Hormones, genetics, diet, aging, pregnancy, lifestyle – all play a role in one of the most common skin conditions: persistent dimpled skin, also known as cellulite.
The more you know
Even the best cellulite cream is not a miracle worker. Dr. Dendy Engelman says results are usually temporary and consistency is key: “You’ll need to apply cellulite cream daily to notice a visible difference. if you’re not consistent with the cream, it can’t do its job and the skin will go back to its original appearance.”
We spent eight weeks testing 20 different formulas, and we’ll be honest: No cellulite cream can make cellulite disappear. However, there are a few individual formulas worth sharing, each of which helped reduce the appearance of cellulite through moisturizing ingredients, improved circulation, and firming effects. With regular use, we’ve noticed some noticeable improvements in our skin texture, including less cellulite.
Benefits of anti-cellulite creams
- Enhances skin hydration
- It stimulates blood circulation
- Improves skin elasticity
- It helps the skin to look more elastic and firm
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/biossance-squalane---caffeine-toning-body-cream-5eb2b24b0b1f4f4492f9057e39b426ae.jpg)
Amazon
-
Noticeably reduces the appearance of cellulite
-
She saw a change in skin texture after four weeks
-
The skin became more hydrated
After trying 20 formulas, we were most impressed with this Biossance toning cream reduced the appearance of cellulite. Although not completely gone, we started to see an improvement after four weeks of regular use and by the end of the trial period, our cellulite was much less noticeable, especially in photos. On top of that, the cream enhanced skin hydrationresulting in a softer, smoother surface.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Niacinamide, Squalane | Size: 6 ounces
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/palmers-cocoa-butter-firming-butter-skin-lotion-064a5315c18f459187949406586d9222.jpg)
Amazon
If you want a relatively cheap yet luxurious body butter, our testers are obsessed with this drugstore pick. The under-$10 body butter from Palmer’s is packed with ingredients that provide long-lasting hydration. The cream promotes softer and more elastic skin that can improve the appearance over time. However, our tester only saw one slight reduction of cellulite, even after eight weeks of testing. However, we are impressed with this formula (especially considering the price) and would buy it for the lovely chocolate scent alone.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, shea butter, cocoa butter, collagen, elastin | Size: 10.6 ounces
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bliss-Fabgirl-Firm-Body-Firming--Contouring-Cream-fc0844ae91464147ac4b1535de509021.jpg)
Ulta
-
It made the skin tighter and more elastic
-
I saw some improvement in skin dimpling
-
Lasting (but light) hydration.
For a firming cellulite cream, consider this option from Bliss. Enriched with tons of beneficial ingredients like caffeine, shea butter, squalane and green tea, we saw a noticeable difference in skin texture with regular use. Our tester lost about 10 pounds during the test period and credits this formula providing the skin with a firming effect. Although not a big difference, they also saw a slight reduction in dimples at the end of eight weeks.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine, shiitake mushrooms, shea butter, provitamin B5, squalane and more | Size: 5.8 ounces
People
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/51gCy65si9L._SL1500_-a7e20950b4c148258d534d44625b4e52.jpg)
-
Instant tightening effect with every application
-
Contains retinol for anti-aging benefits
-
Healthier and smoother skin after eight weeks
There is no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to cellulite creams. However, this smoothing formula from Paula’s Choice is as close as it gets. Although temporary, our tester notes that the anti-aging formula has a immediate tightening effect with each application. Thanks to the inclusion of retinol as well as other skin-nourishing formulas like vitamin C and grapeseed oil, our tester’s skin looks healthier and it feels much smoother and firmer at the end of eight weeks.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, Grape Seed Oil, Vitamin C, Glycerin, Evening Primrose Oil, Shea Butter, Provitamin B5, Carnosine | Size: 4 ounces
People
Experts say
“Retinol makes the skin more photosensitive, so UV rays will damage your skin more quickly and easily if you don’t adequately protect it.” — Dr. Engelman
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sol-de-janeiro-brazilian-bum-bum-cream--11ccc617ee6f4883a205157f6cb0a866.jpg)
Amazon
-
Significantly tightened and tightened skin
-
Brighter and more radiant skin after application
-
Softer and more hydrated skin after regular use
When it comes to targeting cellulite, firming lotions can help prevent pesky dimples from appearing – which is why this Sol de Janeiro cream was such a hit. The formula features a range of deeply emollient ingredients that provide significant firming and firming benefits during the trial period. Although we did not see any noticeable reduction in cellulite, our skin Improved shine helped offset uneven textures. We also experienced smoother and more hydrated skin overall.
Key Ingredients: Guaranà extract, cupuaçu butter, coconut oil | Size: 2.5 oz., 8.5 oz
People
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Caudalie-Vinosculpt-Lift--Firm-Body-Cream-d6284b1b33814d2f942fde4f3b51ffd4.jpg)
Caudalie
-
Smooth consistency spreads easily
-
It doesn’t feel heavy and gets easily absorbed into the skin
-
Long-term hydration made the skin look more elastic
While this firming body cream from Caudalie didn’t give us the cellulite-minimizing benefits we were looking for, it did provide skin with a more supple surface thanks to its moisturizing ingredients. The smooth texture makes application a breeze and despite its rich and nourishing ingredients (like shea butter), it’s light and easily absorbed by the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy feeling. Since the moisturizing benefits last all night, it’s a great choice for those who need long-lasting hydration.
Key Ingredients: Organic Grape Water, Iris Extract, Organic Shea Butter, Antioxidant Polyphenols | Size: 8.4 ounces
What you need to know about anti-cellulite creams
According to Dr. Dendy Engelman, a good anti-cellulite cream “should also hydrate, stimulate circulation, tighten and tighten areas of concern.” These ingredients contribute to the effectiveness of an anti-cellulite cream:
- Peptides: Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf recommends a cellulite cream with peptides: “Peptides help stimulate collagen and improve hydration, helping aging skin look younger.”
- Moisturizers: Humectants like glycerin, collagen, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid “draw moisture from the atmosphere into your skin, helping with skin’s hydration levels and therefore leaving it plumper and firmer,” says Dr. Graf.
- Retinol: This anti-aging ingredient stimulates collagen production and can provide a firming effect on the skin. Dr. Engelman says you should only use retinol formulas at night and pair with SPF during the day.
- Caffeine: Dr. Engelman also recommends choosing a formula with caffeine: “Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes blood vessels to constrict. When applied topically, it helps reduce redness and swelling, brightens the skin and promotes blood flow.” This ingredient it also has anti-inflammatory properties that target skin texture for a smoother surface.
Behind the scenes
To find the best cellulite creams, our team at PEOPLE Tested spent over eight weeks (1,280 hours, to be exact) with 20 formulas, carefully researching their performance and noting their consistency, effectiveness, hydration, and overall results. their. To be completely transparent, most of the cellulite creams we tried did not produce the desired results. However, there were a few worth mentioning for their moisturizing, firming, smoothing and firming benefits.
- Cohesion: We looked at the texture of each formula and noted how it affected the application process, including how well it absorbed into the skin, whether it felt sticky or greasy once it dried, as well as its thickness and weight.
- Effectiveness: During testing, we also looked at effectiveness and whether or not each formula lived up to its promises. We looked at how well the formulas targeted cellulite, as well as firming skin, improving hydration (they are creams, after all) and boosting radiance.
- Hydration: In addition to reducing cellulite, these creams should hydrate the skin. Throughout the trial period, we looked at their softening and nourishing effects and how long these benefits lasted.
- Overall results: We evaluated our overall results after eight weeks. While we liked some formulas for their moisturizing benefits, they didn’t quite cut it in the cellulite reduction category.
Why trust people?
Jessie Quinn is a trade writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications including Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, Nylon and more. When covering the best cellulite creams, Jessie delved into the knowledge of the PEOPLE Tested team to learn more about their individual experiences and note any notable results. He also teamed up with leading skin care experts Drs. Jeannette Graf and Dr. Dendy Engelman to learn more about how anti-cellulite creams work, their benefits and what to look for in their formulations.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine.
- Dr. Deddy Engelman is a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic, NYC.
What is PEOPLE testing?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine effectiveness, durability, ease of use and more. Based on the results, we evaluate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly review the categories we’ve awarded the People-Tested seal of approval — because today’s best product may not be tomorrow’s best. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products have to earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
