with Hailey Bieber and Michael D. Ratner to build a skincare brand that embodied minimalism, efficacy, and culture. The result was Rhode Skin, launched officially in June 2022.
Lauren’s role as Co-Founder and Head of Brand was pivotal. She built Rhode’s visual identity, marketing strategy, and tone of voice. Every campaign, from packaging to rollout, reflected her perfectionism and understanding of timing.
Under her leadership, Rhode quickly became synonymous with the “clean-girl beauty” movement—a trend that emphasises simplicity and radiant natural skin. The brand’s viral success on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram created a 700,000-person waitlist within its first year.
By 2023, Lauren had been promoted to President and Chief Brand Officer, solidifying her as one of the top women leading the beauty industry.
The Billion-Dollar Milestone
In 2025, Rhode Skin reached a monumental milestone when e.l.f. Beauty acquired the company for approximately US $1 billion. The acquisition marked one of the most lucrative deals in modern skincare history.
While Hailey Bieber remained the creative face of the brand, Lauren Ratner was credited as the strategic mind behind its business model and growth trajectory. Publications across the industry, including Campaign US, Cosmetics Business, and The Industry Beauty, celebrated her disciplined approach—focusing on high-impact launches, limited-edition drops, and strong storytelling rather than market saturation.
Lauren Ratner’s Net Worth
Exact figures for Lauren Ratner’s net worth are not publicly available, but based on Rhode’s $1 billion valuation and her co-founder status, financial analysts estimate her personal wealth could range from tens of millions to over US $50 million, depending on her equity share.
Her wealth is derived not only from Rhode Skin’s acquisition but also from her consulting ventures under LER Consulting, founded in 2022, and prior executive roles in global fashion houses.
Lauren Ratner’s Husband
Lauren Ratner is married to Michael D. Ratner, an award-winning producer, director, and the founder of OBB Media, a Los Angeles-based entertainment company known for projects with Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, and Netflix.
The couple married on 30 July 2022 in Napa, California, in a ceremony that attracted industry friends and family. In late 2025, the pair announced that they were expecting their first child, affectionately referred to online as “Baby Ratner”.
Together, they also co-chair philanthropic events such as the Project Healthy Minds Gala, supporting youth mental-health initiatives through OBB Cares.
Lauren Ratner Age – How Old is Lauren Ratner?
As of 2025, Lauren Ratner is approximately 34 years old. Her birthday is 9 August, as confirmed by numerous professional and beauty-industry accounts that celebrated her birthday with public tributes in 2025.
Her youthful yet mature leadership style has been frequently cited as an example of modern executive excellence—balancing innovation, brand sensitivity, and ethical leadership.
Lauren Ratner 30 Under 30 Recognition
While she has not been officially listed on the Forbes 30 Under 30, Lauren Ratner has been recognised among top executives in marketing and brand leadership. In 2024, she was named in Campaign US’s CMO 50, a prestigious list celebrating the most influential marketing leaders shaping the creative economy.
Her achievements surpass the age-based accolades—establishing her as a thought leader and strategist admired well beyond the confines of any list.
Lauren Ratner Wikipedia and Public Presence
Though she does not yet have a dedicated Wikipedia page, Lauren Ratner’s professional history, interviews, and brand success stories are widely covered across global media outlets.
Her Instagram profile (@laurenratner), with over 178 000 followers, showcases her professional milestones, brand launches, event appearances, and glimpses into her personal life with husband Michael. Her social media tone reflects warmth, gratitude, and empowerment—traits consistent with Rhode’s clean, accessible aesthetic.
The Leadership Style of Lauren Ratner
Lauren’s leadership is characterised by a rare balance of creativity and discipline. She often emphasises restraint over oversaturation, believing that modern brands should prioritise meaning over volume.
Under her direction, Rhode Skin built a global community not by flooding the market, but by curating thoughtful product releases that align with the rhythm of contemporary culture. Her analytical background, coupled with her experience in fashion marketing, allows her to blend intuition with data—a skill that defines her as a next-generation executive.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Beyond business, Lauren Ratner is passionately involved in mental-health advocacy. Alongside Michael D. Ratner, she co-chaired the 2025 Project Healthy Minds Gala, raising awareness and funding for mental-health services targeting young people.
She also supports initiatives under OBB Cares, the social-impact arm of her husband’s media company, which integrates storytelling with charitable action.
Lauren Ratner – A Modern Icon of Beauty and Leadership
From Wall Street beginnings to creative boardrooms, Lauren Ratner represents the intersection of business intelligence and emotional storytelling. Her work with Rhode Skin has reshaped how beauty brands communicate authenticity, aspiration, and accessibility.
As a mother-to-be, wife, and business leader, she embodies a new era of leadership—empathetic, grounded, and future-focused. With Rhode continuing to expand globally under her guidance, Lauren Ratner’s influence in the beauty industry is only set to grow.
FAQs
1. Who is Lauren Ratner?
Lauren Ratner is an American entrepreneur and brand strategist best known as the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Brand Officer of Rhode Skin, the billion-dollar skincare brand launched with Hailey Bieber.
2. How old is Lauren Ratner?
Lauren Ratner was born on 9 August 1990–1991, making her approximately 34 years old as of 2025.
3. Who is Lauren Ratner’s husband?
Lauren Ratner is married to Michael D. Ratner, an award-winning film producer and founder of OBB Media. The couple married in July 2022 in Napa, California, and are expecting their first child.
4. What is Lauren Ratner’s net worth?
While her exact net worth isn’t publicly disclosed, industry analysts estimate it in the tens of millions of US dollars, following the US $1 billion acquisition of Rhode Skin by e.l.f. Beauty in 2025.
5. Was Lauren Ratner featured in Forbes 30 Under 30?
No, Lauren Ratner has not been listed on Forbes 30 Under 30, but she was honoured in Campaign US’s CMO 50 (2024) for her leadership and innovation in beauty marketing.
Final Thoughts
Lauren Ratner’s story is not just one of professional triumph; it’s a testament to clarity of vision and the power of knowing your audience. Her journey—from studying history to making history—illustrates that great brands are built on understanding people, culture, and purpose.
Her trajectory makes one thing clear: Lauren Ratner is more than a beauty executive—she is the business mind redefining modern skincare.
