Introducing
The Science
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®
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.
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.
Amplifies your skin’s resistance to sunburn and all forms of damaging radiation (UVB, UVA, Visible and IR).
Fortifies your skin at the cellular level, accelerating DNA repair and halting the accumulation of sun damage.
Neutralises and eliminates the free radicals generated during and after sun exposure.
Protects your skin cells and increases collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, preventing wrinkle formation and loss of firmness.
Helps reduce the intensity and size of sunspots and improves skin resistance to pigmentation.
Protects and regulates our skin’s defences to remain intact against external threats.
Our Newest Innovation in Photoprotection
Aspa-Fernblock®
Aspa-Fernblock® is the latest evolution of our sun protection technology, designed to enhance the skin’s resilience and repair response.
It builds on the proven benefits of Fernblock® with the addition of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), a plant rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. This combination helps strengthen the skin’s response to oxidative stress and environmental damage.
Aspa-Fernblock® also supports the skin’s ability to respond to vitamin D through the OptiD effect. While UV exposure helps stimulate vitamin D production, too much can interfere with how the skin uses it. By helping maintain vitamin D activity in the skin, Aspa-Fernblock® supports essential functions like repair, barrier defence, and immune regulation — all while providing high-level protection.
From 2025 onward, selected Heliocare products will feature Aspa-Fernblock® as part of our ongoing commitment to advanced skin support.
