Silybum Marianum (Lady's Thistle) Extract
Silybum Marianum Extract, also known as Lady’s Thistle or Milk Thistle Extract, is a gentle botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its soothing and antioxidant properties. Derived from the seeds of the purple-flowered thistle, it helps protect the skin from environmental stressors while calming irritation. It is commonly found in moisturisers, serums and calming masks aimed at sensitive or stressed skin.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, Silybum Marianum Extract functions primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent. Its natural silymarin complex helps neutralise free radicals generated by pollution and UV exposure, while its soothing properties support the skin’s barrier and reduce the appearance of redness. Formulators like its lightweight, non-greasy profile which makes it suitable for both leave-on and rinse-off products without clogging pores.
Key benefits
- Helps defend against environmental stressors
- Soothes redness and irritation
- Supports the skin’s natural barrier function
- Provides antioxidant protection
- Helps improve the appearance of tired or stressed skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin formulations
Best for
sensitive skin, dry skin, mature skin, irritated skin, dull skin
Where it comes from
Silybum Marianum Extract is obtained from the seeds of Silybum marianum, commonly known as Lady’s Thistle or Milk Thistle, a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family native to the Mediterranean region.
Products with Silybum Marianum (Lady's Thistle) Extract
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Silybum Marianum (Lady's Thistle) Extract than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.