Mediterranean Wisdom, Modern Skincare: The Story of Irene Forte
*IRENE FORTE
*IRENE FORTE
Irene Forte’s path into skincare was less about chasing an industry trend than listening to the land. While working within her family’s Rocco Forte Hotels, she saw how guests were drawn to the slower rhythms of Sicily, where food, wellness, and beauty were inseparable. At Verdura Resort’s organic farm, she began to imagine how olives, almonds, hibiscus, and herbs could be translated into something lasting for the skin.
But unlike many “natural” brands that stop at the romanticism of ingredients, Forte knew proof mattered. Partnering with Dr. Francesca Ferri, she grounded her philosophy in science, creating formulations tested with the same rigor as pharmaceutical research. Actives like Myoxinol™ and Phytomelatonin became symbols of her approach: botanical, yes, but also clinically validated and kind to sensitive skin.
In a beauty landscape often driven by speed and hype, Irene Forte Skincare reads more like a counterpoint. It is slow, deliberate, and culturally rooted, an echo of the Mediterranean diet, where nourishment and longevity outweigh quick fixes. Sicily is not just a place of origin but a philosophy of balance, regeneration, and care.
As the conversation around beauty continues to shift, toward sustainability, efficacy, and cultural grounding, Irene Forte offers a model for what’s possible when storytelling, science, and soil come together.
Read the full interview to explore her journey, her philosophy of “Mediterranean living for the skin,” and her vision for the future of beauty.
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- You started your career within Rocco Forte Hotels. What led you to step into skincare, and how did that transition take shape?
While working at Rocco Forte Hotels, I saw first-hand the opportunity to create something more meaningful within the spa and wellness space. I had access to this extraordinary organic farm at Verdura Resort in Sicily, and I knew there was potential to harness the richness of Mediterranean ingredients in a more elevated, efficacious way. But I also recognised that “natural” alone wasn’t enough - I wanted real results. That’s what led me to find the right scientific partner, which ultimately brought me to Dr. Francesca Ferri.
- Irene Forte Skincare began in spa treatment rooms. What did that environment teach you about formulation, results, and experience?
Launching in spas taught me that skincare must be both effective and experiential. Texture, scent, and sensoriality matter deeply - but they must never come at the expense of skin health, especially for sensitive skin. Unlike most natural brands, we made a conscious decision to avoid essential oils, which are naturally rich in allergens. Instead, we developed bespoke allergen-screened fragrances - designed to deliver a beautiful sensory experience without irritation. That decision, along with rigorous clinical testing, has allowed us to become the only fragranced brand we know of that’s certified for sensitive skin. The spa taught us that performance and pleasure can - and should - coexist.
- You’ve described Sicily as central to the brand. What does that connection look like beyond ingredients, operationally and philosophically?
Sicily isn’t just where we source ingredients - it’s the soul of the brand. So much so that the colours of the land inspired our packaging, the Mediterranean diet shaped our formulations, and the concept of long-term skin health and longevity sits at the heart of our philosophy. We work closely with local artisans and farmers, support the Sicily Environment Fund, and remain committed to regenerative practices on our organic farm at Verdura Resort. Every element of our crafted products is rooted in this land.
- “The Mediterranean diet for skin” has become a defining phrase. How does that concept translate into the way you formulate?
When I launched the brand, I described it as the Mediterranean Diet for the Skin - and that philosophy continues to guide everything we do. Just as the Mediterranean diet promotes longevity through healthy oils and unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods, our skincare delivers those same benefits for the skin. Many of our ingredients are either grown on our organic farm in Sicily or inspired by the estate, and we formulate to provide the skin with essential vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants - to support rejuvenation, hydration, nourishment, and microbiome balance. It’s a gentle, sustainable approach to long-term skin health, and our certification for sensitive skin reflects that commitment.
- Myoxinol™ and Phytomelatonin are key to your clinical identity. What made those actives stand out during development?
We were drawn to actives that could deliver clinically proven results, while remaining firmly rooted in nature. Our mission has always been to combine the best of scientific innovation with botanicals that are both effective and skin-kind.
Myoxinol™, derived from hibiscus seeds, is a neuropeptide that acts as a natural alternative to injectables by helping to inhibit muscle contractions in the skin. But unlike Botox, it doesn't just target mechanical wrinkles - it also delivers antioxidant benefits, helping to address biological signs of ageing at the cellular level.
Phytomelatonin is a plant-derived version of melatonin, discovered and patented by our Scientific Director, Dr. Francesca Ferri. This powerful extract supports the skin’s natural repair processes, enhancing deep cellular regeneration and overnight renewal.
Together, these actives reflect our broader philosophy: high-performance, clinically tested skincare that harnesses the power of nature - formulated for even the most sensitive skin.
- You work closely with Dr. Francesca Ferri. How has that collaboration shaped your understanding of skincare science?
Working with Francesca has been transformative. She brings over 40 years of experience in the medical and dermatological use of plants. She’s deeply holistic but scientifically rigorous. She’s taught me to think in systems - how the skin, the microbiome, the nervous system all interconnect - and to approach skincare not just as a cosmetic pursuit, but a wellbeing one. She’s also helped ensure that every product we launch is backed by data, not just marketing.
- Irene Forte Skincare is natural but clinically validated. What does efficacy mean to you?
Efficacy means proof. It means independent clinical trials, dermatological testing, in-vitro trials, as well as consumer trials on the final product (not just the individual ingredient).
- You’ve recently launched into Paris with Le Bon Marché. What was your approach to entering a market known for high standards and heritage brands?
We knew that entering the Parisian market meant speaking to a highly discerning audience—one that values both heritage and performance. Our approach was rooted in education: showcasing the clinical data behind our formulas, the craftsmanship that defines our production, and the scientific innovation at the heart of our brand. Le Bon Marché was a natural partner. Their deep understanding of curation and artisanal quality aligned perfectly with our ethos. At the same time, we leaned into our Italian identity. Paris respects authenticity, and we found that our story resonated deeply with their clientele.
- What’s your own skincare routine right now, what do you keep consistent, and what do you adapt seasonally or situationally?
My staple routine is:
Almond Cleansing Milk (AM + PM)
Helichrysum Toner (AM + PM)
Hibiscus Serum (AM)
Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum (PM)
Olive Eye Cream (AM + PM)
Hibiscus Night Cream (AM + PM)
This is the foundation of my daily skincare.
That said, I do adapt depending on the season. In the winter, I layer our Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum underneath both the Hibiscus Serum and Phytomelatonin Serum to lock in hydration, and I bring it right up under the eyes for extra moisture.
In the summer, I swap the Helichrysum Toner for the Lemon Toner, which is more brightening and purifying. I also double cleanse in the evenings—using the Lavender Foam Cleanser after the Almond Cleansing Milk - to help remove excess oil and sunscreen.
While the core routine stays the same, I always pay attention to what my skin needs and adjust accordingly.
- With B Corp certification, refillable packaging, and upcycled ingredients, how do you make sustainability decisions without compromising product experience?
Becoming B Corp certified helped formalise this thinking. It gave us a framework to measure progress and hold ourselves accountable - while still staying true to our values of craftsmanship, science, and sustainability.
We always start with a simple question: how can we do better - without compromising the integrity or performance of the product? If a refill system risks air-tightness, formula stability, or sensorial experience, we won’t pursue it. We don’t believe in sustainability at the expense of efficacy.
- What’s a product in the line that feels especially personal to you, and why?
The Hibiscus Night Cream is particularly special to me. It was one of our earliest formulations featuring Myoxinol™, and it’s remained our number one bestseller since launch. I genuinely can’t live without it -I use it both morning and evening.
What makes it so exceptional is the synergy of high-performance, skin-kind ingredients. Alongside Myoxinol™, which helps smooth expression lines, it contains ceramides to support the skin barrier, green pea polypeptides for firming and elasticity, and omega-rich oils - such as olive and sweet almond - sourced from our organic farm in Sicily to deeply nourish and replenish.
The results speak for themselves. Our consumer trial results were the best our trial house had ever seen, with visible age-defying improvements in just 10 days. The clinical trial data was also incredibly strong, reinforcing the product’s efficacy.
Beyond the science, it’s just a joy to use - luxurious, rich, beautifully sensorial. It’s that rare product that delivers visible results while making your daily ritual feel indulgent.
- The brand has grown steadily but intentionally. How do you prioritize what comes next without losing focus?
To be honest, we're already present in many markets - so our priority isn’t rapid expansion, but deepening brand awareness and momentum where we already are.
Our primary focus is the U.S., which is our largest and fastest-growing market, alongside key European countries like Germany, France, and the UK. We've said no to many opportunities - not because they weren't exciting, but because we're committed to growing in a meaningful and sustainable way.
We stay close to our community, invest in education and service, and remain selective - whether it’s a new formula, a spa partner, or a retail door. Quality and consistency are key, and that’s what guides every next step.
- When someone tries your products for the first time, what do you hope they notice, not just on their skin, but in the overall experience?
I hope they feel cared for. That they notice the textures, the subtle, natural scent, the way each product melts into the skin. That it feels luxurious yet gentle - something their skin welcomes, not just tolerates. I want it to feel transportive. Like a moment that takes them to the Mediterranean.
But above all, I hope they notice the results. Smoother skin, more resilience, restored radiance. Everything we create is rooted in science and made for sensitive skin - so it’s not just a beautiful ritual, but one that truly works.
