This week we check out the best-selling eye cream from Prevage, a joint venture between Elizabeth Arden and Allergan, the manufacturers of Botox.

They say With I-seryl complex and Idebenone, a powerful antioxidant, this cream will fade the signs of ageing.

We say This product looks more like a medical device than a tube of eye cream. But does it really harness the powers of science, or are you paying for an average eye cream in an expensive bottle?

What's the science? Prevage says the I-seryl complex is a mixture of peptides, soy proteins and algae extract. Peptides still lack any convincing evidence to suggest that they can stave off wrinkles. As for soy proteins, a promising study by Johnson & Johnson suggests that they may help to reduce fine lines, and early animal studies suggest that algae may help to protect against sun damage.

Lab studies show that Idebenone may help to protect against sun damage. Plus, a trial of 41 women found that it reduced fine lines by 27 per cent. This study was sponsored by Allergan, which may cast doubt on the findings. However, it was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which lends it some credibility.

Science rating 3.5/5

Feel-good factor Silky texture, smells like Worcestershire sauce

Worth it? Only if you can stand the smell.

Kate Wighton is the science editor of Body&Soul

If you would like here to check out your favourite cosmetic email her at body&soul@thetimes.co.uk

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