Are the world’s most expensive beauty products REALLY worth the sky-high cost? From a $2,700 ‘youth-regenerating’ face cream to a $1,000 ‘caviar’ moisturizer, experts put the priciest skincare treatments to the test

• Celebrity beloved products from La Mer and La Prairie cost more than $1,000 
• The skincare boasts ingredients like caviar, sturgeon DNA, and platinum 
• Dermatologists weigh in on which pricey products are really worth your cash 

If you’ve ever contemplated spending loads of your hard-earned money on a pricey beauty product, you know how difficult it can be to discern what’s really worth it.

While a $150 cream or a $80 serum might seem quite expensive when there are drugstore products aplenty under $20, there are actually a slew of high-cost products that go above and beyond price-wise. 

Some of these skincare products boast inventive ingredients like sturgeon DNA and others have platinum or caviar, almost explaining their high price point. 

From a $1,700 rejuvenating face serum to a $1,500 anti-aging serum, FEMAIL asked dermatologists if any of the luxury beauty products are actually worth buying. 

La Mer is famous for its extremely high price point and has been a favorite with A-list celebrities for years 

La Mer Crème de la Mer ($2,675)

La Mer has been a celebrity-beloved brand for years and swears it reduces the look of fine line and pores, with a 16 ounce tub of the stuff running you more than $2,000 for a 16.5oz jar. 

Crème de la crème! Here’s what to know about La Mer

• The skincare line started after Dr. Max Huber suffered burns in a lab accident and created a healing cream
• Celebrity fans of the famed ultra-hydrating cream include Nicole Kidman, Kim Kardashian, Liv Tyler , Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, and Chrissy Teigen
• Dr. Mian says La Mer is best for dry skin 
• Dr. Thosani believes it provides hydration while repairing the skin barrier 

Described by the brand as having ‘rejuvenating’ powers, the cream has earned something of a cult following over the years – with scores of people willing to fork out hundreds and thousands for a jar of this product. 

‘So much more than an icon,’ the brand says of its most well-known product. ‘Powered by visible youth-regenerating Miracle Broth, Crème de la Mer helps heal dryness and energizes repair to unlock a rejuvenating transformation.’

On the Skincare Addiction Reddit page, one commenter explained, ‘It’s all relative when you consider price and explained, ‘For someone who makes $600,000 a year, spending a few hundred or even a thousand on skincare would be the equivalent of someone with an average salary spending $40.’ 

The Reddit user previously worked at the Nordstrom beauty counter and had one customer ‘who used to buy La Mer for her (wait for it)…. eczema-prone chihuahua.’ 

The key ingredient is the trademarked miracle broth, which is a mix of fermented sea kelp, vitamins and minerals. Dr. Kiran Mian, board-certified Dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York, explains this product is especially beneficial for dry skin, ‘as it has soothing and hydrating ingredients including brown algae, glycerin, sesame, and lanolin.’ 

Dr. Maya Thosani, Double Board Certified Dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona, agrees that the cream ‘clearly has several of the key components to provide hydration and repair the skin barrier.’ However, Dr. Thosani says, ‘As a dermatologist my concern is that there are a few ingredients that are on the contact dermatitis list of triggering allergic reactions in the skin.’

‘The fermentation of the sea kelp is interesting as it is a unique step that incorporates probiotics in the skin which are beneficial,’ Dr. Thosani continues. 

‘However, at this price point it is rare that enough product is applied to achieve ideal moisturization.’ 

Instead, she recommends the much more affordable CeraVe ($19), Cetaphil ($13), Aveeno ($9), and Vanicream ($25).

La Prairie is hit a with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Margot Robbie

La Prairie Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Cream ($1,690)

This bougie bottle with pink accents would look ideal sitting on your vanity…but what makes it worth the $1,690 price tag? 

Dr. Mian thinks La Prairie has a unique profile but isn’t necessarily more effective

The cream was ‘inspired by the cellular therapy offered at the brand’s wellness retreat in Switzerland,’ which is fitting, because you could also book a trip to Switzerland for that price. 

The cream (which you’re supposed to use twice a day) promises to firm, rejuvenate and smooth the skin,’ and unsurprisingly, Kim Kardashian is a fan. The formula includes pure platinum for an A-list approved glow. 

Dr. Mian says that while La Prairie has a unique profile, with amino acids and peptides that she hasn’t seen elsewhere, ‘You may be able to achieve the same results using other creams or even in-office procedures combined with more affordable skincare.’ 

Dr. Thosani explains that this product contains ‘platinum bonded with tetrapeptides, and this combination is supposed to allow it to work more effectively and longer,’ which will help ‘enhance firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the eye area and improve skin elasticity and hydration.’

Dr. Thosani comments, ‘While peptides have been studied and are clearly known for their ability to reduce signs of aging, including minimizing the appearance of expression lines and visibly reducing wrinkle depth, further studies would need to prove that this platinum polymer is so superior to the other numerous market brands available.’

It’s also possible the platinum won’t even be doing it’s job, as Dr. Thosani cites  ‘studies that show that while platinum nanoparticles may penetrate the skin barrier, there is no evidence for their absorption.’

Celebrities including Grace Kelly, Coco Chanel, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian have all used Valmont products 

La Maison Valmont Crème Merveilleuse ($1,100)

Valmont, famous for its costly but beloved skincare products, calls this the ultimate regenerating cream due to being ‘packed with sturgeon DNA and marine minerals to revive the skin’s youthful glow.’ 

Dr. Mian explains the use of sturgeon DNA, as ‘sturgeons are known to be one of the longest living animals and their DNA has sequences for repair and regeneration.’ 

Dr. Thosani thinks these ingredients are good but that it’s important to use retinoids to build collagen over time. 

‘While sturgeon DNA can be reliably sourced and is proven in several different studies to be beneficial the price point does not need to break the bank in order to build new collagen,’ Dr. Thosani says, adding that the minerals can be found in many other more affordable products. 

Dr. Ahram says another option is the Mario Badescu Caviar Night Cream ($15)

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Moisturizer ($1,066)

La Prairie makes the list of most expensive beauty products yet again, but this time the secret ingredient in this ‘rich and indulgent’ cream is caviar, instead of platinum. The natural caviar extract promises to hydrate and the skin and help with firmness and elasticity. 

Dr. Aya Ahram suggested a more affordable caviar-infused option

New York-based Dr. Aya Ahram, board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, says, ‘caviar oil can help with adiponectin production, which is a hormone that can enhance the production of collagen and elastin, which are important for tissue remodeling and repair.’ 

Dr. Ahram explains that ‘UV radiation over time can lead to degradation of these enzymes in the skin, which leads to skin aging and the development of wrinkles.’

According to Dr. Ahram, ‘caviar oil can help combat the damage caused by UV radiation and prevent the enzyme dysregulation and degradation.’

But busting out the big bucks isn’t necessary, as another accessible option is the Mario Badescu Caviar Night Cream, which retails for a more affordable $15. 

‘Japan’s best-kept beauty secret’ is available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s

Decorté AQ Meliority Intensive Regenerating Multi Cream ($1,000) 

This Japanese skincare brand’s cream boasts a serum-like texture that ‘absorbs so completely it seems to merge with skin’s surface.’ 

Dr. Ahram explains this Japanese product contains benifuuki extract, which is also present in green tea and boasts antioxidant properties that help with UV induced damage.

According to Dr. Ahram’s research, it also contains White Mucuna Extract ‘which helps to produce L-dopa, a neurotransmitter.’

Dr. Ahram says, ‘This plant has been used as a traditional medicine remedy in China and India for disorders such as Parkinson’s, but topically can have antioxidant effects.’ 

This lavish cream is so costly because it contains diamonds and gold powder 

111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Cream ($991)  

Want to shine bright like a diamond? According to the brand, this ‘luxurious beauty elixir will transport you to a realm of youthful radiance,’ thanks to its black diamond particles, which shimmer and illuminate the skin. 

One Walmart comment read, ‘I don’t think this is worth the price,’ with the commenter explaining, ‘There’s better products from the line or just other brands, and asking, ‘Why is this one so expensive? the ingredients are not wild or anything. its ok if you just wanna have a bougie mix in your skincare arsenal.

Dr. Ahram explains that this product also contains gold powder, ‘which can help act as a gentle physical exfoliant by acting like a scrub, which can help brighten the skin.’

Dr. Ahram believes ‘it really can ‘help reflect light off the skin to make it look brighter and more luminous.’

The bottle was created in collaboration with a French glassmaker

Chanel Ultimate Repair Night Concentrate ($920) 

This serum is made with 91 percent naturally derived ingredients, including Vanilla Planifolia, which was was chosen from more than 117 vanilla varieties, and is grown and harvest at the Chanel lab in Madagascar. 

Another key ingredient is Himalayan Swertia, which is sourced from Bhutan, where it’s harvested every three years during the plant’s flowering cycle. 

It’s also expensive because of the refillable bottle, which was created in collaboration with a premier French glassmaker.

Dr. Ahram says the Vanilla Planifolia has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits but names Medik8 crystal retinal ($81) as a similar product, as it has the same key ingredient. 

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German doctor, orthopedics specialist and aesthetics expert 

Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Super Anti-Aging Serum ($900)

This expensive serum claims to tackle fine lines and wrinkles using anti-inflammatory ingredients like purslane, skullcap, hyaluronic acid and red algae extract. 

Dr. Mian says ‘studies have shown purslane to be effective in antioxidant activity, fighting free radical damage against collagen,’ and that the peptides ‘are the building blocks of collagen and can help reduce fine lines and strengthen the dermis to improve elasticity.’ 

Scottsdale, Arizona-based Dr. Maya Thosani suggests ingesting purslane and skullcap

However, Dr. Sturm isn’t the only one to offer these ingredients. ‘Many skincare products on the market are utilizing this powerful group of skincare activators and can be found at a lower price point,’ Dr. Mian explains. 

That doesn’t mean that this serum won’t do the trick, as Dr. Mian says, ‘Barbara Sturm is known for her quality, science-backed products that deliver results.’ 

Dr. Thosani calls purslane and skullcap extracts ‘the antioxidant powerhouses in the serum,’ especially since purslane is ‘one of the most useful medicinal plants and is known for its antiseptic, anti-bacterial, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory effects,’ while Skullcap ‘is a common and widely used Chinese medicinal herb.’ 

Dr. Thosani says ‘High weight molecular hyaluronic acid is one of the ingredients touted in this serum, however, the lower the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid, the better the penetration.’

Dr. Thosani believes the antioxidants are beneficial to the skin but ‘for the budget conscious person, an over the counter topical Vitamin C will be an appropriate alternative.’

Dr. Ahram suggests using a retinol, a product with Vitamin C, and sunscreen

Should you invest in these pricey products? 

Are you still considering adding diamonds or sturgeon DNA to your skincare routine? 

Dr. Mian explains, ‘Luxury skincare is like designer clothing,’ comparing a coat from Zara to a coat from Bergdorf Goodman and says, ‘Both will keep you warm,’ but ‘one may be a more elevated experience to wear, may make you feel more confident, or last longer.’

‘At the end of the day, luxury skincare depends on your means and what you want to spend your money on. Can you achieve healthy, radiant skin with more affordable products? Absolutely,’ Dr. Mian proclaims. 

Dr. Ahram agrees, ‘None of these products are truly worth paying over $500 for,’ even though ‘they may contain ingredients that can help with anti-aging and act as antioxidants, there are certainly more cost-effective methods to work towards repairing the skin.’ Dr. Ahram suggests instead using a retinol, a product with Vitamin C, and sunscreen. 

‘However,’ Dr. Ahram says, ‘For those who like to indulge in a more luxurious skincare experience, I believe that these products do have good ingredients that can provide some benefit.’ 

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