Introducing

The Science

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Discover the revolutionary science that makes Heliocare the best sunscreen in NZ.

Our innovative Fernblock® Technology provides your skin with a shield against all forms of radiation—UVB, UVA, Visible, and IR—keeping it safe from immediate burns, as well as long-term damage such as skin ageing, dark spots, and even skin cancer.

Curious about how exactly this all works? Let us explain.

Discover the science

Watch how leading dermatologists at Harvard Medical School discovered skin-enhancing benefits of the Polypodium leucotomos fern

Discover Fernblock®

Fernblock, an extract of the polypodium leucotomos fern, main ingredient of Heliocare sunscreen and capsules for New Zealand

A Glimpse into the Beginning

Heliocare’s story begins in the early 1990s when Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick, alongside his team at Harvard Medical School, embarked on a groundbreaking exploration of the Polypodium leucotomos fern.

These ferns had been used for centuries by Native Americans for the treatment of skin disorders like psoriasis. Dr. Fitzpatrick and his team wanted to determine the potential of oral and topical Polypodium leucotomos in shielding the skin from UV radiation.

What they discovered was extraordinary.

Scientists creating heliocare sunscreen in the lab with fernblock extract for skin health
Fernblock, an extract of the polypodium leucotomos fern, main ingredient of Heliocare sunscreen and capsules for New Zealand

Fernblock® Technology: A Revolutionary Breakthrough

The antioxidant properties uncovered by Dr. Fitzpatrick's team were unlike any other, playing a crucial role in the observed skin protection against UV radiation.

Beyond merely preventing sunburn, Fernblock® was designed to combat long-term negative effects that UV radiation can have on the skin, including preventing hyperpigmentation and protecting our skin cell DNA.

For the very first time, Heliocare introduced a groundbreaking concept: protecting your skin from UV radiation through oral administration. This revolutionary approach flipped the script on sun protection, setting the stage for our oral capsules to change the game completely.

As a result of this extensive research by Cantabria Labs and Harvard Medical School, people all over the world are now experiencing the pinnacle of sun protection. Topical sunscreens combined with oral capsules for comprehensive, inside-out defence against the sun.

It’s nothing short of remarkable, and we are proud to have Heliocare here in New Zealand.

The Benefits of Fernblock®

Fernblock® boasts the most complete scientific evidence in photoprotection, with numerous articles published in leading international scientific and medical journals.

In addition, its extraction method has been optimised, enhancing its activity and resulting in a new generation extract: Fernblock®+.

Our extraction method is what guarantees maximum efficacy and safety. It is obtained from selected plants that grow under controlled conditions in laboratory processes according to Pharmaceutical Quality Standards.

Applying Heliocare sunscreen for good sun protection in New Zealand Frequently asked questions
Sun Protection

Amplifies your skin’s resistance to sunburn and all forms of damaging radiation (UVB, UVA, Visible and IR).

Lady with pigmentation on face uses heliocare sunscreen capsules to repair and protect from hyperpigmentation
Repairing DNA Damage

Fortifies your skin at the cellular level, accelerating DNA repair and halting the accumulation of sun damage.

Lady hides in nature with Heliocare antioxidants for sun protection from within using fernblock supplements capsules
Antioxidant Activity

Neutralises and eliminates the free radicals generated during and after sun exposure.

Lady wearing hat and heliocare for sun protection, protecting from photoaging and hyperpigmentation with Heliocare NZ and Fernblock
Prevention of Photoaging

Protects your skin cells and increases collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, preventing wrinkle formation and loss of firmness.

Pigmentation Control

Helps reduce the intensity and size of sunspots and improves skin resistance to pigmentation.

Young lady with sensitive skin using heliocare mineral tolerance sunscreen for gentle sun protection and antioxidant activity for beneficial skin health Frequently asked questions
Immune Defence


Protects and regulates our skin’s defences to remain intact against external threats.