Camellia-Derived Bioactive Compounds: Research Advances and Application Prospects in Dermatology

Camellia japonica L., an East Asian species with extensive ethnobotanical use, is a rich source of bioactive metabolites including polyphenols, saponins, terpenoids, sterols, and fatty acids. These compounds have attracted significant attention in cosmetic research due to increasing demand for natural, multifunctional ingredients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturizing, and skin-brightening properties. This review summarizes the major classes of Camellia metabolites, their chemical characteristics, and mechanisms of action. Terpenoids and polyphenols, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Camellia saponins serve as mild natural surfactants for gentle skin cleansing, while phytosterols, amino acids, proteins, and seed fatty acids synergistically reconstruct the epidermal barrier and maintain cutaneous hydration. This review further addresses the current applications of these Camellia-derived bioactives in ameliorating photo-aging, hyperpigmentation, skin inflammation, and barrier dysfunction. Despite significant progress, key challenges persist, including incomplete understanding of biosynthetic regulation, suboptimal extraction methods, limited study of synergistic effects, and insufficient human safety data. Future studies should employ omics technologies and green extraction approaches to elucidate biosynthetic pathways, validate efficacy, and promote sustainable utilization of Camellia resources in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and related industries.