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Abstract Cellulite is a very common topographical alteration in which the skin acquires an orange peel or mattress appearance. In this condition, alterations occur to the adipose tissue and microcirculation that result from blood and lymphatic disturbances causing fibrosclerosis of the connective tissue. Cellulite is a non - inflammatory, degenerative phenomenon that provokes alterations to the hypodermis producing irregular undulations on the skin overlying affected areas. Methylxanthines, such as caffeine, aminophylline, theophylline, and theobromine, as Ý- agonists and are the main category with documented action in the treatment of cellulite. The most useful and safest methylxanthine is caffeine, which is normally used in concentrations of 1% - 2%. caffeine can be extracted from the coffee beans of the coffea arabica (L) plant. Topical drug administration has been initiated since long time to accomplish several functions on different skin levels (skin surface, epidermis, dermis and hypodermis). But, several limitations have been associated with the conventional topical preparations e.g. low percutaneous penetration because of the barrier function of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin |