A groundbreaking study comparing expensive and cheap anti-ageing skin serums has found a preparation that's sold for as little as £3.99 came out on top. The trial, conducted by experts at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, was paid for by a firm who make high price skincare products.

The scientists has been tasked with testing a luxury serum made with human platelet extract (HPE) — taken from donor blood samples — which costs from £200 for 15ml. But when it was pitted head-to-head with a widely available beauty product — a Vitamin C serum — the researchers had to admit the budget option was superior. Versions of Vitamin C serums can be purchased for as little as £3.

99 — and Boots, Superdrug, and supermarkets such as Tesco all sell options for under £20. When applied to the hands, the low-cost product was more effective at reducing common signs of aging, including age spots, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. After six months of daily use the effects of Vitamin C serum were significantly more noticeable.

Lead researcher, dermatologist Dr Saraya Wyles, added: 'Both serums might work better than laser treatments for reducing age spots.' A groundbreaking study comparing anti-ageing skin serums has found a preparation that's sold for as little as £3 in supermarkets came out on top. When applied to the hands, the lower-price.

.. Jonathan Neal.