The Real Deal on Anti-Cellulite Cream

Cellulite describes the dimpled, uneven texture of skin most often visible on the hips, thighs, buttocks, and stomach.

This superficial layer of fat just beneath the skin is typically held by fibrous septae that cause the skin to pucker and form dimples, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

The precise causes of cellulite remain uncertain. Still, several factors influence how much cellulite you have and how obvious it appears, including:

• age
• body fat percentage
• skin thickness
• genetics
• diet
• pregnancy

Cellulite is extremely common. According to estimates, between 80 and 90 percent of women past puberty display some degree of cellulite.

Though anyone can develop cellulite, it’s much more prevalent in people assigned female at birth because of differences in fat distribution, muscle, and connective tissue structure.

Cellulite isn’t dangerous, but its look can be upsetting for some people. Wanting to lessen its appearance is a valid choice, regardless of how widespread it is.

If you’ve considered using an anti-cellulite cream, you may be wondering whether these products live up to their claims.

The brief answer: you might observe temporary improvement, but these creams don’t truly eliminate cellulite.

Read on for more about how these lotions function and what outcomes are realistic to expect.

How do anti-cellulite creams work — and do they remove cellulite?

Anti-cellulite creams are topicals you massage onto affected areas.

They commonly contain active compounds that can reduce the visual prominence of cellulite, such as:

• methylxanthines, like caffeine
• retinol, a vitamin A derivative
• alpha-tocopherol, or vitamin E
• ascorbic acid, or vitamin C
• aminophylline
• plant extracts, including gingko, centella, pineapple, quinoa, and yuzu

Bear in mind that while these ingredients may improve cellulite’s look, they don’t remove the underlying issue.

Even with diligent daily use, topical creams won’t change the fat structures beneath your skin. Zeichner also points out that any perceived benefits tend to be modest and short-lived.

That said, consistent use can offer temporary cosmetic improvement. “You can’t completely get rid of it, but there are ways to improve its appearance,” says Macrene Alexiades, MD.

To notice and preserve improvements, you generally must use an anti-cellulite product daily.

“You have to maintain regular levels of the active ingredients in your skin,” Alexiades explains. “And if you stop, unfortunately the results dissipate.”

Patience is important as well.

“To see real results with most cellulite products, they should be applied at least twice a day for 3 months,” Alexiades adds.

What does the evidence show?

A few small trials indicate topical treatments can modestly improve the look of cellulite.

In a limited study involving 44 women aged 18 to 59, participants who applied a botanical anti-cellulite cream twice daily to the target area for 8 weeks reported:

• better skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration
• an improved appearance of cellulite

An earlier small trial examined a topical retinol formulation for mild to moderate cellulite in 15 women aged 26 to 44.

After 6 months of treatment, participants noted some visual improvement, leading researchers to suggest retinol may help address cellulite.

Which anti-cellulite creams are considered good?

The market is full of creams promising to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Some well-reviewed products containing dermatologist-favored ingredients include:

• Bliss Fabgirl Firm Body Firming & Contouring Cream. Zeichner notes caffeine is common in body creams for cellulite because it has a mild dehydrating action. Alexiades calls caffeine “an oldie but a goodie,” explaining topical caffeine constricts blood vessels and can temporarily reduce fat cell volume.
• Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. This product contains guarana, a caffeine-rich botanical, and other plant extracts claimed to firm skin. Reviewers often praise its fragrance.
• Jan Marini CelluliTx. Alexiades says this formula, which includes caffeine, aminophylline, retinol, and other actives, “will probably work better than most, though scientific proof is weak on all topical cellulite agents.”

Whatever product you pick, follow the manufacturer’s directions.

“Do not use cellulite creams anywhere except the indicated areas,” Alexiades cautions. “They have high concentrations of caffeine, and this can dehydrate skin on the face.”

She also suggests checking ingredient lists to avoid compounds like parabens.

“When you apply anti-cellulite creams, you are applying to large body surface areas and getting good penetration, so any toxic ingredients will get into your body along with the actives,” she notes.

Can you craft your own anti-cellulite cream at home?

If you prefer DIY products, you’ve likely found recipes online that call for things like:

• coconut oil
• apple cider vinegar
• coffee

There’s little rigorous evidence backing these homemade remedies.

Still, Alexiades mentions you could brew strong black tea for compresses applied to the area. Some small studies suggest that modified herbal compresses may improve cellulite appearance, and the caffeine in tea could produce a brief firming effect.

You might try this Sips by recipe:

1. Combine 4 tablespoons of black tea with 4 cups of boiling water in a large glass or metal bowl.
2. Let it steep for 20 minutes.
3. Strain (use a tea ball or tea bags for easy straining), then pour the strained tea into bathwater.
4. Soak for 20 minutes.
5. Repeat up to twice weekly.

When should you see a dermatologist?

Although cellulite isn’t a health threat, it can cause distress, anxiety, or dissatisfaction about one’s appearance.

If cellulite troubles you and topical creams aren’t helping much, a dermatologist can be a helpful resource.

Dermatologists can advise on a broader range of treatments that may reduce cellulite’s visibility, including:

• Laser treatments. Laser energy can disrupt septae (the fibrous bands) and thicken skin, which may lessen the look of cellulite.
• Subcision. A clinician inserts a needle under the skin to break up the bands that cause dimpling.
• Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release. This technique cuts the bands beneath the skin so tissue can fill in, helping smooth dimpling.
• Carboxytherapy. This method involves injecting carbon dioxide gas beneath the skin to increase local blood flow and reduce cellulite visibility.
• QWO. An injectable that may improve cellulite of the buttocks by enzymatically breaking down the bands that create dimpling, redistributing fat, and stimulating collagen formation. The FDA approved QWO for moderate to severe cellulite in 2020.

Remember that outcomes vary. These procedures can be more effective than over-the-counter creams but usually don’t make cellulite vanish entirely.

If you want to explore options, a dermatologist can explain what might be suitable for you.

The takeaway

Cellulite is very common, but it’s understandable if it bothers you.

Anti-cellulite creams likely won’t eliminate cellulite, but they can sometimes reduce its visibility. Consistent application is necessary to see and maintain any benefit.

If creams don’t give the results you want, consider consulting a dermatologist to learn about other treatments that may help.