<p class=”body-text”> Now keep reading for the full breakdown of the best cellulite creams, according to my own testing and product reviewers, along with <strong>tips from dermatologists and plastic surgeons on how to choose the best creams</strong> and what to look for before you buy one. Stay tuned for brands like Sol de Janeiro, Oui The People, Paula’s Choice, JLo Beauty, and more.</p>” />
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1
Best Cult-Favorite Cellulite Cream
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
1
Best Cult-Favorite Cellulite Cream
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Pros
- Contains caffeine to help smooth skin
Cons
- Some testers felt that the sweet scent was too strong
There’s a reason why this body cream has thousands of five-star reviews and has amassed a cult following—it’s absolutely loaded with skin-smoothing caffeine. According to Dr. George, topical caffeine can dehydrate fat cells in your skin so they temporarily flatten, helping to make your cellulite look a little less visible. And, thanks to the formula’s added coconut oil and cupuaçu butter, it’ll also leave your skin feeling majorly moisturized and dewy after massaging it on.
- Main ingredient(s): Caffeine, coconut oil, cupuaçu butter, sodium hyaluronate
- Fragrance: Super sweet with notes of vanilla and caramel
- Formula: Thick cream
- Size: 8.1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “This is the best cream I’ve ever used—it helped my cellulite, and it smells so good and leaves my skin soft!” one tester writes. “I’ve literally purchased every cream from this company and none of them have disappointed me.”
2
Best Drugstore Cellulite Cream
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
2
Best Drugstore Cellulite Cream
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
Pros
- Eco-conscious brand
Cons
- Takes a moment to rub in due to thick texture, reviews say
This drugstore retinol body lotion is my favorite inexpensive formula on the market for cellulite. Every night, I rub it all over my body—i.e., legs, butt, stomach—and it doesn’t irritate my skin whatsoever. Using encapsulated retinol (which is less intense on your skin), this body lotion is formulated to be used daily, though it’s best to incorporate it into your routine slowly to ensure your skin reacts well.
- Key ingredient(s): Retinol, cocoa butter, squalane, vitamin E
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Formula: Light cream
- Size: 6 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I absolutely love this lotion—it’s retinol, but actually affordable enough that you can use it on your whole body!” one review reads. “It leaves your skin super soft and absorbs immediately. I can get dressed when I’m done without that sticky feeling other lotions always leave. My main concern is anti-aging and it is wonderful for that.”
3
Best Cellulite Cream Ingredients
Bliss Fabgirl Firm Body Firming & Contouring Cream
3
Best Cellulite Cream Ingredients
Bliss Fabgirl Firm Body Firming & Contouring Cream
Pros
- Reviewers say they notice that their cellulite was less visible immediately after use
Cons
- It may take a moment to totally absorb and sink into your skin, testers say
If you just want a one-and-done body lotion that also doubles as a cellulite cream, you need to try this stacked formula with a slew of hero ingredients. It’s filled with squalane and shea butter to moisturize, caffeine to temporarily firm your skin, hyaluronic acid to plump, and antioxidant-rich botanicals to help protect and repair. Massage it into your skin morning or night (or both!) for some body-loving TLC.
- Key ingredient(s): Caffeine, squalane, shea butter, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance: Subtle orange notes
- Formula: Thick cream
- Size: 5.8 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I noticed immediate results after one use,” one tester notes. “The tone and elasticity of my skin, as well as texture, suppleness, and softness, showed noticeable improvement after just one use, as well as dramatic improvement with continued use.”
4
Best Cellulite Cream on Amazon
Advanced Clinicals Advanced Firming Cream
4
Best Cellulite Cream on Amazon
Advanced Clinicals Advanced Firming Cream
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Testers love that the cream is just thick enough without being too heavy
Cons
- Has a high dose of retinol than can be drying, especially on its own
Don’t be fooled by the low price point—this best-selling Amazon cellulite cream packs a punch. Formulated with aloe vera and glycerin to lightly hydrate, as well as retinol for some skin-firming and collagen-boosting effects—this cream works to smooth your skin over time. The only catch? It’s pretty intense. “I actually use this on my body bumps, and it definitely works, but it’s hella drying,” says Chloe Metzger, Cosmo’s deputy beauty director. “So make sure to incorporate it slowly into your skincare routine, and either follow up with a rich moisturizer or apply it over moisturizer to dilute its intensity,” she says.
- Key ingredient(s): Retinol, green tea extract, glycerin, aloe
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Formula: Thick cream
- Size: 16 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I have only been using this for about three months, but I could tell a difference in just a few days—consistency is key and so is knowing your skin,” one tester’s review reads. “I will definitely keep buying this.”
5
Best Cellulite Cream with Caffeine
Honeydew Coconut Cellulite Cream With Caffeine
5
Best Cellulite Cream with Caffeine
Honeydew Coconut Cellulite Cream With Caffeine
Pros
- Testers say that the product absorbs into their skin incredibly well
Cons
- Some reviewers say that they didn’t love the smell by the end of the day
I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again: Caffeine is one of the best topical ingredients for ~temporarily~ tightening and plumping your skin, which is why I’m obsessed with this body cream that’s absolutely packed with it. Massage it into your skin (or anywhere you have cellulite) in the morning, and let the formula’s shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil moisturize the hell out of your skin while the caffeine does its skin-smoothing thing.
- Key ingredient(s): Caffeine, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter
- Fragrance: Subtle coffee aroma
- Formula: Thick cream
- Size: 4 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I have been using this cream for quite a while now and I love the texture and the feel of it,” reads one tester’s review. “It goes on really well and I have noticed a change in my cellulite areas a lot!”
6
Best Retinol Cellulite Cream
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
6
Best Retinol Cellulite Cream
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Pros
- Packed with retinol to help smooth bumpy skin
Cons
- Must be used consistently and over time to see true results
FYI: A retinol cream is one of the best formulas to temporarily minimize the look of cellulite, thanks to retinol’s ability to trigger collagen and elastin production, gradually leading to smoother, firmer skin. Retinol also has the ability to “thicken” and tighten your skin over time, says Dr. George, which can help prevent it from dimpling or puckering over fat cells. The only downside? It requires consistency, which is why I diligently massage this cream over my cellulite-prone areas a few nights a week (and always layer up with sunscreen every morning).
- Key ingredient(s): Retinol, grapeseed oil, vitamins C & E
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Formula: Lotion
- Size: 4 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I have purchased three bottles of this over the past year and I have seen a difference in the appearance of cellulite on the back of my legs,” writes one reviewer. The dimpling was less noticeable,” writes another tester.
7
Best Lightweight Cellulite Cream
Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Body Gel-Cream
7
Best Lightweight Cellulite Cream
Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Body Gel-Cream
Pros
- Reviewers say that the cream deeply hydrates your skin without feeling too heavy
Cons
- May take a moment for the product to absorb, testers say
Not only does this cellulite cream cost less than my lunch order, but it’s also incredibly lightweight and moisturizing, thanks to its non-greasy, gel-like texture. But the real selling point is its formula: Using coenzyme Q10—a naturally occurring antioxidant—this cream helps protect your skin against environmental aggressors (like UV rays and ozone pollution), as well as supports your body’s natural skin-repairing process. The end result: Smoother, healthier, and potentially strong skin, without the oily side effects.
- Key ingredient(s): Coenzyme Q10, glycerin
- Fragrance: Sweet and nutty with woody notes
- Formula: Gel-cream
- Size: 6.7 oz.
THE REVIEW: “This stuff has really surprising results,” writes one reviewer. “My skin is noticeably softer and firmer after only a few days of use—my face is brighter, my hands are softer, and my body is firmer.”
8
Best Natural Cellulite Cream
The Seaweed Bath Co. Detox Body Cream
8
Best Natural Cellulite Cream
The Seaweed Bath Co. Detox Body Cream
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Made with eco-friendly packaging and sustainable ingredients
Cons
- A few testers claimed it made their skin tingle
If natural skincare is your thing, you’ll love this cellulite cream from Seaweed Bath Co., one of my favorite green and clean beauty brands. It’s absolutely packed with collagen-protecting antioxidants, de-puffing caffeine (to help temporarily soften the look of cellulite), and sustainably harvested seaweed (because of course) to pull moisture into your skin throughout the day.
- Key ingredient(s): Seaweed, caffeine, antioxidants
- Fragrance: Mint with a hint of rosemary
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 6 oz.
THE REVIEW: “This stuff is amazing, hands down. It’s not a long-term ‘fix’ but rather a fantastic product that works instantly!” writes one reviewer. “It smooths, plumps, and softens your skin, and makes it look great right after application.”
9
Best Cellulite Cream for Your Butt
JLo Beauty Firm + Flaunt Targeted Booty Balm
9
Best Cellulite Cream for Your Butt
JLo Beauty Firm + Flaunt Targeted Booty Balm
Pros
- Testers say it’s super moisturizing and doesn’t feel sticky
Cons
- Filled with oils and butter that may be too heavy for hot days
I don’t know about you, but I, personally, would love to have J.Lo’s iconic, spent-800-hours-in-the-gym booty. But since I am just a mere mortal, I’ll settle for the next best thing: Her butt-firming cream. The moisturizing formula has a combo of caffeine-rich guaraná to temporarily tighten and plump your skin, along with shea butter and olive oil to leave your butt feeling ridiculously soft and smooth. Next up? My own Ben Affleck.
- Key ingredient(s): Caffeine, shea butter, glycerin
- Fragrance: Soft and subtle florals
- Formula: Thick cream
- Size: 4.2 oz.
THE REVIEW: “It smells good, it’s creamy and it goes on super easy,” one reviewer notes. “I used it on my stomach, thighs, and butt—the results of this product left skin more lifted and tighter with a reduced appearance of stretch marks and cellulite.”
10
Best Cellulite Mask
Truly Anti Cellulite Body Mask
10
Best Cellulite Mask
Truly Anti Cellulite Body Mask
Pros
- Filled with oils to moisturize more intensely than regular creams
Cons
- May be too irritating to be used every night (see: retinol)
K, so this pick isn’t technically a cream—it’s a leave-on body mask that penetrates your skin with retinol, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil for an all-in-one cellulite treatment. Lemme break it down: The retinol boosts collagen and elastin production to firm skin, the coconut oil adds hella moisture to smooth and soften, and the grapeseed oil helps to protect against environmental damage to keep skin strong. Use it in place of your regular body lotion a couple of times a week, and you’ll notice your skin feels softer and looks glowier after a few weeks of consistent use.
- Key ingredient(s): Retinol, coconut oil, grapeseed oil
- Fragrance: Citrus-y
- Formula: Thick cream mask
- Size: 5 oz.
THE REVIEW: “This stuff really works, and it’s become an everyday staple for me,” one tester notes. “I mostly use this on my legs and butt, and my skin is much firmer and healthier looking. It’s not a miracle in a bottle; there is no such thing, but if you have realistic expectations, this stuff really does make a difference.”
Pros
- Comes with an exfoliating scrub and a hydrating mask
Cons
- Duo is often sold out
Ever since I saw this duo on my social feeds, I’ve been obsessed (anyone remember the Calm Your Tits boob mask? Deputy beauty director Chloe Metzger does). This kit comes with a walnut-based exfoliating scrub (with hydrating aloe and plumping glycerin) and a peppermint-infused mask (with soothing colloidal oatmeal and moisturizing jojoba oil). Massage the scrub over your body, then rinse, dry off, and slather on the moisture mask. Will it magically erase every trace of cellulite? Sadly, nope. But will it make your skin feel ridiculously soft and smooth? 100 percent yes—and I’m very cool with that.
- Key ingredient(s): Scrub: walnut grain, shea butter, aloe, glycerin. Cream: jojoba oil, colloidal oatmeal
- Fragrance: Peppermint
- Formula: Body scrub, cream
- Size: 2 oz.
THE REVIEW: “Great product—I didn’t think it would work so fast, but it did,” writes one reviewer. “I have a lot of cellulite on my thighs and stretch marks and it worked for both.”
12
Best Cellulite Balm
Oui The People Melting Body Balm
12
Best Cellulite Balm
Oui The People Melting Body Balm
Pros
- Melts into your skin for a truly moisturizing experience
Cons
- There really isn’t a lot of product—you can only get three to six uses out of the entire tub
Want the moisture of a lotion, but the ~luxe~ experience of a body balm? Enter: Oui the People Melting Body Balm. This bb is absolutely packed with skin-loving oils (like sunflower, olive, carrot, castor, etc.), along with sea fennel (to potentially help support collagen production) for the most hydrated and plumpest skin of your dreams. Slather this one on a daily basis, because healthy skin = smoother skin, which is what you want when working with cellulite.
- Key ingredient(s): Sea fennel extract, olive oil, sunflower oil, shea butter
- Fragrance: Warm, earthy, and herbal
- Formula: Balm
- Size: 3 oz.
THE REVIEW: “The silky balm melts into my skin without being greasy,” writes one reviewer. “I look forward to applying it every night after the shower, and after consistent use, my skin is noticeably softer and smoother!”
13
Best Body Oil and Dry Brush for Cellulite
Osea Malibu Total Body Glow Trio
13
Best Body Oil and Dry Brush for Cellulite
Osea Malibu Total Body Glow Trio
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Leaves skin looking glowy without that grease-like feel or finish
Cons
- May transfer on clothes if you don’t let it properly dry, reviewers noted
Some people swear by lymphatic drainage via dry brushing for their cellulite—aka massaging your body with the goal of decreasing fluid retention. Though sorry to say, dry brushes won’t magically get rid of your cellulite (again, only professional treatments can). But what they can do is exfoliate your skin and potentially decrease fluid retention via lymphatic massage, leaving it softer and glowier. And, when paired with a rich body oil (like this one that’s filled with jojoba), you’ve got a skin-smoothing duo that’ll make your body look as healthy as a bb’s.
- Key ingredient(s): Jojoba oil, undaria algae
- Fragrance: Sweet and woody
- Formula: Body oil, body scrub
- Size: 5 oz., 12 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I’ve noticed a significant change in my skin’s appearance, and my daughter even complimented me recently because she noticed it too,” one tester notes. “My skin feels and looks better than it has in years.”
14
Best Cellulite-Treatment Drops
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drop
14
Best Cellulite-Treatment Drops
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drop
Pros
- Doesn’t have a super-strong DHA smell like most self tanners
- Comes in light, medium, and dark shades with color-correcting undertones
Cons
- It may take some trial-and-error to figure out how many drops is best for your skin
My personal hack to make my cellulite less noticeable? Self-tanner—specifically, these Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops. The formula is packed with caffeine (to temporarily tighten and firm), oat extract and vitamin E (to soothe), and classic DHA to, you know, tan my skin without looking fake. I just add a few drops to my favorite cellulite cream (see: any of the formulas on this list), massage it on, and am left with healthy, glowy, and smooth-as-hell skin.
- Key ingredient(s): DHA, caffeine, oat extract, vitamin E
- Fragrance: Subtle tropical scent
- Formula: Liquid-serum
- Size: 2.54 oz.
THE REVIEW: “Love the firming ingredients and the tan it gives me is SO GOOD,” one tester notes. “I notice such a difference in my skin…my skin feels brighter and glowy!” adds another tester.
15
Best Clean Cellulite Cream
BeautyBio The Sculptor Firming Body Cream
15
Best Clean Cellulite Cream
BeautyBio The Sculptor Firming Body Cream
Pros
- Vegan formula is cruelty-free and also free of parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil
Cons
- Really thick cream, so may be too heavy for some
If you’re a clean-beauty stan that’s looking for an eco-friendly cellulite cream, look no further than this one from BeautyBio. Not only does it leave your skin super-freakin’ soft (I’m talking velvet-y smooth), but it also uses caffeine to temporarily dehydrate fat cells, smooth cellulite ripples, and antioxidants (hi, vitamin E and vitamin C) to help protect against elastin damage. Rub the cream over clean, dry skin once a day, and let the all-star formula get to work.
- Key ingredient(s): Caffeine, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Fragrance: Light, floral scent
- Formula: Thick cream
- Size: 6 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I applied this after my 6 a.m. shower today—it’s 9 p.m. now, and I’ve never seen such a long-lasting and beautiful difference in my skin,” one review reads. “I’ve used everything—nothing, and I mean nothing else has made my skin look and feel this good.”
16
Best Vegan Cellulite Body Cream
Coco & Eve Glow Figure Body Moisture Whip
16
Best Vegan Cellulite Body Cream
Coco & Eve Glow Figure Body Moisture Whip
Pros
- Formula has salicylic acid to lightly exfoliate and soften your skin
Cons
- Many testers felt the fruity scent was too strong
Looking for a vegan cellulite cream that’ll moisturize your super-dry skin? This pick from Coco & Eve is formulated with fruit and plant extracts packed with antioxidants to brighten and firm, a dose of salicylic acid to lightly exfoliate and smooth your skin, and coconut oil for ultra moisture. Pro tip: Massage this bb into your skin right after you dry off for the ultimate hydration.
- Key ingredient(s): Antioxidants, coconut oil, salicylic acid
- Fragrance: Fruity, with candy-sweet notes of grape
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 7.2 oz.
THE REVIEW: “The moisturizing element surpasses any other lotion I’ve ever tried!” one tester writes. “You can feel it on your skin from shower to shower! Excellent product.”
17
Best Luxury Cellulite Cream
Augustinus Bader The Body Cream
17
Best Luxury Cellulite Cream
Augustinus Bader The Body Cream
Pros
- Fragrance-free formula makes it great for sensitive and allergic skin
Cons
- Not a ton of product for the expensive price tag
Augustinus Bader is luxe luxe, like so luxe that even Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham are fans. But hype—and price—aside, this $$$ cream is basically a liquid IV for your skin barrier (and remember: Healthier skin naturally looks smoother and feels softer, even with cellulite). The formula is filled with a mix of skincare MVPs, including fatty-acid-rich ceramides, hydrating squalane, amino acid-packed arginine, and brightening niacinamide, all of which work together to amp up your skin health and keep you glowy the more you use it.
- Key ingredient(s): Arginine, ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, shea butter
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Formula: Thick cream
- Size: 6.8 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I have been using The Body Cream on my legs for about a week and my skin has transformed,” one reviewer writes. “It’s softer, smoother, even-toned, and my cellulite is not as evident as before. My legs haven’t looked this great in years!”
How does cellulite happen?
Cellulite happens due to a mix of factors, including age, hormones, weight, pregnancy, and genetics (see: how much natural collagen and estrogen you have in your skin). It’s also important to remember that cellulite is not a surface-level thing: It’s actually a structural change that happens deep within your skin tissue.
As a quick refresher, we all have cords of connective tissue (aka fibrous bands, or septa) that pull down and connect our skin to our muscles. As fat cells build up underneath your skin, they push up against these cords, causing your skin to look dimpled. The result? Cellulite, which according to dermatologist Yunyoung Claire Chang, MD, an estimated 90 percent of all women (and 10 percent of men) have, regardless of their body type.
Do any cellulite creams really work?
Whether a cellulite cream really “works” depends on what you’re trying to achieve with it. “Many creams on the market temporarily decrease bloating of the tissue and smooth the outer layer of your skin,” says dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, MD, “but nothing topically has been shown to permanently reduce the appearance of these fat pockets, since they’re caused by structural changes deep within the tissue.”
Tl;dr: Some cellulite creams can temporarily give you smoother, plumper, and firmer skin, which may result in less noticeable cellulite; however, nothing applied to your skin can permanently remove cellulite because it happens underneath it.
What actually works on cellulite?
The only thing that actually works on cellulite is in-office, professional treatments—which is why you should consult a plastic surgeon or dermatologist if your cellulite is really bothering you. According to plastic surgeon Finny George, MD, professional treatments may include sound wave therapy, lasers, and subcision, which have all been studied and proven to be effective in reducing and removing cellulite. However, in Dr. George’s opinion, cellulite is most effectively and permanently treated by a procedure such as Cellfina, which is done by microscopically severing the connective tissues that attach your skin to your muscles.
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC’s newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you’ll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
Editor
Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can’t put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Women’s Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you’ll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
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