Do the scientific claims on your product add up? This product was suggested by Anne Thomsonfrom Troon in Scotland

They say “Resurrect your skin's appearance.”

We say A popular brand in Australia, Dr LeWinn's Private Formula is relatively new to our shores. But can this Antipodean anti-wrinkle cream really turn you into a sexy Sheila? The key ingredients are the palmitoyl peptides, which are meant to plump out lines.

What are peptides? These days it's hard to find a beauty cream that isn't packed with peptides. But do they work? Dr Tamara Griffiths, a dermatologist from the British Skin Foundation, says: “Peptides are small chains of amino acids [the building blocks of proteins] which may promote collagen or elastin production. There are a number of peptides used in anti-ageing creams with varying amounts of evidence to support their effectiveness. In most cases, however, evidence that they work on real skin is lacking.”

Does this work? Body Shop Almond Oil Nail and Cuticle Treatment

Our expert investigates whether this product really helps to restore the nails and protect against splitting and breaking

BACKGROUND

• Does this work? Dr LeWinn's Ultra R4 Regenerative Night Cream

• Does this work? Clinique 'Moisture On-line' £30, 50ml

• Does this work? Fatgirlslim Creamgel, £25, 170g

Research from the manufacturer's labs in Melbourne revealed that the peptides have been tested on a small group of volunteers - some used a cream containing the peptide and others a used control cream, probably a bog-standard moisturiser. Compared with the latter cream, the peptide formula reduced wrinkles.

So is this product scientifically proven? Not quite. The studies were small and have yet to receive the scientific stamp of approval by being published in a peer-reviewed journal.

The cream also contains the extract of a so-called resurrection plant, which retains moisture in arid conditions. This is meant to hydrate skin, but aside from a small study of five volunteers, supporting data is scarce.

Feel-good factor Creamy texture, great smell

Science rating 3.5/5

Worth it? Anne asked how this compares with Olay 3-point Cream, which also contains peptides. They're pretty similar, but as it's £15 cheaper, I'd go for Olay.

Kate Wighton is the science editor of Body&Soul

If you would like her to check out your favourite cosmetic, just drop her an e-mail at body&soul@thetimes.co.uk

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