A clinical study suggests that maritime pine reduces cellulite

What is cellulite and how does it form?

Definition and appearance of cellulite

Cellulite refers to an accumulation of fat under the skin which, by pushing against the surrounding tissue, gives it the typical bumpy appearance of dimples.

These are also the origin of its common nickname of ‘orange peel skin’.

It mainly affects women, particularly around the thighs, buttocks and hips – the so-called ‘saddlebags’.

It can also be found on the stomach or arms, particularly in overweight people.

However, its development is not directly linked to the weight of the person concerned.

Whether you're slim or plump, cellulite can affect anyone. In fact, it is estimated that more than 80% of adult women suffer from it (1).

Causes of cellulite

Biologically, cellulite is the result of a complex set of mechanisms:

• an increase in the size of adipocytes (fat cells), even in people who are not overweight;
• local or more general water retention;
• local tissue inflammation;
• dysfunction of blood and lymphatic microcirculation;
• fibrosis of connective tissue (a change in its constitution causing it to lose its properties).

These mechanisms are influenced by various factors:

• hormonal variations (which can affect fat storage or water retention);
• genetics (generally hereditary);
• diet (too rich in fats, refined sugars, salt, etc.);
• level of physical activity (which contributes to weight regulation and tissue drainage);
• stress (which influences hormone production in particular).

Because of its impact on self-image, cellulite is the subject of research targeting the action of certain substances on microcirculation and inflammation.

Study suggests beneficial action of pine extract on cellulite

A clinical study published in May 2025 suggests that a patented extract of maritime pine bark called Pycnogenol® may help reduce certain visible signs of cellulite (2).

The research, conducted on 60 women aged 25–45 with moderate cellulite, evaluated the effects of daily Pycnogenol® supplementation for 60 days.

The results show a significant improvement in various aspects of cellulite, with:

• an improvement in the clinical cellulite score of 12.2% (after 2 months) and 13.6% (after 3 months) in the test group, compared with an insignificant improvement in the placebo group;
• a significant reduction in thigh circumference, of 2.07 cm on average, after 3 months in the test group, compared with only 0.9 cm in the placebo group;
• a 32% reduction in skin roughness after 3 months in the test group, compared with just 6% in the placebo group;
• a significant increase in skin smoothness over time in the test group compared to the placebo group.

It should be remembered, however, that these results, while encouraging, still need to be confirmed by further, larger-scale studies.

Focus on Pycnogenol®, a patented active ingredient from maritime pine

An action on blood circulation

Pycnogenol® is a patented extract of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) bark grown in south-west France.

This natural extract has been studied and is recognised for its properties in vascular health. In fact, it helps to support microcirculation by reducing excessive permeability, which limits micro-leaks (3).

It also contributes to good general blood circulation by protecting blood vessel walls against the effects of oxidative stress.

These properties, due to its high content of OPCs, a group of valuable flavonoids, could explain some of the potential effects observed in cellulite management (4).

Improved blood circulation leads to better tissue drainage, which could be responsible for the reduction in thigh circumference.

Anti-oxidant properties

More generally, maritime pine bark also helps to protect all cells and tissues against oxidative stress, which is responsible for premature cell ageing.

Its antioxidant properties could therefore explain the improvement in skin smoothness, with better-protected cells less prone to ageing.

Free radicals, responsible for the oxidative stress that causes cell damage, also trigger inflammatory reactions.

Acting like an anti-free radical 'shield', Pycnogenol® could reduce this tissue inflammation observed in cases of cellulite.

When the tissues under the skin are less inflamed, they become less swollen and less sensitive. This can also help to smooth the skin's surface and reduce the 'orange peel' appearance.

Pycnogenol® and natural collagen

A number of scientific studies also suggest that Pycnogenol® may play a supporting role in the production of collagen, a protein essential for skin firmness and elasticity (5).

In particular, it inhibits the excessive activity of several enzymes involved in the deterioration of collagen and skin tissue in general.

What's more, its antioxidant properties can indirectly protect collagen from damage caused by free radicals.

Oxidative stress has the harmful effect of destroying the collagen fibres present in tissues.

The actions of Pycnogenol® could help maintain the structure and tone of connective tissue, which is often impaired in cases of cellulite.

Discover the Pycnogenol® food supplement made from Landes pine and standardised in oligo-proanthocyanidins (OPC).