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Silybum Marianum Seed Oil

aka milk thistle seed oil · silymarin source oil

A botanical seed oil from milk thistle rich in linoleic acid and silymarin polyphenols. Used in prestige colour cosmetics for antioxidant and skin-soothing support.

Benefits
  • High linoleic acid (>60%) — barrier-compatible emollient
  • Silymarin (silybin) antioxidant complex
  • Hepatoprotective flavonolignans with topical anti-inflammatory activity
  • Supports skin barrier via linoleic acid delivery
  • Unique among seed oils for the silymarin co-fraction
Example uses
  • Powder blush formulas with antioxidant claims
  • Face oils
  • Anti-inflammatory skincare
  • Sensitive skin oil formulas
  • Radiance-boosting face oils
Formulation notes

High PUFA content — oxidation-prone. Requires tocopherol antioxidant protection. UV-protective packaging. Compatible with most cosmetic oils.

Watchouts

The oil form contains significantly less silymarin than the seed extract — silymarin is preferentially extracted in polar solvents, not oil. The silymarin benefit from the oil phase formulation may be very limited.

Clean beauty perception

Accepted in clean beauty as botanical antioxidant oil. Milk thistle's hepatoprotective reputation from oral supplements adds consumer credibility.