If you've ever explored the world of herbal supplements, skincare, or pharmaceuticals, chances are you've encountered silymarin—a potent antioxidant extracted from milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Renowned for its liver-supporting properties and anti-inflammatory benefits, silymarin has become a staple in everything from health supplements to natural skincare products. But with so many options on the market, finding a reliable silymarin supplier can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you're a small business crafting organic wellness blends or a large pharmaceutical company in need of bulk raw materials, the right partner can elevate your product's quality and consistency. Today, we're breaking down the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in the United Kingdom, so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your needs.
Before we dive into the list, let's clarify why silymarin matters. Derived from milk thistle extract, silymarin is celebrated for its ability to support liver health by protecting cells from damage and promoting regeneration. It's also a popular ingredient in botanical extracts for cosmetics, thanks to its antioxidant properties that combat free radicals and support healthy, radiant skin. As demand for natural and plant-based ingredients grows, so does the need for suppliers who prioritize purity, sustainability, and transparency. The companies on this list stand out for their commitment to these values, along with their expertise in producing high-quality silymarin.
| Supplier Name | Location | Key Products | Certifications | Bulk Order Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GreenHerb Extracts Ltd | London | Silymarin (90-95% purity), Milk Thistle Extract | ISO 9001, GMP, Organic Certified | 1kg |
| Northern Botanicals | Manchester | Pharmaceutical-Grade Silymarin, Bulk Botanical Extracts | ISO 13485, GMP, Kosher | 5kg |
| Thames Valley Botanicals | Reading | Silymarin Powder, Milk Thistle Extract (Standardized) | ISO 22000, Organic EU | 2kg |
| Scottish Herbals | Edinburgh | Organic Silymarin, Wild-Harvested Milk Thistle Extract | Soil Association Organic, GMP | 1kg |
| Midlands Extract Co. | Birmingham | Custom Silymarin Blends, Bulk Milk Thistle Extract | ISO 9001, Halal | 10kg |
| Coastal Botanicals | Brighton | Silymarin Extract (Liquid & Powder), Botanical Extracts for Cosmetics | ISO 14001, Cruelty-Free | 500g |
| Yorkshire Extracts | Leeds | High-Purity Silymarin (98%), Bulk Botanical Extracts | GMP, ISO 9001 | 3kg |
| Wales Natural Ingredients | Cardiff | Eco-Friendly Silymarin, Organic Milk Thistle Extract | EU Organic, GMP | 1kg |
| East Anglian Botanicals | Norwich | Pharmaceutical-Grade Silymarin, Research-Grade Extracts | ISO 13485, GMP | 10kg |
| London Bulk Herbs | London | Silymarin (Bulk), Milk Thistle Extract, Botanical Extracts Trader | ISO 9001 | 20kg |
1. GreenHerb Extracts Ltd
London, England
GreenHerb Extracts Ltd has been a cornerstone of the UK's botanical extract industry for over 15 years, and their silymarin offerings are a testament to their expertise. Based in London, this family-run manufacturer prides itself on producing high-purity silymarin (90-95% standardized) sourced from organic milk thistle farms in Southern Europe. What sets them apart? Their commitment to sustainability—they use eco-friendly extraction methods that minimize waste and energy use, and all their products come with detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) and MSDS reports for full transparency. Whether you're a small skincare brand needing 1kg of silymarin powder or a supplement company ordering 50kg in bulk, GreenHerb offers flexible pricing and fast delivery across the UK. They also specialize in custom formulations, so if you need silymarin blended with other botanical extracts, their in-house lab can create a tailored solution.
2. Northern Botanicals
Manchester, England
For pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies seeking the highest standards, Northern Botanicals in Manchester is a top choice. This GMP and ISO 13485 certified manufacturer focuses on pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, with purity levels up to 95% and strict quality control measures at every step—from sourcing non-GMO milk thistle seeds to using state-of-the-art supercritical CO2 extraction. Their bulk capabilities are impressive: they regularly fulfill orders of 5kg to 500kg, making them ideal for large-scale production. Northern Botanicals also stands out for their research partnerships with UK universities, ensuring their silymarin meets the latest scientific standards for liver health and antioxidant activity. If you're in the pharmaceutical sector, their compliance with EU regulations (EMA) and fast turnaround times (typically 3-5 business days for UK orders) will streamline your supply chain.
3. Thames Valley Botanicals
Reading, England
Nestled in the Thames Valley, this wholesaler and manufacturer has built a reputation for reliability and affordability. Thames Valley Botanicals specializes in standardized milk thistle extract, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 80% to 95%. Their sweet spot? Serving mid-sized businesses that need consistent quality without the premium price tag. They source their milk thistle from trusted farms in France and Italy, and their extraction facility in Reading is ISO 22000 certified, ensuring food safety for applications like dietary supplements and functional foods. What customers love most is their "no minimum order" policy for sample sizes (you can order as little as 100g to test), plus bulk discounts for orders over 20kg. They also offer both powder and liquid silymarin extracts, catering to diverse product needs—from capsules to herbal teas.
4. Scottish Herbals
Edinburgh, Scotland
For brands prioritizing organic and wild-harvested ingredients, Scottish Herbals is a standout. Based in Edinburgh, this supplier sources its milk thistle from organic farms in the Scottish Highlands and Northern England, where the cool climate and nutrient-rich soil result in potent, high-quality plants. Their star product? Organic silymarin extract, certified by the Soil Association, with purity levels of 90%. They also offer a unique "wild-harvested" option, where milk thistle is hand-picked from (unpolluted) meadows, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Scottish Herbals is a favorite among small-batch skincare and supplement makers, thanks to their small minimum order (1kg) and personalized customer service. They even provide sustainability reports, so you can trace your silymarin's journey from farm to final product—a huge plus for brands marketing transparency.
5. Midlands Extract Co.
Birmingham, England
Midlands Extract Co. in Birmingham is all about flexibility. As a leading bulk botanical extracts manufacturer, they specialize in custom silymarin blends tailored to your product's needs—whether you need it standardized for a specific flavonoid content, mixed with other herbs like dandelion or artichoke, or formulated as a water-soluble powder for beverages. Their bulk order minimum is 10kg, but they make up for it with competitive pricing and fast production times (most orders ship within a week). Midlands Extract Co. is also Halal certified, making them a go-to for brands targeting Muslim-majority markets or seeking Halal-compliant ingredients. Their in-house testing lab ensures every batch meets strict quality standards, and they're happy to work with you on (R&D) projects, providing technical support to help you create innovative silymarin-based products.
6. Coastal Botanicals
Brighton, England
Brighton-based Coastal Botanicals is a hidden gem for skincare and cosmetic brands. While they offer high-quality silymarin powder, their liquid silymarin extract is particularly popular—perfect for serums, creams, and masks that target skin hydration and anti-aging. Sourced from organic milk thistle, their liquid extract is alcohol-free and formulated to blend seamlessly with other cosmetic ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Coastal Botanicals is also certified cruelty-free and ISO 14001 compliant, aligning with the ethical values of many modern beauty brands. Their minimum order is just 500g, making them accessible for small startups, and they offer private labeling options for businesses looking to launch their own silymarin-based skincare lines. Plus, their team of cosmetic chemists is on hand to answer questions and help with formulation tips—a rare bonus in the supplier world.
7. Yorkshire Extracts
Leeds, England
Yorkshire Extracts has earned a reputation for producing some of the purest silymarin in the UK, with a focus on high-purity (98%) extracts for research and pharmaceutical use. Based in Leeds, this manufacturer uses advanced extraction techniques to isolate silymarin's active components (silybin, silydianin, and silychristin) with exceptional precision. Their facility is GMP and ISO 9001 certified, and they regularly collaborate with universities and research institutions on studies exploring silymarin's potential beyond liver health—including its roles in skin protection and cognitive support. While their bulk order minimum is 3kg, Yorkshire Extracts offers competitive pricing for large orders, making them a favorite among pharmaceutical companies and academic labs. They also provide technical data sheets and raw material specifications to ensure compliance with global regulatory standards, from the EU to the US FDA.
8. Wales Natural Ingredients
Cardiff, Wales
Wales Natural Ingredients is on a mission to make eco-friendly botanical extracts accessible to all. Based in Cardiff, this supplier sources milk thistle from organic farms in Wales and Ireland, using renewable energy in their extraction process and biodegradable packaging for all shipments. Their silymarin extract is EU organic certified and standardized to 90% purity, making it suitable for supplements, functional foods, and even pet health products (they offer a special "pet-safe" formulation free of additives). Wales Natural Ingredients prides itself on supporting local communities—they partner with small-scale farmers, ensuring fair wages and sustainable farming practices. Their customer base ranges from independent health food stores to large supplement brands, and they offer flexible payment plans for bulk orders, making it easier for businesses to manage cash flow.
9. East Anglian Botanicals
Norwich, England
East Anglian Botanicals in Norwich is a powerhouse for pharmaceutical and research-grade silymarin. With ISO 13485 certification and a focus on strict quality control, they supply silymarin to some of the UK's leading drug companies and academic institutions. Their product line includes ultra-high-purity silymarin (up to 99%) for use in clinical trials and pharmaceutical formulations, as well as research-grade extracts with detailed phytochemical profiles. East Anglian Botanicals has a minimum bulk order of 10kg, but their expertise in handling large-scale production (they can fulfill orders of up to 1 ton) makes them indispensable for big pharma. They also offer custom purification services, so if you need silymarin with specific impurities removed or a unique particle size, their team of chemists can deliver.
10. London Bulk Herbs
London, England
Rounding out our list is London Bulk Herbs, a leading trader and wholesaler connecting UK businesses with top global silymarin manufacturers. While they don't produce their own extracts, they source high-quality silymarin from trusted suppliers in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, offering competitive pricing for bulk orders (minimum 20kg). London Bulk Herbs is ideal for large-scale supplement companies or food manufacturers needing consistent, low-cost silymarin—they leverage their global network to negotiate bulk discounts and pass the savings on to customers. They also provide a one-stop shop for other botanical extracts, so if you need silymarin alongside ingredients like turmeric or ginseng, you can order everything in one shipment. Their team of sourcing experts ensures all products meet UK and EU regulations, and they offer flexible delivery options, including same-day dispatch for urgent orders in London.
Choosing the right silymarin supplier is more than just a business decision—it's a commitment to the quality and integrity of your products. Whether you prioritize organic certification, pharmaceutical-grade purity, small-batch flexibility, or bulk pricing, the UK's top silymarin suppliers offer something for every need. From London's GreenHerb Extracts with their sustainable practices to Manchester's Northern Botanicals and their pharmaceutical expertise, these companies are leading the way in providing high-quality, reliable silymarin. Remember to ask for COA reports, inquire about sourcing practices, and test samples before placing large orders—taking these steps will ensure you find a partner that aligns with your brand's values and delivers the silymarin your customers deserve. With the right supplier by your side, you can harness the power of this remarkable botanical extract to create products that support health, wellness, and beauty for years to come.
