Milk thistle seeds contain silymarin, a mix of plant compounds. [1][2] It has been tested by mouth in acne, including one small placebo-controlled trial. [3] ClearDerm with Probiotics includes milk thistle as one part of a 22-ingredient formula. [4] Here is what the research shows.
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From Anirva, the maker of ClearDerm with Probiotics. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- Silymarin lowered oxidative stress and inflammation markers. Across 15 randomized trials, MDA, CRP and IL-6 went down; other markers did not change. The people studied were not acne patients. [5]
- In a small placebo trial, inflamed spots fell 53%. On placebo, they fell about 11%. [3]
- ClearDerm provides 50 mg of milk thistle seed extract (80% silymarin). [4]
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed extract, 80% silymarin [4] |
| Amount in ClearDerm | 50 mg a day, in 2 capsules [4] |
| What it is studied for | Acne lesions [3][6]; oxidative stress and inflammation markers [5] |
| Kinds of evidence | Acne trials, a meta-analysis, an isotretinoin trial, a serum study, a skin-oil study, and safety reviews [3][6][5][7][8][9][2][1] |
| Last reviewed | [DATE] |
What is milk thistle?
Milk thistle is a tall plant with purple flowers, native to Europe. Its main active part is silymarin, a mixture of compounds. [1]
How milk thistle relates to acne-prone skin
In a 1986 study, skin oil and clogged pores of people with acne held more oxidized fats than in people without acne. In clogged pores, these came mainly from squalene, a part of skin oil. [9]
A 2024 meta-analysis pooled 15 randomized trials of silymarin taken by mouth. It lowered MDA, a marker of oxidized fats, and the inflammation markers CRP and IL-6. It did not change total antioxidant capacity or glutathione. [5]
The authors drew their conclusion for people with diabetes and thalassemia, not acne. [5] The research is still growing. No study has tested silymarin by mouth on skin oil.
What the studies show
Silymarin by mouth: a placebo-controlled trial
In a 2012 trial in Iraq, 56 people aged 14 to 30 with inflamed acne took silymarin, one of two other antioxidants, or placebo for 8 weeks. Groups were assigned at random. The trial was single-blind, with 14 people per group. All groups also used a moisturizer and medicated cleansers. [3]
In the silymarin group, inflamed spots fell from about 20 to 9, a 53% drop. On placebo, they fell about 11%. Silymarin also lowered MDA by 39% and the inflammation signal IL-8 by 80%, and raised glutathione, the body's own antioxidant. [3]
Silymarin by mouth: compared with an antibiotic
In a 2019 randomized trial, 60 people with acne took silymarin, the antibiotic doxycycline, or both. [6]
On one acne score (GAGS), silymarin alone did not differ significantly from doxycycline. On another score, it helped less. The authors concluded that silymarin alone is not as effective as doxycycline but can be an option. [6]
There was no placebo group. [6]
Silymarin with an acne medicine
In a 30-day double-blind trial, 74 acne patients on isotretinoin, a prescription acne medicine, took silymarin or placebo. At the end, two liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were lower in the silymarin group. [7] ClearDerm was not studied with isotretinoin.
Silymarin on the skin
In a 12-week study without a placebo group, a silymarin serum on the skin was followed by 45% fewer inflamed spots. [8] This was a serum, not a capsule.
How much milk thistle is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 50 mg of milk thistle seed extract, standardized to 80% silymarin. [4]
Silymarin is poorly absorbed. Its free forms reach low blood levels. [2]
22 ingredients, including 50 mg of milk thistle
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule supplement that pairs milk thistle with grape seed extract, green tea and other nutrients chosen to support clear skin. Every ingredient is listed on the label.
See ClearDermIs milk thistle safe?
Taken by mouth, milk thistle appears well tolerated, according to NCCIH, part of the NIH. The most common side effects are bloating, nausea and gas. [1]
- Allergy. People allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold or daisy have a higher risk of reacting. [1]
- Blood sugar. Milk thistle may lower blood sugar. If you take diabetes medicine, talk with your doctor before you start. [1]
- Medicines. Most human studies found no silymarin-drug interactions. [2] NCCIH still advises talking with a provider if you take any medicine. [1]
- Pregnancy and nursing. Little is known about safety in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. [1]
Milk thistle is one part of ClearDerm
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule skin supplement with 22 ingredients: vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, an enzyme and six probiotic strains. They were chosen to promote clear skin, support a clear complexion and support the gut–skin connection. [4]
ClearDerm has not been clinically tested as a finished product. When you take it, you are not relying on one ingredient alone.
ClearDerm is made in Phoenix, Arizona, in a cGMP-certified facility. Every ingredient is listed on the label, and the probiotic blend is given as one total. [4]
- Take ClearDerm with food and water, as the directions say. [4]
- If you take any medicine, especially for diabetes, or are pregnant or nursing, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start. [1]
- If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold or daisy, ask your doctor before you start. [1]
- If you take isotretinoin, ask your dermatologist before adding any supplement. [1]
If you are deciding
Here is the case in brief. In a small, single-blind trial, silymarin by mouth reduced inflamed acne spots more than placebo did. [3] Milk thistle is one of 22 ingredients chosen to promote clear skin. [4]
The short version
Milk thistle provides silymarin, an antioxidant studied for oxidative stress and inflammation. [5] ClearDerm includes it as one part of a formula to help promote clear skin. [4]
Frequently asked questions
Is milk thistle good for acne-prone skin?
Does silymarin act as an antioxidant in people?
In 15 randomized trials, it lowered MDA, a marker of oxidized fats. It did not change total antioxidant capacity or glutathione. [5]
Is milk thistle safe?
It appears well tolerated. If you take medicine, especially for diabetes, or are pregnant or nursing, ask your doctor before you start. [1]
How much milk thistle is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 50 mg of seed extract, standardized to 80% silymarin. [4]
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Milk Thistle: Usefulness and Safety. Last updated February 2025. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle (accessed October 14, 2026).
- Tvrdý V, Pourová J, Jirkovský E, Křen V, Valentová K, Mladěnka P. Systematic review of pharmacokinetics and potential pharmacokinetic interactions of flavonolignans from silymarin. Med Res Rev. 2021;41(4):2195-2246. doi:10.1002/med.21791. PMID: 33587317.
- Sahib AS, Al-Anbari HH, Salih M, Abdullah F. Effects of oral antioxidants on lesion counts associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with papulopustular acne. J Clin Exp Dermatol Res. 2012;3(5):163. doi:10.4172/2155-9554.1000163.
- Anirva. ClearDerm with Probiotics Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/clear-derm-with-probiotics (accessed October 14, 2026).
- Bahari H, Shahraki Jazinaki M, Rashidmayvan M, Taheri S, Amini MR, Malekahmadi M. The effects of silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Inflammopharmacology. 2024;32(2):949-963. doi:10.1007/s10787-023-01423-6. PMID: 38372848.
- Shie Morteza M, Hayati Z, Namazi N, Abdollahimajd F. Efficacy and safety of oral silymarin in comparison with oral doxycycline and their combination therapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Dermatol Ther. 2019;32(6):e13095. doi:10.1111/dth.13095. PMID: 31579978.
- Mirnezami M, Jafarimanesh H, Rezagholizamenjany M, Alimoradian A, Ranjbaran M. The effect of silymarin on liver enzymes in patients taking isotretinoin: a randomized clinical trial. Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(2):e13236. doi:10.1111/dth.13236. PMID: 31997509.
- Draelos ZD, Kerscher M, Lynch S, White S, Choudhary H. A silymarin antioxidant serum improves facial acne alone and as part of a treatment regimen. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4):233-238. doi:10.36849/JDD.8120. PMID: 38564394.
- Saint-Leger D, Bague A, Lefebvre E, Cohen E, Chivot M. A possible role for squalene in the pathogenesis of acne. II. In vivo study of squalene oxides in skin surface and intra-comedonal lipids of acne patients. Br J Dermatol. 1986;114(5):543-552. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1986.tb04061.x. PMID: 2941050.
