You may (or may not) be surprised by how many women own anti-aging creams who haven’t even hit 30 yet. Their cabinets lined with little bottles and jars meant to protect them against that first wrinkle.

For women already beyond the age of 40, the anti-aging creams are meant to erase proof that they are indeed getting older.

Whether it’s a desperate stab at youth or compulsive vanity, anti-aging creams are just one vein of the multi-billion dollar beauty industry.

It’s the one that promises women that their creams and lotions will turn back the clock. Advertisements silently wink promises that no one will ever have to know that you are a woman who actually ages.

But for all the smoke, mirrors, and hundreds of dollars spent, it’s important to ask if these so-called anti-aging creams are worth the money.

These are the eye creams our editors swear by: http://t.co/ncKKNAOEKc pic.twitter.com/2sm6IzFuMa

— Allure magazine (@Allure_magazine) October 12, 2014

According to dermatologists and scientists, the answer seems to be, “Mostly, no.”

Before you take that “mostly” as a sign to rummage through a mountain of products, you may want to hear these professionals and their research out:

Few studies have been published in medical journals to show the products work as advertised or are safe to use. And the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t require companies to prove that cosmetic products are safe or effective.

“Efficacy is very vague in terms of over-the-counter products,” said Dr. Simon Yoo, assistant professor of dermatology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “Without any oversight, it is difficult to say whether these do anything.”

In other words, these people can claim ANYTHING about their product. And there’s no proof that what you’re putting on your skin is even safe. They only need to verify that their statements aren’t FDA validated and mumble certain other disclaimers.

And there are virtually no consequences for your disappointment.

The only silver lining where anti-aging creams are concerned is that they can bring moisture to dry skin.

But there are only certain ingredients that are believed to offer relief to aging skin.

Retinol, a vitamin A compound is one of the few scientifically-backed ingredients believed to improve the look of skin. However, Retinol is not good for pregnant women; if you are pregnant or nursing, avoid these sort of products for health reasons.

If you are SERIOUSLY seeking younger looking skin, scientists recommend eating healthy and nutritious foods (especially those high in Vitamin E) and getting regular exercise.

Also, understand that while certain anti-aging creams may seem to work…the effect is almost always slight and temporary. More importantly, they almost always fail to match the high expectations (and computer generated special effects) shared by the companies that sell them.

Before you buy, ask a lot of questions. Also be sure to check out the reviews for anti-aging products.

Aging is hard on women—and harder on the wallets. It doesn’t have to be made even harder by dishonest companies with disappointing so-called anti-aging products.