For centuries, the Borghese name has been synonymous with art, Italian culture, and innovation.
From its noble Roman origins to its modern-day presence in luxury skincare, Borghese has continually evolved while staying true to its heritage. This timeline traces the brand’s journey—from the halls of Villa Borghese togroundbreaking skincare advancements and ultimately the vision that continues to drive us forward. Each milestone reflects a commitment to quality, wellness, and the art of self-care. Join us as we celebrate the legacy and future of Borghese.
“Self care is a necessity, not an indulgence.” – Princess Marcella Borghese
ROMA
15th Century
Borghese family gains the right to add the eagle to family arms by the Holy Roman Emperor for supporting Imperial causes. Today, the eagle is prominently placed in the Borghese logo.
17th Century
During the height of the family’s wealth and influence, Villa Borghese was built as the family’s home. It was designed to harmonize with the natural landscape and formal gardens offering a sense of tranquility, and to house their extensive art collection.
19th Century
Princess Marcella has her toiletries made using nourishing botanicals found in the Borghese Gardens. In addition to gardening, Marcella was passionate about charity work, specifically working with children and orphans.
1950s
Princess Marcella decided to take her ideas into the cosmetics business. OncePope Pius XII gave the cosmetics his blessing, she had her personal chemist create samples of 8 lipsticks and asked 8 Italian designers to make outfits to match each shade. In 1956 she moves to the US.
NEW YORK
1957
Princess Marcella Borghese partners with Charles Revson, Founder of Revlon who becomes her lifelong friend, to launch her own line of skincare and cosmetics. Marcella was one of the first to focus on ingredients based on natural spa therapies, the healing mud and mineral waters of Italian spa culture in Tuscany.
1980s-1990s
Borghese has become a top luxury skincare brand at prestige department stores across the US, bringing minimal skincare the delivers maximum results to generations.
1985
Borghese launches the first Fango Active Mud, a mineral-rich mud inspired by Tuscany where the earth is enriched by volcanic clay and minerals from thermal springs.
2010
Borghese celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its famous Fango Active Mud Mask with the national “Do You Fango?” campaign.
2018
Borghese is introduced organically to Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Skin Reconstructive Surgeon, to partner on a humanitarian project. Dr. Grace has been using Borghese and Fango Active Mud for over a decade. She becomes the Borghese Skin Expert.
2024
Groundbreaking innovation comes from the launch of Overnight Resurfacing Mask with AHA and BHA which pairs with your circadian rhythm to resurface skin while you sleep.
Borghese enters its Renaissance period. Focusing on our brand pillars and led by consumer insights, the Italian Recipe for Healthy Skin campaign reignites a decades-long client base and attracts new as consumer demand for wellness and at-home spa rituals continues to surge.
2025
The iconic Advanced Fango Active Mud Mask turns 40. Borghese celebrates the original mud mask with the Art of Fango Gallery Event in New York City on March 26, 2025. With over 20 million jars sold, one is sold every minute. Do you Fango?
“The product works. It keeps my skin youthful, wrinkle free and radiant. My consistent advice to my patients is to start at an early age with a Borghese skin care regime and commit to daily usage; it will serve as an insurance policy for future aging...”
