13 Top-Rated Cellulite Creams Reviewers Can’t Shut Up About
There is no quick fix for cellulite, but these popular topicals help.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If summer bodies are made in the winter, then so is summer skin. The colder months are the perfect time to assess your skin’s needs and act on them, whether you’re looking to treat KP or “strawberry legs” or finally try an aluminum-free deodorant. However, if you’ve considered adding 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 the appearance of cellulite, the dedicated reviewers of Amazon have researched for you. Allow their enthusiasm and our derms’ expertise to help you pick one of the 13 best top-rated creams to aid your journey to smooth, supple skin.
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.
Key ingredients: Guarana (caffeine)
Size: 8.1 oz.
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!!”
Majestic Pure Hot Cream Anti Cellulite Cream
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.
Key ingredients: Peppermint, rosemary
Size: 9 oz.
Amazon rating: 4/5 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.”
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.
Key ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid
Size: 5 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 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!”
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.
Key ingredient: Vitamin E
Size: 15 oz.
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!”
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.
Key ingredients: Camphor bark oil, orange oil
Size: 4 fl. oz.
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.”
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 fight the appearance of wrinkles. Here, the star ingredient operates the same way, reducing texture and the look 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: 4 fl. oz.
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.”
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.
Key ingredients: AHAs, glycerin
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!”
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.
Key ingredients: Malic acid
Size: 8 fl. oz.
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.”
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.
Key ingredients: Green coffee bean
Size: 6 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
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!”
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.
Key ingredient: Q10
Size: 10.6 fl. oz.
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 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.”
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.
Key ingredient: Q10
Size: 6.7 fl. oz.
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.”
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.
Key ingredients: Essential oils
Size: 8 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “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!”
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 green tea, aloe vera, and more to plump and rejuvenate dry, dull skin.
Key ingredient: Collagen
Size: 15 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 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.”
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, 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 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 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.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care. For this piece, she looked through dozens of customer feedback to find the best cellulite creams. She also interviewed a dermatologist to learn about the benefits of a cellulite cream and the best ingredients to look out for.
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