Camellia oleifera Abel., a vital economic tree species in China, is extensively cultivated across southern provinces and comprises more than 100 documented cultivars. Its primary product, camellia oil, is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and contains bioactive components such as vitamin E and squalene, which exhibit excellent antioxidant and long-lasting moisturizing effects, as demonstrated in preliminary studies. Beyond the oil, other parts of the plant, flowers, fruit shells, and seeds, also offer significant application potential due to their distinct structural and chemical characteristics. Flower extracts, rich in flavonoids, provide anti-inflammatory and soothing effects for sensitive skin. Pyrolyzed or enzymatically treated fruit shells form porous structures with high adsorption capacity, making them suitable as natural cleaning agents. Additionally, camellia seed proteins, which account for about 10% of the seed content, serve as nutritional additives in skincare formulations to support skin barrier function. Collectively, these attributes support the integration of C. oleifera in moisturizing skincare, natural cleansers, anti-aging serums, and hair care products. However, the comprehensive development and utilization of this resource remain in the early stages. Current research predominantly focuses on individual components, with limited exploration of synergistic applications. Systematic investigations are urgently needed to address key challenges, including efficient extraction of active ingredients, robust efficacy validation through in vitro and in vivo testing, and formulation optimization for product stability. Advancing these areas will facilitate industrial transformation, extend the value chain, reduce resource waste, and generate substantial economic and ecological benefits. This review systematically summarizes the phytochemical composition, functional properties, and industrial applications of C. oleifera in daily chemical products.
