18+ Best Essential Oils for Cellulite | How to Use, Side Effects and Precautions

Essential oils have been used for many years in various cultures to treat a wide range of ailments, from stress reduction to wound healing to sinus cleaning.

Cellulite appearance reduction is one of the more recent uses for essential oils. Cellulite is a region of skin that looks lumpy and dimpled because bulges of fat have accumulated under the skin, most frequently on the hips, thighs, buttocks, and stomach.

Even though cellulite is not a dangerous medical concern on its own, some people find its appearance unsettling.

Essential oils for cellulite have been proven to be beneficial. Cosmetic concern for many, essential oils for cellulite have also been shown to be therapeutic grade and anti-cellulite.

What Is Cellulite?

A fairly frequent but aesthetically unpleasant ailment is cellulite. It is estimated that this illness affects over 80% of post-pubertal girls at some point in their life. The skin develops dimplings or what we refer to as an orange peel appearance. It is frequently observed in females on the thighs, belly, arms, and occasionally the calves; it is quite difficult to treat.

What Are Some Of The Best Essential Oils For Cellulite Reduction?

1. Lemon Oil

It has been shown that using lemon essential oil can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Its vitamin C concentration and blood circulation-improving qualities are to blame for this. On the one hand, vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, reduces free radicals in the dead skin layers and increases collagen formation.

On the other side, healthy blood circulation aids in cellulite removal. Additionally, lemon oil evens out skin tone and is a powerful essential oil for hyperpigmentation.

The use of this essential oil in massages is said to freshen, even out, and promote softness of the skin, assisting in diminishing the general wrinkling and lumpy look of cellulite-ridden regions. It also has strong skin-protective, antioxidant, and cleaning characteristics.

2. Juniper Berry Oil

The cleansing diuretic characteristics of juniper berry oil make it an excellent method for reducing cellulite. Additionally, juniper berry essential oil benefits in treating skin conditions, including acne and eczema, as well as toxin buildup and water retention problems. Your nose may detect a hint of balsamic vinegar in the wonderfully spicy and woody aroma of juniper berry essential oil.

This essential oil is a superpower when it comes to purifying and calming inflamed skin while reducing the look of uneven scars and skin, including cellulite, outside of its use in alternative and folk medicine. This massage oil helps reduce cellulite. Juniper oil is perfect for cellulite treatment, just like other essential oils like geranium oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, and other citrus oils.

As one of the top essential oils for eczema relief, juniper oil can help relieve itching, irritation, and inflammation associated with eczema thanks to its soothing properties.

3. Sage Essential Oil

Sage essential oil is made from the aromatic Salvia officinalis plant, commonly called “True” or “Common” Sage (not to be confused with Clary Sage). Sage essential oil is revered worldwide and renowned for its excellent antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and stimulatory properties. Sage was known to the Romans as a sacred and ritualistic herb.

Sage essential oil is a significant component in the treatment of cellulite and textured skin due to its many beneficial characteristics. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which help shield the skin against free radicals that cause interior damage and also smooth out discoloration and bumpy textures, make it a common ingredient in cosmetic compositions. Sage essential oil treatment helps in reducing fluid retention and is an effective alternative medicine for weight gain issues.

Women who are expecting or nursing should not use sage essential oil.

4. Cedarwood Essential Oil

It is frequently obtained by steam distillation from the wood of the Cedrus atlantica tree and is prized for its mildly astringent and toning effects in addition to its gorgeously sweet and woodsy aroma. This essential oil is popularly used in aromatherapy, fragrances, skincare, and healthcare, and it is also said to have potent anti-inflammatory properties.

By deeply relaxing and hydrating the skin, making it appear more firm, smooth, and even, Cedarwood oil can reduce cellulite when used in conjunction with routine massage [1].

5. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is known for its ability to boost microcirculation. It has the ability to reduce cellular fat accumulation. This is the main reason this oil has made to this list of essential oils that can help treat cellulite. Its regular use and other essential oils like cypress oil can help get rid of cellulite faster.

Considered one of the top essential oils for stretch marks, rosemary oil boosts blood flow and circulation under skin to minimize the appearance of stretch marks and encourage healthy skin cell regeneration over time.

6. Grapefruit Essential Oil

A zesty, invigorating oil known as grapefruit essential oil is derived from the Citrus paradisi plant. It is a widely used essential oil in soaps, therapeutic blends, aromatherapy, and cosmetics formulas because of its positive effects on the skin. Grapefruit essential oil is believed to help maintain nutritious skin and lessen the appearance of cellulite over the term when applied consistently [2].

Prevent sunlight on the skin where this essential oil has been applied for 24 hours, as it is phototoxic and will make the skin more sensitive to the sun. It is advisable to perform a skin patch test before use because it might also cause skin irritations.

Additionally, when employed as a body massage oil for weight loss, grapefruit essential oil can invigorate the lymphatic system, enhance circulation, and aid in fat breakdown. The oil’s refreshing scent also serves to elevate mood and energize you throughout your weight loss endeavor.

7. Lavender Essential Oil For Cellulite Treatment

Lavender oil facilitates cell generation, and this is an important factor in cellulite treatment. It helps in healing the skin and also deals with many skin ailments. It promotes the rejuvenation of the skin [3].

Moreover, lavender is renowned as one of the best massage oil for couples thanks to its relaxing floral fragrance and skin nourishing properties. It is often blended with ylang ylang and other sensual oils to set the mood for a romantic, therapeutic couples massage.

8. Mandarin Essential Oil

Mandarin essential oil is one of the most important essential oils that work wonders for cellulite issues. It is one of the natural treatments that can help reduce cellulite effectively. It has a very sweet and citrusy scent to it that helps also enhances the mood.

9. Sweet Fennel Essential Oil

Sweet Fennel essential oil is a little spicy but sweet-smelling volatile oil that is frequently steam extracted from Sweet Fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), and it is used for a variety of medical and aesthetic purposes worldwide. Research has shown that its high antioxidant activities can help combat and prevent the indications of aging, including the skin laxity that goes along with them.

The oil is a great option for cellulite and scar massage mixtures because of this. Fennel oils eliminate toxins which further helps in treating cellulite. The appearance of cellulite reduces due to the increased blood flow.

Pregnant or nursing women should not use this essential oil. People with diabetes or epilepsy should also avoid using it. It is advisable to perform a skin patch test prior to usage because it can cause skin irritations.

10. Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil

This underutilized oil is made from the berries of Litsea trees, and it contains several skin-protective properties that make it perfect for minimizing the impression of cellulite. This essential oil has gained popularity as a valuable component in homemade therapies for a variety of skin diseases, including cellulite and stretch marks, as well as acne, greasy skin, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

This also helps in better blood flow, improves skin health, reduces skin irritation, and is perfect for cellulite treatment. It also has circulation-boosting properties, which break down fatty tissue and improve connective tissues to eliminate cellulite [4].

11. Black Pepper Essential Oil

Black pepper is an active essential oil that can help reduce muscle stiffness as well as fatigue and can also help in reducing joint pains. It is proven that the regular use of black pepper essential oil can help in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

12. Ginger Oil

The ginger essential oil has warming effects and can increase the blood flow and stimulation in the affected area. The regular use of ginger essential oil has proved to be effective in reducing cellulite and excess fat from the body [5].

13. Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli oil has natural healing properties that can be used to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The regular use of patchouli oil also helps in reducing and managing water retention, thus promoting the effective treatment of cellulite.

14. Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil helps promote circulation. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating many skin conditions. It has the ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite [6].

15. Tangerine Essential Oil

The tangerine essential oil has properties that help in improving digestion. Thus it helps in releasing toxins from the body resulting in reduced cellulite generation. It also promotes blood circulation, and its regular use can help in treating cellulite.

16. Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Sweet orange oil promotes blood circulation, and due to this reason, lymph accumulation is prevented. It also helps in managing effective water retention, which is necessary for treating cellulite. Sweet orange oil also helps strengthen the blood vessels and tightens the skin, which is necessary for cellulite treatment.

17. Spearmint Essential Oil

Spearmint essential oil has properties that help boost metabolism and result in fat reduction. Its use can result in cellulite reduction. It can be used with other essential oils as well to treat cellulite.

18. Neroli Essential Oil

Using neroli essential oil promotes the regeneration of skin cells and new cell generation. Thus, it is considered effective in treating cellulite and reducing its appearance.

Also, Read About: hemorrhoids essential oils

How To Use Essential Oils To Treat Cellulite?

It is to be noted that the use of essential oils in undiluted form should be avoided as they can cause skin irritation and inflammation. So, it is advisable to dilute the essential oil with carrier oils like coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil, etc.

The standard procedure or rule that should be followed to dilute the essential oil with carrier oil goes as follows:

1% dilution that is mixing 1 drop of essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil

You can increase the dilution percentage according to your needs and requirements. If you have to massage a larger area, you can increase the dilution percentage to 5%.

So, if you want to increase the concentration of the essential oil to, say 3%, then you should add 3 drops of essential oil for 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Depending upon the requirement, the mixture can be prepared. For example, in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil, you are required to add 6 drops of essential oil to prepare a 3% diluted mixture.

Massaging the area with essential oils is also an important step that can facilitate the reduction of cellulite [7].

Essential oils for cellulite treatment can be used in two different manners: topical application and oral application.

Topical Application:

Essential oils can be used topically on the skin to reduce cellulite. Studies prove that the topical use of essential oils can help reduce cellulite for many reasons.

Essential oils reduce lipogenesis, activate lipolysis, fight free radicals, and reduce free radicals. It also improves lymphatic drainage and promotes microcirculation. All these factors directly impact cellulite and reduce its appearance [8].

Coconut oil is one of the most useful carrier oils for cellulite reduction, and it should be used to dilute it with essential oil for topical application.

Oral Application:

Oral application of essential oils for treating cellulite should be done very carefully. Essential oils that are 100% pure should be used for oral application. It is important to ensure that there are no synthetics in the essential oils used for oral consumption.

For oral application, a very small quantity of essential oils should be used once or twice a day.

Consumption of essential oil on an empty stomach should be avoided.

It should be added to your food or beverage, and then it should be consumed.

DIY Essential Oils Recipes To Reduce Cellulite

DIY essential oils blend can be made at home to get rid of cellulite easily in the comfort of your home without spending much money on cellulite treatments. Following are some of the DIY recipes of essential oils that you can try for reducing cellulite:

DIY Fruity Essential Oil Blend To Reduce Cellulite

Ingredients

• 8 drops of cypress oil
• 5 drops of lemon essential oil
• 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil
• 4 drops of orange oil
• 5 drops of lavender oil
• 20 ml of grapeseed oil
• 30 ml coconut oil

Directions

• Mix the 20 ml grapeseed oil with 30 ml coconut oil.
• Add the mentioned essential oils in the stated quantity in the grapeseed oil and coconut oil mixture and give it a gentle shake to mix well.
• Pour this mixture into a glass bottle and store it in a cool and dark place.
• Store this mixture for a week at least before using it.
• You can use this mixture twice a day for better results.

Cypress and grapefruit essential oil are some of the most effective essential oils that help in reducing cellulite. Lemon and orange essential oils are known for their fat-reducing properties, and thus it can be stated that the use of this DIY recipe can help you treat cellulite issues.

DIY Massaging Essential Oils For Treating Cellulite

Ingredients

• 10 drops juniper berry essential oil
• 10 drops of cypress oil
• 10 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 8 drops of orange essential oil
• 30 ml jojoba oil (Or any other carrier oil of your choice)

Directions

• Take jojoba oil, mix the above-listed essential oil, and shake thoroughly.
• Pour this mixture into a glass jar.
• Store the mixture in a cool and dark place for at least a week.
• You can use this mixture twice daily to enjoy maximum benefits and eliminate cellulite.

This essential oil blend has a warming effect and also facilitates fluid retention. It will also moisturize your skin and help reduce cellulite’s appearance.

DIY Bath Blend To Reduce Cellulite

Ingredients 

• 5 drops of orange oil
• 10 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 10 drops of geranium essential oil
• 8 drops of lemongrass oil

Directions

• Mix all the above-listed essential oils to make a nice bath blend.
• Store this mixture in a cool and dark place.
• Fill the bath with water, add 8 to 10 drops of essential oils bath blend to the water, and add bathing salts of your choice.
• Enjoy a relaxing and effective essential oils blend bath that will help reduce your cellulite.

This essential oil bath blend will help improve blood circulation and act as a natural detoxifier that will help reduce your cellulite naturally.

DIY Fighting Cellulite Massage Oil 

Ingredients

• 8 drops of cypress oil
• 5 drops of juniper berry oil
• 8 drops of fennel essential oil
• 8 drops of grapefruit oil
• 5 drops oil of rosemary
• 30 ml sweet almond oil

Directions

• Add all the above ingredients to a glass bottle and mix it well.
• Take 5 to 8 drops on your palm and topically apply them to the affected area.
• Massage for a few minutes in a circular motion.
• Let the oil absorb naturally into your skin.
• You should use this essential oils massage blend every night.

What Are Some Side Effects Of Essential Oils?

Some of the common possible side effects of essential oils include

• Redness
• Burning sensation
• Rashes
• Hives
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Bleeding disorders
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Allergic reactions, etc.

Must read article about essential oil for diarrhea.

The use of essential oils can cause discomfort to pregnant women or infants, so it is important to take necessary precautions or consult your doctor before using essential oils.

If you witness any of the above-listed side effects, you should discontinue using essential oils and consult your dermatologist.

Safety And Precautions

Always use essential oils in diluted form. Dilute it with any carrier oil before topical application.

Use essential oils for external use only.

Conduct a patch test before applying essential oils to the affected area.

Avoid direct sun exposure after the use of essential oils.

Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should avoid the use of essential oils.

If you have any health condition like skin allergies, heart-related issues, cancer, etc., then you should consult your doctor before using essential oils.

Store the essential oils in a place that is inaccessible to children and infants.

Summary

Essential oil is one of the natural remedies that is proven to reduce cellulite. With the selection of suitable essential oils, one can easily treat cellulite. Essential oils can be used to massage the affected area, and their continuous use can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Using essential oils to treat cellulite can help you get a spa-like treatment and effectiveness at home.

Some of the best essential oils used that can be used for treating cellulite have been suggested in this article. DIY recipes to treat cellulite using essential oils have also been included in the above article.

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Dr. Mesfin Yimam, Unigen Inc. A Standardized Composition Comprised of Extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis, Annona squamosa and Zanthoxylum clava-herculis for Cellulite. (2017). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5717783/