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

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 ex-hibits 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 sub-jects 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 cir-cumferences of the thighs and upper arms, and patient sat-isfaction 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 slim-ming cream tested appears to be effective for the treatment of cellulitis without serious adverse effects. However, addi-tional large clinical trials are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of slimming cream for the treatment of cellulitis. (Ann Dermatol 27(3) 243∼249, 2015)