As we age, several changes occur in our appearance. For instance, the onset of sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles necessitate an army of hydrating serums or vitamin C formulas, while hair loss leads to the use of thickening shampoos in our routines. Perhaps even more noticeable are the cellulite and stretch marks that begin to emerge.
To be clear, cellulite is a normal part of life. The dimpled appearance simply occurs when fat pushes against connective tissue in the skin due to a variety of factors, including weight gain, aging, and genetics. Truthfully, no magic bullet will eradicate cellulite overnight, especially when it comes to at-home treatments. However, some of the best cellulite creams boast ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of cellulite with consistent use.
“When selecting a cellulite cream, consider the ingredients, texture, and long-term uses,” says Dr. Ellen Marmur, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. Dr. Marmur and Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, both recommend keeping an eye out for ingredients like caffeine, which is “believed to potentially reduce cellulite by breaking down fat and tightening the skin through various mechanisms like blocking phosphodiesterase activity and dehydrating the skin,” Dr. Garshick says. Retinol, which stimulates collagen production to tighten skin, and peptides, which help strengthen and firm skin, are also two of their favorites.
While we’ll always encourage loving your body as-is, if you’re in the market for a product that’ll aid you in your journey toward supple, smoother-looking skin, we’ve put in the work and consulted experts to find the 13 best cellulite creams to help you get there.
Best Cellulite Cream for All Over
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Pros
Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Takes time to see results
Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Cream is a true summer staple. Its fast-absorbing formula firms and smooths the skin with the help of guaraná, which contains even more caffeine than coffee, and caffeine is a game-changer when it comes to cellulite. A huge bonus: it features a tropical scent reminiscent of a beachside vacation.
Key ingredient: Guaraná (caffeine) Size
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I only spend a lot on beauty products when they’re actually worth it...THIS IS WORTH IT. Not only does it make your skin smooth and reduce the appearance of cellulite, but it smells AMAZING!!”
As if the Josie Maran body butters don’t get enough praise as is, its latest version might be the star of the collection. Packed with the same nourishing argan oil-rich formula as its predecessors, this version was specially formulated with retinol to correct as it moisturizes. Using retinol derived from pink algae, this body butter works to firm lines and wrinkles and smooth texture so your skin looks and feels soft to the touch.
Key ingredient: Pro-retinol
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I helped my mother pick this out, and she uses it before bed every night. Her skin has gotten noticeably firmer, tighter, brighter, and healthier. She loves it! Retinol really is a game-changing ingredient! This also is a really nice texture that makes it fun to apply.”
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Pros
- Argan oil adds hydration
Cons
- Pump can get stuck
Argan oil and vitamin E team up to nourish the skin and encourage collagen production. Other ingredient standouts are coffee bean oil, fruit extracts, and shea butter that soften the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and other types of texture for an overall smoother appearance.
Key ingredient: Vitamin E Size
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I smother myself in lotion right out of the shower, always have. So I go through a ton of lotions, and have tried a ton of lotions, and these are the best by far! In the last year, I’ve lost almost 100 lbs, so I was looking for a lotion to help tighten all my loose skin and these tightened my skin like crazy. I’ve seen such a huge difference!”
Pros
- Deeply moisturizing
Cons
- Can cause a tingling sensation
Turn up the heat with this tightening cream that heats up when rubbed into the skin while deeply nourishing the body with avocado and jojoba oil. The brand recommends applying it before workouts, but users say that breaking a sweat isn’t required to start seeing almost immediate results.
Key ingredients: Camphor bark oil, orange oil Size
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “This product is amazing. I’m not a big fan of writing reviews, but I can’t be selfish and not let other women know just how good this stuff works. You have to massage it in your skin for a few minutes, but you can see the cellulite smoothing out as you massage. I can’t believe how this stuff can work so quickly. I will keep my cabinet stocked.”
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Pros
- Can used on body and face
Cons
- Thick consistency
Chlorella probably isn’t an ingredient you’ve heard of, but it’s the MVP in this composition that provides intense moisture. Green coffee bean swoops in to offer antioxidant properties that improve overall skin health.
Key ingredients: Green coffee bean
Size: 6 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Great smell, doesn't leave a greasy residue, and it actually help soften my skin rather than worsening the problem like a lot of other lotions out there. Will be repurchasing.”
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Not best for sensitive skin
Cellulite cream doesn’t have to be thick or feel sticky to be effective. This Q10-enriched formula from Nivea has a gel-like consistency that soothes the skin with a cooling effect. According to the brand, skin will look firmer and more toned in just two weeks, perfect for the days leading up to summer vacation.
Key ingredient: Q10 Size
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve been using this product for a while after my aunt introduced me to it. I’m slim (5’8 “, 155lbs) and had some cellulite on my thighs....approximately four weeks after use, I saw results. I use a little every day right after a shower and massage it deeply into my thighs. A little goes a long way.”
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Pros
- Helps with keratosis pilaris
Cons
- Will need to re-up often
Retinol has long been the go-to ingredient many reach for to increase cell turnover and fight the appearance of wrinkles. Here, the star ingredient operates the same way, reducing the texture and appearance of cellulite dimples. “Incorporating this treatment into your skincare routine can lead to visible improvements in cellulite texture and overall skin quality,” Dr. Garshick says. Meanwhile, shea butter and vitamins C and E provide constant nourishment.
Key ingredient: Retinol Size
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Through genetics, I have thin skin, and having four kids does not help the situation. This lotion has helped strengthen my skin and is a very welcomed, unanticipated bonus of lightening the pregnancy stretch marks.”
Best Gentle Exfoliant
Juice Beauty Green Apple Firming Body Moisturizer
Pros
- Hydrates the skin
Cons
- Lotion can be thick
Envelop your body in this moisturizing formula packed with jojoba and shea butter. The exfoliation aspect comes courtesy of malic acid, culled from green apples (hence the name) and AHAs, which are known to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Key ingredients: Malic acid Size:
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve used this stuff for years. It’s the only lotion I’ve ever seen an immediate difference after putting it on. It immediately smooths and firms your skin. Plus, my skin stays moisturized all day and night, which doesn’t often happen for me. The scent doesn’t really remind me of green apples. But I still enjoy it and it’s not too heavy. I dislike super strong scents that linger because they give me a headache. So this scent works out perfectly for me. It is a thick lotion, but it’s not sticky and soaks into my skin immediately, which I like.”
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Best for Textured Skin
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs
Pros
- Gently exfoliates
Cons
- Cap squeezes out too much product
Topical’s Slather cream isn’t explicitly marketed for cellulite, but packed in this lavender tube are ingredients that treat several skin woes. Retinol and lactic and glycolic acid slough away dead skin and improve texture, as squalane and urea restore moisture.
Key ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, urea
Size: 5 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “The months leading to bikini season are always when when I stare at my body the most and find everything I need to correct come summer. Smooth, supple skin is what I’m after, and this body serum is just what the doctor ordered. What makes this serum so great is the main character, retinol, which renews the skin through gentle exfoliation along with AHAS glycolic and lactic acid.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Best for Rough Bumps
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream
Now 43% Off
Pros
- Smooths and calms skin
Cons
- Needs to be rubbed in to absorb
This jar has everything you’re looking for in a cream. Smoothing? Check. Tightening? You bet. Softening? The formula’s potent AHA blend takes care of unwanted texture and crepiness, while emollients like jojoba oil and shea butter deeply nourish the skin.
Key ingredients: AHAs, glycerin, shea butter, jojoba oil
Size: 10 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “I’ve been using only for a couple of weeks but already can see the results. It is lightweight, quickly absorbed, and doesn’t have a greasy or sticky feeling to it. A little bit of product goes a long way. No overwhelming smell. Love it!”
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Best Anti-Aging
Agustinus Bader The Body Cream
Pros
- Helps calm skin
Cons
- Some users note absorption could be better
“This body cream is great for tackling cellulite as it contains a blend of advanced ingredients, including potent peptides and hydrating compounds, which can help improve skin elasticity and firmness,” says Dr. Garshick. Stick with it, and you’ll see this fast-absorbing cream soothe skin using the power of bisabolol while lessening the look of both cellulite dimples and stretch marks over time.
Key ingredients: TFC8, bisabolol, shea butter
Size: 3.38 fl. oz.
Augustinus Bader rating: 4.9/5 stars
An Augustinus Bader reviewer said: “The Augustinus Bader Body Cream is the best body cream hands down. It’s hydrating, firming, non greasy, and goes on very smoothly on the skin. My skin tone has improved ever since I started using it, and it even reduced the appearance of cellulite. Wow. I highly recommend it.”
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Some dislike scent
As we all know, retinol is an ingredient you should consider when dealing with cellulite. This BeautyPie pick is infused with “granactive retinoid and exfoliating acids to brighten the skin but is also supported by soothing oils and moisturizing butters to minimize irritation,” Dr. Garshick explains. The formula encourages collagen production for a smoother, plumper look to the skin.
Key ingredients: Granactive retinoid, vitamin B3, AHA
Size: 6.76 fl. oz.
Beauty Pie rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Beauty Pie reviewer said: “I’m on my second tube. I think it brightens and firms. Smells nice, and a little goes a long way. I’m hopeful that with continued use, I can stave away the inevitable loss of elasticity.”
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How can you avoid getting cellulite?
Cellulite is a normal and natural part of our bodies growing and evolving. “There is absolutely nothing you can do to avoid cellulite. We believe cellulite is partially hormonal in nature because it happens after puberty in 80 percent of women,” Dr. Karan Lal, a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist, explains. While it’s impossible to get rid of cellulite 100 percent, a slew of treatments and formulas work to reduce the appearance as best as possible.
How does cellulite cream work?
The best way to target cellulite is to invest in creams and serums formulated with exfoliating, plumping ingredients. Cellulite creams often contain retinol, caffeine, and/or peptides, which hydrate your skin and improve circulation in the affected areas,” Dr. Lal says. Retinol is one of the main ingredients used to target fine lines and wrinkles.
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What's the best way to get rid of cellulite beyond using creams?
Before booking anything, consult your dermatologist to see what options work best for your skin. “If you want to improve your cellulite, save up and look for minimally invasive options performed by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon,” Dr. Lal offers.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Karan Lal is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist.
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
Dr. Ellen Marmur is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of MMSkincare.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Nerisha Penrose and Carol Lee spoke with trusted skin experts about the best products and practices for addressing cellulite, and pored over dozens of reviews to find the best formulas.
