11 Essential Oils for Cellulite: Benefits & Uses

by Carol Barrett May 25, 2023

What is cellulite? Cellulite is a word used to describe dimpled or lumpy flesh that can be present on the thighs, hips, buttocks, or abdomen. Adolescent and adult women are most commonly the groups that struggle with this skin concern often described as having an orange peel or cottage cheese-like texture.

Many people feel embarrassed by their cellulite or are always making sure they cover it up, but having cellulite is extremely common, especially amongst women, and is often considered a “normal occurrence” and a cosmetic concern rather than a medical concern. Some known causes of cellulite include:

Poor diet
Fad dieting
Slow metabolism
Dehydration
Lack of physical activity
Hormone changes
Total body fat
Thickness and color of your skin

If you’re wondering how to get rid of celluatie using essential oils, then you’ve come to the right place! There are so many essential oils for skin health, but there are some that work especially well for unwanted cellulite.

Keep in mind that the results may not be permanent, but along with a healthy diet, regular exercise, helpful habits (like dry brushing), essential oils may have your skin looking less dimpled in the very near future!

11 Essential Oils for Cellulite

What is the best essential oil for cellulite? There are actually several great options to consider. You can use these oils alone or in combination with each other.

1. Grapefruit

Grapefruit oil, which comes from the nutrient-rich rind of a grapefruit, has been used for centuries to help fend off weight gain, sugar cravings and inflammation. And when it comes to natural remedies for cellulite, you’ll definitely see grapefruit essential oil again and again as top pick.

2. Cedarwood

There are several different species of cedarwood trees that can be sources of cedarwood essential oil, which is extracted from the wood pieces of a cedar tree. Cedarwood essential oil’s active compounds, including cedrol, beta-cedrene and thujopsene, are known to have diurectic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properites that may help to improve cellulite’s appearance on your body.

3. Lemongrass

Not only can this essential oil with a citrus-like aroma repel bugs, reduce stress and relax muscles, but with its circulation-boosting properties, lemongrass oil may also help to improve the appearance of cellulite.

As with all of these essential oils for cellulite, you can mix lemongrass oil with a carrier oil and apply it topically.

4. Juniper

Juniper oil is another option for use as a natural cellulite remedy. It may help to reduce the appearance of cellulite thanks to active components like alpha-pinene, sabinene and juniperene. (6) Juniper oil also has helpful diuretic properties. It has a scent that is often described as woody and sweet yet refreshing.

5. Geranium (Pelargonium odoratissimum)

Geranium oil has a refreshing floworal aroma and has many impressive health benefits. This oil contains many powerful components, including a-pinene, myrcene, limonene, menthone, linalool, geranyl acetate, citronellal, geraniol and geranyl butyrate.

Can you use geranium oil for cellulite? As a natural diuretic, geranium oil can help discourage fluid retention that makes cellulite worse. It also has anti-inflammatory and hormone balancing abilities that can be really helpful, especially for women.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil is pretty well-known for its ability to help hair growth. It also makes the list of remedies for another cosmetic concern: cellulite. If you like woody, evergreen scents, then rosemary is a great choice for you

7. Lavender

Lavender oil is extremely popular based on its calming scent alone. Plus, it has a long list of uses including the natural treatment of burns, stress, headaches, muscle pain and boosting the immune system. It’s also a top choice for skin problems and boosting new cell growth making it a rejuvenating option for cellulite.

8. Mandarin

Mandarin oil is used both externally and internally as a natural cellulite treatment. With its sweet citrusy aroma, it also has mood boosting effects and it can be helpful for insomnia , also.

9. Cypress

Is cypress oil good for cellulite? Cypress oil is touted for its ability to stimulate circulation by increasing blood flow, making it a great choice for cellulite as well as varicose veins.

Cypress oil is also used medicinally for its antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, stimulating and antirheumatic properties. This oil has a clean and energizing scent that is a mix of woody and evergreen.

10. Fennel

If hormonal imbalance is contributing to the dimpled appearance of your skin, fennel oil may be able to help balance your hormones naturally. It’s known to be especially beneficial for promoting hormone balance in women during menopause.

11. Lemon

Lemon oil is commonly used to cleanse toxins from the body, stimulate lymphatic drainage and purify the skin. No wonder it’s another essential oil option that may just do wonders for your dimpled skin!

Lemon oil uses are truly plentiful including its many skin applications. In addition to its employment as a natural remedy for cellulite, it’s also used in dermatology for athlete’s foot, blisters, boils, corns, cuts, grazes, insect bites, mouth ulcers, rosacea and oily skin conditions.

How to Use Essential Oils for Cellulite

Topical Application

The main way to use essential oils for cellulite is topically on the skin. As a 2017 study states, “Collectively, botanical formulations applied topically as anti-cellulite intend to reduce lipogenesis, activate lipolysis, restore subcutaneous tissue normal structure, reduce free radical generation or scavenge free radicals, prevent inflammation, increase microcirculation, and lymphatic drainage.”

Possible Side Effects and Caution

If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor before using essential oils for cellulite. You should also check with your doctor being using essential oils if you have any ongoing health condition or are currently taking medication. Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can interact with essential oils.

Citrus oils like lemon, mandarin and grapefruit can cause photosensitivity when used topically, so it’s important to avoid direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after using these oils on your skin.

Always look for essential oils that are 100 percent pure, therapeutic grade and certified organic, both for reasons of safety and effectiveness.

Of course, never use an essential oil externally or internally that you are allergic to.