Dermatologists Say These Cellulite Creams Really Work (2024)

Cellulite is one of the most common skin conditions. In fact, studies suggest 85 to 95 percent of women have cellulite somewhere on the body, whether their buttocks, thighs, or stomach. Unlike conditions like varicose veins, it's not at all painful or harmful. Instead, an attempt to get rid of cellulite with an in-office procedure or a cream—and the dimply skin characteristic of the condition—is a decision based purely on aesthetics. But do these efforts really work?

Do cellulite creams work?

"Cellulite creams are a topic of ongoing debate within the aesthetic and medical industry," says Jody A. Levine, director of dermatology at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC. "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."

What to consider when buying a cellulite cream

Some of the more common ingredients in cellulite creams include retinol, caffeine, aminophylline, and DMAE, says Glenn Vallecillos, 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.

When looking for a cellulite cream, peep the ingredient list for those stars, plus look for other standouts such as vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, says Vallecillos. To save you some time, we asked various medical professionals for their favorite cellulite creams, plus scoured top retailers like Amazon and Ulta for the most well-reviewed, top-selling options.

The experts:

• Jody A. Levine, director of dermatology at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC
• Glenn Vallecillos, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California
• Merry Thornton, a board-certified physician's assistant in dermatology, licensed skincare expert, and founder of Element Medical Aesthetics in New Canaan, Connecticut
• Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California
• Michele Gittings, a certified physician's assistant at NOVA Plastic Surgery and Dermatology
  

Highly praised for its delicious scent, this rich cellulite cream garners thousands of positive reviews across retailers. 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.

This total body cream boasts both caffeine and powerful plant botanicals to help visibly tighten skin, plus improve texture and tone over time. It's super hydrating, too, thanks to ingredients like squalane, vitamin B5, and sodium hyaluronate. "It also has a cool, tingly feeling that makes the skin feel tighter," says Thornton.

This unique cream-gel hybrid is a great choice because it targets cellulite and loose skin. Powered by matcha tea extract and caffeine, it visibly smooths and helps to define body contours. It also contains six targeted plant actives to visibly reduce the look of cellulite on legs, thighs, stomach, and hips. Aloe vera adds a boost of soothing hydration. It's perfect for those who love a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn't feel greasy. Not to mention, the cooling cryo-technology offers an immediate lifting effect and a refreshing sensation.

Another very popular skin-smoothing product, this cream contains retinol, which can help exfoliate, stimulate collagen, and strengthen and thicken the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite, says Badreshia-Bansal. It can also help keratosis pilaris—a common condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps—often found on the thighs and arms.

If you're after firmer buttocks, give this mask a try. It's clinically proven to help improve the appearance of cellulite on the booty and thighs. It contains guarana seed extract—aka caffeine–to draw out fluid, plus pink pepperslim—a plant extract proven to smooth the look of fatty skin. You can literally feel it working as it offers a warming sensation immediately post application. It also delivers a punch of hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid to keep skin looking smoother and more supple.

Pluck this affordable cream off the shelf at your local drugstore for a quick and easy way to target cellulite. Though inexpensive and widely available, it's enriched with hardworking ingredients like Q10, L-carnitine, and lotus extract, which together work to firm skin. Apply the lightweight gel-cream twice daily, and the brand claims you'll see a reduction in cellulite in just two weeks.

Gently massage this hot cream into skin for double the benefits: smoother skin and more relaxed muscles. Ingredients like juniper, grapefruit, and rosemary are said to help reduce the appearance of cellulite by tightening the look of skin, while shea butter and aloe vera help hydrate. Peppermint and pine naturally reduce inflammation, and chamomile and eucalyptus provide muscle relief. It also offers a soothing warming sensation as you work it into the skin.

This cream effectively promotes new collagen production and improves the skin's elasticity and the appearance of firmness, lessening the appearance of cellulite, says Gittings. It contains hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans to support hydration and peptides for its anti-aging benefits. In addition to improving the look of cellulite, it helps reduce the look of crepey skin. You can use it anywhere on the body, body, including arms, hands, and knees.

This choice is pricey, but it has everything you need to get skin that's smooth, firm, and more toned in appearance. Just look at the before and after photos. It delivers hardworking ingredients that help support the production of collagen and elastin, such as coffee seed oil, green microalgae, sh*take mushroom extract, and Japanese parsley. Grapefruit peel oil and ginger root extract provide protect against environmental aggressors that may contribute to faster signs of aging. Over time, you'll notice loose, sagging, and cellulite-ridden skin looking more smooth and firm.

With over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and an affordable price point, you can't wrong with this option. Its formula contains green coffee bean oil, which is known to help break down fat due to its high level of antioxidants. It has a thick and moisturizing texture, but reviewers love how quickly it absorbs into the skin and doesn't leave you feeling greasy.

Our team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with several medical professionals and experts to learn all about how to find the best cellulite creams, including which ingredients work best. Then, we researched and tested top-rated formulas to help you find the best picks.