Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in South Korea

In a world where natural health solutions are gaining more attention than ever, milk thistle extract has emerged as a standout ingredient, celebrated for its potential liver-supporting properties and rich silymarin content. As demand for high-quality herbal extracts grows—whether for pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, or even skincare—South Korea has solidified its reputation as a hub for premium botanical ingredients. Known for its strict quality control, advanced extraction technologies, and commitment to sustainable sourcing, Korean suppliers are trusted by businesses worldwide. If you're on the hunt for a reliable milk thistle extract partner, this guide highlights the top 10 suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in South Korea, each bringing unique strengths to the table.

Why South Korea Leads in Milk Thistle Extract Production

South Korea's rise as a leader in botanical extract production isn't accidental. The country blends centuries-old herbal medicine traditions with cutting-edge biotech innovation, ensuring that every extract meets rigorous standards. For milk thistle specifically, Korean manufacturers prioritize silymarin purity—often targeting 80% or higher—using cold-extraction methods to preserve the compound's potency. Additionally, strict regulatory frameworks, including GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and ISO certifications, mean buyers can trust in consistent quality. Whether you're a small supplement brand or a large pharmaceutical company, South Korean suppliers offer scalability, transparency, and a focus on research that sets them apart.

Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in South Korea

1. Korean Herbal Extract Co., Ltd. (Seoul)

Founded in 1998, Korean Herbal Extract Co., Ltd. has grown from a small family-run business to one of South Korea's most respected milk thistle extract manufacturers. Based in Seoul, their state-of-the-art facility spans 15,000 square meters and houses advanced CO2 extraction equipment, allowing them to produce milk thistle extract with silymarin concentrations ranging from 60% to 95%. What truly distinguishes them is their vertically integrated supply chain: they partner with organic farms in Jeju Island and Gyeongsang Province to source milk thistle seeds, ensuring traceability from field to final product.

Their product line includes both standard milk thistle extract powder and oil-based formulations, catering to pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic clients. Certified by GMP, ISO 9001, and KOSHER, they pride themselves on batch-to-batch consistency, with each shipment accompanied by a detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis). For bulk buyers, they offer flexible minimum order quantities (MOQs) starting at 25kg, with discounts for orders over 100kg. Their export reach includes North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, with dedicated customer service teams in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.

2. Seoul Natural Ingredients (Seoul)

A relative newcomer but quickly making waves, Seoul Natural Ingredients was established in 2010 with a mission to "bridge traditional herbs and modern science." Specializing in high-purity botanical extracts, their milk thistle extract is a bestseller, thanks to its ultra-high silymarin content (up to 98%) and low heavy metal levels (below 0.1ppm). Their R&D team, composed of pharmacologists and herbalists, continuously works to optimize extraction processes, recently introducing a water-soluble milk thistle extract ideal for beverage and gummy supplement formulations.

Located in Seoul's Gangnam district, their facility is certified by the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) and meets EU's stringent EFSA standards. They focus on small to medium-sized businesses, offering MOQs as low as 5kg, making them a favorite among startups and boutique skincare brands. Beyond milk thistle, they supply a range of herbal extracts, including ginseng and rehmannia, but their milk thistle line stands out for its customization options—clients can request specific particle sizes, solubility levels, or even organic certification (available for ｓｅｌｅｃｔ batches).

3. Busan Bioextracts (Busan)

As the largest port city in South Korea, Busan is a natural hub for export-oriented businesses, and Busan Bioextracts leverages this advantage to serve global clients efficiently. Founded in 2005, they specialize in bulk milk thistle extract wholesale, with a focus on large-scale pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturers. Their facility, located just 10km from Busan Port, allows for quick shipping turnaround—typically 3–5 days for Asian orders and 7–10 days for transatlantic shipments.

Busan Bioextracts prides itself on cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. They source milk thistle seeds from trusted farmers in Australia and Eastern Europe (known for high-silymarin varieties) and use a proprietary solvent-free extraction method that reduces production costs while maintaining silymarin purity at 80–85%. Certified by GMP and ISO 22000, they offer bulk quantities starting at 500kg, with container-load discounts. Their client roster includes major supplement brands in the U.S. and Europe, drawn to their reliable lead times and competitive pricing.

4. Daegu Herbal Solutions (Daegu)

Nestled in Daegu, South Korea's "pharmaceutical capital," Daegu Herbal Solutions has built a reputation for innovation in botanical extracts since 2003. Their milk thistle extract line is unique for its focus on targeted applications: they offer specialized formulations for liver support supplements (high-silymarin), anti-aging skincare (silymarin combined with vitamin E), and even pet health products (low-allergen, palatable powder). This customization is backed by their in-house lab, where they conduct stability testing and efficacy studies for clients.

Daegu Herbal Solutions holds certifications from GMP, ISO 14001 (environmental management), and the Organic Korea Certification Authority (for their organic milk thistle range). They are particularly popular among cosmetic brands, thanks to their microencapsulated milk thistle extract, which enhances absorption in skincare products. With MOQs starting at 10kg, they balance flexibility with scale, serving both small beauty startups and large pharmaceutical firms. Their export markets include Japan, Australia, and Canada, with a dedicated logistics team to handle international regulations.

5. Incheon Botanical Traders (Incheon)

For businesses seeking a one-stop shop for global botanical ingredients, Incheon Botanical Traders is a top choice. Established in 1995, this trading company partners with over 20 local manufacturers, curating a diverse portfolio that includes high-quality milk thistle extract sourced from GMP-certified facilities across South Korea. Their strength lies in their ability to match clients with the right supplier: whether you need organic milk thistle extract, bulk powder, or custom formulations, their team of product specialists provides personalized recommendations based on your budget, MOQ, and quality requirements.

Incheon Botanical Traders handles all aspects of the import-export process, from negotiating pricing to arranging shipping and documentation. They offer competitive rates for small orders (starting at 5kg) and provide samples upon request, making them ideal for businesses testing new products. Their client base spans 30+ countries, with a focus on emerging markets in Latin America and Africa. While they don't manufacture in-house, their rigorous supplier vetting process—including annual facility audits—ensures that every milk thistle extract meets their strict quality benchmarks.

6. Gwangju Green Extracts (Gwangju)

Gwangju Green Extracts has carved a niche in sustainable botanical extraction since 2012. Located in Gwangju's Eco-Industrial Zone, their facility runs on 100% renewable energy, and they use closed-loop extraction systems to minimize waste. Their milk thistle extract is certified organic by the USDA and EU Organic, appealing to eco-conscious brands and consumers. Sourced from pesticide-free farms in South Korea's Jeolla Province, their seeds are cold-pressed to retain nutrients, resulting in a extract with a naturally sweet aroma and silymarin content of 70–80%.

Beyond sustainability, Gwangju Green Extracts prioritizes transparency. They provide clients with blockchain-enabled traceability reports, allowing them to track each batch from seed harvest to extraction. Their product line includes organic milk thistle extract powder, liquid tinctures, and even freeze-dried formulations for use in functional foods. MOQs start at 15kg, with discounts for orders that support their reforestation initiative (they plant a tree for every 100kg sold). Their main markets include Europe, Canada, and the U.S., where demand for organic supplements is booming.

7. Daejeon BioScience (Daejeon)

As a research-driven company, Daejeon BioScience, founded in 2008, is at the forefront of milk thistle extract innovation. Affiliated with Daejeon University's College of Pharmacy, their team of scientists collaborates on studies to enhance silymarin bioavailability and explore new applications, such as using milk thistle extract in diabetes management supplements. Their flagship product, "SilyMax," is a patented milk thistle extract with 90% silymarin and improved absorption rates, backed by clinical trials published in the Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy .

Daejeon BioScience's facility is certified by GMP, ISO 13485 (medical devices), and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, making them a trusted partner for pharmaceutical clients. They offer both standard and custom formulations, with R&D support for clients looking to develop proprietary products. MOQs are higher (starting at 50kg) due to their focus on large-scale pharmaceutical supply, but they provide comprehensive technical data packages, including stability studies and toxicology reports, to meet regulatory requirements.

8. Ulsan Natural Powders (Ulsan)

Ulsan Natural Powders specializes in bulk botanical powders, and their milk thistle extract powder is a staple in the nutraceutical industry. Established in 2001, they focus on high-volume production, with a capacity of 5000kg per month of milk thistle extract. Their facility in Ulsan, a major industrial city, is equipped with automated packaging lines, ensuring fast turnaround for large orders. They source milk thistle seeds globally, selecting the highest-silymarin varieties from Argentina and Hungary, and use a spray-drying process to create a fine, free-flowing powder that's easy to blend into supplements.

Certified by GMP and HACCP, Ulsan Natural Powders offers competitive pricing for bulk orders (100kg+), with options for private labeling and custom packaging. They work closely with supplement brands in the U.S. and Southeast Asia, providing cost-effective solutions for budget-conscious buyers. While they don't specialize in organic or ultra-high-purity extracts, their standard 80% silymarin powder meets most industry requirements, and their strict quality control ensures low microbial counts and heavy metal levels.

9. Suwon Herbal Exports (Suwon)

Suwon Herbal Exports, founded in 1992, is one of South Korea's oldest and most established botanical extract traders. With decades of experience, they have built a global network of manufacturers, allowing them to offer a wide range of milk thistle extract options—from budget-friendly bulk powders to premium organic tinctures. Their strength lies in their market expertise: they stay updated on global trends, such as the growing demand for water-soluble milk thistle extract in beverages, and connect clients with manufacturers who specialize in these niche products.

Based in Suwon, near Seoul, they offer personalized service, with account managers who speak multiple languages and assist with everything from sample requests to customs clearance. They don't have a minimum order quantity, making them ideal for small businesses or startups testing new products. While they don't manufacture themselves, they conduct third-party testing on all extracts to ensure quality, providing clients with COAs and purity reports. Their export reach is extensive, covering over 50 countries, including hard-to-reach markets in the Middle East and Africa.

10. Jeju Island Organic Extracts (Jeju Island)

Last but not least, Jeju Island Organic Extracts embodies South Korea's commitment to natural, sustainable sourcing. Located on Jeju Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, they grow their own milk thistle using organic farming practices, avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Their extraction process is equally eco-friendly: they use spring water from Jeju's volcanic aquifers and solar-powered equipment to create a premium, terroir-driven milk thistle extract with a unique flavor profile and silymarin content of 75–80%.

Certified by EU Organic, USDA Organic, and Korea's National Organic Certification, their extracts are a favorite among high-end supplement and skincare brands that prioritize provenance and sustainability. While their prices are higher than mass-produced alternatives, the quality and story behind their products justify the investment. MOQs start at 5kg, and they offer limited-edition seasonal batches, making them a go-to for brands looking to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

Conclusion: Partnering for Quality and Success

South Korea's milk thistle extract suppliers offer a diverse range of options, from high-purity pharmaceutical-grade extracts to sustainable, organic formulations. Whether you're a small startup or a large multinational, there's a supplier on this list to meet your needs—whether you prioritize bulk pricing, customization, sustainability, or strict certifications. By choosing a Korean supplier, you're not just buying an ingredient; you're investing in a legacy of quality, innovation, and commitment to natural health. Take the time to request samples, review COAs, and communicate your goals, and you'll find a partner that helps your business thrive in the growing global market for botanical extracts.