Clinical and Ultrasound Efficacy of Topical Hypertonic Cream (Jovita Osmocell<sup>®</sup>) in the Treatment of Cellulite: A Prospective, Monocentric, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Antonio Di Guardo,
Carmen Solito,
Vito Cantisani,
Federica Rega,
Luca Gargano,
Giovanni Rossi,
Noah Musolff,
Giulia Azzella,
Giovanni Paolino,
Luigi Losco,
Antonia Rivieccio,
Elena Campione,
Luca Bianchi,
Steven Paul Nisticò,
Giovanni Pellacani,
Carmen Cantisani
Affiliations
Antonio Di Guardo
Department of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Carmen Solito
Department of Radiology, Oncology, Anatomo-Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Vito Cantisani
Department of Radiology, Oncology, Anatomo-Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Federica Rega
Department of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Luca Gargano
Department of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Giovanni Rossi
Department of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Noah Musolff
Department of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Giulia Azzella
Department of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Giovanni Paolino
Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
Luigi Losco
Plastic Surgery Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
Antonia Rivieccio
Dermatologic Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Elena Campione
Dermatologic Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Luca Bianchi
Dermatologic Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Steven Paul Nisticò
Department of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Giovanni Pellacani
Department of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Carmen Cantisani
Department of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Background and Objectives: Cellulite, or edemato-fibro-sclerotic panniculopathy (EFP), is characterized by dermal and hypodermal changes leading to adipose tissue accumulation and compromised venous circulation. This study investigates the efficacy of a hypertonic cream containing concentrated sodium chloride (Jovita Osmocell®) in addressing water retention and structural alterations in adipose tissue, aiming to interrupt the cellulite formation process. Materials and Methods: A 12-week, prospective, monocentric, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 30 female subjects with grade II or III cellulite. Patients were randomized to receive hypertonic cream or a placebo. Thigh circumference, ultrasound evaluations, and standardized photographs were collected at baseline, intermediate, and endpoint visits. Adverse events were monitored. Results: After 84 days, the hypertonic cream group exhibited a significant reduction in thigh circumference compared to the placebo group (p = 0.0037). B-mode ultrasound examinations revealed significant changes in the parameters studied, such as the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue. No statistically significant changes were noticed in the placebo group. Volunteers reported the investigational product’s pleasantness and good anti-cellulite activity, with no reported adverse events. Conclusions: The hypertonic cream demonstrated efficacy in reducing thigh circumference, addressing water retention and structural alterations in adipose tissue. The proposed mechanism involves osmosis, releasing accumulated fluids between fat cells, supporting drainage, and reducing inflammation. This study supports the efficacy and safety of hypertonic sodium chloride emulsions in cellulite treatment and confirms safety and user satisfaction.
