Irene ForteIrene Forte

Our Founder’s Story

"After nearly a decade at Rocco Forte Hotels, overseeing spa and wellness, I recognized an opportunity to elevate natural skincare through scientific insight. My vision was to create a brand deeply rooted in science, while being environmentally conscious. With my Italian roots and family's organic farm in Sicily as the foundation, I partnered with Dr. Francesca Ferri, a pioneer in natural cosmetics with over 40 years of experience. Together, we developed formulations luxuriously crafted in Italy. These certified vegan products are clinically proven and certified for sensitive skin."

Irene Forte

After graduating from Oxford University, Irene began her career at Rocco Forte Hotels, the prestigious European five-star hotel chain founded by her father. Initially working in HR, Irenes entrepreneurial spirit soon emerged, and she secured £250k in government funding to develop the groundbreaking "Map My Future" app. This innovative app revolutionized career development in the hospitality industry.

Irene then took on a pivotal role overseeing the group's wellness and spa offerings, eventually becoming the youngest board member of the Global Wellness Summit.

2011
Spent almost a year working at Verdura Resort
2012
Started working full time at Rocco Forte Hotels
2015
Met and started working with Dr. Francesca Ferri to bring skincare vision to life
2019
Launched Irene Forte Skincare across all Rocco Forte Hotels
From 2020
Left full time role at Rocco Forte Hotels, and started expanding the brand globally

We Grow our Own in Sicily

Driven by a passion for wellness and innovation, Irene set out to create natural skincare that truly performs. She saw the potential in combining powerful, sustainably sourced ingredients with cutting-edge scientific research. The result is Irene Forte Skincare — a brand that balances efficacy with elegance, delivering visible results while engaging the senses through luxurious textures and scents. For Irene, true luxury means high-performance skincare that’s also kind to the planet.

ROOTED IN FIVE STAR SPA EXPERTISE

Irene Forte’s spa heritage is the foundation of her skincare philosophy. She spent years developing and overseeing award-winning luxury spas for Rocco Forte Hotels, gaining deep insight into wellness, skincare, and the guest experience. This hands-on expertise inspired the creation of Irene Forte Skincare — born from the real needs of spa clients seeking natural ingredients, visible results, and a sensorial touch. Today, her vision continues through Irene Forte-branded spas across Europe, where her holistic, science-led treatments come to life.

Entrepreneurship, Motherhood & Healthy Skincare

Since launching the brand, Irene has become a mother of two, growing the business while raising a young family—an experience many women in business can relate to. During her pregnancies and while breastfeeding, it was important to her to feel confident using her own products. That’s why creating formulas that are safe for pregnancy became a key priority. This commitment to safety is further underscored by the fact that the products score 'Excellent' on Yuka.

100% CRAFTED IN ITALY

Rooted in her Italian heritage, Irene Forte was committed to creating a brand entirely made in Italy. From Verdura’s organic farm in Sicily—where she once lived for nearly a year—to the skilled hands of local artisans, every detail is crafted with care and purpose, bringing the spirit of the Mediterranean to every product.

Who We Are

Founded In Italy

Founded In Italy

How Irene Forte's Journey began
Scientist-Formulated

Scientist-Formulated

40 YEars Of Skincare Science
Sustainability Forward

Sustainability Forward

From Organic Farm To B Corp Status
Luxury Spa Heritage

Luxury Spa Heritage

Our World Class Spas