INCI: Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract
Plant extract of milk thistle with silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans. An antioxidant with anti-inflammatory potential; in cosmetics it promises soothing and protection from oxidative stress. Topical evidence is limited, the activity is real but modest.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Antioxidant with silymarin. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms are confirmed preclinically; human topical data are scarce (one small rosacea study). A supporting, not a lead, active.
Milk thistle fruit extract is obtained from the plant Silybum marianum. The main active fraction is silymarin, a mix of flavonolignans, chiefly silybin. INCI: Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract. Silymarin is well studied in hepatology when taken orally, but in cosmetics the topic is topical use, which is a different context. On skin, silymarin behaves as an antioxidant: it neutralizes free radicals, supports defense against UV oxidative stress, and shows anti-inflammatory potential in lab and animal models. Logical targets are sensitive, redness-prone skin and support for photoprotection. Evidence base. Human data are sparse. One small study found that a combination of silymarin and methylsulfonylmethane reduced redness and burning in rosacea. The rest is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanism from preclinical work. That is thin for a standalone active with a confident clinical effect, so the ingredient is best viewed as a support rather than a lead active. Pregnancy safety. Topical use, low systemic absorption, no evidence of harm in pregnancy. It can be used, but without inflated expectations of the effect. Tolerance. Irritation and allergen potential are low. Milk thistle is in the Asteraceae (daisy) family, so with a known allergy to ragweed, mugwort, or chamomile it makes sense to introduce the product cautiously.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) Fruit Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) Fruit Extract suits: normal, dry, combination, sensitive.
Plant extract of milk thistle with silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans.
The INCI name is Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract. It may also appear as: Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) Fruit Extract, Milk Thistle Extract, Silymarin.
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