Helase 50 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen 7.8 / 10

The full breakdown

Advanced, credible photoprotection with photolyase DNA-repair enzymes and Pycnogenol per the brand — can feel rich, and the 'DNA-repair' framing exceeds what consumers can independently verify.

Ingredient breakdown

• Photolyase Enzymes
  Limited evidence

  Commonly used in sunscreens/after-sun formulations as a non-filtering photoprotective ingredient that targets active DNA repair rather than UV blocking alone. A review of non-filtering photoprotective ingredients classifies DNA-repair enzymes like photolyase among evidence-backed mechanisms beyond UV filtering, and a biotechnology study successfully produced a stable, highly efficient recombinant photolyase for this purpose — though direct human clinical efficacy trials specific to topical photolyase are limited.

• Pycnogenol
  Moderate evidence

  Commonly used as an oral antioxidant supplement to support skin health, rather than as a topical ingredient. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trials found oral Pycnogenol intake improved skin physiological parameters in outdoor workers exposed to environmental stress, and improved skin elasticity/hydration in postmenopausal women alongside increased collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase gene expression.

• Broad-Spectrum UV Filters
  Evidence not yet reviewed

  Detailed profile in progress — check back soon.

Best suited to

All Except Very Oily