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The 11 Best Creams for Cellulite and Stretch Marks
Smoother, firmer-looking skin in a bottle—right this way.
By 
There's no one-size-fits-all solution to cellulite and stretch marks. Many products will claim to smooth, tighten, and thicken skin, but not everything does—in fact, very few will.
The Best Cellulite and Stretch Mark Creams
Still, there is hope in this department. "Some creams can definitely help," says New York City-based plastic surgeon Jennifer Levine, who recommends using self-tanners, bronzing creams, or body makeup to cover up specific areas. In addition, "There are some topical products that may be helpful, and some do improve the skin overall, not necessarily cellulite," she says. This feel like a good moment to remind you that both cellulite and stretch marks are normal and don't need to be treated, but you can minimize their appearance should you so desire.
Impossibly smooth skin may be just that—impossible—but in the meantime, these caffeine, collagen, and lipid-rich creams will get you a whole lot closer.
Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology
Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology
Pros
- Addresses tone, texture, and smoothness
Cons
Levine recommends this treatment, which focuses on skin texture and tightness, from reducing the appearance of crepe-like skin to supporting collagen production.
Customer Review:
"My first bottle I didn’t think it did anything but I went ahead and purchased a second bottle. It takes time but I do see a difference in my skin. You have to be consistent and patient but it works. There’s no miracle out there but it certainly looks way better. I will continue to use it for sure."
Environ Tri Complex Contouring Cream
Environ Tri Complex Contouring Cream
Pros
- Comes with a massaging tool
- Helps with even skin tone
Cons
Use this spa-favorite brand's body cream everywhere from the jawline to the thighs and knees; it leaves skin smoother, and looking glowier, plus the dimpled body glove provides a gentle massage.
Customer Review:
"It's an excellent anti-cellulite cream. I improved my silhouette with diet, yoga, and Environ's spectacular cream in a month." —Leslie
peter thomas roth FIRMx Tight & Toned Cellulite Treatment
peter thomas roth FIRMx Tight & Toned Cellulite Treatment
Pros
- Rich and creamy texture
Cons
This tub is said to show results in as little as two weeks, and is made with a cellulite-targeting ingredient called Flavoslim, as well as moisturizing Mokaté melon oil for a nourishing treatment.
Customer Review:
"I am loving the results of this so far! I’ve been using it on my outer thighs two times a day for about 2 weeks. My skin feels more firm and appears more hydrated and smooth. I don’t have a lot of cellulite in this area, but I have stretch marks that definitely look lighter from this." —Sofiavella
First Aid Beauty Sculpting Body Lotion
First Aid Beauty Sculpting Body Lotion
Pros
- Can be used like regular body lotion
Cons
First Aid Beauty created a lotion with hydrating glycerin, firming caffeine, and a blend of peptides so skin gets several benefits in one.
Customer Review:
"This actually WORKS. My go-to body lotion. Works on tightness, stretch marks, and crepey skin." —kindiscool
Maelys GET-DREAMY Overnight Toning Whip
Maelys GET-DREAMY Overnight Toning Whip
Pros
- Lovely whipped texture
Cons
This creamy, dreamy overnight whipped treatment features milk thistle and uva-ursi leaf extract for skin-tightening benefits, as well as melatonin and valerian root extract to help ease you into bedtime mode.
Customer Review:
"I didn’t know how this was going to work but I got it and tried it. I had remarkable results within just three days of using it on my stomach. This product is also super rich and a little goes a long way. Now I’m wanting to put this on other places too." —Melanie R.
One Ocean Beauty Ultra Marine Cellulite Night Cream
One Ocean Beauty Ultra Marine Cellulite Night Cream
Pros
- Has clinical results to back up claims
Cons
A blend of marine actives help with microcirculation in this luxe formula, which also has murumuru and shea butters to moisturize. Clinical results show that the treatment improved cellulite by 23 percent after 30 days.
Customer Review:
"I have only been using the product for a few days and I'm using it in conjunction with diet and exercise. I have definitely noticed an improvement in the appearance of the cellulite I had in the back of my thighs." —Caroline L.
Sonage Jolie Contour Body Creme
Sonage Jolie Contour Body Creme
Pros
- No harsh ingredients
Cons
This rich body cream contains cocoa butter, avocado oil, and shea butter—a.k.a. all ingredients that skin loves, as well as green coffee oil to promote skin smoothing.
Customer Review:
"I am so excited to continue to use the Jolie contour body crème! I applied it to my abdominal area and after just one week of using this cream I was able to see the skin on my abdomen appear smoother and firm. I highly recommend this body crème!" —Jesse G.
SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate
SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
We trust Skinceuticals with our face serums, and the same is true with our bodies. Made with 2.5 percent tripeptide, 5 percent yeast extract, and 2 percent hydrolyzed rice protein, it smooths, tightens, and even brightens skin, all with a delightful cooling effect.
Customer Review:
"After 3 weeks of using this product I've noticed a big difference under my belly - incredible!! I've been using 2-3 times a day. Guessing I have enough product to last me a few more weeks. Well worth the price. I'm excited for the beach in a few weeks :)" —Mark
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Pros
- Non-greasy texture
Cons
- Not safe to use while pregnancy or breastfeeding
Retinol is a dermatologist go-to for all sorts of skin texture issues, meaning it's the ideal match for softening stretch marks.
Customer Review:
"I've been super insecure about the stretch marks on my hip area since I was 15... I started using this, super consistently, every day after getting out of the shower and 2 weeks later, my stretch marks have noticeably faded and my skin in that area is so much softer! ordering this now again so that I never run out!" —Emily
Juice Beauty Green Apple Firming Body Moisturizer
Juice Beauty Green Apple Firming Body Moisturizer
Pros
- Helps with crepey skin and dark spots
Cons
A nice dose of vitamin C tones and brightens, while peptides and skin-softening oils plump and smooth skin.
Customer Review:
"The cream is rich and soaks into my dry skin; subtle scent but goes away, doesn't linger. This makes my skin smooth on arms and legs. A little goes a long way; wish the tube was bigger or come in a bigger size. I will buy again. Great size for traveling, though."
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Pros
- Great scent
- Very hydrating
Cons
A sweet-smelling buttery cream (that's not just for your bum) with potent, caffeine-rich guaraná to encourage circulation. That it smells like the popular Cheirosa '62 fragrance is just the cherry on top.
Customer Review:
"I believe I’m on my ninth jar at this point and I’m convinced I cannot live without this cream. From its feel and smell to its firming effect, it is everything I want it to be."
What ingredients are best for addressing cellulite and stretch marks?
Look for ingredients that firm and strengthen the skin, as well as those that increase circulation. "Ingredients such as caffeine can temporarily tone and tighten the skin," says Levine. "Other ingredients include peptides, retinol, and botanicals."
Can anything address cellulite long-term?
If you're serious about cellulite, there's promising news, "But your best cellulite fighting options are found in the office!" says Levine. "Avéli is a minimally invasive device FDA-cleared for long-term reduction in the appearance of cellulite on women’s buttocks and thighs and something I offer in my practice."
So, what is it? The procedure takes about an hour, and, "Unlike other treatments, Avéli treats cellulite from the inside out and is the first and only cellulite device that allows us to identify and release culprit septa—the bands that pull down on the skin, a major underlying cause of cellulite–and confirm their release in real-time." Best of all, she says, "There is minimal downtime, and it can deliver lasting reduction in cellulite after a single procedure."
What other non-invasive treatments can help manage cellulite?
"Non-invasive treatments treat skin from the outside-in and are often focused on the treatment of laxity, excess volume or fat, or even loss of muscle tone, but most are not designed to specifically target and release the culprit septal bands causing cellulite dimples," explains the plastic surgeon. Because of that, she says, "I educate my patients on the difference between cellulite and other contributing factors, such as laxity and excess (or loss of) volume, as these need to be treated differently."
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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