Our Exclusive Interview Irene Forte
Q: You built a remarkable career in hospitality before venturing into skincare. What
inspired you to make that leap, and how did your experience in wellness and hospitality shape the foundation for Irene Forte Skincare?
Irene: I wouldn’t call it a remarkable hospitality career, but my journey began at Rocco Forte Hotels, where working with my father was incredibly formative. I was encouraged to be entrepreneurial and exposed to every part of the business - even sitting in on Executive Committee meetings - which gave me a strong foundation for leading my own company.
While developing the group’s wellness offering, I saw an opportunity to create something
more meaningful within the spa space. With access to our organic farm at Verdura Resort
in Sicily, I wanted to harness the richness of Mediterranean ingredients. But “natural” alone wasn’t enough - I wanted real results. That led me to Dr. Francesca Ferri, whose 40 years of bio-medical research helped unite nature and science to create truly functional skincare.
From the spa world, I learned that skincare must be both effective and experiential. We
developed allergen-screened fragrances and formulas certified for sensitive skin,
combining sensorial pleasure with total skin kindness. At its core, Irene Forte Skincare
reflects the values I learned from hospitality - meticulous attention to detail and an
unwavering commitment to the highest quality.
Q: Your brand blends nature and science so seamlessly. How did your partnership with scientists and dermatologists come about, and what have you learned from bringing those two worlds together?
Irene: I knew that if we were going to create truly effective natural skincare, we needed to
ground it in science. That’s when I met Dr. Francesca Ferri, our Scientific Director, and a
cosmetic scientist with over 40 years of bio-medical research behind her.
Together, we developed formulations that combine nutrient-rich botanical ingredients
with advanced proprietary and patented extracts, such as the neuropeptide Myoxinol™
from hibiscus seeds and Phytomelatonin from Italian plants - creating what we call
“Natural Science.” Working with Dr. Ferri has taught me that true innovation doesn’t mean abandoning nature; it means using science to unlock its full potential. From developing unique actives, to balancing ingredients in a scientifically precise way, to conducting clinical trials that substantiate performance, efficacy, and skin tolerance - everything we do is rooted in that synergy between nature and science.
Q: Many of your ingredients are sourced from your family’s organic farm in Sicily. Can you tell us about the connection between the land, the ingredients, and the sense of
wellbeing your products promote?
Irene: Sicily is at the heart of Irene Forte Skincare. The colors of its landscape inspired our packaging; the Mediterranean Diet inspired our ingredients; and the island’s philosophy of balance, simplicity, and longevity shaped our approach to long-term skin health. Our ingredients - from olive oil and sweet almond oil to aloe leaf juice - are sourced from our organic farm there, each reflecting Sicily’s extraordinary biodiversity and nourishing richness.
Beyond the skincare, there’s also a deeply personal connection. I spent almost a year
working there during my gap year from university; I got married there; it’s where I spend
my summers with my family; and I’m an honorary citizen of Caltabellotta, a nearby town
that has recently been recognised as an emerging Blue Zone.
Q: Launching a skincare brand rooted in integrity and sustainability can’t have been easy. Were there moments early on when you questioned the path, and what helped you stay true to your vision?
Irene: There were definitely moments when it felt difficult. Building a brand that’s genuinely sustainable comes with endless challenges - from sourcing responsibly and managing costs to proving that luxury and sustainability can truly coexist. Developing “green” products is expensive, and minimum order quantities for sustainable materials remain high, which can be especially tough for smaller brands like mine.
There were times I wondered if the effort was worth it, but I’ve always believed that if you
lead with integrity, the right path will sustain itself. Certifications such as B Corp and
Positive Luxury’s Butterfly Mark are incredibly time-consuming, but they provide structure, credibility, and accountability - and in a world full of greenwashing, that authenticity has become one of our greatest differentiators.
Our B Corp and Butterfly Mark certifications, along with our “Excellent” Yuka ratings, build genuine trust - and that trust drives loyalty and growth. Our “Made in Italy” provenance has also deeply resonated; in a recent survey, “Italy” ranked as equally important as scientific efficacy in driving purchase intent - proof that integrity and cultural authenticity are just as powerful as innovation in building lasting brand value.
Q: Your line is often described as ‘skin wellness’ rather than traditional skincare. What
does ‘skin wellness’ mean to you, and how do you hope people feel when they use your products?
Irene: For me, skin wellness is about long-term skin health rather than quick fixes. It’s about supporting the skin’s natural functions - its ability to protect, repair, and regenerate - through ingredients and formulations that work with the skin, not against it. Our products are designed to respect and strengthen the skin barrier, bringing it back to balance and promoting resilience over time.
Equally, skin wellness is emotional. I want people to enjoy using our products - for every
application to feel like a moment of calm and care. Sensoriality is essential: textures,
scents, and rituals that transport you to the Mediterranean with each use. I truly believe in psycho-cosmetics - when you enjoy applying something, you connect with it more deeply and believe in its results.
Ultimately, I want people to feel good in their skin - nurtured, confident, and radiant - and
to experience visible, lasting results that reflect true skin health.