Irene Forte Is The Hotel Heiress Who Found Her True Calling In Beauty

What’s your personal skincare philosophy, and how has it shaped your brand?

Great skin starts with a 360-degree approach—quality sleep, a Mediterranean-style diet, regular movement, and meditation. But skincare is where I go deep. I believe in science-backed formulas with skin-identical ingredients, biomimetics, and antioxidants that truly support the skin’s natural function—never disrupt it.

This philosophy defines Irene Forte Skincare: a fusion of nature and science, developed with expert formulators and tested in real spa settings. Our gentle yet effective products are clinically proven, sensorial, and suitable for even the most sensitive skin. At its core, the brand is about balance, consistency, and long-term skin health, not quick fixes.

Your products fuse science with nature, how do you strike the right balance?

It’s about selecting the very best natural ingredients and combining them with high-tech, naturally derived actives — like bio-peptides, phytomelatonin, and other advanced compounds — in a formula that’s scientifically balanced. We don’t add ingredients just for the sake of it. Every component has a purpose, and every formula is carefully crafted to support the skin’s natural function, not overwhelm it. It’s about using science to get the best out of nature.

What’s the one skincare step you never skip?

My most important skincare step is cleansing because it’s the foundation of any effective routine. If your skin isn’t properly cleansed, the rest of your products won’t perform as well. I use our Almond Cleansing Milk, which gently removes impurities without stripping the skin. It’s enriched with aloe vera, almond and olive oils, and pro-vitamin B5, so it leaves my skin feeling soft, nourished, and balanced — never tight or dry. It’s the perfect first step, morning, and night.

What’s the best way to navigate the clean beauty space?

Look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and sourcing. Certifications like B Corp and organic labels can also guide consumers toward products that align with their values. The Yuka app is also a great tool (plus all Irene Forte Skincare products score excellent on Yuka, so I love it even more!).

Sustainability is a big part of your brand ethos; how do you make sure it’s more than just a buzzword?

I’m proud that sustainability has been embedded in our brand from the very beginning – not as an afterthought, but as a core value guiding every decision we make. This commitment helped us achieve B Corp certification. That said, we don’t believe in claiming to be 100% sustainable; instead, we’re always striving to do better and continuously improve.

I’m proud that sustainability has been embedded in our brand from the very beginning

You’ve brought your skincare into some of the world’s most luxurious spas. What makes a truly exceptional spa experience?

The people! It’s all about the team and the therapist’s touch. Then, a great brand, combined with effective manual protocols and high-tech techniques, creates an exceptional menu and treatment experience. The environment needs to be warm and inviting, too.

What’s your current favourite treatment?

Definitely Peptide Power: The Wrinkle-Smoothing Facial. It’s an incredibly powerful treatment fuelled by peptides, with Neuropeptide Myoxinol™— derived from Hibiscus Seeds- working to relax facial muscles and ease the tension that contributes to expression lines. This potent peptide powers a series of products used in the facial, combined with our signature advanced face workout massage. Paired with Tri Energy Technology (microcurrent, radiofrequency, and red light), this treatment sculpts, lifts, and firms the skin, enhancing collagen and elasticity for a needle-free, youthful, radiant complexion.

Who do you speed dial for a great facial massage?

Guendalina the Skin Sculpter — Based in Notting Hill, Guendalina specialises in her own technique, “The Sculptural Face Lift,” which includes Buccal massage. It’s amazing for lifting, tightening, and giving your face a real workout.

WHERE: 112 Talbot Rd, London W11 1JR
WEBSITE: www.guendalinatheskinsculpter.com

Barbara Jeffery — She comes to your home and performs the most incredible Kobido facial. This non-surgical facelift blends 48 different ancient techniques to sculpt the contours of the face, release neck and shoulder tension, and invigorate the skin.

Where: Home visits
website: www.salon-49.co.uk

Face Gym — I love their Signature Sculpt with Extra Hands for a quick face refresh when I’m short on time.

Where: Multiple locations
Website: www.facegym.com

How do your Italian roots influence your approach to wellness and beauty?

I believe in eating and applying the highest quality, freshest, local ingredients — simple, natural, and never overly fussy. My Italian roots and the Mediterranean lifestyle have instilled in me a deep respect for seasonal, unprocessed goodness, especially healthy oils like olive oil, which are as nourishing for the skin as they are for the body. My lifestyle reflects these values: family first, doing work I’m passionate about, enjoying good food, spending time in nature, moving regularly, and caring for myself in a consistent and mindful way. It’s a holistic approach that shapes both how I live and how I’ve built Irene Forte Skincare.

What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned from working in spa environments?

The power of touch. A skilled hand can do wonders for the skin and the soul, highlighting the connection between physical and emotional wellbeing.

Has becoming a mother changed the way you approach beauty and business?

Motherhood has deepened my appreciation for self-care and efficiency. I’ve learned to embrace simplicity in my routine and focus on what truly matters. It has also definitely changed the way I work. My trips are shorter — I take the earliest flight out and the latest one back to minimise time away. I make sure to leave the office in time for bedtime and bathtime. I often catch up once they’re asleep. I also try not to work on weekends so I can be fully present with them. In short, maybe I’ve found a bit more balance?!

Hibiscus Night Cream is our number one bestseller, and for good reason. It’s rich, absorbs beautifully, and has a delicious fragrance. Most importantly, it’s clinically proven to deliver age-defying results in just 10 days. The combination of neuropeptide Myoxinol™, Green Pea Polypeptides, Ceramides, and omega-rich oils helps to smooth, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin. I use this day and night and cannot live without it.