The 10 best anti-cellulite creams, according to dermatologists
<p>”Cellulite creams are a topic of ongoing debate within the aesthetic and medical industry,” says Jody A. Levine, director of Dermatology at <a href=” target=”_blank”>Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC</a>. “While some creams may help reduce the appearance of cellulite, there is limited scientific evidence to support their efficacy. Furthermore, cellulite is caused by factors like genetics, hormones, and the structure of connective tissues beneath the skin, making it difficult to address solely through topical treatments.” </p><p>Some of the more common ingredients in cellulite creams include <a href=” target=”_blank”>retinol</a>, caffeine, aminophylline, and DMAE, says <a href=” target=”_blank”>Glenn Vallecillos</a>, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. These ingredients hypothetically provide improvement to affected skin by stimulating collagen production, decreasing fluid retention, and improving elasticity, he explains. </p><p>When looking for a cellulite cream, peep the ingredient list for those stars, plus look for other standouts such as <a href=” target=”_blank”>vitamins C</a> and E, <a href=” target=”_blank”>hyaluronic acid</a>, and glycerin, says Vallecillos. To save you some time, we asked various medical professionals for their favorite cellulite creams, plus scoured top retailers like <a href=” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Amazon</a> and <a href=” target=”_blank”>Ulta</a> for the most well-reviewed, top-selling options. </p><p>[product-summary-view headline=”Our Top Picks” showHeadline=”true”][/product-summary-view]
Advanced Clinicals Green Coffee Bean Slimming Body Cream
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The best cream on Amazon
Advanced Clinicals Green Coffee Bean Slimming Body Cream
Now 20% Off
Credit: Advanced Clinicals
Because it’s rich in antioxidants, caffeine and aloe vera, this contouring cream works hard to smooth skin all over the body, whether you want it for your stomach, buttocks or thighs. It’s thick, spreads easily, and absorbs quickly—and we love the mess-free pump.
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Best for thighs
Bliss Fabgirl Firm Body Cream
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Best for thighs
Bliss Fabgirl Firm Body Cream
Credit: Bliss
This total body cream features both caffeine and powerful herbal botanicals that help visibly tighten skin as well as improve texture and tone over time. It’s also super hydrating, thanks to ingredients like squalane, vitamin B5 and sodium hyaluronate. “It also has a cool tingle that makes the skin feel tighter,” says Merry Thornton, board-certified physician assistant in dermatology, licensed skin care specialist, and founder of Element Medical Aesthetics in New Canaan, Connecticut.
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The best for the stomach
Reduxcell belly fat burning cream
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The best for the stomach
Reduxcell belly fat burning cream
Credit: Reduxcell
Caffeine is a key ingredient in cellulite creams like this one because it acts as a diuretic — or dehydrating agent — to reduce the fluid retention known to make cellulite more noticeable on the skin, Vallecillos. And because this product is a gel, it spreads easily and absorbs quickly.
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Best drugstore cream
Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Cream with Q10 Plus
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Best drugstore cream
Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Cream with Q10 Plus
Credit: Nivea
Grab this affordable cream off the shelf at your local drugstore for a quick and easy way to target cellulite. Although cheap and widely available, it is enriched with tough ingredients like Q10, L-carnitine and lotus extract. Apply the lightweight gel-cream twice a day and the brand claims you’ll see a reduction in cellulite in just two weeks.
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Best for buttocks
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Firming Body Cream
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Best for buttocks
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Firming Body Cream
Credit: Sol de Janeiro
Praised for its wonderful fragrance, this rich cellulite cream has been garnering thousands of positive reviews in retail stores. Derms say it works too. “This cream combines botanical oils and caffeine in the form of Guarana extract, which hydrates the skin and provides skin tightening,” says Vallecillos. As a nice bonus, the planet-friendly packaging is refillable.
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Best for Back of Legs
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
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Best for Back of Legs
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Credit: Paula’s Choice
Another very popular skin smoothing product, this cream contains retinol, which can help exfoliate the skin, stimulate collagen and strengthen and plump the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite, says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal , MD, board certified dermatologist with Real Self. It can also help with keratosis pilaris – a common condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps – often found on the thighs and arms.
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Maelys Cosmetics B-Tight Lift & Firm Booty Mask
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Maelys Cosmetics B-Tight Lift & Firm Booty Mask
Credit: Maelys Cosmetics
If you want firmer buttocks, try this cream. It contains guarana seed extract – also known as caffeine – to draw out fluids, as well as pink pepper – a plant extract proven to smooth the appearance of oily skin. It also packs a punch of hydration to keep skin smoother and more supple.
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Alastin TransFORM body treatment
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Alastin TransFORM body treatment
Now 21% off.
Credit: Alastin
Made with special TriHex technology, this cream effectively promotes new collagen production and improves skin elasticity and the appearance of firmness, reducing the appearance of cellulite, says Michele Gittings, a certified physician assistant at NOVA Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. Use the anti-aging superstar all over the body for skin that looks firmer and more toned.
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Best cellulite cream from Clarins
Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring & Firming Expert
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Best cellulite cream from Clarins
Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring & Firming Expert
Credit: Clarins
This unique cream-gel hybrid is a popular choice because it targets a range of skin care concerns—including cellulite and stretch marks. Powered by eight plant extracts, it works hard to tighten and soften, as well as hydrate.
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Majestic Pure Hot Cream
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Majestic Pure Hot Cream
Credit: Majestic Pure
Gently massage this warm cream into the skin for dual benefits: smoother skin and relaxed muscles. Ingredients like juniper, grapefruit and rosemary are said to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, while peppermint and pine naturally reduce inflammation and chamomile and eucalyptus provide muscle relief.
Brigitte is a writer, editor and technical stylist with almost 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertainment, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce and more.