Pl
Moderate evidencePolypodium Leucotomos for Melasma
A supplement (and topical) that adds an internal layer of sun protection on top of your sunscreen, popular for melasma and easily-burned skin. Not a sunscreen replacement, but a real adjunct.
Why it works for Melasma
A fern extract you take by mouth that helps protect your skin from sun damage from the inside. The AAD best-practice statement recommends it as an add-on to sunscreen for melasma. It is not a replacement for sunscreen.
How Polypodium Leucotomos works
Fern-derived polyphenol blend (caffeoylquinic acids) that scavenges UV-induced ROS, preserves Langerhans cells, and reduces CPD and 8-OHdG DNA photoproducts after solar irradiation.
Evidence
4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the Polypodium Leucotomos ingredient page.