Efficacy of Slimming Cream Containing 3.5% Water-Soluble Caffeine and Xanthenes for the Treatment of Cellulite: Clinical Study and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Cellulite is a 'cottage cheese-like' cutaneous change caused by subcutaneous fat bulging into the dermis that usually leads to cosmetic problems. Slimming cream containing 3.5% water-soluble caffeine and xanthenes exhibits a lipolytic effect with penetration into the dermis.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of slimming cream for the treatment of cellulite.

Methods: Fifteen subjects with cellulite applied slimming cream to the thighs and inner side of the upper arms twice daily for 6 weeks. Efficacy was assessed using a standard visual scale, changes in the circumferences of the thighs and upper arms, and patient satisfaction by a questionnaire at baseline, week 3, and week 6. Safety was assessed by inquiring about adverse events through questionnaires.

Results: The standard visual scale score improved significantly by 0.49 points (19.8%) at week 6. Thigh and upper-arm circumferences decreased by 0.7 cm (1.7%) and 0.8 cm (2.3%), respectively, at week 6. Slight itching and transient flushing were commonly reported, but no serious adverse event occurred.

Conclusion: The slimming cream tested appears to be effective for the treatment of cellulitis without serious adverse effects. However, additional large clinical trials are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of slimming cream for the treatment of cellulitis.

Keywords: Caffeine; Cellulite; Cellulite treatment; Slimming cream; Xanthenes.

Figures

Fig. 1. Standard visual scale of cellulite grade. Data from the article of Bielfeldt, et al. Skin Res Technol 2008;14:336-346.

Fig. 2. Mean body weight of subjects at baseline, week 3, and week 6. Body weight did not change significantly during the study (p>0.05).

Fig. 3. (A) Average visual grade of the cellulite rated by 3 independent investigators at baseline (V1), week 3 (V2), and week 6 (V3). The severity of cellulite improved significantly during the study. Visual grade was 0.49 points lower (19.8%) at week 6 than at baseline. (B) Clinical photographs of 2 representative cases at V1, V2, and V3. *p<0.05.

Fig. 4. Thigh and upper-arm circumferences at baseline, week 3, and week 6. The mean circumferences of the thigh and most proximal site of the upper arm decreased significantly during the study by 0.7 cm (1.7%) and 0.8 cm (2.3%) at week 6 vs. baseline. *p<0.05.

Fig. 5. Corneometer and cutometer measurements of the thigh and upper arm at baseline, week 3, and week 6. Moisture measured by corneometer and elasticity measured by cutometer did not change significantly in either the thigh or upper arm during 6 weeks (all p>0.05).