In the relentless pursuit of physical perfection, body lotions that claim to reduce the appearance of cellulite and firm and tone skin are now a growing category in the beauty market.

At least eight brands have launched cellulite-busting, skin-firming potions here in the last three years.

French brands Clarins and Biotherm have long dominated the segment, and they continue to churn out new formulas every few years.

This month, Clarins launches its new Body Lift Cellulite Control ($88), which promises to target cellulite at its early stages of formation as well as stubborn cellulite.

Cellulite is formed when excessive fats accumulate in the cells and they push against the skin to form lumps and dimples.

The lightweight gel-cream replaces the brand's best-selling Clarins High Definition Body Lift formula, which was launched in 2009.

The brand launched its first body-lifting formula in 1995.

Clarins' chief executive, Mr Philip Shearer, estimates that the global luxury bodycare market (which excludes drugstore brands) is worth about US$500 million (S$617 million). Of this amount,

Mr Shearer says Clarins holds more than half the market share.

Slimming formulas are the key drivers of the brand's bodycare sales and are second only to facial skincare products.

To remain competitive, Clarins launches a key body slimming product once every three to four years, says Mr Shearer, who was in town last month for a market visit.

Last month, Biotherm rolled out its new Celluli Eraser ($65). Made with caffeine, rutin (a bioflavanoid), as well as algae found on the coast of Brittany, France, it is said to break down, eliminate and prevent the formation of fat cells.

This formula replaces the brand's best-selling Celluli Laser Slim Code Advanced Slimming Care gel launched in 2010.

The brand's spokesman declines to reveal sales figures, but says slimming/firming/toning balms make up the bulk of sales for its bodycare category.

One brand which is muscling in on the firming body lotion market is British brand Nip + Fab.

Launched here last year, it has a complete range of slimming products that targets problem areas, such as the upper arms and the tummy. It also offers another just for cellulite.

American spa brand Bliss, which made its debut here in 2008, has also been rolling out innovative body-firming potions. Its popular range of Fat Girl products includes booty-firming creams that claim to tighten your skin as you sleep. There are also gels that supposedly help sculpt a six-pack and get rid of love handles.

But these creams alone will not give you a smoother, slimmer and tighter body.

Dr Daniel Wai, a consultant endocrinologist in private practice who was the former director of the obesity and metabolic unit at the Singapore General Hospital, says nothing is more effective than a healthy diet and cardio exercises to achieve a svelte and toned physique.

Lotions can help reduce the appearance of lumpy cellulite, he says, but notes that the effect is temporary, cosmetic and effective only for the areas where the treatment is applied.

"On their own, body creams cannot reduce body fat," he says. That said, Dr Wai explains that certain ingredients have been proven to improve the appearance of dimpled skin caused by cellulite.

They include caffeine and gingko biloba, which improve micro-circulation; vitamin A to increase collagen production for smoother skin; and lotus extract, which can make cellulite look less obvious when used in tandem with a healthy diet.

Clarins is one brand which reminds its consumers that body-firming lotions can only be a supplement to good eating habits and exercise when one is aiming for a toned body.

In its current ad campaign for the Body Lift Cellulite Control gel, a model with a taut and tight body is seen skipping rope (above).

Mr Shearer says the message of the ad is clear.

"There is no miracle product that you can apply and slim down. We recommend that you do your part and exercise, and Clarins will help you look even better."

[email protected]

Get a copy of Urban, The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.