Milk Thistle / Silymarin

INCI: Silybum Marianum Extract

Also known as: Silymarin

BotanicalsantioxidantbotanicalModerate evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

0/5

Best applied

Both

Effective range

0.1%–1%

How It Works

A flavonolignan complex from milk thistle seeds. Strong antioxidant with documented chemo-protective effects against UV damage.

Silybin scavenges ROS, inhibits NF-κB, and supports glutathione synthesis.

pH Range

4.0–7.0

Benefits

Strong antioxidant
Photoprotective
Supports glutathione

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

PhotoagingOxidative stress

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order

4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.1%–1%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Oral silymarin used for liver support.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Pair with Vit C/E for amplified UV photoprotection.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Milk Thistle / Silymarin.

2 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Daily sunscreen use reduced photoaging markers by 24% over 4.5 years compared to discretionary use.

Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013

View Study →

Systematic Review

Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.

Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Vitamin CVitamin E

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility