Columbia Camellia Oil Market Overview, 2030

Colombia’s camellia oil market is in a formative stage, developing quietly within the broader ecosystem of natural beauty and wellness. Imported camellia oil primarily from Japan and China remains the backbone of the current supply chain, as Colombia lacks a fully established domestic cultivation or processing infrastructure. The oil is typically introduced through specialty importers catering to upscale wellness retailers, cosmetic formulators, and niche food stores in cities like Bogotá and Medellín. Its price point remains considerably higher than traditional Colombian oils such as marula or jojoba, reflecting both import costs and its positioning as a high-value botanical. Despite not having roots in Colombia’s traditional herbal practices, camellia oil is being adopted by boutique cosmetic brands targeting discerning consumers interested in premium, non-toxic skincare alternatives. From a legal and regulatory perspective, oversight is split between INVIMA, which governs personal care and cosmetic safety, and the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA), responsible for monitoring edible oils and agricultural imports. Importers of food-grade camellia oil must comply with strict phytosanitary standards, while cosmetic oils must meet formulation and labeling requirements set out by INVIMA. In parallel, organic product claims must be verified under the Colombian Organic Agriculture Program, which evaluates inputs and production methods for compliance with national standards. These regulations aim to build consumer trust while deterring fraudulent labeling and adulteration, a growing concern as premium plant oils gain commercial appeal. While culinary use is still niche, regulatory clarity is fostering broader experimentation across both food and beauty categories, laying the groundwork for deeper market penetration.

According to the research report Colombia Camellia Oil Market Overview, 2030, published by Bonafide Research, the Colombia Camellia Oil market was valued at more than USD 40 Million in 2024. Colombia’s camellia oil market is positioned for significant evolution, supported by a convergence of consumer preferences, brand innovation, and agricultural diversification. Domestic beauty brands are leading this shift by formulating next-generation skincare and haircare products that incorporate camellia oil as a central, performance-driven ingredient. Companies like Loto del Sur are creating serums and facial elixirs that promote camellia’s hydrating and antioxidant qualities, often blending it with native Colombian botanicals to enhance product identity and local relevance. At the same time, wellness-driven chefs and functional food entrepreneurs are exploring camellia oil’s potential in cold-pressed gourmet applications, inspired by Asian culinary traditions but tailored to Colombian palates. Recent experimental farming initiatives in Antioquia and Caldas reflect growing interest in localizing production. Agricultural researchers and cooperatives are evaluating the adaptability of Camellia oleifera to Colombian highland climates, assessing not only yield potential but also the oil’s chemical profile when grown in domestic conditions. This could unlock opportunities for Colombia to establish a unique camellia oil cultivar, distinct in flavor and formulation potential. Meanwhile, specialty retailers are expanding distribution channels via curated e-commerce platforms and concept stores in luxury districts. Future growth strategies include developing vertically integrated value chains from farm to formulation and establishing Colombia as a boutique exporter of high-quality camellia oil blends.

Pure Camellia Oil, obtained through the first cold pressing of camellia seeds, is the highest-quality variant, retaining its natural antioxidants, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fatty acids, making it an essential ingredient in cosmetic, skincare, and gourmet applications. Due to its light texture, rapid absorption, and non-greasy feel, Pure Camellia Oil is widely used in luxury skincare formulations, including moisturizers, anti-aging serums, hair treatments, and restorative oils, particularly in Colombia’s premium beauty industry, where brands emphasize hydration and barrier repair. In the food sector, Pure Camellia Oil serves as a culinary-grade product, recognized for its high smoke point, mild flavor, and nutritional benefits, making it an alternative to olive and avocado oils in specialty cooking applications. Meanwhile, Extra Camellia Oil, though still 100% derived from camellia seeds, undergoes refining processes to remove impurities, resulting in a longer shelf life and greater stability, making it suitable for industrial, pharmaceutical, and mass-market cosmetic formulations. Extra Camellia Oil finds applications in cosmetic emulsions, bio-based lubricants, and nutraceuticals, where consistency and purity are critical factors. Colombia’s import-dependent market sources both Pure and Extra Camellia Oil primarily from China and Japan, ensuring a steady supply for domestic consumption and industrial processing.

In the Cosmetics and Personal Care Products sector, Camellia oil is widely used in moisturizers, anti-aging serums, hair care formulations, and skincare products, owing to its high antioxidant content, lightweight texture, and deep hydration properties that support skin nourishment, repair, and protection from environmental stressors. The Pharmaceutical industry integrates Camellia oil into medicinal formulations, topical treatments, and nutraceuticals, leveraging its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits to support skin health, wound healing, and therapeutic applications for conditions such as eczema, dry skin, and aging-related concerns. The Food and Beverage industry utilizes Camellia oil in gourmet cooking, salad dressings, and specialty food products, where its high smoke point and mild flavor make it a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers and culinary professionals seeking organic, cold-pressed oil options. The Industrial Lubricants segment incorporates Camellia oil into bio-based lubricants, machinery oils, and eco-friendly coatings, supporting Colombia’s sustainability initiatives and environmental regulations aimed at reducing reliance on synthetic lubricants. Beyond these core applications, Camellia oil is used in pet care formulations, aromatherapy blends, and specialty wellness products, reinforcing its versatility across multiple industries. Colombia’s commitment to sustainability and traceability has led to increased investments in organic-certified and responsibly sourced Camellia oil, ensuring compliance with global environmental standards and consumer-driven demand for transparency and ethical ingredient sourcing.

Supermarkets serve as a primary retail channel for Camellia oil, offering mass-market accessibility to consumers seeking premium edible oils and skincare formulations. Large grocery chains stock cold-pressed and organic Camellia oil, ensuring availability for health-conscious buyers who prioritize clean-label and sustainably sourced products. The Specialty Shops segment focuses on high-end beauty retailers, organic food stores, and wellness boutiques, where Camellia oil is marketed as a luxury skincare and culinary ingredient. These outlets emphasize product authenticity, traceability, and premium formulations, catering to consumers who seek exclusive and ethically sourced oils. The E-Commerce sector has witnessed significant growth, with online platforms providing direct-to-consumer access to a diverse range of Camellia oil products, including cosmetic-grade, food-grade, and industrial formulations. Digital marketplaces enable brand transparency, consumer education, and personalized recommendations, reinforcing the demand for organic-certified and sustainably produced Camellia oil. Beyond these core channels, other distribution formats include pharmaceutical retailers, wellness clinics, and direct sales through manufacturers, ensuring accessibility for therapeutic and medicinal applications. Colombia’s commitment to sustainability and traceability has led to increased investments in organic-certified and responsibly sourced Camellia oil, ensuring compliance with global environmental standards.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Camellia Oil Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product
• Pure Camellia Oil
• Extra Camellia Oil

By Application
• Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
• Pharmaceuticals
• Food and Beverage
• Industrial Lubricants
• Others

By Distribution Channel
• Supermarkets
• Specialty Shops
• E-Commerce
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.