In her search for true, sustainable beauty, Irene Forte found the perfect balance between nature and science. After years in the world of luxury hospitality, she founded Irene Forte Skincare: a brand that combines Mediterranean simplicity with clinical efficacy. With ingredients from her organic farm in Sicily and a commitment to sustainability and transparency, she creates skincare that goes beyond superficial luxury. For Irene, it’s all about long-term health for the skin, body, and environment. A conversation with a founder who believes that true beauty begins with balance and well-being.
What inspired you to found Irene Forte Skincare, and how does the brand reflect your Sicilian roots?
My journey into the world of skincare began when I was responsible for the spas within Rocco Forte Hotels. I was constantly searching for products that felt truly luxurious and delivered long-lasting results, formulas that didn’t compromise between natural ingredients and scientific effectiveness. I realized there was an opportunity to connect these two worlds: to create skincare that is both indulgent and effective, and genuinely good for the skin. That’s how Irene Forte Skincare was born.
Although I am not from Sicily myself, the island has become an inseparable part of my story. Verdura Resort, home to Rocco Forte’s flagship spa, inspired much of the brand, from its philosophy to its visual identity. The colors of the landscape dictated our packaging, the Mediterranean diet inspired our ingredients, and the island’s unique balance of simplicity, nature, and depth forms the basis of our approach to long-term sustainable skin health. We source many of our ingredients from the organic farm at Verdura, work closely with Sicilian artisans and farmers, and support the Sicily Environment Fund. Every element of the brand, from its textures to its scents, carries something of the warmth and authenticity of Sicily.
You often speak about "science meets nature." How do you find the balance between natural ingredients and scientific innovation?
For me, it’s never about nature versus science; it’s about using science to bring out the best in nature. We start with exceptional natural ingredients, many of which come from our organic farm in Sicily, and then apply advanced biotechnology and dermatological research to enhance their efficacy.
Our scientific director, Dr. Francesca Ferri, has over forty years of biomedical experience. Together, we have developed several proprietary active ingredients that embody this philosophy. Myoxinol™, a botanical neuropeptide extracted from hibiscus seeds, mimics the effect of neurotoxins to smooth expression lines, while Phytomelatonin, a patented plant extract, supports cell renewal and repair.
It's all about clinically proven results with formulas that remain gentle on the skin. All our products are certified for sensitive skin and for the planet, which is underlined by our B Corp certification.
How important is sustainability to your products and the overall vision of the brand?
Sustainability is absolutely central to Irene Forte Skincare. It's not a marketing strategy, but a way of thinking. From ingredients and packaging to people and community: we strive to operate as responsibly as possible. No one is ever completely sustainable, but it's a journey and we are constantly trying to improve.
We produce entirely in Italy, sourcing many of our key ingredients from our organic farm in Sicily. We work with local farmers and artisans for both raw materials and elements of our packaging. We also proudly support the Sicily Environment Fund. Our formulas are vegan certified and use organic and upcycled ingredients where possible.
Our packaging is circular: the core products are refillable, and there's a recycling system for the refills. We use paper made from 100% recycled fibers, and our glass bottles contain 31% recycled material. Behind the scenes, we've built our supply chain around traceability and transparency, ensuring every step aligns with our values.
We are also proud to be a Certified B Corporation, which commits us to the highest social and environmental standards. For us, sustainability means regenerative luxury: not just measuring what we take from the planet, but also what we give back to it.
In what ways do the landscapes, scents, and traditions of Sicily influence your creations?
Sicily is in everything we do, in the textures, the shades, and the stories behind each product. The colors of our packaging reflect the island itself: the sea and sky (navy blue), sunsets (terracotta red), earth (brown), and nature (green). Our grey-stoned bottles refer to volcanic rock and pebble beaches, while our scents transport you directly to the Mediterranean: subtle blends of citrus, herbs, and sea breeze, carefully tested for allergens, making them suitable even for the most sensitive skin.
Our spa treatments are deeply rooted in Sicilian tradition. Each treatment begins and ends with the gentle sound of handcrafted Burgio bells, cast in a 16th-century foundry near Verdura, and includes orange blossom inhalations, served in hand-painted ceramic bowls.
We are also inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle: slow, balanced, and nourishing. Additionally, by the area around our farm, which has recently been recognized as an emerging Blue Zone, where people live longer and healthier lives. This philosophy of longevity permeates everything we do, for the skin, the body, and the planet.
"every element of the brand, from the textures to the scents, carries something of the warmth and authenticity of Sicily."
— irene forte
What does well-being mean to you, both in your daily life and within the brand?
For me, well-being is about balance: body, mind, and environment in harmony. Personally, I find that in simple daily rituals, like good sleep, healthy eating, spending time outdoors, and moments of quiet.
Within Irene Forte Skincare, well-being extends beyond self-care; it's about sustainability and longevity, in every sense of the word. Our formulas are designed not just to make the skin look beautiful today, but to keep it healthy for the future. It's also about nurturing the communities and ecosystems that make our work possible. True wellness gives back more than it takes.
Which Irene Forte product do you use the most, and why is it special to you?
It’s hard to choose, but I would say the Hibiscus Night Cream and the Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum. They are the perfect duo for night and the ultimate embodiment of what the brand stands for. Both formulas are clinically proven effective against seven signs of skin aging, with 100% of test subjects showing measurable improvements in wrinkle depth, firmness, elasticity, and redness. And aside from the data, they feel incredibly nourishing and sensual, a true moment of indulgence at the end of the day.
The Hibiscus Night Cream contains the neuropeptide Myoxinol™, which helps relax muscle tension to soften expression lines, while the Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum is powered by patented Phytomelatonin, a plant-derived molecule that supports the skin’s natural regeneration process overnight. Together, they form my ultimate ritual for visible results and long-term skin health. I really couldn't do without them anymore.
