Essential Oils for Cellulite

Background on essential oils and cellulite

Essential oils have long been employed across cultures to address a variety of issues, from easing stress and promoting wound healing to clearing nasal passages. Dermatologists commonly suggest at least 90 essential oils for skin-related concerns, with over 1,500 typical blends in use.

One relatively recent use of these extracts is for improving the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite describes areas—most frequently on the hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen—where skin appears dimpled or lumpy because pockets of fat push up against connective tissue beneath the skin.

Cellulite isn’t limited to people with higher body weight. The Mayo Clinic notes that genetics are likely the main determining factor for whether someone develops cellulite.

Although cellulite is not medically serious, its look can be upsetting to some. A 2014 study found cosmetic concern about cellulite in up to 90 percent of women after puberty, compared with just 2 percent of men.

Which essential oils are commonly used for cellulite?

A 2017 review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine lists the most frequently utilized essential oils for cellulite as:

• cedarwood
• cypress
• fennel
• geranium
• grapefruit
• juniper
• lavender
• lemon
• lemongrass
• lime
• mandarin
• rosemary
• Spanish sage

How to apply essential oils for cellulite

Essential oils are highly concentrated and shouldn’t be applied undiluted to skin because they can cause irritation. They should be mixed with a carrier oil—common kitchen options include coconut or olive oil.

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy also recommends carrier oils such as:

• apricot kernel
• arnica
• avocado
• baobab
• borage
• calendula
• evening primrose
• jojoba
• marula
• rosehip seed
• sea buckthorn
• St John’s wort
• sweet almond
• tamanu

Proper dilution

After selecting an essential oil and a carrier, the University of Minnesota advises dilutions between 1 and 5 percent. For massaging broad areas, use nearer to 1 percent.

• 1 percent: 1 drop essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil
• 3 percent: 3 drops essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil
• 5 percent: 5 drops essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil

Apply the blended mixture to the targeted area and massage gently. Because essential oils evaporate relatively rapidly, it’s usually recommended to use them twice daily.

A small 2018 Thai study observed that regular massage with an herbal wrap containing lime and lemongrass (among other oils and botanicals) over eight weeks reduced both cellulite visibility and measured skin fold thickness.

Keep in mind multiple factors may have influenced those findings, including the mechanical effects of massage itself.

You can buy lime and lemongrass essential oils online.

Safety tips for using essential oils

Take these precautions when considering essential oil treatments:

• Ensure the room where you apply oils is well ventilated.
• Avoid getting oils into your eyes.
• Keep oils away from open flames; they are highly flammable.
• If skin irritation occurs and persists after stopping use, consult your physician.
• If anyone accidentally ingests essential oils, call poison control right away and try to drink whole or 2 percent milk. Do NOT induce vomiting.
• Do not consume essential oils.

Discuss any treatment plan, including essential oil use, with your doctor before starting.

Bottom line

Essential oils have been investigated as a low-side-effect approach to managing the appearance of cellulite. Still, more research is necessary to identify optimal oils, blends, and their true efficacy compared with carrier oils or massage alone.

Consult with your primary care physician or a dermatologist prior to using essential oils so they can advise on the best options for your skin.