Is L-carnitine an effective solution for reducing cellulite?

Often perceived as a mere aesthetic nuisance, cellulite results from a relatively complex biological phenomenon involving changes in the structure of the subcutaneous connective tissue. It manifests as localized fat accumulation and/or water retention, potentially accompanied by microcirculatory alterations. These modifications create a “orange-peel” appearance on the thighs, hips, or buttocks, particularly common in women. Contrary to popular belief, the cellulite is not necessarily associated with excess weight or poor lifestyle habits, even though these factors can indeed exacerbate it. It’s quite difficult to completely eliminate the cellulite without resorting to surgery, some cosmetic active ingredients appear to help, including L-carnitine.

The primary function of L-carnitine is to transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidized to produce energy.

When applied to the skin, L-carnitine is believed to promote lipid breakdown by stimulating the uptake of fatty acids into adipocyte mitochondria. The carnitine–palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) enzyme complex, located on the outer mitochondrial membrane, catalyzes the formation of an acyl-carnitine complex, which then crosses the inner membrane via carnitine–acylcarnitine translocase. Once inside the mitochondrion, acyl-carnitine is converted back to acyl-CoA, which enters the β-oxidation cycle, resulting in a reduction of adipocyte volume. This stimulation of lipid catabolism could theoretically help reduce excess fat in areas affected by cellulite.

Furthermore, L-carnitine is involved in the regulation of oxidative stress, often observed in fibrotic and inflamed tissues characteristic of cellulite. It can limit the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products, such as malondialdehyde, and may protect connective structures, particularly collagen and elastin fibers, against free radical–induced degradation.

The efficacy of L-carnitine in reducing cellulite was evaluated in a clinical trial investigating a product containing, among other ingredients, L-carnitine and caffeine. In conjunction with a low-calorie diet and a weekly regimen of 150 minutes of walking, seven participants allocated into two groups applied the treatment or a placebo daily for 28 days. Researchers measuredthigh circumference and local fat mass via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. The results, presented in the table below, demonstrate greater reductions in the group receiving the L-carnitine–based product.