Beauty Boss: Denise Dente, General Manager of [comfort zone], Shares Her Journey in the Industry, Favorite Wellness Tips, and More
Denise Dente.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Denise Dente, General Manager for [comfort zone]—a professional line of clean, effective skincare formulas made in Italy that are rich in natural-origin and high-tech ingredients. Products are manufactured in their Davines Village in Parma, Italy and deliver high-end, results-driven, sustainable skincare, combining the best of science and nature.
Dente was recently appointed as General Manager of [comfort zone], Davines Group’s professional skincare division, which is present in more than 6,000 beauty centers and spas worldwide. With an academic business management education from the National University and the Wharton School combined with real-world experience in the beauty industry, she possesses extensive expertise in the professional skincare business, particularly within the spa and medical aesthetic channels.
As a high-energy global leader and strategist, Dente has developed international growth strategies and built high-performing teams at iconic companies, including Revlon and Image Skincare.
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“I am a beauty professional at heart, a business person by nature, and a global citizen emotionally. Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to have several outstanding mentors who generously shared their wisdom and helped shape my career,” Dente says. “I began my journey as a hairdresser with the aspiration of working for a brand. Back then, I was young, naive, and eager for knowledge when, after attending my first hair show, I declared, “I want to do that.” A few years later, I found myself working for John and Geri Cusenza, the founders of Sebastian, where I started in the Education department and quickly discovered the business side of the beauty industry.“
“My admiration for the founders led me to collaborate with Robert DeLanza from Lanza and later with Matrix,’ Dente adds. “As brands changed hands through acquisitions, I realized I needed more formal business training, so I returned to school for business studies. To this day, I continue to take advanced education courses at Wharton to stay sharp. After my time in hair, I transitioned to skincare, spa, hotel amenities, and nails, where I had the privilege of launching CND Shellac globally—an area where I excel. Today, I look forward to building a bright future with the best team in the industry.”
We chatted with Dente who shared her journey in the beauty industry, her favorite ways to relax, secrets for success, best advice, and much more.
[comfort zone]’s Tranquility line features aromatic formulas that promote deep relaxation and well-being.
When was [comfort zone] founded and what does the name mean?
[comfort zone] was founded in 1996 as an innovative science-based, holistic approach to skin care, intended as a transformational experience for both skin, body and mind.
[comfort zone] recalls the space for personal reconnection and regeneration, which is the result of the professional therapist’s expertise and care. The square parentheses included in the logo are, in fact, a symbol of her hands, and of the power of touch, which enhances the potent natural-origin ingredients included in formulas.
All products and treatments are designed and produced in Parma, Italy, according to the vision of the founder Davide Bollati, a pharmacist and cosmetic chemist with a strong, pioneering commitment to sustainability.
How long have you been with the company and what inspired you to join?
I joined in early June this year so we can say I am very new. However, I have been observing and admiring this brand for a long time for its unique values and approach and therefore I already feel part of it!
What inspired me the most in accepting this role is rooted in my long-term admiration for its product performance, elegant visual aesthetics, and purpose-driven ethics as a B Corp.
Additionally, it’s been my dream to live and work in Italy, so I am humbled and grateful to be part of this magical company’s journey and join such a passionate and expert team.
Future plans for the brand?
Stay true to our roots through constant, science-based innovation to ensure our professional clients can be successful in a very demanding scenario, while expanding our global footprint. Regenerative wellness and longevity combined with our commitment to sustainability is a part of our heritage and is very much in demand, so we are sure we can achieve our ambitious goals.
[comfort zone] Sublime Skin Intensive Serum ($175) is a facial cosmetic treatment that contains specific bio-actives such as hexapeptide with a botox-like effect, macro hyaluronic acid, and anti-aging achillea botanical extract from regenerative agriculture.
Does [comfort zone] have a hero product?
I can name two: Sublime Skin Intensive Serum, our natural filler solution, which counteracts the effects of aging through a combination of organic and biotechnological ingredients. The Yarrow extract used in the formulation that we grow according to regenerative agriculture helps stimulate collagen and tone.
The other one is the iconic Tranquility Blend of essential oils, which is used to open every facial and body ritual, favoring a deep sense of wellbeing. Therapists and guests around the world love it so much that we created a whole body and lifestyle range to ensure they can experience the same feeling also once home!
What are your favorite products from [comfort zone]?
I appreciate the two heroes I just mentioned, of course. If I could add another one, it would be the /skin regimen/Lx HA4 Jelly serum for its clinically proven efficacy on immediate hydration and long-term cellular longevity.
Where are [comfort zone] products sold?
In over 40 countries, [comfort zone] can be found in day and destination spas. In the U.S., our products are sold on our website, Nordstrom, and Amazon.
/skin regimen/Lx HA4 Jelly serum is a hydra-plumping serum formulated with an hydrating ingredient complex composed of three different molecular forms of hyaluronic acid that gives the skin extraordinary hydration, smoothness, and elasticity.
Who inspires you?
I tend to like rebels who cut through the noise and are authentic to their beliefs. From Angela Ahrendts, who was the CEO of Burberry and later Apple, I learned that great companies honor their heritage but always keep evolving and “ask questions, don’t make assumptions.”
Mark Cuban is also an absolute business rebel. From him, my takeaway is that effort matters. “The one thing in life you can control is effort,” which underscores the value of hard work, hustle, and dedication to your goals.
And lastly, my mom, who has the deepest belief that I can do anything I set my mind to and, my husband, who has been my biggest supporter in achieving my goals.
Secret to success?
Listen, learn, then lead. Don’t be afraid of making decisions or mistakes. Have high standards and encourage others to rise to those standards.
Beauty secrets?
Get facials, wear sunscreen, cycle your skincare routine, and be happy. Beauty comes from within.
Wellness tips?
Get outdoors, have an amazing outlook on life, and surround yourself with people that support you.
Best advice?
While very different, the best advice came from my grandparents. My grandfather was fiercely competitive, so his advice was always around “play to win” while my grandmother encouraged me to live a big life full of adventure. She told me that I didn’t have to choose one thing over another, but I could “choose to do it all.”
How do you like to relax?
This is still a work in progress, but I enjoy being outdoors and horseback riding. Moving to Parma, I am really enjoying day trips and weekends outside the city center, as well as hiking, going to the beach, and spending time with new friends.
For more information about [comfort zone], visit their website and follow on Instagram: @comfortzoneskin_us
[Images courtesy of [comfort zone]]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk