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16 Top-Rated Cellulite Creams Reviewers Can't Shut Up About
There is no quick fix for cellulite, but these popular topicals help.
As the temperature warms and our garment layers begin to shed one by one, the process of assessing the body you’ll be putting in shorts and swimwear this summer begins. Brazilian wax appointments are set and potent sunscreen orders are pre-shipped, but if you’ve been considering adding a cellulite cream to your body care regimen, you’re not alone.
Cellulite is a harmless and natural part of life for many women. The dimpled appearance—caused by fat pushing against connective tissue in the skin—happens to everyone and can be caused by anything from weight gain to genetics to aging. The truth is there is no quick fix for cellulite, but there are topical solutions that can help minimize its appearance.
Dr. Karan Lal, DO, FAAD, notes that you should look for a few key ingredients in your cream search. “I would look for ingredients such as caffeine which tightens the skin, temporarily, and improves circulation,” he says. “I would also look for retinols that stimulate collagen and improve skin texture.”
While we firmly support embracing your skin no matter what, if you so wish to reduce its appearance, the dedicated reviewers of Amazon have done the research for you. Allow their enthusiasm and our derms’ expertise to help you pick a top-rated cream to aid your journey to smooth, supple skin.
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs
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.
Sephora rating: 4.5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “Exfoliate and moisturize is my motto.
Slather allows me to do both at the same time. Now that’s a win-win!”
| Key ingredients | Retinol, glycolic acid |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 fl oz |
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream
Pros
- Smooths and calms skin
Cons
- Needs to be rubbed in to absorb
Everything you’re looking for in a cream is found in this jar. Smoothing? Check. Tightening? You bet. Softening? We have an AHA blend to thank.
Sephora rating: 4.6 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!”
| Key ingredients | AHAs, glycerin |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 fl oz |
Majestic Pure Hot Cream Anti Cellulite Cream
Pros
- Helps with pain relief
Cons
- Can linger on your hands
An Amazon bestseller with over 8,000 reviews, the Hot Cream doubles as a massage cream to soothe tight muscles after an intense workout by creating a heating sensation wherever it’s applied, and a firming solution that tightens the skin and leaves it looking supple and smooth.
Amazon rating: 4.2 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I am 60 years old and I have a lot of cellulite on my thighs...I apply the Hot Cream to my thighs and then massage it in. I’ve already noticed that when I use this with the massager, I no longer have the lump-bumpy under my skin. And when I look in the mirror, I see about a 75% decrease in visible cellulite already. After just 10 days! It has a nice tingly feeling and a citrusy-sandalwood scent.”
| Key ingredients | Peppermint, rosemary, |
|---|---|
| Size | 9 oz |
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
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 summer staple not only for its fast-absorbing formula that firms and smooths the skin, but also for its tropical scent reminiscent of a beachside vacation.
Amazon rating: 4.6 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!!”
| Key ingredients | Guarana (caffiene) |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.10 fl oz |
Medix Argan Oil Cream
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 like coffee bean oil, fruit extracts, and shea butter help to soften the look for wrinkles and fine lines.
Amazon rating: 4.4 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!”
| Key ingredients | Vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Size | 15 fl oz |
Honeydew Hot Cream Cellulite Treatment
Honeydew Hot Cream Cellulite Treatment
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.
Amazon rating: 4.1 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.”
| Key ingredients | Camphor bark oil, orange oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 4 fl oz |
Clarins Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert
Clarins Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert
Pros
- Non-greasy formula
Cons
- Pricey
The cream-to-gel formula helps the cream seep into the skin effortlessly without feeling greasy or sticky. Quince Leaf extract and Celosia extract are used to firm and tone the skin, while hydration is imparted using hazelnut nut extract.
Ulta rating: 4.7 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I was skeptical but decided to try this after reading reviews. I’ve spent tons of money on products to help with cellulite. I tried it for the first time today and sincerely couldn’t believe the difference after one use. I just ordered 2 more bottles.”
| Key ingredients | Quince Leaf extract, Celosia extract |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.9 fl oz |
Juice Beauty Green Apple Firming Body Moisturizer
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.
Amazon rating: 4.5 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.”
| Key ingredients | Malic acid |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 fl oz |
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
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 reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Here, the star ingredient operates the same way with help from shea butter, vitamins C and E, and promise oil to provide constant nourishment.
Amazon rating: 4.3 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.”
| Key ingredient | Retinol |
|---|---|
| Size | 4 fl oz |
The Seaweed Bath Co. Firming Detox Cellulite Cream
The Seaweed Bath Co. Firming Detox Cellulite Cream
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.
Amazon rating: 4.4 stars, 2,185 reviews
An Amazon reviewer said: “I am a repeat customer of this lotion, and I really like it! I have been using it for over a year now. This lotion has a nice minty scent. It is non-greasy and it absorbs quickly into my skin. I use it on my legs, stomach, and sometimes even under my eyes. I like that it is detoxifying and has caffeine in it. It seems to be helping with my cellulite. I definitely can recommend this product to anyone!”
| Key ingredient | Green coffee bean |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 fl oz |
Palmer's Firming Butter with Vitamin E + Q10
Palmer's Firming Butter with Vitamin E + Q10
Pros
- Deeply moisturizing
Cons
- Pump can be faulty
Palmer’s always comes up in conversations surrounding cellulite, as the brand has been a tried-and-true remedy for tightening the skin. This formula contains Q10, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as vitamin E to rejuvenate the skin.
Amazon star rating: 4.6 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “This is my favorite lotion! I am pregnant and on bottle #4. I love the smell and the moisturizer actually lasts all day. This will be my forever lotion.”
| Key ingredients | Q10 |
|---|---|
| Size | 10.6 fl oz |
Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel-Cream
Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel-Cream
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Not best for sensitive skin
Another Q10-enriched formula, this one from Nivea has a gel-like consistency that soothes the skin with a cooling effect. Skin will look more toned in two weeks, perfect for the day leading up to summer vacation.
Amazon rating: 4.3 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.”
| Key ingredients | Q10 |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.7 fl oz |
Reduxcell Body Slimming Caffeine Gel
Reduxcell Body Slimming Caffeine Gel
Pros
- Great for postpartum
Cons
- Must massage in product
This caffeine gel tightens the skin for a more firm and toned appearance.
Amazon rating: 3.5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I have used many other cellulite/skin firming creams and this is by far the best one. It does work better if you exercise. I have always had cellulite from a young age. I’m actually starting to ‘like’ my legs, which I never have. I will keep using, I see a reduction in my thigh cellulite, and my skin is firmer and tighter.”
| Key ingredients | Caffeine |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 fl oz |
Bliss Fabgirl Firm Body Cream
Pros
- Great for firming
Cons
- Pricey
Bliss’ Fabgirl Firm cream helps to tone all over the body using caffeine to stimulate the tightening effect, while Shitake Mushroom extract boosts skin elasticity.
Amazon rating: 4.0 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve received this product 3 times and so far it’s been amazing. My skin is getting firmer and my stretch marks are starting to fade. I enjoy the scent; it dries nicely without feeling like my skin has a sticky residue. Definitely will continue to purchase!”
| Key ingredients | Caffeine |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.8 fl oz |
New York Biology Anti Cellulite Massage Oil
Pros
- Nourishing oils
Cons
- No stretch mark benefits
Here’s a massage oil with a calming and intoxicating light scent and a lightweight formula that absorbs into the skin like butter to evenly distribute its firming properties. A blend of ingredients like eucalyptus, grapeseed, and lemon provides nourishment.
Amazon rating: 4.2 stars
What the people are saying: “This is made from natural oils, and it really proves that Mother Nature really can be the best thing for your body. This oil leaves my skin so amazingly smooth after the oil absorbs into my skin, and it doesn’t leave me feeling greasy or shiny at all! My skin did lift and smooth out, and overall looks and feels much better. I’m so in love with this product! Lastly, you can’t beat the price for how much you get out of it in benefits!”
| Key ingredients | Essential oils |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 fl oz |
Elastalift Collagen Lifting, Firming, & Tightening Cream
Elastalift Collagen Lifting, Firming, & Tightening Cream
Pros
- Great for the neck
Cons
- Thick consistency
Most signs of sagging skin point to a lack of collagen production. This cream is infused with collagen—along with green tea, aloe vera, and more—to plump and rejuvenate dry, dull skin.
Amazon rating: 4.3 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “This is a wonderful cream that really does help the appearance of lines and skin tone. I do not use this on my face, but I use it on my legs, stomach, and chest. I am 64 years old and the appearance of my skin is very good and keeps improving.”
| Key ingredients | Collagen |
|---|---|
| Size | 15 fl oz |
How can you avoid getting cellulite?
Cellulite is a normal and natural part of our body 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. Lal explains. While it’s impossible to get rid of cellulite 100 percent, there are a slew of treatments and formulas that work to reduce the appearance as best as possible.
How does cellulite cream work?
The best way to target cellulite is by investing 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.
What's the best way to get rid of cellulite beyond using creams?
Before booking anything, it’s wise to 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, DO, FAAD, Celebrity double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
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