e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE: ELF) is blasting off to space for a historic first with its partner, activist and astronaut Amanda Nguyen. Nguyen is one of six astronauts selected to fly with Blue Origin as the first all-female space crew. She will also be the first Vietnamese woman to travel to space, using her mission to uplift and empower women and girls in STEM.
While in space, Nguyen will be conducting two science experiments. She will further her women’s health bioastronautics research from the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences, examining microgravity’s impact on various wound-dressing mediums. Her focus is on menstruation management, a factor that once hindered women from becoming astronauts. Despite progress, women represent roughly 11% of all astronauts*. More research, like Amanda's, is vital to develop safe and effective external devices and materials for managing menstruation and blood flow during extended space missions.
Nguyen will also be conducting a pathology experiment in partnership with the Vietnamese National Space Center and the University of Wisconsin Madison. She will study microgravity’s impact on Brassica Rapa seeds which originate from Southeast Asia.
"My journey has always been about pushing boundaries and embracing every facet of my identity. My dream isn't just to explore space, but to make a difference here on Earth, and e.l.f. has provided me with an incredible platform to uplift all parts of my humanity—the scientist, the advocate and the woman,” said Amanda Nguyen. “As a woman astronaut, opportunities are scarce, and often, what brings you joy aren't showcased. e.l.f. allows me to prioritize my joy—whether it's wearing a bold red lip as a symbol of empowerment or sharing my story to inspire others to pursue their dreams with limitless ‘yes’ energy — because joy is the most radical form of rebellion. The sky's not the limit—it's just the beginning."
e.l.f. kicked off its partnership with Nguyen this year with the launch of a documentary-style short film in its “Show Your(s)e.l.f.” series, which celebrates her extraordinary journey of resilience, advocacy and determination, while inspiring the next generation of women and girls to dream big.
In honor of the 10th annual United Nations Women and Girls in Science Day, e.l.f. joined Nguyen in the United Nations General Assembly for the first gathering of past, present and future women astronauts. This was another historic first, bringing trailblazing women astronauts, member states and allies including NFL star, actor and activist, Terry Crews, and scientist, TV personality and STEM supporter, Bill Nye, together to celebrate transcending limits, defying gravity and advocating for women’s rights and gender equality in STEM.
“e.l.f. is proud to celebrate Amanda’s triumph as much as her journey on this historic flight that will fuel dreams for generations to come,” said Kory Marchisotto, CMO of e.l.f. Beauty. “Amanda is an accomplished astronaut. We want to amplify her incredible path to becoming one. The trials and tribulations - the shining stars of progress - are what make the journey an illuminating constellation. It is every step Amanda has taken that inspires the power of possibilities in others.”
This will be the 11th human spaceflight mission for Blue Origin, a same-day mission, totaling roughly one-hour in flight. The mission will lift off from Launch Site One in West Texas later this year.
e.l.f. celebrates and is committed to amplifying empowered.legendary.females everywhere, supporting those who push the boundaries of possibility.
Marchisotto furthers, “Together we are democratizing dreams for the next generation of trailblazers and changemakers.”
The astronaut crew includes Aisha Bowie, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Katy Perry and Lauren Sanchez.
*United Nations, "Only around 1 in 5 space industry workers are women"