Caffeine is one of the most popular ingredients found in cellulite creams. The concentration ranges from 1 to 3.5%. Higher concentrations are associated with irritant dermatitis, with rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis reported in the literature. Caffeine has a direct effect on the microcirculation as it promotes breakdown of cellulite & fat (lipolysis). It also inhibits phosphodiesterase & augments cyclic AMP.

Caffeine activates lipase enzymes transforming triglycerides into free fatty acids. In addition caffeine also stimulates cutaneous microcirculation.

There are countless formulations of caffeine containing cellulite creams, in addition to many DIY videos on how to make your own skincare from coffee beans. These topicals & DIY methods are beyond my expertise as a procedural dermatologist. I do not have any recommendations as to the best formulations. Given the low costs & somewhat low side effects profile of topicals, in addition to the fact that placebo accounts for over one quarter of consumer perception; a buy & try approach may be sensible. Apply with adjunctive deep tissue massage as this can facilitate microcirculation & lymphatic drainage.

Note: research has shown that one gram of caffeine found in skin care creams is equivalent to ¼ a cup of coffee.

Visnadine is a pure molecule extracted from the seeds of Ammi visnaga, a plant widely used in Egyptian traditional medicine as an antispastic and vasodilator.

Ginkgo biloba is a Dimeric Flavonoids Phytosome. It is used worldwide as an herbal medicine for various circulatory disorders

Green tea is frequently added as an antioxidant. This banal botanical extract can potentially reduce collagen damage to the dermis.

Escin. Escin is a natural mixture of triterpene saponins obtained from the seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut). Horse chestnut seed and leaf were traditionally used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and phlebitis, due to the activity of escin, which was shown to modulate vascular exchanges at a peripheral level. This strengthens the wall of capillaries, reducing leakage.

Bladderwrack is a form of marine algae that contains polysaccharides, iodine & alginic acid. This compound can, in theory, increase collagen in the dermis, reducing the out pocketing of adipose tissue.

Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a plant found in Europe. It is notorious for its ability to cause phototoxic reactions as it is part of the Liliaceae family. This shrub is also a vasoconstrictor & can modulate peripheral blood flow; hence its role in treating cellulite.

Papaya & pineapple. The fruits & leaves of these plants have anti-inflammatory and antiedema effects. They contain proteolytic enzymes, papain and bromelain, respectively. The recommended concentration is 2 to 5%

Ginger extract can theoretically facilitate microcirculation of fat cells. Combined with metabolism accelerators such as L-carnitine & caffeine, ginger, in theory can improve lymphatic drainage within cellulite areas.

You may not be ready to commit to proven methods to treat cellulite, hence creams may be a stepping- stone for some. Give it a go if you are curious. For others, it may be adjunctive therapy to complement proven methods including subcision, radiofrequency, electromagnetic field therapy, shock wave treatments & lymphatic massage.

As deep tissue massage has been shown to be effective in the management of cellulite, a simple routine may involve application 3 to 4 nights a week with adjunctive massage for 10-20 minutes. Massage itself opens up lymphatic channels, improves circulation, & facilitates adipose tissue metabolism.

Really hard question. I do think if you are after a cream with the most potency, find yourself a cheap retinol cream (cheap & nasty like The Ordinary Retinol formulations) coupled with a DIY caffeine / ground coffee / used coffee grounds. This combination may be your best, cheapest & most potent formulation. Hear me out. Let us break it down logically.

1. Areas of cellulite have thicker overlying skin compared to facial areas, hence irritation will be less. Thus a high concentration of a cheap retinol will be better tolerated compared to facial skin.
2. Coffee grounds. You can not get cheaper than this. If you make coffee via beans, it’s free. Mix with retinol. It’s cheap, it’s nasty, it’s gritty. It may work. To date there are no studies on this method. Note; caffeine in 2-3% concentration is optimal for cellulite.
3. Rub on a test patch (buttock, abdomen, flanks). Leave on for 2 hours, wash off. Increase as tolerated. Give it 6 -8 weeks before making a decision. Make sure you take baseline photos.

For the less adventurous –  Eaoron Slim Shapes Anticellulite Cream. Bioten Cellufight Anti Cellulite Cream. Available at most pharmacies. Apply with adjunctive deep tissue massage.

Over 90% of women suffer from cellulite. Thus, it can be debated that the presence of cellulite is considered a normal finding in the evolutionary process of humans.