If you've ever picked up a liver support supplement or a natural skincare product, chances are you've come across silymarin. As the active compound in milk thistle extract, silymarin has earned a reputation for its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to support liver health—a trait that's made it a staple in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and even cosmetics. But where does the best silymarin come from? In recent years, Chile has emerged as a hidden gem in the global botanical extracts market, thanks to its ideal growing conditions for milk thistle, strict quality standards, and a network of suppliers dedicated to purity and sustainability.
Whether you're a pharmaceutical company sourcing bulk botanical extracts for a new liver support formula, a supplement brand looking for high-potency silymarin, or a cosmetic manufacturer wanting to harness the skin-soothing benefits of milk thistle extract, Chile's suppliers offer a range of options to fit your needs. In this article, we're diving into the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Chile—breaking down what makes each one stand out, their product specialties, and how they can support your business.
Why Chile? The Rise of Silymarin Production in South America
You might be wondering: Why Chile? What makes this South American nation a go-to for silymarin and milk thistle extract? The answer lies in its unique combination of climate, agriculture, and commitment to quality. Chile's central regions, including the Maule and Bio-Bio valleys, boast a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters—perfect for growing milk thistle (Silybum marianum). The country's fertile soil, free from many industrial pollutants, also ensures that the milk thistle plants thrive, producing seeds rich in silymarin.
Beyond ideal growing conditions, Chile's botanical extract industry is backed by strict regulatory standards. Many suppliers here adhere to international certifications like ISO 9001, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and organic certifications, ensuring that their silymarin and milk thistle extract meet the highest benchmarks for purity and safety. For businesses in need of pharmaceutical grade silymarin, this is a game-changer—Chilean suppliers often invest in advanced extraction technologies and third-party testing to guarantee potency, making them trusted partners for global brands.
Our Selection Criteria: How We Chose the Top 10
With so many players in the market, narrowing down the top 10 silymarin suppliers in Chile wasn't easy. To ensure we highlighted the best of the best, we focused on a few key criteria:
- Industry Experience: We prioritized suppliers with at least 5–10 years in the botanical extract business, as longevity often translates to expertise in sourcing, extraction, and quality control.
- Product Quality: All suppliers on this list offer silymarin with high purity levels (typically 80%–95%) and milk thistle extract tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants.
- Bulk Capabilities: For wholesalers and manufacturers, bulk supply is critical. We looked for suppliers with the infrastructure to handle large orders (think tons, not kilograms) of silymarin and milk thistle extract.
- Certifications: Certifications like GMP, ISO, and organic (where applicable) were non-negotiable, as they demonstrate a commitment to safety and transparency.
- Customer Focus: This includes flexibility (e.g., custom formulations, different extract forms like powder or liquid), reliable logistics, and responsive customer service—key for businesses with tight production timelines.
Top 10 Silymarin Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in Chile
1. Andes Natural Extracts Ltd.
Founded in 2010 in Santiago, Andes Natural Extracts has quickly become a leader in Chile's silymarin market. What sets them apart? Their vertically integrated model: they own and operate their own milk thistle farms in the Maule Valley, giving them full control over the supply chain from seed to extract. This means they can guarantee traceability—a huge plus for pharmaceutical clients who need to document every step of production.
Andes specializes in high-purity silymarin (80%–95%) and standard milk thistle extract (silymarin content 40%–60%), available in powder and liquid forms. They're certified GMP and ISO 22000, and their facility is equipped to handle bulk orders of up to 500 tons annually. Clients praise their consistency—Andes' silymarin potency varies by less than 2% batch-to-batch, a level of reliability that's hard to find in the industry.
Target markets: Pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals. They also offer custom formulations, including silymarin blended with other liver-supporting botanicals like artichoke extract.
2. Valparaíso Botanical Traders
Based in the coastal city of Valparaíso, Valparaíso Botanical Traders (VBT) is a wholesaler and trader with a focus on global distribution. While they don't manufacture extracts in-house, they partner with 10+ GMP-certified manufacturers across Chile to source the highest-quality silymarin and milk thistle extract. This model allows them to offer competitive pricing and a wide range of products, from organic milk thistle extract (certified by Ecocert) to pharmaceutical grade silymarin with 95% purity.
VBT prides itself on its logistics network—they ship bulk botanical extracts to over 30 countries, with fast lead times (typically 7–10 days for standard orders). They also specialize in small-batch orders for startups, making them a great fit for emerging supplement brands. Their customer service team is multilingual (Spanish, English, Portuguese), which helps smooth communication for international clients.
Target markets: Dietary supplements, cosmetics, and food additives. Their organic milk thistle extract is particularly popular with natural skincare brands looking to highlight "clean" ingredients.
3. Patagonia Pharma Ingredients
For businesses in need of pharmaceutical grade silymarin, Patagonia Pharma Ingredients is a top choice. Located in Concepción, this manufacturer has been supplying the pharmaceutical industry since 2005, with a focus on ultra-pure silymarin (95%+ purity) and milk thistle extract with minimal heavy metal content (below 0.1 ppm for lead and arsenic). Their facility is GMP-certified and audited annually by the Chilean Ministry of Health, ensuring compliance with global pharmaceutical standards.
Patagonia Pharma uses a cold-extraction process to preserve silymarin's bioactivity, a method that's more time-consuming but results in a more potent final product. They also offer custom formulations, such as silymarin encapsulated in microbeads for better absorption in supplements. While they primarily cater to large-scale pharmaceutical clients, they do accept bulk orders from supplement brands (minimum order: 100 kg).
Target markets: Pharmaceuticals, high-end dietary supplements. Their silymarin is often used in prescription liver medications and premium OTC supplements.
4. Chilean Botanical Wholesalers (CBW)
As the name suggests, CBW is all about bulk. Founded in 2008 in Rancagua, this wholesaler specializes in large-volume sales of milk thistle extract and silymarin, with clients ranging from international supplement manufacturers to cosmetic companies. They source their milk thistle from partner farms in the Bio-Bio region, known for producing seeds with high silymarin content (up to 2.5% per seed).
CBW's claim to fame is their competitive pricing—by focusing on high-volume sales, they're able to offer milk thistle extract at some of the lowest rates in Chile. They also provide flexible packaging options, from 25 kg drums to 1-ton supersacks, making them ideal for businesses with storage constraints. While they don't offer organic certification, their standard milk thistle extract is tested for pesticides and meets EU safety standards.
Target markets: Supplement manufacturers, food and beverage companies (for functional drinks), and cosmetic formulators. Their bulk milk thistle extract is a favorite for budget-friendly supplement lines.
5. BioSily Chile
BioSily Chile is a family-owned manufacturer with a passion for sustainability. Located in Talca, they've been growing milk thistle organically since 2012, using regenerative farming practices to improve soil health and reduce water usage. Their organic milk thistle extract is certified by the USDA and EU Organic, making it a top pick for brands targeting eco-conscious consumers.
In addition to standard silymarin (80% purity), BioSily offers a unique "whole-plant" milk thistle extract, which includes other beneficial compounds from the plant (like flavonoids and fatty acids) alongside silymarin. Clients report that this whole-plant extract has enhanced skin-soothing properties, making it popular in natural skincare products. They also offer small-batch testing for clients who want to sample products before committing to bulk orders.
Target markets: Organic supplements, natural cosmetics, and wellness brands. Their commitment to sustainability has earned them partnerships with eco-luxury skincare lines in Europe and North America.
6. Santiago Extract Trading Co.
Santiago Extract Trading Co. (SETC) is a trader with a global reach. Established in 2015, they act as a middleman between small-scale Chilean manufacturers and international buyers, helping to connect businesses with niche products—including specialty silymarin formulations. For example, they work with a partner lab that produces water-soluble silymarin, a rare variant that's easier to incorporate into liquid supplements and beverages.
SETC prides itself on its market expertise. They keep a close eye on global trends, such as the growing demand for silymarin in pet supplements (yes, even dogs and cats benefit from liver support!), and help their suppliers adapt accordingly. They also offer logistics support, handling customs clearance and shipping to ensure products reach clients on time and in compliance with local regulations.
Target markets: International supplement brands, pet food companies, and beverage manufacturers. Their water-soluble silymarin is a hit with companies making liver-support drinks and electrolyte mixes.
7. Central Valley Botanicals
Central Valley Botanicals, based in San Fernando, is a manufacturer with a focus on innovation. They were one of the first Chilean suppliers to invest in CO2 extraction technology, a method that uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract silymarin without harsh solvents. The result? A cleaner, more natural extract with no residual chemicals—a big selling point for "clean label" supplement brands.
Their product line includes standard silymarin (80%–95% purity), as well as a high-potency silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex, which is designed to enhance absorption in the body. This complex is particularly popular with pharmaceutical companies developing liver support medications, as it allows for lower dosages while maintaining efficacy. Central Valley also offers contract manufacturing, helping clients develop custom supplement formulations from start to finish.
Target markets: Pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and supplement brands focused on bioavailability. Their CO2-extracted silymarin is often used in premium supplements marketed for "superior absorption."
8. South Pacific Extracts (SPE)
SPE, located in Coquimbo, is a wholesaler that caters to the cosmetics industry. While they do offer standard silymarin for supplements, their specialty is milk thistle extract formulated for skincare. Their cosmetic-grade extract is tested for irritants and allergens, making it safe for use in serums, creams, and masks. It's prized for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from free radical damage, and its ability to soothe inflammation.
What makes SPE stand out is their focus on education. They provide clients with detailed dossiers on milk thistle extract's skin benefits, including clinical studies and suggested usage rates (typically 0.5%–2% in formulations). They also offer samples of finished products, like a prototype milk thistle serum, to help brands visualize how the extract performs in real-world applications.
Target markets: Cosmetics manufacturers, skincare brands, and spa product lines. Their cosmetic-grade milk thistle extract is a staple in natural anti-aging and acne-fighting products.
9. EcoSily Chile
EcoSily Chile is a sustainability-focused manufacturer with a mission to reduce waste in the botanical extract industry. Located in Chillán, they use a closed-loop extraction process that recycles solvents and repurposes byproducts (like milk thistle seed cake, which is sold as animal feed). This not only reduces their environmental footprint but also lowers production costs, allowing them to offer competitive pricing on bulk silymarin.
EcoSily's product line includes organic and conventional milk thistle extract, with silymarin purity ranging from 40% to 95%. They're certified by the Rainforest Alliance for their sustainable farming practices and are a popular choice for brands with strong ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals. They also offer carbon-neutral shipping, offsetting the emissions from transporting their products globally.
Target markets: Sustainable supplement brands, eco-friendly food companies, and B Corp-certified businesses. Their closed-loop process has earned them recognition from the Chilean government as a "green manufacturing leader."
10. Chilean Silymarin Traders (CST)
Rounding out our list is CST, a trader with a focus on affordability. Founded in 2012 in Antofagasta, they work with small-scale manufacturers in northern Chile to source budget-friendly milk thistle extract and silymarin, making them a great option for price-sensitive buyers. While their minimum order quantities are higher (500 kg for silymarin), their rates are often 10%–15% lower than larger suppliers.
CST doesn't skimp on quality, though. All their products undergo third-party testing for purity and contaminants, and they provide detailed COAs (Certificates of Analysis) with every order. They also offer flexible payment terms, including letters of credit, to help international clients manage cash flow. For businesses looking to scale quickly without breaking the bank, CST is a reliable partner.
Target markets: Large-scale supplement manufacturers, generic pharmaceutical companies, and international distributors. Their budget-friendly silymarin is often used in private-label supplements and value-brand liver support products.
| Supplier Name | Location | Specialties | Certifications | Target Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andes Natural Extracts Ltd. | Santiago | Vertically integrated, 80%–95% silymarin, bulk supply | GMP, ISO 22000 | Pharmaceuticals, supplements |
| Valparaíso Botanical Traders | Valparaíso | Global distribution, organic options, small-batch orders | Ecocert (organic) | Supplements, cosmetics |
| Patagonia Pharma Ingredients | Concepción | Pharmaceutical grade (95%+ silymarin), cold extraction | GMP, Chilean Ministry of Health | Pharmaceuticals, premium supplements |
| Chilean Botanical Wholesalers | Rancagua | Bulk pricing, large-volume orders | EU safety standards | Supplement manufacturers, food additives |
| BioSily Chile | Talca | Organic, whole-plant extract | USDA Organic, EU Organic | Organic supplements, natural cosmetics |
| Santiago Extract Trading Co. | Santiago | Water-soluble silymarin, niche formulations | N/A (trader, partners with certified labs) | Beverages, pet supplements |
| Central Valley Botanicals | San Fernando | CO2 extraction, silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex | GMP | Pharmaceuticals, high-bioavailability supplements |
| South Pacific Extracts | Coquimbo | Cosmetic-grade extract, skin-benefit formulations | Allergen-free testing | Cosmetics, skincare |
| EcoSily Chile | Chillán | Sustainable, closed-loop extraction | Rainforest Alliance | Sustainable brands, B Corps |
| Chilean Silymarin Traders | Antofagasta | Budget-friendly bulk silymarin | Third-party COAs | Private-label supplements, value brands |
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Silymarin Partner in Chile
Chile's silymarin and milk thistle extract suppliers offer something for every business—whether you need pharmaceutical grade silymarin for a prescription drug, organic extract for a natural skincare line, or bulk quantities at budget-friendly prices. The key is to align your needs with each supplier's strengths: if sustainability is a priority, BioSily Chile or EcoSily Chile might be your best bet; if you're in pharmaceuticals, Patagonia Pharma Ingredients' 95% purity silymarin is hard to beat; and for bulk orders, Chilean Botanical Wholesalers or Andes Natural Extracts have the capacity to deliver.
No matter which supplier you choose, Chile's commitment to quality and innovation makes it a top destination for silymarin and milk thistle extract. As the global demand for natural, plant-based ingredients continues to grow, these suppliers are poised to lead the way—offering not just products, but partnerships built on trust, transparency, and shared success.
So, whether you're just starting to explore silymarin for your business or looking to switch suppliers, consider Chile. With its rich agricultural heritage, strict quality standards, and diverse range of suppliers, it's a market that's sure to have exactly what you need.
