Fernblock vs Antioxidine: Key Differences & Benefits

Introduction

If you’ve been researching oral sun protection supplements, you’ve likely encountered two names: Heliocare — which uses a patented extract called Fernblock — and Sunsafe Rx — which uses a more comprehensive antioxidant complex called Antioxidine®. Both products are taken as daily capsules. Both are marketed as internal skin defense supplements. And both have real clinical research behind them.

But they are not equal. Not even close.

This blog takes an objective, research-based look at Fernblock vs Antioxidine® — what each formula contains, what the science says, and which one delivers superior results for skin health, anti-aging, and internal protection against environmental damage. The conclusion may surprise you if you’ve been defaulting to the more familiar name.

Note: Neither Sunsafe Rx nor Heliocare are classified as sunscreens. Per FDA regulations, the term “sunscreen” applies to topical, over-the-counter drug products. Both Sunsafe Rx and Heliocare should always be used in combination with a topical sunscreen during sun exposure. The research referenced here refers to the ingredients in these products, not direct product-level claims.

What Is Fernblock? (Heliocare)

Fernblock is a patented extract of Polypodium leucotomos (PL) — a tropical fern native to Central America. It has been used in Heliocare for decades and has a strong published research base, particularly in the field of photobiology. Multiple clinical trials show that Polypodium leucotomos extract helps:

• Reduce UV-induced erythema (skin redness/sunburn response)

• Decrease oxidative DNA damage in skin cells following UV exposure

• Lower inflammation markers following sun exposure

• Provide some degree of photoprotection in photosensitive individuals (e.g., those with PMLE or solar urticaria)

Heliocare’s primary formula relies heavily — almost exclusively — on Polypodium leucotomos as its single active photoprotective ingredient. Heliocare has been sold for many years, is stocked in dermatology offices, and is well-known in the US and European markets. It is also cheaper than Sunsafe Rx.

It is worth noting that Heliocare also sponsored some of the initial research on Polypodium leucotomos, which contributed to its early brand recognition. However, PL extract is not exclusive to Heliocare — it is also a core ingredient in Sunsafe Rx’s Antioxidine® complex.

Another important difference: Heliocare contains hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a semisynthetic, inert, viscoelastic polymer. In contrast, Sunsafe Rx is made entirely from natural foods and plants.

What Is Antioxidine®? (Sunsafe Rx)

Antioxidine® is the proprietary multi-antioxidant complex at the core of Sunsafe Rx, made by Napa Valley Bioscience (California, USA) since 2010. Where Fernblock is essentially a single-ingredient extract, Antioxidine® is a carefully formulated blend of 13+ clinically researched ingredients — all derived from natural food and plant sources — each individually researched, each at clinically relevant doses.

Napa Valley Bioscience took the ingredients from nature that research shows work the best, at the optimal concentrations, and made the best product possible.

The key ingredients in the Antioxidine® complex include:

• Polypodium leucotomos extract: The same core ingredient as Fernblock — a tropical fern extract present at a clinically effective dose. Multiple JAAD trials show it reduces UV-induced erythema, DNA strand breaks, and PMLE severity.

• EGCG (Green Tea Extract): Epigallocatechin-3-gallate from Camellia sinensis leaves. Published research in the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer Prevention Research shows it reduces UV-induced DNA damage, protects collagen, and supports healthy skin cell function.

• Grape Seed Extract (OPC): Rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins from Vitis vinifera — one of the most potent known free-radical scavengers. Supports skin resilience, collagen protection, and environmental stress response.

• Lycopene: A carotenoid from tomatoes and red fruits. Research in the British Journal of Dermatology shows it reduces UV-induced erythema by up to 40%.

• Astaxanthin: From marine microalgae (the natural pink/red pigment in salmon). One of the most powerful antioxidants known. Studies in Nutrients 2017 and Acta Biochimica Polonica 2012 show improved skin moisture, elasticity, and reduced UV damage markers.

• Lutein: From marigold flowers and leafy green vegetables. Accumulates in both skin and eye tissue, reducing oxidative stress and UV-related damage to both.

• Zeaxanthin: Works synergistically with lutein for both skin and eye protection. AJCN study shows it increases skin carotenoid levels and reduces UV reddening.

• Omega-3 (DHA and EPA): Essential fatty acids with well-documented anti-inflammatory and skin health benefits.

Also included in the Sunsafe Rx formula:

• Vitamin C — collagen support and free-radical defense

• Vitamin E — antioxidant protection for skin cell membranes

• Mixed Carotenes (Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene) — additional carotenoid antioxidant support

• Zinc — supports skin repair and immune function

• Selenium — essential mineral for antioxidant enzyme activity

Every ingredient in the Antioxidine® complex has independent published clinical or scientific research supporting its role in protecting skin and eyes from environmental damage, reducing free-radical stress, and supporting anti-aging. This is a transparent, evidence-guided formula.

Fernblock vs Antioxidine®: Head-to-Head Comparison

Why Sunsafe Rx’s Antioxidine® Wins the Comparison

Here is the reality: Heliocare Fernblock does one thing reasonably well. Sunsafe Rx Antioxidine® does that same thing — and much, much more.

An objective comparison has to consider what you are actually paying for. Yes, Heliocare is cheaper. It is also older and has strong name recognition in dermatology offices. Heliocare sponsored some of the initial research on Polypodium leucotomos, which helped establish the category. If price is your only consideration and you only want one antioxidant ingredient (PL extract), then Heliocare is a legitimate option.

But if you want:

• Broader antioxidant protection across multiple free-radical damage pathways — 13+ clinically researched ingredients vs. just 1

• Evidence-backed support for anti-aging, collagen protection, and skin resilience

• Eye health benefits (something Heliocare completely lacks)

• Anti-inflammatory support from multiple synergistic antioxidants

• A formula made entirely from natural foods and plants — not containing semisynthetic polymers like HPMC

• A formula made in the USA in an FDA-registered, NSF-certified manufacturing facility — the highest quality standard in the supplement industry

• A premium internal skincare system — not just a single-extract pill

...then Sunsafe Rx Antioxidine® is the clear winner.

Sunsafe Rx has been formulated since 2010 — giving it a 16-year track record. It is also recommended by dermatologists who understand that internal antioxidant support is most effective when it comes from a broad spectrum of compounds working together — not a single extract working alone.

Sunsafe Rx perfected the concept that Heliocare pioneered. Napa Valley Bioscience took the ingredients from nature that research shows work the best, at the optimal concentrations, and made the best product possible.

Heliocare’s advantage is familiarity and price. Sunsafe Rx’s advantage is everything else: more ingredients, more research, more benefits, and a more complete approach to internal skin defense.

A Note on “Oral Sunscreen” and Regulatory Language

Neither Sunsafe Rx nor Heliocare can legally be called a “sunscreen” under FDA regulations, which define sunscreens as topical OTC drugs. However, there is extensive published clinical research showing that the ingredients in both products — and especially in Sunsafe Rx — support skin health, reduce oxidative damage, and help the skin respond more resiliently to environmental stressors.

Both products should always be used in combination with a topical sunscreen during direct sun exposure. Sunsafe Rx is best understood as the ultimate internal skincare solution — working beneath the surface, continuously, to defend skin from the inside out.

Conclusion: Which Formula Is Right for You?

If you’re choosing between Fernblock (Heliocare) and Antioxidine® (Sunsafe Rx), the evidence points in one direction. Heliocare is a fine single-ingredient supplement. But Sunsafe Rx is a complete internal skincare system.

For anyone serious about:

• Long-term anti-aging from the inside out

• Protecting both skin and eyes against environmental damage

• Getting the broadest possible antioxidant defense from a single daily capsule — 13+ clinically researched ingredients from natural food and plant sources

• Supporting their skin with the most research-backed formula available

Sunsafe Rx with Antioxidine® is the superior choice. It is premium, yes. But premium because it contains more of everything that matters — more ingredients, more benefits, more science. You get what you pay for. 

Disclaimer

Published clinical data does support the use of these ingredients for a wide range of skin conditions, including photosensitivities and photodermatoses, and the prevention of photoaging and free-radical damage in skin and eyes.

However, the FDA defines sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs with specific chemicals that either reflect or absorb UV rays. As such, oral photoprotective products should not be considered sunscreen or SPF, and are not allowed to make disease claims.

Sunsafe Rx is classified as a dietary supplement with ingredients that published clinical research shows support skin health, promote the skin’s natural defenses against environmental damage, and reduce the appearance of skin aging. It should be used as part of an internal skincare solution and always used in combination with topical sunscreen lotions for external protection during sun exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the difference between Antioxidine® and Fernblock?

Antioxidine® is a multi-antioxidant complex with 13+ clinically researched ingredients, while Fernblock is primarily a single extract (Polypodium leucotomos). Antioxidine® offers broader protection for skin, anti-aging, and eye health.

Q2. Is Sunsafe Rx better than Heliocare for oral sun protection?

Sunsafe Rx provides a more comprehensive formula with multiple antioxidants working synergistically, whereas Heliocare focuses mainly on one ingredient. This makes Sunsafe Rx more effective for overall skin and eye protection.

Q3. Does Polypodium leucotomos really protect the skin from UV damage?

Yes, clinical studies show that Polypodium leucotomos helps reduce UV-induced redness, DNA damage, and inflammation, making it an effective ingredient for internal photoprotection.

Q4. Can oral supplements replace sunscreen?

No, oral supplements like Sunsafe Rx and Heliocare cannot replace topical sunscreen. They should be used alongside SPF products for complete sun protection.

Q5. What are the benefits of multi-antioxidant formulas for skin health?

Multi-antioxidant formulas provide broader protection by targeting multiple pathways of skin damage, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen breakdown, leading to better anti-aging and skin resilience.

Written by Sunsafe Rx Team | Updated on March 24, 2026