A new double-blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial demonstrated that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract can reduce cellulite severity, a common condition associated with dermal structure and vascular changes beneath the skin.

Published in Phytomedicine Plus, the study found that women who took Pycnogenol experienced measurable improvements in cellulite after 60 and 90 days. In addition, the study found that oral intake of Pycnogenol decreased upper thigh circumference, reduced skin roughness, and improved skin smoothness.

The study evaluated 60 women aged 25 to 45 years over the course of 3 months, with cellulite status and response measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Thirty women took 150 mg of Pycnogenol a day (50 mg in the morning and 100 mg in the evening), while 30 women took a placebo. Key findings include:

Decrease in Cellulite Severity

After 2 months of supplementation, researchers observed a 12.2% reduction in cellulite severity.

By the end of the 12-week trial, participants in the Pycnogenol group had experienced a 13.6% total reduction.

These results were measured using the Hexsel Cellulite Severity Scale, a clinically validated assessment tool that evaluates five key morphological features of cellulite, such as skin surface alterations and depressions. A 13.6% reduction on this scale represents a clinically significant improvement.

The decrease in cellulite severity was not significant in the placebo group but was significantly reduced in the Pycnogenol group.

Reduction in Upper Thigh Circumference

Participants taking Pycnogenol saw a reduction of 2.07 cm after 3 months. This was significantly greater than the 0.9 cm reduction in the placebo group.

Decrease in Skin Roughness

Skin roughness of the outer thigh decreased by 32% in the Pycnogenol group after 3 months. The placebo group showed only a 6% reduction overall.

Increase in Skin Smoothness

Participants in the Pycnogenol group experienced an 11.19% improvement in skin smoothness after 3 months.

The placebo group only showed a 6.82% improvement overall.

“Cellulite is incredibly common — impacting up to 90% of women — and while often seen as frustrating, it doesn’t have to undermine confidence,” said author and renowned natural physician, Dr. Fred Pescatore. “Women today are looking for natural, effective ways to support skin health. Pycnogenol is a clinically backed ingredient with multiple skin benefits, including its ability to visibly improve cellulite. That’s exciting for anyone looking to simplify their beauty routine and feel better in their own skin.”

Danielle Lin, CN, lifestyle radio and podcast host and long-time Pycnogenol advocate, added: “Wellness is the foundation of timeless beauty, and Pycnogenol is one of those rare ingredients that truly bridges inner health with visible results. For women looking to refine skin tone and texture naturally, this research offers a smart, science-backed solution. It’s a beautiful blend of nature and innovation that empowers us to feel confident in our own skin.”

In addition to this new cellulite research, Pycnogenol’s skin and beauty benefits have been documented in over 25 published clinical studies. These demonstrate its ability to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis within the skin’s extracellular matrix, improving skin elasticity and hydration.