To maximise the shelf life of your products, we recommend storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, humidity and excess moisture.

The PAO symbol (period after opening symbol) on all of our packaging highlights the shelf life of a product after opening. This symbol is an open jar with a number in it; for example, 6M indicates six months. All our products, with the exception of our sun products, last six months after opening, provided that they are stored correctly. Our sun products last 12 months after opening. If left unopened, our products can last up to two years from the production date. If you find that your product has an unusual smell or if you see discolouration, please contact us at [email protected]. 

Each product has a seven digit batch number. The ‘L’ in front of this number stands for Lot. The first two digits highlight the year the batch was produced, and the second two digits the week of the year that they were produced. The last set of digits highlights where this batch sits in the production run order for that week, so this is not relevant to you. 

For example, batch number L22-22-001, was produced in 2022 on the 22nd week of the year, which means between May 30th and June 5th. The ‘001’ suggests that this batch was the first production of the week at the lab. 

If left unopened, our products expire after three years.

It differs from product to product and person to person, but it will take approximately three months to finish a product that is part of your daily routine. 

We have created sachet routine and regime sets to allow you to experience the brand; they are available to purchase here. We also offer one complimentary sachet sample of choice upon checkout. Alternatively, contact us at [email protected] or via the live chat box for additional help.

We sometimes have a selection of sachet bags on offer that contain a mix of samples so that you can test different products in the range. Alternatively, please visit our facial routines page for the right products for various skin concerns. Or, contact us at [email protected] or via the live chat box for additional help. 

Yes, our products have been specifically formulated for more sensitive skin. All our facial products have been clinically approved for sensitive skin, and our body products certified as non-irritant in dermatological tests.

'Natural Science' refers to natural skincare made better by the guidance of science. 

We bring new thinking to natural skincare with advanced actives from Hibiscus Seeds, Green Peas, Prickly Pear, Olive Oil, and biomimetic ingredients; with our formulations guided by science.

Natural ingredients are a good place to start but not everything in nature is friendly. Plant extracts, like ‘essential oils’ are complex mixtures and can contain allergens like citral and linalool. So, for more sensitive skins we screen all our fragrances to trace levels of the 26 recognised allergens.

Guided by science, we measure the effectiveness of key formulations; that's how we know how well we hydrate the skin, combat wrinkles and fight free radicals. We also check the skin kindness of all our products in dermatological tests. Our facial r products are clinically approved for sensitive skin, and our body products are certified as non-irritant.

We define our brand as natural skincare made better by the guidance of science. We believe that understanding natural remedies unlocks a cornucopia of sympathetic yet highly effective ingredients that can heal and nourish the skin. 

We don’t have a simple fixed percentage of natural ingredients as this necessarily varies from product to product. We do, however, only use naturally derived alternatives to petrochemicals, synthetic colours, harsh surfactants, parabens and preservatives. For guidance, we can say that the majority of our products contain 98-99% natural and naturally derived ingredients. The 1-2% that is missing is typically due to our policy of screening out natural allergens in ‘essential oils‘ from our fragrances.

Not everything in nature is good for you, but insight into the science of our products makes it possible to sort the good from the bad. Unlike traditional natural products, science guides us to strictly limit the use of 'essential oils' because although they are natural, they contain potentially irritating allergens like citral, linalool and farnesol. Avoiding these common sources of irritation has been a key objective of our product development process. That's why, whilst ‘categorised’ as the ‘1-2% unnatural’ ingredient in our products, all of our fragrances have been specially formulated and screened to avoid all of the 26 most common fragrance allergens, ensuring that our formulas are kind on the skin and healthy for you. 

We have also used advanced synthetics in one or two of our products; but we are insistent on only formulating with safe ingredients, regardless of whether they’re natural or synthetic. 

Our products were originally developed for use by the spa professionals in the Rocco Forte hotel spas. Products must offer a full sensory experience in a spa environment, so their scent is fundamental. In addition, we believe in Psycho-Cosmetics (Psico-Cosmesi); this means that we think that what we put on our skin should benefit us both through our emotions as well as through its physical performance. The psychological, emotional impact comes from the smell and texture of a product when it’s applied. As a result, we believe it vital to use fragrance in our products. However, we avoid using ‘essential oils’ to deliver the fragrance given that they contain potentially irritating allergens like citral, linalool and farnesol. All of our fragrances have been specially formulated and screened to avoid the 26 most common fragrance allergens, ensuring that they are kinder on the skin. Indeed, all our facial products are clinically approved for sensitive skin, and our body products certified as non-irritant.

Allergen-screened fragrance means that our fragrances have been specially formulated and screened to contain none at all, or only trace levels, of the 26 fragrance allergens that EU law regards as potentially harmful.

Unlike traditional natural products, science guides us to strictly limit the use of 'essential oils' because they contain potentially irritating allergens like citral, linalool and farnesol. Avoiding these common sources of irritation has been a key objective of our product development process.

We don’t have a fixed percentage of organic ingredients in our products. Nevertheless, we have used organic ingredients wherever possible and these are highlighted on each product’s active ingredient list. 

Our ingredients and products have not been tested on animals. All of our products have been dermatologically tested on humans under the supervision of a dermatologist. They are also certified vegan by VegetalOK.

Yes, our products are 100% vegan, and certified by VeganOK.

Our dermatologically tested symbol shows that our products have been dermatologically tested on humans under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Our facial  products have  been specifically tested on sensitive skin with a 96-hour occluded patch test. In this test, the product is applied to human skin, covered, and is re-applied for four consecutive periods of 24 hours with assessments at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post-application. As a result of this test, they are clinically approved for sensitive skin.

Our body products have been tested with a 24-hour occluded patch test, with skin assessed after 15 minutes and 24 hours post-application. As a result of this dermatological test, all of our products are certified as non-irritant. 

This symbol means that our products have been specifically tested for their nickel content and that they are classified as safe to use for people sensitive to nickel allergies. These products contain trace levels of nickel (lower than 0.00001) and therefore, an allergic reaction is extremely unlikely. 

No, all of our products are not gluten-free. Some of our products contain Hydrolyzed Wheat Bran and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein. 

The following facial products are not gluten-free: Helichrysum Toner, Lemon Toner, Almond Face Scrub, Apricot Penta-Acid Polish, Pistachio Face Mask, Lavender Tetra-Acid Mask, and Olive Eye Cream. We also have Phytomelatonin derived from oats in our Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum and Pistachio Face Oil. 

The following body product is not gluten-free: Prickly Pear Body Cream. We also have Phytomelatonin derived from oats in our Pistachio Body Oil. 

If you’re a coeliac, we strongly advise that you consult with a doctor or perform a patch test before using any new products. 

If you’re still unsure, contact us at [email protected] or via the live chat box, or simply apply a coin-sized dollop of product to your inner wrist and leave it for approximately 12 hours. If you have an adverse reaction, the product probably contains something you are sensitive to, so we would recommend avoiding it. 

No, all of our products are not soy-free. Some of our products contain Glycine Soja Oil, Glycine Soja Sterols, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein and Lecithin. 

The following facial products are not soy-free: Almond Cleansing Milk, Lavender Foam Cleanser, Almond Face Scrub, Apricot Penta-Acid Polish, Pistachio Face Mask, Lavender Tetra-Acid Mask, Hyaluronic Acid Vials, Olive Eye Cream, Prickly Pear Face Cream, Aloe Face Cream, Lavender Face Cream, and Hibiscus Night Cream.

The following body products are not soy-free: Prickly Pear Body Cream and Pomegranate Hand Cream. 

If you’re still unsure, contact us at [email protected] or via the live chat box, or simply apply a coin-sized dollop of product to your inner wrist and leave it for approximately 12 hours. If you have an adverse reaction, the product probably contains something you are sensitive to, so we would recommend avoiding it.

No, many of our products contain Sweet Almond Oil, Pistachio Oil, Hazelnut Granules and Almond Granules. We also use Shea Butter in some of our products, but research has shown that this can often be tolerated by individuals with tree- or ground-nut allergies.

The following facial products are totally nut-free: Lavender Foam Cleanser, Helichrysum Toner, Lemon Toner, Apricot Penta-Acid Polish, Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum, Hibiscus Serum, Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum, Aloe Face Cream, and Lavender Face Cream. 

The Lavender Tetra-Acid Mask contains Shea Butter, but no other nut ingredients. 

The following body product is nut-free: Pomegranate Hand Cream. 

The Prickly Pear Body Cream contains Shea Butter, but no other nut ingredient. 

However, we cannot guarantee that our products are processed in a peanut or nut-free facility. If you have a severe nut-allergy, we strongly advise that you consult with a doctor or perform a patch test before using any new products. 

We’re free from:

Parabens;

Artificial preservatives, such as Phenoxyethanol, MI/MIT (isothiazolinone) & Formaldehyde donor preservatives;

Animal-derived ingredients; 

Silicones and their derivatives; 

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) (sulfate surfactants);

Mineral oil & waxes (paraffin & paraffin wax) and petrolatum;

Triethanolamine (TEA);

Diethanolamine (DEA) derivatives;

Artificial colours;

Harsh fragrances (we're screened for the 26 fragrance allergens that are commonly found in essential oils);

Palm oil and unsustainably sourced palm oil derivatives.

Please email at [email protected] or contact us via the live chat box if you have any particular ingredient questions. 

Given that we’re a natural brand, we don’t use a chemical SPF in any of our skincare products. We always recommend using an SPF after applying your moisturiser during the day. 

When pregnant, you should avoid products with the following ingredients: Salicylic Acid (BHA), Benzoyl Peroxide, Retin-A, Retinol, Hydroquinone, Tazorac, Accutane, Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate, Formaldehyde and Dibutyl Phthalate. None of our products contain these ingredients. You should also avoid essential oils, which we don’t use in our products. 

Our Prickly Pear Face Cream, Lavender Face Cream, Almond Face Scrub and Pomegranate Hand Cream contain Retinyl Palmitate. This ingredient is much more gentle on the skin than Retinol or Retin-A, and it’s included at a level which is classified as safe for pregnant women. However, if you’re unsure, we advise you to consult with your doctor. 

Yes, all of our formulations benefit from over 35 years of scientific research led by Doctor Francesca Ferri and her team of cosmetic scientists at EffegiLab in Trento. EffegiLab has researched the benefits of a number of natural, organic ingredients, primarily from the region of Trentino. This includes the use of grape extracts to treat dermatitis and psoriasis, and the discovery of a vegetable melatonin, phytomelatonin, as a ‘super anti-ager.’

Over four years, Doctor Ferri and Irene worked together to deliver a highly effective and skin kind skincare range. But the work has not stopped there; Doctor Ferri is continuing her research to develop new products with a focus on natural remedies delivered in ways that enhance their potency whilst minimising their ability to cause unwanted side effects.

All of our products have been formulated to be non-comedogenic. 

Our products are entirely made in Italy, with all aspects of production handled in Italy. 

We’re passionate about provenance. Each product in the line is created with ingredients grown on our organic farm in Sicily, allowing us access to unrivalled provenance and quality. Where ingredients cannot come from our Organic Farm in Sicily, they come from neighbouring areas in Sicily or from reputable farmers in the Trentino region.

We work to use ingredients that are not over-farmed or encouraged with harmful pesticides. We have also integrated zero-waste upcycled ingredients, made from nutrient-rich plant-based leftovers. Our insistence on plant-based sources means all of our ingredients are vegan. The properties of plants and fruits are incredible; we strive to nurture and protect nature’s growth rather than destroy it.

Yes, they’re all packaged in glass bottles and jars made from up to 31% Post Industrial Recycled glass; the only exception is our Lavender Foam Cleanser which is packaged in a biobased plastic bottle. Our boxes and box liners are made out of paper with 100% recycled fibres and we only use vegetable-based inks. 

As a B Corp Certified business, we believe beauty is more than skin deep. Our company’s existence is part of a much wider system of people, nature and organisations, and we’re committed to ensuring that our processes and products are as sustainable and ethical as possible at every stage of the cycle. You can find details on our sustainable practises in full here. 

Yes, we do.

We're committed to ensuring that our processes and products are as sustainable and ethical as possible. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy outlines how we do this.

PEOPLE

We support and nurture all of our Team Members. We aim to treat each and every Team Member equally, fairly and ethically, while providing a healthy environment, physically and emotionally. We constantly strive to improve and develop our sustainability initiatives to support the wellbeing and career development of our team. 

We're committed to: equal opportunity, supporting diversity and inclusion; abiding by all fair labour practices; training and developing our team; giving our team a number of benefits that keep them motivated and engaged.

Our goals for 2024: 

We're keen to: introduce annual health check-ups; explore financial products, programmes, or services to help our team meet financial health needs; explore supplementary health insurance (we already have this in place in the US); and introduce more external training programmes.

OUR COMMUNITY

We're proud to champion local and national communities.

We source ingredients and materials from numerous local artisans and farmers. We also support and collaborate with a number of charities. For every Pomegranate Hand Cream globally, £1.50 goes to the Lady Garden Foundation. This foundation is on a mission to raise significant funds for gynaecological health, to help drastically reduce these diagnoses and devastating outcomes. We donate excess products to various charities such as Women’s Refuge Charity and Power Of Life, so they can be included in care packages and send-outs to people in need.

Our goals for 2024:

We're keen to launch a sustainability programme with the Sicily Environment Fund. 

OUR PLANET 

We understand our responsibility to champion and protect the environment by monitoring and reducing carbon emissions, water and waste, especially paper and plastics. We constantly strive to improve and develop our initiatives to protect the planet.  

We don’t have our own facilities, but we push our suppliers to be as sustainable as possible, and we work closely with them to improve environmental performance. 

We have a rainwater harvesting system at our organic farm in Sicily, and we use ‘local’ water in all of our products. 

We use 100% recycled fibres for our boxes and all of our collateral. If for any reason we cannot use recycled paper, we use FSC certified paper. 

Our retail products are made of recyclable glass (with up to 31% Post Industrial Recycled Glass).Our 30ML and 50ML products are refillable. These refillables allow customers to purchase the original bottles once and continuously replenish them with recyclable refill components when the product is finished, which come in reduced packaging. Our recycling partner, First Mile, shreds the refill components into flakes or granules, and then converts them into plastic pellets to produce car parts and pipes, giving them a second life. This system allows us to design out waste and keep products and materials in use. Our programme doesn’t stop there. For our few remaining non-refillable products, the glass bottles and jars can be recycled at home as you would usually recycle glass, while the lids and pumps can also be recycled via our First Mile recycling programme.

We grow what we can at our organic farm in Sicily. Anything that cannot come from our farm comes from elsewhere in Sicily or from Italy in the Trentino region where our laboratory is based. We only use vegan ingredients, and our products are certified by VegetalOK. We use a number of upcycled ingredients. We only use RSPO certified Palm Oil derivatives in our products. We don’t use mineral oils or ingredients that harm the soil and water. 

All aspects of production take place in Italy, reducing our carbon footprint. We have calculated the Carbon Footprint of our operations; we have a Carbon Footprint Standard Accreditation. 

Our goals for 2024:

We're keen to: introduce sustainable sachets; introduce techniques for minimising the transportation-related environmental impact of distribution; introduce carbon off-setting schemes, including planting schemes at the farm; and establish a baseline and introduce a data management system, which will monitor our environmental resource consumption, including electricity, gas, water and waste.  

OUR BUSINESS

In order to support and create a thriving commercial business and working environment, we aim to act with integrity, honesty and without prejudice at all times. We constantly strive to improve and develop our sustainable business initiatives.

Certified B Corporation®

In recognition of our ethical standards, we're a Certified B Corporation®. B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

Positive Luxury Accreditation

We have also been awarded the Butterfly Trust mark by Positive Luxury for our sustainable excellence. The Butterfly Mark identifies luxury brands that meet the highest standards of verified innovation and social and environmental performance – offering transparency at the point of sale and equipping people to make more informed purchasing decisions.

We ship to the UK, the EU and the US. 

You’re currently on our dedicated EU website. EU orders are shipped directly from our EU fulfilment centre.

Yes, we offer complimentary shipping for all orders over €50. 

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Maestro and our e-gift cards. All transactions on our website are processed using Shopify’s secure online payment gateway. 

We also accept payments via Apple Pay, Shop Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. 

If you haven’t signed up to our newsletter, please do here. You'll get 15% off your first order, as well as being the first to hear about our offers.

Our gift cards can be redeemed at check-out by entering the gift card code in the discount box.

Once you have placed your order, you’ll receive an email to confirm that your order has been placed with us. Once your order has been dispatched, you’ll receive a second email which will contain tracking details so that you can track your order. 

We’re delighted that you love your product. There’s a space for you to write a review on each individual product page. 

If your order arrives damaged, please contact us at [email protected] or via the live chat box with your order number and a photo of the damaged product(s); we’ll then send you a replacement as soon as possible.

We’re sorry that you’re not happy with your product. You can learn more about returning a product through our Delivery & Returns policy here. Unfortunately, we don’t exchange products.

If the product was not purchased through ireneforteskincare.com, we’re not able to process a return. However, do email us at [email protected] if you have a specific question. 

All of our stockists can be found here.

All of our spas can be found here.

If you’re interested in becoming one of our retail partners, please email us at [email protected] with more information, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

We’re always looking for talented and passionate people; please visit our careers page here.