Cellulite cream is one of the beauty products my friends constantly ask me about, which makes sense considering almost every adult human has some degree of cellulite. And, like, I get it—even though cellulite is totally normal and natural, not everyone is a fan of theirs, which is why a quick, dimple-smoothing lotion can sound so appealing. But unfortch, it's not that simple: No cellulite cream (or product in general) can get rid of your cellulite—only surgical options can. But! The right cellulite cream can leave your skin feeling smoother, softer, and tighter...as long as you know which formula to choose.

But first, some background: Cellulite is a structural change that happens deep within your skin tissue, meaning no topical product can really treat it at home. However, some cellulite creams are filled with powerful ingredients (see: retinol and caffeine) that can smooth, tighten, and firm your skin, potentially helping to soften the look of cellulite temporarily. And because not all formulas are created equal—or are even truly effective—I tested and reviewed a few of my favorites on my own cellulite, then chatted with dermatologists Yunyoung Claire Chang, MD; Marnie Nussbaum, MD; and plastic surgeon Finny George, MD; for all the facts, below:

✔️ FYI: We updated this article in March 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on cellulite creams, including new tried-and-tested formulas, two dermatologists and a plastic surgeon's take on cellulite cream ingredients, and how to choose a cellulite cream for yourself.

Now keep reading for the full breakdown of the best cellulite creams, according to my own testing and product reviewers, along with tips from dermatologists and plastic surgeons on how to choose the best creams and what to look for before you buy.

SOL DE JANEIRO

amazon.com

$45.60

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There's a reason why this body cream has thousands of five-star reviews and has amassed a cult following—it's absolutely loaded with skin-smoothing caffeine. According to Dr. George, topical caffeine can dehydrate fat cells in your skin so they temporarily flatten, helping to make your cellulite look a little less visible. And, thanks to the formula's added coconut oil and cupuaçu butter, it'll also leave your skin feeling majorly moisturized and dewy after massaging it on.

• Main ingredient(s): Caffeine (tightens); coconut oil and cupuaçu butter (moisturizes)
• Fragrance: Super sweet with notes of vanilla and caramel

THE REVIEW: "This is the best cream I've ever used—it helped my cellulite, and it smells so good and leaves my skin soft!” one tester writes. “I've literally purchased every cream from this company and none of them have disappointed me."

Paula's Choice

amazon.com

$29.00

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FYI: A retinol cream is one of the best formulas you can use to temporarily minimize the look of cellulite, thanks to retinol's ability to trigger collagen and elastin production, gradually leading to smoother, firmer skin. Retinol also has the ability to “thicken” and tighten your skin over time, says Dr. George, which can help prevent it from dimpling or puckering over fat cells. The only downside? It requires consistency, which is why I diligently massage this cream over my cellulite-prone areas a few nights a week (and always layer up with sunscreen every morning).

• Main ingredient(s): Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen)
• Fragrance: Fragrance free

THE REVIEW: "I have purchased three bottles of this over the past year and I have seen a difference in the appearance of cellulite on the back of my legs,” writes one reviewer. The dimpling was less noticeable," writes another tester.

Bliss

ulta.com

$24.00

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If you just want a one-and-done body lotion that also doubles as a cellulite cream, you need to try this stacked formula. It's filled with squalane and shea butter to moisturize, caffeine to temporarily firm your skin, hyaluronic acid to plump, and antioxidant-rich botanicals to help protect and repair. Massage it into your skin morning or night (or both!) for some body-loving TLC.

• Key ingredient(s): Caffeine (tightens); squalane (moisturizes)
• Fragrance: Subtle orange notes

THE REVIEW: "I noticed immediate results after one use,” one tester notes. “The tone and elasticity of my skin, as well as texture, suppleness, and softness, showed noticeable improvement after just one use, as well as dramatic improvement with continued use."

ouithepeople.com

$75.00

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Want the moisture of a lotion, but the ~luxe~ experience of a body balm? Enter: Oui the People Melting Body Balm. This bb is absolutely packed with skin-loving oils (like sunflower, olive, carrot, castor, etc.), along with sea fennel (to potentially help support collagen production) for the most hydrated and plumpest skin of your dreams. Slather this one on a daily basis, because healthy skin = smoother skin, which is what you want when working with cellulite.

• Key ingredient(s): Sea fennel extract (supports collagen production); olive oil, sunflower oil, shea butter (moisturize)
• Fragrance: Warm, earthy, and herbal

THE REVIEW: “The silky balm melts into my skin without being greasy,” writes one reviewer. “I look forward to applying it every night after the shower, and after consistent use, my skin is noticeably softer and smoother!”

JLo Beauty

sephora.com

$65.00

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I don’t know about you, but I, personally, would love to have J.Lo’s iconic, spent-800-hours-in-the-gym booty. But since I am just a mere mortal, I’ll settle for the next best thing: Her butt-firming cream. The moisturizing formula has a combo of caffeine-rich guaraná to temporarily tighten and plump your skin, along with shea butter and olive oil to leave your butt feeling ridiculously soft and smooth. Next up? My own Ben Affleck.

• Key ingredient(s): Caffeine (tightens), shea butter (moisturizes)
• Fragrance: Soft and subtle florals

THE REVIEW: "It smells good, it’s creamy and it goes on super easy,” one reviewer notes. “I used it on my stomach, thighs, and butt—the results of this product left skin more lifted and tighter with a reduced appearance of stretch marks and cellulite.”

Advanced Clinicals

amazon.com

$15.99

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Don't be fooled by the low price point—this best-selling Amazon cellulite cream packs a punch. Formulated with aloe vera and glycerin to lightly hydrate, as well as retinol for some skin-firming and collagen-boosting effects—this cream works to smooth your skin over time. The only catch? It’s pretty intense. “I actually use this on my body bumps, and it definitely works, but it’s hella drying,” says Chloe Metzger, Cosmo’s deputy beauty director. “So make sure to incorporate it slowly into your skincare routine, and either follow up with a rich moisturizer or apply it over moisturizer to dilute its intensity,” she says.

• Key ingredient(s): Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); green tea extract, glycerin, aloe (soothes)
• Fragrance: Fragrance-free

THE REVIEW: "I have only been using this for about three months, but I could tell a difference in just a few days in—consistency is key and so is knowing your skin,” one tester's review reads. “I will definitely keep buying this."

body

oseamalibu.com

$98.00

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Some people swear by lymphatic drainage via dry brushing for their cellulite—aka massaging your body with the goal of decreasing fluid retention. Though sorry to say, but dry brushes won’t magically get rid of your cellulite (again, only professional treatments can). But what they can do is exfoliate your skin and potentially decrease fluid retention via lymphatic massage, leaving it softer and glowier. And, when paired with a rich body oil (like this one that’s filled with jojoba), you’ve got a skin-smoothing duo that’ll make your body look as healthy as a bb’s.

• Key ingredient(s): Jojoba oil (moisturizes); undaria algae (soothing)
• Fragrance: Sweet and woody

THE REVIEW: "I’ve noticed a significant change in my skin’s appearance, and my daughter even complimented me recently because she noticed it too,” one tester notes. “My skin feels and looks better than it has in years.”

HONEYDEW

amazon.com

$9.95

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I’ve said it once many times, and I’ll say it again: Caffeine is one of the best topical ingredients for ~temporarily~ tightening and plumping your skin, which is why I’m obsessed with this body cream that’s absolutely packed with it. Massage it into your skin (or anywhere you have cellulite) in the morning, and let the formula’s shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil moisturize the hell out of your skin, while the caffeine does its skin-smoothing thing.

• Key ingredient(s): Caffeine (tightens); coconut oil (moisturizes)
• Fragrance: Subtle coffee aroma

THE REVIEW: "I have been using this cream for quite a while now and I love the texture and the feel of it,” reads one tester's review. “It goes on really well and I have noticed a change in my cellulite areas a lot!"

amazon.com

$11.49

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Not only does this cellulite cream cost less than my lunch order, but it's also incredibly lightweight and moisturizing, thanks to its non-greasy, gel-like texture. But the real selling point is its formula: Using coenzyme Q10—a naturally occurring antioxidant—this cream helps protect your skin against environmental aggressors (like UV rays and ozone pollution), as well as supports your body's natural skin-repairing process. The end result: Smoother, healthier, and potentially strong skin, without the oily side effects.

• Key ingredient(s): Coenzyme Q10 (protects)
• Fragrance: Sweet and nutty with woody notes

THE REVIEW: "This stuff has really surprising results,” writes one reviewer. “My skin is noticeably softer and firmer after only a few days of use—my face is brighter, my hands are softer, and my body is firmer."

Truly

ulta.com

$28.00

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K, so this pick isn't technically a cream—it's a leave-on body mask that penetrates your skin with retinol, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil for an all-in-one cellulite treatment. Lemme break it down: The retinol boosts collagen and elastin production to firm skin, the coconut oil adds hella moisture to smooth and soften, and the grapeseed oil helps to protect against environmental damage to keep skin strong. Use it in place of your regular body lotion a couple of times a week, and you'll notice your skin feels softer and looks glowier after a few weeks of consistent use.

• Key ingredient(s): Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); coconut oil (moisturizes); grapeseed oil (protects with antioxidants)
• Fragrance: Citrus-y

THE REVIEW: "This stuff really works, and it's become an everyday staple for me,” one tester notes. “I mostly use this on my legs and butt, and my skin is much firmer and healthier looking. It's not a miracle in a bottle; there is no such thing, but if you have realistic expectations, this stuff really does make a difference."

Isle of Paradise

sephora.com

$38.00

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My personal hack to make my cellulite less noticeable? Self tanner—specifically, these Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops. The formula is packed with caffeine (to temporarily tighten and firm), oat extract and vitamin E (to soothe), and classic DHA to you know, tan my skin without looking fake. I just add a few drops to my favorite cellulite cream (see: any of the formulas on this list), massage it on, and am left with healthy, glowy, and smooth-as-hell skin.

• Key ingredient(s): DHA (tans); caffeine (tightens); oat extract, vitamin E (soothes)
• Fragrance: Subtle tropical scent

THE REVIEW: "Love the firming ingredients and the tan it gives me is SO GOOD,” one tester notes. “I notice such a difference in my skin…my skin feels brighter and glowy!" adds another tester.

BeautyBio

sephora.com

$60.00

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If you’re a clean-beauty stan that’s looking for an eco-friendly cellulite cream, look no further than this one from BeautyBio. Not only does it leave your skin super-freakin’ soft (I'm talking velvet-y smooth), but it also uses caffeine to temporarily dehydrate fat cells, smooth cellulite ripples, and antioxidants (hi, vitamin E and vitamin C) to help protect against elastin damage. Rub the cream over clean, dry skin once a day, and let the all-star formula get to work.

• Key ingredient(s): Caffeine (tightens); vitamin C, vitamin E (protects)
• Fragrance: Light, floral scent

THE REVIEW: "I applied this after my 6 a.m. shower today—it's 9 p.m. now, and I've never seen such a long-lasting and beautiful difference in my skin,” one review reads. “I've used everything—nothing, and I mean nothing else has made my skin look and feel this good.”

Coco & Eve

ulta.com

$37.00

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Looking for a vegan cellulite cream that'll moisturize your super-dry skin? This pick from Coco & Eve is formulated with fruit and plant extracts packed with antioxidants to brighten and firm, a dose of salicylic acid to lightly exfoliate and smooth your skin, and coconut oil for ultra moisture. Pro tip: Massage this bb into your skin right after you dry off for the ultimate hydration.

• Key ingredient(s): Antioxidants (brighten and firm); coconut oil (moisturizes); salicylic acid (exfoliates)
• Fragrance: Fruity, with candy-sweet notes of grape

THE REVIEW: "The moisturizing element surpasses any other lotion I've ever tried!” one tester writes. “You can feel it on your skin from shower to shower! Excellent product."

Augustinus Bader

sephora.com

$185.00

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Augustinus Bader is luxe luxe, like so luxe that even Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham are fans. But hype—and price—aside, this $$$ cream is basically a liquid IV for your skin barrier (and remember: Healthier skin naturally looks smoother and feels softer, even with cellulite). The formula is filled with a mix of skincare MVPs, including fatty-acid-rich ceramides, hydrating squalane, amino acid-packed arginine, and brightening niacinamide, all of which work together to amp up your skin health and keep you glow-y the more you use it.

• Key ingredient(s): Arginine (helps repair skin); ceramides (protects); squalane (hydrates); niacinamide (brightens); shea butter (moisturizes)
• Fragrance: Fragrance free

THE REVIEW: "I have been using The Body Cream on my legs for about a week and my skin has transformed,” one reviewer writes. “It’s softer, smoother, even-toned, and my cellulite is not as evident as before. My legs haven’t looked this great in years!”

amazon.com

$11.99

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If natural skincare is your thing, you'll love this cellulite cream from Seaweed Bath Co., one of my favorite green and clean beauty brands. It's absolutely packed with collagen-protecting antioxidants, de-puffing caffeine (to help temporarily soften the look of cellulite), and sustainably harvested seaweed (because of course) to pull moisture into your skin throughout the day.

• Key ingredient(s): Seaweed (hydrates); caffeine (firms); antioxidants (protects collagen)
• Fragrance: Mint-y with a hint of rosemary

THE REVIEW: "This stuff is amazing, hands down. It's not a long-term 'fix' but rather a fantastic product that works instantly!” writes one reviewer. “It smooths, plumps, and softens your skin, and makes it look great right after application."

$61.00

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Ever since I saw this duo on my social feeds, I've been obsessed (anyone remember the Calm Your Tits boob mask? Deputy beauty director Chloe Metzger does). This kit comes with a walnut-based exfoliating scrub (with hydrating aloe and plumping glycerin) and a peppermint-infused mask (with soothing colloidal oatmeal and moisturizing jojoba oil). Massage the scrub over your body, then rinse, dry off, and slather on the moisture mask. Will it magically erase every trace of cellulite? Sadly, nope. But will it make your skin feel ridiculously soft and smooth? 100 percent yes—and I’m very cool with that.

• Key ingredient(s): Scrub: walnut grain (exfoliates); shea butter (moisturizes); aloe (hydrates); glycerin (plumps). Cream: jojoba oil (moisturizes); colloidal oatmeal (soothes).
• Fragrance: Peppermint

THE REVIEW: "Great product—I didn’t think it would work so fast, but it did,” writes one reviewer. “I have a lot of cellulite on my thighs and stretch marks and it worked for both."