The 5 Best Cellulite Creams for Firmer Skin, Tested by Real Women

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind The ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind The Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / David Hattan

People / David Hattan

Hormones, genetics, diet, aging, pregnancy, lifestyle — all play a role in one of the most common skin conditions: stubborn dimpled skin, also known as cellulite.The More You KnowEven the best cellulite cream isn’t a miracle worker.Dr. Dendy Engelmansays results are typically temporary and consistency is key: “You should apply cellulite cream daily in order to notice a visible difference; if you are inconsistent with the cream, it can’t do its job, and the skin will return to its original appearance.“We spent eight weeks testing 20 different formulas, and we’ll be honest: No cellulite cream can make cellulite disappear. However, a few stand-out formulas are worth sharing, each having helped reduce the look of cellulite through hydrating ingredients, improved circulation, and tightening effects. With regular use, we observed some noteworthy improvements to our skin texture, including less cellulite.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Biossance Squalane and Caffeine Toning Body Cream at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin Lotion at Amazon$9Jump to ReviewBest Instant Effect:Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Firming:Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream at Amazon$48Jump to ReviewBest Hydrating:Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Anti-Aging Product:Dr. Zion x Murad Renewal Eye Masks at Amazon$42Jump to ReviewBest Eczema Cream:CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest Stretch Mark Cream:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Body Lotion with SPF:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon$28Jump to Review

Hormones, genetics, diet, aging, pregnancy, lifestyle — all play a role in one of the most common skin conditions: stubborn dimpled skin, also known as cellulite.

The More You KnowEven the best cellulite cream isn’t a miracle worker.Dr. Dendy Engelmansays results are typically temporary and consistency is key: “You should apply cellulite cream daily in order to notice a visible difference; if you are inconsistent with the cream, it can’t do its job, and the skin will return to its original appearance.”

The More You Know

Even the best cellulite cream isn’t a miracle worker.Dr. Dendy Engelmansays results are typically temporary and consistency is key: “You should apply cellulite cream daily in order to notice a visible difference; if you are inconsistent with the cream, it can’t do its job, and the skin will return to its original appearance."

We spent eight weeks testing 20 different formulas, and we’ll be honest: No cellulite cream can make cellulite disappear. However, a few stand-out formulas are worth sharing, each having helped reduce the look of cellulite through hydrating ingredients, improved circulation, and tightening effects. With regular use, we observed some noteworthy improvements to our skin texture, including less cellulite.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Biossance Squalane and Caffeine Toning Body Cream at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin Lotion at Amazon$9Jump to ReviewBest Instant Effect:Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Firming:Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream at Amazon$48Jump to ReviewBest Hydrating:Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Anti-Aging Product:Dr. Zion x Murad Renewal Eye Masks at Amazon$42Jump to ReviewBest Eczema Cream:CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest Stretch Mark Cream:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Body Lotion with SPF:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon$28Jump to Review

Best Overall:Biossance Squalane and Caffeine Toning Body Cream at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin Lotion at Amazon$9Jump to ReviewBest Instant Effect:Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Firming:Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream at Amazon$48Jump to ReviewBest Hydrating:Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Anti-Aging Product:Dr. Zion x Murad Renewal Eye Masks at Amazon$42Jump to ReviewBest Eczema Cream:CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest Stretch Mark Cream:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Body Lotion with SPF:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon$28Jump to Review

Best Overall:Biossance Squalane and Caffeine Toning Body Cream at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best Overall:Biossance Squalane and Caffeine Toning Body Cream at Amazon$30

Best Overall:

Best Budget:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin Lotion at Amazon$9Jump to Review

Best Budget:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin Lotion at Amazon$9

Best Budget:

Best Instant Effect:Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment at Amazon$32Jump to Review

Best Instant Effect:Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment at Amazon$32

Best Instant Effect:

Best Firming:Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream at Amazon$48Jump to Review

Best Firming:Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream at Amazon$48

Best Firming:

Best Hydrating:Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream at Amazon$45Jump to Review

Best Hydrating:Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream at Amazon$45

Best Hydrating:

Best Anti-Aging Product:Dr. Zion x Murad Renewal Eye Masks at Amazon$42Jump to Review

Best Anti-Aging Product:Dr. Zion x Murad Renewal Eye Masks at Amazon$42

Best Anti-Aging Product:

Best Eczema Cream:CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil at Amazon$16Jump to Review

Best Eczema Cream:CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil at Amazon$16

Best Eczema Cream:

Best Stretch Mark Cream:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion at Amazon$18Jump to Review

Best Stretch Mark Cream:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion at Amazon$18

Best Stretch Mark Cream:

Best Body Lotion with SPF:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon$28Jump to Review

Best Body Lotion with SPF:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon$28

Best Body Lotion with SPF:

Best OverallBiossance Squalane and Caffeine Toning Body CreamPHOTO: Amazon$30 at Amazon$30 at Sephora$30 at Kohls.com

Best OverallBiossance Squalane and Caffeine Toning Body Cream

Best Overall

Biossance Squalane and Caffeine Toning Body Cream

PHOTO: Amazon

$30 at Amazon$30 at Sephora$30 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesNoticeably reduces the appearance of celluliteSaw change in skin texture after four weeksSkin became more hydratedRed FlagsNone!

Star QualitiesNoticeably reduces the appearance of celluliteSaw change in skin texture after four weeksSkin became more hydrated

Noticeably reduces the appearance of cellulite

Saw change in skin texture after four weeks

Skin became more hydrated

Red FlagsNone!

None!

Key Ingredients:Caffeine, niacinamide, squalane |Size:6 oz.

PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

Best BudgetPalmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin LotionPHOTO: Amazon$9$8 at Amazon$8 at IHerb$9 at Walgreens

Best BudgetPalmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin Lotion

Best Budget

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Firming Butter Skin Lotion

$9$8 at Amazon$8 at IHerb$9 at Walgreens

Star QualitiesImproved our skin’s hydration after just one useRelatively affordableMade skin look more supple and softRed FlagsOnly slight improvement in cellulite

Star QualitiesImproved our skin’s hydration after just one useRelatively affordableMade skin look more supple and soft

Improved our skin’s hydration after just one use

Relatively affordable

Made skin look more supple and soft

Red FlagsOnly slight improvement in cellulite

Only slight improvement in cellulite

Key Ingredients:Vitamin E, shea butter, cocoa butter, collagen, elastin |Size:10.6 oz.

Best Instant EffectPaula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment$32 at Amazon$32 at Dermstore$32 at Paulaschoice.comStar QualitiesInstant tightening effect with each applicationIncludes retinol for anti-aging benefitsHealthier- and smoother-looking skin after eight weeksRed FlagsIncludes retinol so needs to be used with SPFThere’s no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to cellulite creams. However, this smoothing formula from Paula’s Choice is as close as it gets. Albeit temporary, our tester notes theanti-aging formulahas aninstant tightening effectwith every application. Thanks to its inclusion of retinol as well as other skin-nourishing formulas like vitamin C and grape seed oil, our tester’s skin looks healthier andfeels a lot smoother and firmerat the end of eight weeks.Key Ingredients:Retinol, grape seed oil, vitamin C, glycerin, evening primrose oil, shea butter, pro-vitamin B5, carnosine |Size:4 oz.PeopleExperts Say“Retinol causes the skin to be more photosensitive, so UV rays will damage your skin more quickly and easily if you don’t adequately protect it." —Dr. Engelman

Best Instant EffectPaula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment$32 at Amazon$32 at Dermstore$32 at Paulaschoice.com

Best Instant EffectPaula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment

Best Instant Effect

Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment

$32 at Amazon$32 at Dermstore$32 at Paulaschoice.com

Star QualitiesInstant tightening effect with each applicationIncludes retinol for anti-aging benefitsHealthier- and smoother-looking skin after eight weeksRed FlagsIncludes retinol so needs to be used with SPF

Star QualitiesInstant tightening effect with each applicationIncludes retinol for anti-aging benefitsHealthier- and smoother-looking skin after eight weeks

Instant tightening effect with each application

Includes retinol for anti-aging benefits

Healthier- and smoother-looking skin after eight weeks

Red FlagsIncludes retinol so needs to be used with SPF

Includes retinol so needs to be used with SPF

There’s no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to cellulite creams. However, this smoothing formula from Paula’s Choice is as close as it gets. Albeit temporary, our tester notes theanti-aging formulahas aninstant tightening effectwith every application. Thanks to its inclusion of retinol as well as other skin-nourishing formulas like vitamin C and grape seed oil, our tester’s skin looks healthier andfeels a lot smoother and firmerat the end of eight weeks.

Key Ingredients:Retinol, grape seed oil, vitamin C, glycerin, evening primrose oil, shea butter, pro-vitamin B5, carnosine |Size:4 oz.

People

Experts Say“Retinol causes the skin to be more photosensitive, so UV rays will damage your skin more quickly and easily if you don’t adequately protect it." —Dr. Engelman

Experts Say

“Retinol causes the skin to be more photosensitive, so UV rays will damage your skin more quickly and easily if you don’t adequately protect it." —Dr. Engelman

Best FirmingSol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum CreamPHOTO: Amazon$48 at Amazon$44$24 at Sephora$48 at Ulta

Best FirmingSol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Best Firming

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

$48 at Amazon$44$24 at Sephora$48 at Ulta

Star QualitiesSignificantly firmed and tightened skinBrighter and more radiant skin after applicationSofter and more moisturized skin after regular useRed FlagsNo cellulite reduction (but the radiant look helped conceal dimples)

Star QualitiesSignificantly firmed and tightened skinBrighter and more radiant skin after applicationSofter and more moisturized skin after regular use

Significantly firmed and tightened skin

Brighter and more radiant skin after application

Softer and more moisturized skin after regular use

Red FlagsNo cellulite reduction (but the radiant look helped conceal dimples)

No cellulite reduction (but the radiant look helped conceal dimples)

Key Ingredients:Guaranà extract, cupuaçu Butter, coconut oil |Size:2.5 oz., 8.5 oz.

Best HydratingCaudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body CreamPHOTO: Caudalie$45 at Amazon$45 at Nordstrom$45 at SephoraStar QualitiesSmooth consistency is easy to spreadDoesn’t feel heavy and absorbs easily into the skinLong-lasting hydration made skin look more suppleRed FlagsNo reduction in dimples (despite a more supple-looking surface)While this firming body cream from Caudalie didn’t give us the cellulite-minimizing benefits we were looking for, it still provided the skin with amore supple surfacethanks to hydrating ingredients. The smooth consistency makes application a breeze, and despite its rich and nourishing ingredients (like shea butter), it’s lightweight andeasily absorbs in the skinwithout leaving a sticky or greasy feeling. Since the moisturizing benefits last overnight, it’s an excellent option for those needing long-lasting hydration.Key Ingredients:Organic grape water, iris extract, organic shea butter, antioxidant polyphenols |Size:8.4 oz.

Best HydratingCaudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body CreamPHOTO: Caudalie$45 at Amazon$45 at Nordstrom$45 at Sephora

Best HydratingCaudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream

Best Hydrating

Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream

PHOTO: Caudalie

$45 at Amazon$45 at Nordstrom$45 at Sephora

Star QualitiesSmooth consistency is easy to spreadDoesn’t feel heavy and absorbs easily into the skinLong-lasting hydration made skin look more suppleRed FlagsNo reduction in dimples (despite a more supple-looking surface)

Star QualitiesSmooth consistency is easy to spreadDoesn’t feel heavy and absorbs easily into the skinLong-lasting hydration made skin look more supple

Smooth consistency is easy to spread

Doesn’t feel heavy and absorbs easily into the skin

Long-lasting hydration made skin look more supple

Red FlagsNo reduction in dimples (despite a more supple-looking surface)

No reduction in dimples (despite a more supple-looking surface)

While this firming body cream from Caudalie didn’t give us the cellulite-minimizing benefits we were looking for, it still provided the skin with amore supple surfacethanks to hydrating ingredients. The smooth consistency makes application a breeze, and despite its rich and nourishing ingredients (like shea butter), it’s lightweight andeasily absorbs in the skinwithout leaving a sticky or greasy feeling. Since the moisturizing benefits last overnight, it’s an excellent option for those needing long-lasting hydration.

Key Ingredients:Organic grape water, iris extract, organic shea butter, antioxidant polyphenols |Size:8.4 oz.

All our recommended products go through rigorous testing in our NYC beauty lab and at home, so while you’re shopping for cellulite creams, consider adding some of these PEOPLE-Tested, editor-approved skincare favorites to your cart.

Dr. Zion x Murad Renewal Eye Masks$42 at AmazonView on DermstoreView on MuradCeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil$16 at Amazon$16 at Target$16 at WalmartPalmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion$18$16 at Amazon$7 at Target$8 at IHerbAveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion$28 at AmazonView on Fsastore.comView on Hsastore.com

Dr. Zion x Murad Renewal Eye Masks$42 at AmazonView on DermstoreView on Murad

Dr. Zion x Murad Renewal Eye Masks

$42 at AmazonView on DermstoreView on Murad

CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil$16 at Amazon$16 at Target$16 at Walmart

CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil

$16 at Amazon$16 at Target$16 at Walmart

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion$18$16 at Amazon$7 at Target$8 at IHerb

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion

$18$16 at Amazon$7 at Target$8 at IHerb

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion$28 at AmazonView on Fsastore.comView on Hsastore.com

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion

$28 at AmazonView on Fsastore.comView on Hsastore.com

What to Know About Cellulite Creams

According to Dr. Dendy Engelman, a good cellulite cream “should also moisturize, stimulate circulation, firm, and tighten areas of concern.”These ingredients contribute to a cellulite cream’s efficacy:Peptides:Board-certified dermatologistDr. Jeannette Grafrecommends a cellulite cream with peptides: “Peptides help to stimulate collagen and improve hydration, helping aging skin look younger.“Humectants:Humectants such as glycerin, collagen, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid “draw in moisture from the atmosphere into your skin, helping with skin’s hydration levels and therefore leaving it firmer and plumper,” says Dr. Graf.Retinol:This anti-aging ingredient stimulates collagen production and can provide a firming effect on the skin. Dr. Engelman says to only use retinol formulas at night and pair with SPF during the day.Caffeine:Dr. Engelman also recommends opting for a formula with caffeine: “Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes blood vessels to constrict. When applied topically, it helps reduce redness and swelling, brightens the skin, and promotes blood flow.” This ingredientalso has anti-inflammatory properties that target skin texture for a smoother surface.

According to Dr. Dendy Engelman, a good cellulite cream “should also moisturize, stimulate circulation, firm, and tighten areas of concern.”These ingredients contribute to a cellulite cream’s efficacy:

To find the best cellulite creams, our PEOPLE Tested team spent over eight weeks (1,280 hours, to be exact) with 20 formulas, carefully investigating their performances and making note of their consistency, effectiveness, hydration, and overall results. To be completely transparent,mostof the cellulite creams we tested didn’t deliver desired results. However, there were a few worth mentioning for their hydrating, firming, smoothing, and tightening benefits.

Jessie Quinnis a contributing writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, Nylon, and more, covering beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle. When covering the best cellulite creams, Jessie thoroughly inspected the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to learn more about their individual experiences and make note of any noteworthy results. She also connected with top skincare experts Dr. Jeannette Graf and Dr. Dendy Engelman to learn more about how cellulite creams work, their benefits, and what to look for in their formulas.

Meet Our ExpertsDr. Jeannette Grafis a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine.Dr. Dendy Engelmanis a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic, NYC.

Meet Our Experts

Dr. Jeannette Grafis a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine.Dr. Dendy Engelmanis a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic, NYC.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com