If you've ever found yourself scrolling through endless lists of suppliers, wondering which one will deliver the purest silymarin or the most reliable bulk orders, you're not alone. Silymarin, the powerful antioxidant extract from milk thistle, has become a cornerstone in liver health supplements, pharmaceutical formulations, and even skincare products. And in Ireland, a country known for its stringent quality standards and thriving health and wellness industry, finding the right partner to source this botanical extract can make or break your business. Whether you're a small supplement brand just starting out, a pharmaceutical company scaling production, or a cosmetic manufacturer looking to infuse natural ingredients into your line, the search for a trustworthy silymarin supplier often comes down to three key factors: quality, consistency, and reliability.
Ireland's market for botanical extracts has grown steadily over the years, thanks in part to its commitment to organic farming, strict regulatory compliance (hello, EU standards!), and a network of suppliers that prioritize transparency. But with so many options, how do you narrow it down? That's where this guide comes in. We've rounded up the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Ireland, each with its own unique strengths—from organic-certified products to pharmaceutical-grade purity, bulk capabilities, and everything in between. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of who's who in the Irish silymarin scene, and which supplier aligns best with your needs. Let's dive in.
At a Glance: Key Players in Ireland's Silymarin Market
| Company Name | Established | Silymarin Focus | Certifications | Minimum Order | Target Industries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GreenHarvest Botanicals | 2005 | Organic, 80-95% purity | EU Organic, GMP, ISO 9001 | 1kg | Supplements, Cosmetics |
| Emerald Extracts Ltd. | 2010 | Pharmaceutical-grade, bulk powder | EMA, GMP, ISO 13485 | 25kg | Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals |
| Atlantic BioIngredients | 2012 | Standardized 70% silymarin | ISO 22000, Kosher, Halal | 5kg | Food & Beverages, Supplements |
| Celtic Pure Extracts | 2008 | Organic liquid extracts, powder | USDA Organic, GMP | 1L (liquid), 500g (powder) | Skincare, Herbal Remedies |
| Irish Botanicals Trading Co. | 2015 | Bulk raw material, blended extracts | ISO 9001, FSSAI | 50kg | Wholesale, Contract Manufacturing |
| West Coast Wellness Supplies | 2018 | Eco-friendly, cold-pressed silymarin | EcoCert, GMP | 2kg | Sustainable Brands, Small Businesses |
| Dublin Pharma Ingredients | 2003 | Pharma-grade silymarin (USP/EP) | EMA, FDA, GMP | 10kg | Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Trials |
| Shamrock Natural Extracts | 2011 | Water-soluble silymarin, custom blends | ISO 22000, GMP | 10kg | Functional Foods, Beverages |
| Irish Bulk Botanicals | 2007 | Bulk silymarin powder (60-95% purity) | ISO 9001, Halal | 100kg | Large-Scale Manufacturers |
| BioNatura Ireland | 2014 | Organic, non-GMO silymarin | EU Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified | 5kg | Organic Supplements, Vegan Brands |
Diving Deeper: Profiles of Ireland's Leading Silymarin Suppliers
1. GreenHarvest Botanicals
Nestled in the rolling hills of County Cork, GreenHarvest Botanicals has been a staple in Ireland's organic botanical extract scene since 2005. What started as a small family-run farm has grown into a leading supplier of high-purity silymarin, and their secret? A commitment to sustainable farming practices and cold-extraction methods that preserve the extract's potency.
GreenHarvest specializes in organic silymarin, with purity levels ranging from 80% to 95%. Their milk thistle is sourced from local Irish farms (and a few trusted partners in France and Italy) that follow strict organic guidelines—no pesticides, no synthetic fertilizers, just good old-fashioned soil health. For brands that prioritize the "organic" label, this is a huge win; their EU Organic certification is backed by annual audits, and they're more than happy to walk clients through their supply chain (transparency is their middle name).
What sets them apart, though, is their flexibility. Whether you need 1kg of 95% pure silymarin powder for a premium supplement line or 50kg of 80% purity for a budget-friendly product, they'll tailor orders to fit. They also offer custom formulations, blending silymarin with other liver-supporting herbs like dandelion or artichoke extract—perfect for brands looking to create unique blends without juggling multiple suppliers.
Target industries: Small to medium-sized supplement brands, natural skincare companies, and herbal remedy producers. If you're all about organic, traceable ingredients, GreenHarvest is worth a chat.
2. Emerald Extracts Ltd.
If pharmaceutical-grade silymarin is what you're after, Emerald Extracts Ltd. in Dublin should be at the top of your list. Established in 2010, this supplier has built a reputation for precision—their silymarin meets the strictest standards set by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the FDA, making it a go-to for pharmaceutical companies and clinical research teams.
Emerald's focus is on high-purity, standardized silymarin, typically at 90% or higher. They use a proprietary extraction process that removes impurities and ensures batch-to-batch consistency—a must for pharmaceutical formulations where even the smallest variance can affect efficacy. Their facility is GMP-certified and ISO 13485-compliant, meaning every step, from raw material testing to final packaging, is documented and auditable.
Bulk orders are their bread and butter. With a minimum order quantity of 25kg, they cater to large-scale manufacturers, but they're not opposed to smaller trials (they understand that R&D teams need samples too). They also offer technical support, providing detailed COAs (Certificates of Analysis) and stability data to help clients navigate regulatory hurdles.
One thing to note: Emerald sources its milk thistle globally (they work with suppliers in Germany, Hungary, and Argentina) to ensure year-round availability, but they're strict about quality checks—each batch is tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination before it even hits their facility. For pharma companies that can't afford compromises, this level of rigor is non-negotiable.
Target industries: Pharmaceutical companies, large nutraceutical manufacturers, and clinical research organizations. If compliance and consistency are your top priorities, Emerald Extracts delivers.
3. Atlantic BioIngredients
Based in Galway, Atlantic BioIngredients has made a name for itself by bridging the gap between food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade silymarin. Founded in 2012 by a team of food scientists and botanists, they specialize in standardized silymarin extracts (70% purity is their most popular offering) that work equally well in supplements, functional foods, and even beverages.
What makes Atlantic stand out is their focus on solubility. Traditional silymarin is fat-soluble, which can limit its use in water-based products like juices or energy drinks. Atlantic has developed a water-soluble version using a gentle encapsulation process that makes it easy to mix into liquids without clumping or settling. For beverage brands looking to add a liver-support twist, this is a game-changer.
They're also big on certifications beyond the usual GMP and ISO. Their silymarin is Kosher and Halal certified, opening doors to markets that might otherwise be off-limits. And while they don't specialize in organic (though they do offer an organic option), they're committed to sustainability—their extraction process uses 30% less energy than traditional methods, and they offset their carbon footprint by investing in reforestation projects in Ireland.
Minimum orders start at 5kg, which is manageable for mid-sized brands, and they offer quick turnaround times (typically 5-7 business days for in-stock items). Their customer service team is also known for being incredibly responsive—whether you need help with dosage recommendations or assistance with regulatory filings, they're happy to roll up their sleeves and help.
Target industries: Functional food and beverage manufacturers, mid-sized supplement brands, and international traders (they export to over 20 countries). If versatility and innovation are key for your product line, Atlantic BioIngredients is a solid pick.
4. Celtic Pure Extracts
For brands that prefer liquid extracts over powder, Celtic Pure Extracts in County Kerry is a hidden gem. Established in 2008, this family-owned business has perfected the art of creating high-quality liquid silymarin extracts, along with a range of other botanical oils and tinctures.
Celtic Pure's liquid silymarin is a standout for a few reasons: first, it's organic (USDA and EU certified), sourced from milk thistle grown on their own farm in Kerry (yes, they grow their own!). Second, they use a cold-maceration process that steeps the milk thistle seeds in organic ethanol for 6-8 weeks, extracting not just silymarin but also other beneficial compounds like flavonoids and fatty acids. The result? A more holistic extract that many skincare brands swear by for its anti-inflammatory properties.
They also offer powder silymarin (500g minimum order), but their liquid line is where they shine. Available in concentrations of 1:3 (1 part extract to 3 parts solvent) and 1:5, it's ideal for serums, lotions, and herbal tinctures. And because they control the entire process from farm to bottle, they can guarantee freshness—their liquid extracts have a shelf life of 2 years, which is longer than many competitors.
Target industries: Natural skincare brands, herbal remedy companies, and small-scale supplement makers who want to offer liquid capsules or drops. If you're looking for a supplier that's hands-on from seed to extract, Celtic Pure is as authentic as it gets.
5. Irish Botanicals Trading Co.
When it comes to bulk raw materials, Irish Botanicals Trading Co. (IBTC) in Limerick is the heavyweight in Ireland. Founded in 2015, this wholesaler and trader specializes in large-quantity silymarin (and other botanical extracts), making them a favorite among contract manufacturers and international buyers.
IBTC doesn't produce its own extracts—instead, they partner with a network of GMP-certified manufacturers in Europe and Asia to source high-quality silymarin at competitive prices. This model allows them to offer bulk quantities (minimum order 50kg) at lower costs than many in-house manufacturers, which is a big plus for brands looking to scale production.
They offer a range of purity levels, from 60% to 95%, and can source both organic and conventional silymarin depending on client needs. What clients love most, though, is their ability to handle complex logistics. Whether you need silymarin shipped to a factory in Germany or a warehouse in the U.S., IBTC takes care of customs, documentation, and shipping, ensuring on-time delivery (they boast a 98% on-time rate).
They also offer blended extracts—for example, silymarin mixed with turmeric or ginger—saving clients the hassle of blending in-house. And while they're a wholesaler, they don't skimp on quality control; every batch is tested in their in-house lab (or by third-party labs) for purity and contaminants before it's shipped.
Target industries: Large-scale supplement manufacturers, contract packagers, and international traders. If you need bulk silymarin at a competitive price with hassle-free logistics, IBTC delivers.
6. West Coast Wellness Supplies
For brands that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness, West Coast Wellness Supplies in Sligo is a breath of fresh air. Established in 2018 by a team of environmental scientists, this supplier is on a mission to prove that botanical extracts can be both effective and kind to the planet.
West Coast's silymarin is sourced from organic, regenerative farms in Ireland and Scotland—farms that use crop rotation, cover cropping, and natural pest control to improve soil health. Their extraction process is equally green: they use supercritical CO2 extraction, which uses no solvents and produces zero waste. The result is a cold-pressed silymarin powder that's not only pure (90%+ purity) but also has a lower carbon footprint than traditional solvent-based extracts.
They're also big on transparency. Their website features a "Farm to Extract" page that profiles each of their partner farms, complete with photos and farmer interviews. For brands that want to tell a sustainability story to consumers, this is invaluable.
Minimum orders start at 2kg, which is great for small to medium brands, and they offer a "sample pack" (100g) for testing—perfect for R&D teams. They also donate 5% of profits to ocean conservation organizations (Sligo is a coastal town, after all), so you can feel good about where your money is going.
Target industries: Sustainable supplement brands, eco-conscious skincare lines, and small businesses that want to align with green values. If "sustainability" isn't just a buzzword for you, West Coast Wellness is your match.
7. Dublin Pharma Ingredients
Dublin Pharma Ingredients (DPI) is the supplier for brands that need silymarin that meets pharmaceutical standards—no exceptions. Founded in 2003, this Dublin-based company has built its reputation on providing silymarin that's compliant with USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia) monographs, making it suitable for use in prescription medications and clinical trials.
DPI's silymarin is 95% pure, with tight specifications for heavy metals (less than 0.1ppm), residual solvents (ND, or not detected), and microbial counts (less than 10 CFU/g). They source raw materials from a ｓｅｌｅｃｔ group of suppliers in Germany and Austria that specialize in pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle, and every batch undergoes rigorous testing at their in-house lab (which is ISO 17025-accredited).
While their minimum order is 10kg (which can be steep for small brands), they offer long-term contracts with fixed pricing—great for pharmaceutical companies that need to plan production budgets. They also provide detailed documentation, including DMFs (Drug Master Files) for clients submitting products to the FDA, and their technical team is available 24/7 to answer compliance questions.
Target industries: Pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), and large nutraceutical brands with pharmaceutical aspirations. If you need silymarin that meets the highest regulatory standards, DPI is the gold standard.
8. Shamrock Natural Extracts
Shamrock Natural Extracts, based in Waterford, is all about innovation. Since 2011, they've been developing unique silymarin formulations that solve common industry pain points—like poor solubility or low bioavailability. Their claim to fame? A water-soluble silymarin microencapsulate that's 10x more bioavailable than standard silymarin powder.
How does it work? Shamrock uses a spray-drying process to coat silymarin particles with a plant-based polysaccharide, creating tiny microspheres that dissolve easily in water and are absorbed more quickly by the body. For supplement brands, this means lower dosages can deliver the same benefits, reducing production costs. For beverage brands, it means no more gritty textures or floating particles in their drinks.
They also offer custom blends, mixing silymarin with vitamins (like B12 or vitamin E) or other antioxidants (like resveratrol) to create ready-to-use formulas. Their minimum order is 10kg, but they offer free samples (50g) so clients can test solubility and bioavailability before committing.
Target industries: Functional food and beverage manufacturers, supplement brands focused on bioavailability, and international traders looking for innovative ingredients. If you want to stand out with a cutting-edge silymarin product, Shamrock has the goods.
9. Irish Bulk Botanicals
As the name suggests, Irish Bulk Botanicals in Cork is all about large-scale orders. Established in 2007, this supplier specializes in bulk silymarin powder, with minimum orders starting at 100kg—making them a top choice for manufacturers that need to keep production lines running without frequent reorders.
Irish Bulk offers silymarin in a range of purities: 60% (budget-friendly, great for animal supplements), 80% (standard for human supplements), and 90% (premium grade). They source raw materials from a global network of suppliers (Spain, China, and Argentina are their main partners) and leverage their buying power to negotiate lower prices, which they pass on to clients.
What clients appreciate most is their reliability. They maintain a large inventory (over 5,000kg of silymarin in stock at any time), so even rush orders can be shipped within 24-48 hours. They also offer flexible packaging options, from 25kg drums to 1-tonne supersacks, and can arrange shipping via sea, air, or road to anywhere in Europe.
While they don't specialize in organic or pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, they do offer Halal certification and can provide COAs for all batches. For brands that need consistent, affordable bulk silymarin, Irish Bulk is a workhorse.
Target industries: Large supplement manufacturers, animal health companies, and international wholesalers. If you need silymarin by the tonne, look no further.
10. BioNatura Ireland
Rounding out our list is BioNatura Ireland, a small but mighty supplier in Galway that's making waves in the organic, non-GMO silymarin space. Founded in 2014 by a group of herbalists and nutritionists, BioNatura focuses on creating extracts that are not only pure but also aligned with vegan and clean-label values.
BioNatura's silymarin is 100% organic (EU and USDA certified), non-GMO (Non-GMO Project Verified), and vegan-friendly (no animal-derived carriers or excipients). Their milk thistle is sourced from organic farms in Poland and Hungary, and they use a solvent-free extraction method (cold pressing followed by filtration) to keep the process as natural as possible.
What's unique about BioNatura is their focus on education. They offer free webinars for clients on topics like "Silymarin Dosage for Liver Health" and "Marketing Organic Supplements to Millennials," and their team includes a certified herbalist who can provide dosage recommendations and formulation advice. For new brands that need a little guidance, this is priceless.
Minimum orders start at 5kg, which is manageable for small to medium brands, and they offer eco-friendly packaging (recyclable drums, compostable bags) at no extra cost. They also donate a portion of profits to organic farming initiatives in Ireland, supporting the next generation of sustainable agriculture.
Target industries: Vegan supplement brands, clean-label skincare companies, and health food stores. If your brand values align with organic, non-GMO, and community support, BioNatura is the partner for you.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Silymarin Partner
Choosing a silymarin supplier in Ireland isn't just about comparing prices or purity levels—it's about finding a partner that understands your brand's values, supports your growth, and delivers consistently, batch after batch. Whether you prioritize organic certifications, pharmaceutical-grade precision, bulk capabilities, or sustainability, Ireland's market has something for everyone.
GreenHarvest Botanicals and BioNatura Ireland are ideal for organic-focused brands; Emerald Extracts and Dublin Pharma Ingredients cater to pharmaceutical and high-purity needs; Atlantic BioIngredients and Shamrock Natural Extracts bring innovation to functional foods and beverages; and Irish Bulk Botanicals and IBTC handle the heavy lifting for large-scale orders. And for those who want to support local, Celtic Pure Extracts grows their own milk thistle right here in Ireland.
At the end of the day, the best supplier is the one that checks all your boxes—quality, reliability, and a shared vision for what your product can be. So take your time, ask questions (request samples, tour facilities if possible), and don't settle until you find the one that feels like a true extension of your team. After all, your silymarin supplier isn't just a vendor—they're a key ingredient in your success.
