Countries such as Colombia and Ecuador are inclining towards sustainable palm oil production as palm oil tightens its grip on the rest of South America by taking certification from Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. Since palm oil is extensively utilized in the region, more manufacturers are trying to expand their local business and get involved in the overseas trade of palm oil. In 2018, Ecuador became the first country in the region to adopt a jurisdictional approach to sustainable palm oil production in the whole country with an investment of USD 1.2 billion. The approach will aid in the organic and sustainable application in various sectors.

The innovations in cosmetics applications are paving the way to the growing market. The most important single cosmetic use of an unmodified natural fat or oil is that of castor oil as the base for lipsticks. Other unmodified oils have largely minor specialty uses, particularly in higher-priced cosmetics. These include almond oil, apricot kernel oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, avocado oil, turtle oil, and mink oil. Cocoa butter is used to some extent in suntan products. Reconstituted fractionated coconut oil is widely used. Moreover, complex oils are being developed for better stability and versatility. For instance, Cargill introduced a new ingredient category called Ultra Oils, representing a unique level of purity for oils and oil products. The range is developed by combining natural properties of vegetable oils blending it with the company’s exclusive technology and knowledge in lipids.