Research shows this potent antioxidant helps improve blood flow. Whether or not blood flow changes anything about cellulite is unknown. (Sources: Medical Hypotheses, March 2006, pages 1152-1156; Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation, November-December 2005, pages 515-524; Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, February 2005, pages 287-295; and Planta Medica, November 2004, pages 1052-1057.)

Some cellulite creams have included glycolic or lactic acid (AHAs) or scrubs in an effort to somehow exfoliate away bumpy skin texture on the thighs. Theoretically, AHAs come the closest to having the potential for reducing the appearance of cellulite. If cellulite is a problem with skin structure, applying ingredients that help to improve it […]

Derived from horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), this ingredient has been pre­scribed as an oral supplement to reduce some symptoms of chronic vein insufficiency, such as varicose veins, pain, tiredness, tension, swelling in the legs, itching, and edema. However, because horse chestnut contains significant amounts of the toxin esculin, it can be lethal, and other experts […]

This is a naturally occurring amino acid, and deficiencies of this small but essential com­ponent can result in muscle loss and a multitude of other problems. Research abounds for carnitine, especially acetyl-L-carnitine, which is considered to have more bioavailabilty in terms of its effect on aging and brain function. But how this amino acid affects […]

Since 1971 when the first Starbucks opened in my hometown of Seattle, I have been a coffee lover. And over the years I’ve developed a passion for Grande and Venti iced lattes. I would be thrilled to learn that this has somehow helped my thighs, but alas this is far from the case. Separate from […]

Bupleurum is a plant used in Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments ranging from the common cold to liver problems. Some research has shown this extract to have anti­tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Whether or not these benefits can be delivered to skin in a lotion or cream is unknown. (Sources: www. naturaldatabase. com; […]

Also known as Chinese Thistle Daisy, this root extract is used in Chinese and Japanese alternative medicine for angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) in type-2 diabe­tes because it contains beta-eudesmol. Some of its other components have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties as well. Whether this effect can be of benefit when the […]

Aminophylline and theophylline are medicines used to prevent and treat wheezing and other breathing difficulties caused by lung diseases such as asthma. These pharmaceutical ingredients are found in prescription bronchodilators—medications designed to open blocked air passageways in lungs—and also found in some cellulite lotions and creams. Aminophylline in particular gained notoriety as an ingredient in […]

Research shows this plant extract inhibits the hepatitis B virus and has antioxidant properties. Whether or not it has a benefit when applied topically is not known. There is no research showing it to be effective for cellulite. (Sources: Phytotherapy Research, April 2005, pages 355-358; and Journal of Ethnopharmacology, January 2005, pages 145-150.)