Whether you spend $100 or $10, most of the wrinkle creams on the market give the same results, only minimally reducing the appearance of lines, suggests a study by Consumer Reports.

The product review, published in the January issue of Consumer Reports, found that Olay Regenerist, a cream that sells in drugstores for about $19 US, performed the best. The pricier Lancôme Paris Rénergie, which sells for about $176, finished second.

Consumer Reports cautioned shoppers that even the skin creams found to be the most effective did not produce the dramatic anti-aging effects promised.

"In CR's tests, the top-rated products did smooth out some fine lines and wrinkles after 12 weeks," the organization said in a release. "But even the best performers reduced the average depth of wrinkles by less than 10 per cent, a magnitude of change that was barely visible to the naked eye."

The most expensive cream tested, La Prairie Cellular at $335 US for an ounce of day cream, was among the least effective products tested.

Testers applied one skin-care product on one side of their faces along with a standard moisturizer on the other side for comparison for 12 weeks. Researchers consulted with dermatologic technicians and used an optical device to measure wrinkle depth and skin roughness to judge effectiveness.

The magazine suggested that consumers determined to fight the signs of aging should take preventive steps such as wearing sunscreen, avoiding tanning salons and quitting smoking.