Silybum Marianum Seed Oil

This ingredient is also known as milk thistle seed oil. It is made by cold pressing the seeds of the milk thistle plant.

The main fatty acids in this oil are linoleic acid (~53%) and oleic acid (~21%). However, its standout compound is silymarin, a powerful antioxidant and skin soother.

Silymarin is best known for protecting skin against UV rays and pollution as an antioxidant. In a clinical study, a formulation containing this ingredient showed improvements in skin elasticity, dermal densitiy, brightness, and a reduction of redness after 4 weeks of use.

Research on the fruit extract found a sustained and significant decrease in acne lesion counts (a ~45% improvement after 6 months and ~59% at 12 months).

Due to its rich fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.