Insights on our PHYTOMELATONIN REJUVENATING SERUM

I have never been more excited about a product than Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum. This truly is the work of a lifetime by our incredible Scientific Director, Dr. Francesca Ferri. Since I learnt about Dr. Ferri’s research into Phytomelatonin and the patented extraction process, I knew that we had the opportunity to develop a game-changing anti-ageing product. As this product spotlights the more scientific aspect of our “Nature & Science” ethos, I have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about this trailblazing product in order for you to gain insight into the complex process behind this groundbreaking formulation.

As always, I invite you to contact us with any questions that you may have about Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum or any other product in the Irene Forte Skincare lineup. We are just a quick click away at [email protected]

What is Phytomelatonin?

Phytomelatonin is the plant analogue of the human hormone melatonin and is well-known to counteract the degenerative effects of UV exposure and other stressors. 

Why is Phytomelatonin beneficial to the skin?

In in-vitro trials, Phytomelatonin promotes cellular changes linked to skin regeneration. It is also shown to significantly affect the viability of skin cells by re-regulating biochemical processes that are out of balance due to age and UV exposure, and it can triple the vitality of skin cells.

Does Phytomelatonin function similarly to hormones?

Hormones can have a wide variety of profound effects on the skin. Oestrogen, progesterone and the androgens have for example been shown to regulate the condition of the skin via multiple mechanisms that can address skin degradation, wrinkles and dryness, and stimulate the development of new skin cells. Phytomelatonin has been shown to have very similar effects in in-vitro trials. 

This product has been called “the work of a lifetime” for Dr. Ferri. What does this mean?

35 years of natural skincare research by Dr. Ferri has culminated in this breakthrough serum. From her student days in the 70s, Dr. Ferri has been fascinated by the hormone melatonin and in particular, its counterpart in plants: Phytomelatonin. Through the development of a patented technique to extract Phytomelatonin from plants in 2006; the publication of research in 2019 that showed Phytomelatonin can regulate skin ageing; and now with the launch of Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum, Dr. Ferri’s fascination has grown into a lifelong quest to understand the role and benefits of Phytomelatonin.

Can you tell us more about Dr. Ferri’s work with Phytomelatonin?

Since the discovery of Phytomelatonin in 1993, Dr. Ferri’s research has shown that it has a fundamental role in plant cells, most notably promoting growth, responding to stressors (such as viruses and UV radiation), delaying biological ageing and regulating oxidative processes. Dr. Ferri’s work with her team at the University of Calabria, has shown the same sort of fundamental regulatory activity in human skin cells. Her work shows that Phytomelatonin can significantly affect the viability of skin cells and can re-regulate biochemical processes that stressors like age and ultraviolet exposure have knocked out of balance. Imbalances that cause changes that we witness at the tissue level as skin ageing.

Has Dr. Ferri been recognized officially for her important work to this end?

Yes! As a matter of fact, Dr. Ferri has been awarded the Italian equivalent of a knighthood for her research into the effect of Phytomelatonin on the mediators of skin ageing. Dr. Ferri believes that it is only our knowledge of the science of skincare that makes it possible to design products that are so highly effective whilst being so gentle on the skin.

Can you describe Dr. Ferri’s patented extraction technique?

Dr Ferri’s patented extraction technique has been used to obtain a lipophilic Phytomelatonin extract from three alpine plants with particularly high levels of the hormone due to the stressful alpine environment.

Can you let us know the clinical trial results?

Clinical trials show visibly younger-looking skin after 4 weeks, and an even younger-looking complexion at 8 weeks. The usual signs of skin ageing - wrinkle volume, brown spots, UV spots and visible pores - showed significant decreases; while that feature of younger skin, elasticity, actually increased. At the same time as signs of ageing decreasing, the serum also calmed the skin, with red areas and blemishes decreasing significantly. Clinical testing on volunteers who suffer from sensitive skin showed so little ‘reaction’ that this serum has also been approved for use on sensitive skin. So, it strongly addresses the visible signs of skin ageing, but is remarkably gentle in action.

Who should use this product?

While this product was originally conceived for those with drier, more mature skin, due to the wide-ranging benefits offered by the formulation, our Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum may be used by almost all skin types. It is also clinically approved for sensitive skin.

What are the ingredients in Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum?

Amazingly, this breakthrough serum contains only two ingredients: 70% APM (Alpine Plant Melatonin) and 30% Vitamin E.

What is Alpine Plant Melatonin (APM)? 

Alpine Plant Melatonin (APM) is a patented extract of Phytomelatonin that has been shown to visibly reduce multiple signs of skin ageing. For this serum, Dr. Ferri's patented technique has extracted a lipophilic Phytomelatonin oil from three alpine plants: Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Achillea Millefolium Flower Extract, and Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract.

What does the Vitamin E do?

We use a stable form of Vitamin E with antioxidant properties; it strengthens the skin barrier function and has moisturising benefits.

As a ‘clean’ formulation, what is Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum free from?

The Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum is free from parabens, artificial preservatives, phthalates, silicones, fragrance, SLS, SLES, silicones, petrochemicals, TEA, DEA, artificial colours, essential oils, animal-derived ingredients, palm oil and unsustainably sourced palm oil derivatives.  

What is the best way to use Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum?

Apply 1-2 drops onto the face, neck and décolleté with circular upwards motions. Use morning and/or evening before sealing it with a cream. 

How long will it take to see results?

Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum is clinically proven to visibly minimise the signs of skin ageing in just 4 weeks. This anti-ageing effect is even more pronounced with continued use to 8 weeks. We suggest using the product consistently to see the progressive effects.

Is the packaging sustainable?

The innovative packaging features a glass bottle made of up to 31% post-industrial recycled glass. The pipette can be recycled once used through the brand’s recycling programme. The box and its liner are made out of 100% recycled fibres.