Top 10 Silymarin Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in South Korea

Founded in 1998, Korean Botanical Solutions (KBS) is a pioneer in the Korean botanical extract industry. What started as a small family business has grown into a global player, known for its high-purity silymarin and milk thistle extracts. Located in the outskirts of Seoul, their state-of-the-art facility uses supercritical CO2 extraction— a method that preserves the integrity of silymarin's active compounds while minimizing solvent residues.

KBS prides itself on organic sourcing. They partner with local farms in Gangwon Province, where milk thistle is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This commitment to sustainability has earned them USDA Organic certification, making their extracts a favorite among eco-conscious brands. Their silymarin offerings range from 80% to 95% purity, with a focus on silybin, the most active component of milk thistle.

What sets KBS apart is their flexibility. Whether you need small batches for R&D or bulk orders of up to 500kg per month, they can scale to meet demand. They also offer custom formulations, blending silymarin with other botanical extracts like turmeric or green tea for enhanced synergistic effects. Clients rave about their responsive customer service—many note that the team goes above and beyond to provide technical support, including help with regulatory compliance for international markets.

Target industries include pharmaceuticals (for liver support medications), dietary supplements, and even cosmetics (where silymarin's antioxidant properties help fight free radical damage). With certifications like GMP and ISO 9001, KBS ensures every batch meets strict quality standards. If you're looking for a supplier that balances tradition and innovation, KBS is a top contender.

When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, Seoul Extracts & Ingredients (SEI) is hard to beat. Established in 2005, this Seoul-based manufacturer has built a reputation for precision and consistency—traits that have made them a go-to supplier for big-name pharmaceutical companies in Europe and North America.

SEI's facility is one of the most advanced in South Korea, equipped with HPLC and GC-MS labs for real-time quality testing. Their silymarin is extracted using a proprietary cold-extraction method that ensures high bioavailability, a critical factor for pharmaceutical applications. The result? A product with silybin content exceeding 90%, meeting the strict standards of the FDA and EMA.

Bulk production is where SEI truly shines. With a monthly capacity of up to 1,000kg, they can handle large-scale orders for pharmaceutical giants. They also offer bulk milk thistle powder for nutraceutical brands, with customizable particle sizes to suit different supplement formats (capsules, tablets, powders).

Certifications are a cornerstone of SEI's business. They hold FDA registration, EMA compliance, and KFDA approval, making their extracts easy to import into regulated markets. Their team of PhD-level chemists is available for technical consultations, helping clients navigate complex regulatory hurdles. One client, a leading US supplement company, noted, "SEI's documentation is impeccable—no delays, no surprises. That's invaluable when you're shipping to 20+ countries."

While their primary focus is pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, SEI also caters to the cosmetics industry with specialized water-soluble silymarin extracts, ideal for serums and creams. If reliability and pharmaceutical-grade quality are your top priorities, SEI should be at the top of your list.

Daegu Natural Health Products is a name that resonates with tradition. Founded in 1985, this family-owned business has been perfecting the art of botanical extraction for nearly four decades. Based in Daegu, a city known for its rich agricultural heritage, they specialize in standardized silymarin extracts and organic milk thistle products.

What makes Daegu Natural stand out is their hands-on approach to sourcing. They work directly with a network of small-scale farmers in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, ensuring fair prices and sustainable farming practices. This close relationship with growers allows them to trace every batch of milk thistle from seed to extract—a level of transparency that has earned them USDA Organic, Kosher, and Halal certifications.

Their silymarin extracts are standardized to 80% purity, with a focus on maintaining the full spectrum of milk thistle's beneficial compounds, not just silybin. This "whole-plant" philosophy appeals to supplement brands looking for natural, holistic products. They also offer cold-pressed milk thistle oil, which is gaining popularity in functional foods and skincare for its fatty acid content.

While their bulk capacity (up to 300kg/month) is smaller than some competitors, Daegu Natural makes up for it with personalized service. They offer small-batch testing (starting at 1kg) for startups and R&D teams, and their in-house lab provides detailed potency reports and heavy metal testing. Clients often praise their "old-world charm" combined with modern quality control—"It's like working with a trusted neighbor who also happens to run a top-tier lab," one customer noted.

Target industries include supplements, functional foods (think energy bars and wellness drinks), and herbal teas. If you value sustainability, traceability, and a personal touch, Daegu Natural Health Products is a gem worth exploring.

Incheon Botanical Extracts (IBE) is all about innovation. Founded in 2010, this young company has quickly made a name for itself with its high-purity silymarin (95% silybin) and water-soluble extracts—two products that address common pain points for formulators.

Located in Incheon, a major port city, IBE has easy access to global markets, which is reflected in their client base (they export to over 30 countries). Their facility uses ultrasonic extraction technology, which reduces processing time and energy use while increasing yield. This efficiency allows them to offer competitive pricing without compromising quality.

Their flagship product is a 95% silybin silymarin extract, designed for pharmaceutical and high-end supplement brands. But what really sets them apart is their water-soluble silymarin. Traditional silymarin is oil-soluble, making it hard to incorporate into clear liquids or water-based cosmetics. IBE's proprietary emulsification process solves this, opening up new possibilities for skincare serums, oral liquids, and even beverages.

Certifications include ISO 22000 (food safety), GMP, and FSSAI (India's food safety authority), making them a trusted partner for brands in Asia and beyond. Their bulk capacity tops out at 400kg/month, and they offer flexible packaging options, from 1kg foil bags to 25kg drums.

IBE's target industries are diverse: pharmaceuticals, cosmetics (where water-soluble silymarin is a game-changer for anti-aging products), and functional beverages. Their R&D team is constantly experimenting with new applications—recently, they've developed a silymarin-infused powder for sports drinks, marketed for liver support during intense training. If you're looking for cutting-edge extracts that solve formulation challenges, IBE is worth a closer look.

Busan Health Ingredients (BHI) is a bulk specialist. Founded in 2012, this Busan-based company focuses on large-scale production of silymarin and other botanical extracts, making them a favorite among multinational corporations and contract manufacturers.

Their facility is one of the largest in South Korea, with a monthly capacity of up to 600kg of silymarin. They use a combination of ethanol extraction and spray-drying to produce consistent, free-flowing powders with low moisture content—ideal for long-term storage and bulk blending. BHI's silymarin is standardized to 80% purity, with options for higher concentrations (up to 90%) on request.

What makes BHI stand out is their focus on cost-effectiveness. By optimizing their supply chain (they source milk thistle seeds from both domestic and international growers) and investing in automated production lines, they're able to offer competitive pricing for bulk orders. This has made them a top choice for private-label supplement brands and large food manufacturers.

They hold EU Organic certification, ensuring their extracts meet strict European standards for organic content. Their target industries include supplements, food & beverages (as a natural antioxidant additive), and even animal health products (silymarin is used in some livestock supplements for liver support).

Clients appreciate BHI's reliability—they boast a 99% on-time delivery rate—and their ability to handle custom orders. Need a specific particle size? A particular packaging format? Their team works quickly to accommodate requests. While they may not offer the same level of hand-holding as smaller suppliers, BHI's efficiency and large-scale capabilities make them a powerhouse for bulk buyers.

Sejong Natural Extracts, based in the historic city of Sejong, is where tradition meets sustainability. Established in 2001, they've carved a niche for themselves with organic silymarin and milk thistle oil extracts, with a focus on eco-friendly production.

Sejong's facility runs on 30% renewable energy (solar panels and geothermal heating), and they've implemented a zero-waste policy—byproducts from extraction are repurposed as fertilizer for local farms. This commitment to the environment has earned them ISO 14001 certification (environmental management) and a loyal following among green brands.

Their organic silymarin is extracted using cold-press technology, which avoids high heat and preserves delicate compounds. The result is a extract with a rich, natural color and aroma—qualities that appeal to natural skincare lines. They also produce milk thistle oil, which is cold-pressed from the seeds and used in serums, lotions, and hair care products for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.

With a monthly capacity of 250kg, Sejong is a mid-sized supplier that balances quality and scalability. They offer both organic and conventional silymarin, and their in-house lab provides testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination. Clients often highlight their commitment to education—their team regularly hosts webinars on silymarin's benefits and formulation tips.

Target industries include organic cosmetics, natural supplements, and sustainable food brands. If sustainability is a core value for your business, Sejong Natural Extracts is a supplier that walks the talk.

For businesses that need bulk botanical extracts in massive quantities, Gwangju Botanical Traders is the name to know. Founded in 1995, this wholesaler and trader specializes in sourcing and distributing large volumes of silymarin and milk thistle extract, acting as a bridge between manufacturers and global buyers.

Unlike the other companies on this list, Gwangju Botanical Traders doesn't produce extracts in-house. Instead, they partner with a network of vetted manufacturers across South Korea, ensuring they can meet even the largest orders (up to 2,000kg per month). This model allows them to offer a wide range of silymarin products—from 70% to 95% purity, organic and conventional, oil-soluble and water-soluble.

What makes them valuable is their logistical expertise. With offices in Gwangju and Shanghai, they handle all aspects of international shipping, including customs clearance and documentation. This is a huge relief for businesses importing into complex markets like the EU or the US. They also offer warehousing services, allowing clients to store bulk orders and ship in smaller increments as needed.

Certifications vary by partner, but Gwangju Botanical Traders ensures all suppliers meet ISO 9001 and GMP standards. They also provide third-party lab testing for every batch, giving clients peace of mind. While they may not offer the same level of customization as manufacturers, their ability to source hard-to-find extracts and handle large orders quickly makes them indispensable for large-scale operations.

Target clients include multinational supplement companies, contract manufacturers, and distributors. If you need bulk botanical extracts and want a one-stop shop for sourcing and logistics, Gwangju Botanical Traders is a solid choice.

Daejeon Pharma Ingredients is all about precision. Founded in 2008, this Daejeon-based manufacturer caters exclusively to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, producing high-purity silymarin and custom extract blends.

Their facility is certified by the FDA and EMA, meaning their extracts meet the strictest standards for pharmaceutical use. They specialize in silymarin with 90-95% silybin content, produced using a multi-step purification process that removes impurities and ensures consistency. Each batch comes with a detailed certificate of analysis (CoA), including data on potency, heavy metals, and microbial counts.

Daejeon Pharma's claim to fame is their custom formulation service. If you're developing a new liver medication or combination supplement, their team of pharmacologists can work with you to create a silymarin blend tailored to your specific needs—whether that's enhanced bioavailability, controlled release, or compatibility with other active ingredients.

With a monthly capacity of 800kg, they can handle large pharmaceutical orders, and their strict quality control system (including batch tracing and stability testing) ensures compliance with global regulatory bodies. Clients praise their technical support, noting that their scientists are available to answer detailed questions about extraction methods and formulation compatibility.

While they don't serve the cosmetics or food industries, Daejeon Pharma is the gold standard for pharmaceutical-grade silymarin. If your business is in pharmaceuticals or biotech, this is a supplier you can trust.

Ulsan Green Extracts is a startup with a mission: to make high-quality silymarin accessible to eco-conscious brands. Founded in 2015, this Ulsan-based company uses 100% renewable energy in its extraction process and sources milk thistle from organic farms certified by the EU.

Their flagship product is eco-friendly silymarin, extracted using ethanol from sugarcane (a renewable resource) instead of petroleum-based solvents. The result is an extract with minimal environmental impact and a clean label—a selling point for brands targeting millennial and Gen Z consumers. They also offer cold-pressed milk thistle extract, which is raw and unprocessed, appealing to the "raw food" movement.

Ulsan Green Extracts is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny, making their extracts popular with vegan skincare brands. Their monthly capacity is smaller (200kg), but they make up for it with creativity—recently, they launched a line of silymarin-infused biodegradable packaging, aligning with their zero-waste goals.

Clients love their commitment to transparency. They share photos and stories of their partner farms on social media, allowing brands to connect with the origins of their ingredients. While their prices are slightly higher than non-organic suppliers, many clients say the premium is worth it for the sustainability and marketing benefits.

Target industries include organic cosmetics, vegan supplements, and sustainable food brands. If your brand values eco-friendliness and transparency above all else, Ulsan Green Extracts is a perfect fit.

Rounding out our list is Pohang Natural Solutions, a versatile supplier with a focus on reliability. Established in 1992, this Pohang-based company produces standardized silymarin extracts for a wide range of industries, from supplements to animal health.

Pohang's strength lies in their consistency. They've been using the same ethanol extraction method for decades, refined over time to ensure every batch meets their strict quality standards (80% silymarin purity). Their facility is GMP-certified, and they hold ISO 9001 and Kosher certifications, making their extracts suitable for diverse markets.

They offer a range of silymarin products, including powder, liquid, and microencapsulated extracts (which improve stability and bioavailability). Their microencapsulated silymarin is particularly popular in chewable supplements and pet health products, where taste and digestibility are key.

With a monthly capacity of 700kg, Pohang can handle mid-to-large scale orders, and they offer flexible payment terms for long-term clients. Their customer service team is known for being responsive, even for urgent orders—one client noted, "We had a last-minute shortage, and they shipped 200kg overnight at no extra cost. That level of dependability is rare."

Target industries include supplements, animal health (silymarin is used in liver support for dogs and horses), and food additives (as a natural antioxidant). If you need a reliable, no-fuss supplier with a track record of consistency, Pohang Natural Solutions delivers.