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The best cellulite creams promise smoother, firmer-looking skin, but what can they actually do? According to Alessandra Haskin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, cellulite is “a multifactorial structural change in the skin” that occurs when fat pushes up against bands of connective tissue beneath the surface, creating the familiar dimpled look. It’s influenced by everything from hormones and genetics to aging and lifestyle—so, no, it’s not something a single cream can magically erase.
That said, the right formulas can make a visible difference where it counts. “Cellulite creams can temporarily improve the visibility of cellulite dimples on the skin’s surface but can’t improve the structural issues beneath the skin,” Dr. Haskin explains. Think smoother, more hydrated, and more even-looking skin—not a total disappearance.
Our Top Cellulite Creams
- Best Overall: Jan Marini CelluliTx Cellulite Cream, $137
- Best for Mature Skin: Murad Retinal Resculpt Body Treatment, $79
- Best for Thighs: Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment, $32
- Best for Butt: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, $48
Many of today’s standout options focus on improving skin quality with ingredients that boost hydration, support collagen, and refine texture, which can make cellulite less noticeable over time. Consider them a supporting player in your routine, especially when paired with consistency, healthy habits, and (if you’re going all in) in-office treatments.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Do cellulite creams actually work?
- What ingredients should I look for in a cellulite cream?
- Are the results of cellulite creams permanent?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Jan Marini CelluliTx Cellulite Cream
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Jan Marini
CelluliTx Cellulite Cream
Dermstore
Amazon
Bluemercury
Why it's worth it: Why not just stack all the hardest-working actives into one formula? Sounds ideal, but in reality, it’s tricky to pull off. “It’s difficult (and expensive) for brands to formulate stabilized retinols in products that also combine other active ingredients,” says Dr. Haskin. Jan Marini’s CelluliTx Cellulite Cream manages to successfully bring together all-trans-retinol (just the technical name for retinol you’ll see on an over-the-counter ingredient label), caffeine, and peptides—what Dr. Haskin calls “one of the few formulations to combine the most effective core ingredients for smoothing cellulite.”
On top of that, circulation-boosting extras like capsaicin and glaucine deliver a smoothing effect. And despite its high-powered lineup, it’s fragrance-free, so it still feels approachable for sensitive skin.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: caffeine, all-trans-retinol, peptides (tripeptide-41, acetyl decapeptide-3), capsaicin, glaucine
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: Murad Retinal Resculpt Body Treatment
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Murad
Retinal Resculpt Body Treatment
Sephora
Why it's worth it: If you’re dealing with both cellulite and the texture shifts that come with mature skin, retinaldehyde (a.k.a. retinal) is the ingredient to zero in on. “Retinal is as close as you can get to retinoic acid (the main ingredient in Retin-A) without a prescription,” says Maryam Safaee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. This means it works more directly—and often more effectively—than retinol, which has to go through additional conversion steps before your skin can use it.
That’s what makes Murad’s Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment a go-to for mature skin. While the encapsulated retinal drives “stronger cell turnover and collagen stimulation,” it also improves crepiness and laxity over time, according to Dr. Haskin. The formula goes beyond vitamin A, too, with peptides and antioxidants like milk thistle and bearberry extracts to help smooth and even tone. There’s also bentonite clay-encapsulated shea butter, which delivers hydration gradually—making it ideal for skin that tends to lose moisture more quickly. “It has a nice thick, whipped texture that feels very luxe,” says Dr. Haskin.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: retinal (percentage undisclosed), shea butter, squalane, milk thistle extract, bearberry
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Thighs: Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment
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Paula's Choice
Retinol Body Treatment
Amazon
Dermstore
Paula’s Choice
Why it's worth it: The skin on your thighs is thicker and covers a larger area, which is why ingredients need time (and consistency) to build up visible results. On top of that, thigh cellulite is tied to deeper structural factors, such as fat distribution and connective tissue, so topical “quick fixes” don’t work. Luckily, the Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment has a luxe, lightweight texture that sinks in quickly—thanks to conditioning emollients like shea butter and evening primrose oil—so it’s the kind of formula you’ll want (and remember) to apply every day to keep your routine consistent.
The formula pairs beginner-friendly 0.1% retinol, which “is one of the few ingredients that can actually improve the appearance of cellulite over time by stimulating collagen production,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. “By thickening the dermis, it can make the dimpling caused by underlying fat deposits less visible.”
You’re also getting barrier-supporting hydrators like glycerin and panthenol, plus antioxidant support from vitamin C, vitamin E, and carnosine to “support overall skin quality so skin has more elasticity,” says Dr. Haskin.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 0.1% retinol, shea butter, evening primrose oil, vitamin C, vitamin E, and carnosine
- Fragrance-free:
Best for Butt: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
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Sol De Janerio
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Amazon
Sephora
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: When you’re talking about cellulite creams, you’re usually thinking of formulas that feel more practical than indulgent, but Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Bum Bum Cream doesn’t scream “treatment” (and that’s kind of the point). “For areas like the butt, where circulation and localized fat distribution play a bigger role, I tend to favor caffeine-based formulations like this,” says James Wang, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in California. “Cellulite in the butt is more influenced by fluid retention and the skin is thicker in this area; therefore, caffeine-containing products may work better,” adds Dr. Haskin.
This one gets its edge from guaraná extract—a plant source with roughly four times the caffeine of coffee, according to studies—which helps temporarily tighten and smooth the look of dimples. That instant boost is paired with cupuaçu butter (rich in fatty acids and polyphenols) and plant-based squalane, which deeply replenish and lock in moisture to help skin look plumper and more even overall.
Speaking of that luxe texture, you can thank a blend of nourishing oils (like coconut, açaí, and Brazil nut) plus humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which all come together to create that cushioned, ultra-smooth finish. And while there’s definitely a time and place for fragrance-free, sometimes you just want something that smells ridiculously good—in this case, a warm, addictive mix of pistachio, jasmine, vanilla, and caramel.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: guaraná extract, cupuaçu butter, plant-based squalane, coconut oil, açaí oil, Brazil nut oil
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Sensitive Skin: Biossance Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body Cream
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Biossance
Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body Cream
Amazon
Sephora
Why it's worth it: We’ve waxed poetic about retinol quite a bit, but if you have sensitive skin (and the thought of a stronger active makes you flinch a little), Biossance’s Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body Cream is a gentle alternative that still gets the job done. A 2023 Readers’ Choice Award winner, this formula “is fragrance-free and skips retinol and exfoliating ingredients” in favor of barrier-friendly ingredients that smooth and firm without the risk of irritation, says Dr. Haskin.
You’re getting caffeine sourced from green coffee beans, which temporarily helps tighten and smooth the appearance of cellulite, giving skin a more refined, toned appearance. Plus, niacinamide calms inflammation and evens tone. The texture is rich enough to feel nourishing, but thanks to squalane (a skin-mimicking lipid), it’s never heavy or greasy.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, caffeine, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel-Cream with Q10
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Nivea
Skin Firming & Toning Gel-Cream with Q10
Amazon
Why it's worth it: If you want a treatment that’s low-lift, budget-friendly, and genuinely easy to stick with, Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel-Cream with Q10 is one of those reliable go-tos. “It combines accessibility, tolerability, and ingredients that target the appearance of cellulite,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in the tri-state area. Those ingredients include coenzyme Q10 (a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps energize skin cells and defend against collagen breakdown) and L-carnitine (an amino acid derivative involved in fat metabolism) to improve the look of firmness over time.
You'll notice right away how user-friendly it is. The lightweight gel-cream absorbs quickly, making twice-daily application feel like no big deal—and consistency is where these formulas actually start to pay off. “In my experience, patients who use this diligently see smoother-looking skin over several weeks, especially when paired with massage during application,” says Dr. Camp. (Though any smoothing you get from the massage itself—while it can be effective—is only temporary.) It might not be the flashiest bottle on your vanity, but it’s the kind you’ll actually finish.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Pregnancy: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
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Palmer's
Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
Amazon
Walmart
Why it's worth it: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks might not be marketed as a cellulite treatment, but it can still improve how skin looks in those areas, especially if dryness is making dimpling more noticeable. “During pregnancy, safety is paramount, so I recommend avoiding retinoids and focusing on hydrating, nourishing ingredients,” says Dr. Camp. “This product contains cocoa butter and vitamin E, which help maintain skin elasticity and support the skin as it stretches.” That boost in hydration and elasticity is essential: When skin is well-moisturized and more supple, it tends to look plumper, smoother, and more even overall, which can soften the appearance of cellulite.
That said, it’s not directly targeting the structural causes of cellulite (like fibrous bands or fat distribution), so think of it more as a skin-quality enhancer than a treatment. “While it won’t directly ‘treat’ cellulite, improved hydration and elasticity can reduce how prominent cellulite appears,” Dr. Camp adds.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: cocoa butter, shea butter, argan oil, vitamin E, almond oil, coconut oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cellulite creams actually work?
Yes, but with realistic expectations. “Topical treatments can improve the appearance of cellulite, but they don’t address the underlying structural cause,” says Dr. Wang. The best firming creams work by supporting overall skin texture and delivering visible (if temporary) cellulite reduction. What they can do effectively is “improve hydration, support the skin barrier, enhance elasticity, and reduce low-grade inflammation,” which helps skin look smoother, firmer, and more even overall. The key, he notes, is understanding that these products refine the appearance of cellulite rather than eliminate it.
What ingredients should I look for in a cellulite cream?
When you’re scanning the label, a few key ingredients come up again and again for their ability to improve how cellulite looks on skin:
- Caffeine
The most studied topical for cellulite. As Dr. Haskin explains, it can “temporarily make skin appear slightly tighter through vasoconstriction and reducing fluid retention,” which helps minimize visible puffiness. It may also support lipolysis (fat breakdown), with some evidence suggesting it can improve that diffuse, rippled look. - Retinol / Retinoids
“These work more long-term by increasing dermal thickness and supporting collagen remodeling,” says Dr. Haskin. This means smoother, firmer-looking skin with less crepiness—so cellulite appears less pronounced. - Peptides
“Think of these as your firming support system,” says Dr. Haskin. They help signal collagen and elastin production, improving skin’s structure, elasticity, and overall bounce over time. - Hydrators (like hyaluronic acid + glycerin)
These don’t target cellulite directly, but they make a visible difference. “By boosting hydration in the top layers of skin, they create a plumper, smoother surface—a.k.a. a quick blur effect for dimpling,” says Dr. Haskin.
Are the results of cellulite creams permanent?
Short answer: No, they’re not permanent, and they won’t truly get rid of cellulite. “The effects are largely dependent on continued use because they do not change the underlying structural anatomy of cellulite,” says Dr. Camp. In other words, these creams can help smooth, moisturize, and temporarily tighten the look of dimpled skin, but once you stop using them, “the skin gradually returns to its baseline appearance,” he adds. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth it; it just means consistency is key. If you’re looking for longer-lasting results, Dr. Camp notes that in-office treatments are needed to address cellulite at a deeper, structural level.
Meet the experts
- Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in the tri-state area
- Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
- Alessandra Haskin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Weiser Skin MD, based in New York City
- Maryam Safaee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
- James Wang, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Metropolis Dermatology based in California
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best cellulite creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
