Swiss apple considered key anti-aging ingredient for 2010

(Danylchenko Iaroslav)

Every once in a while, the beauty world elects its new anti-aging remedy -- a very popular example is the acai berry that's been keeping it abuzz for years -- and more often than not, the actual effect of the ingredient remains questionable. But now, scientists think that with the humble Swiss apple, we really might be on to something.

Every once in a while, the beauty world elects its new anti-aging remedy - a very popular example is the acai berry that's been keeping it abuzz for years - and more often than not, the actual effect of the ingredient remains questionable. But now, scientists think that with the humble Swiss apple, we really might be on to something.

They recently discovered a rare apple tree species in Switzerland whose apples seemed to stay 'forever young,' i.e., wouldn't get wrinkly over time, thanks to their resilient stem cells.

These cells, they figured, could be included in anti-aging beauty treatments in order to reduce wrinkles, prevent skin cells from dying, and maybe even grow back hair. Studies to investigate the effect of the ingredient, for example by Lancôme or Mibelle Biochemistry, yielded encouraging results, with 80 to 100 percent of participants confirming a notable change in their appearance.

The only catch: there are just eight trees left of the tree species in question, namely the Uttwiler Spatlauber, which makes the resulting creams somewhat of an investment.

Lather's new 'Swiss Apple Wrinkle Remedy' is the least costly in the bunch at only $62, while the luxe brands' offerings might cause some more severe damage to your wallet, albeit reducing damage to your skin: the Emerge Swiss Apple Stem Cell Serum sets you back $120, followed by Lancôme's 'Absolue Precious Cells' at $145, 3Lab's 'Super H Serum' at $300, and Clark's Botanicals' 'Cellular Lifting Serum' at $355. ReVive's 'Peau Magnifique' even sells for a shocking $1,482.

On a budget? For just $2.99, try the new 'AntiAgeingApp' for the iPhone due out in January, instead.