Vitamin B9 (folate) is essential for cell division and DNA synthesis, making it a pregnancy must-have. But research shows folate’s benefits extend far beyond reproduction—it supports cardiovascular health, fertility, mood balance, cognitive, and bone health.1
Now, new evidence reveals Quatrefolic®, the active folate form, effectively protects skin structure from environmental stressors like sun exposure. This finding has sparked growing interest from both women and men, opening an exciting new market for this powerful vitamin.2
New Evidence, New Market Opportunity: Skin Health
Skin health is more than simply reducing wrinkles and preventing a dry, dull texture. Reducing free radicals and inflammation generated by direct sun exposure protects the structure of the skin and its normalised regeneration (healthy skin regenerates itself every 27 to 30 days).
One-carbon metabolism needs folate as this vitamin is essential for skin cell growth, repair, and regeneration. However, solar radiation reduces skin folate levels, impairing these processes.
Unlike folic acid, bioavailable 5-MTHF as Quatrefolic® has shown improved stability, penetration, and antioxidant properties, making it a promising skincare ingredient.
Previous studies demonstrate Quatrefolic®’s ability to protect dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced oxidative stress, enhance their proliferation, reduce DNA damage, and support collagen synthesis. These findings highlight Quatrefolic®’s potential as a science-backed solution for anti-aging and photoprotection. Folate as Quatrefolic® has been shown to boost DNA repair and synthesis, which is necessary for healthy skin cell production and turnover, antioxidant activity, and enhanced collagen production. Thus, it contributes to skin health and protection against sun-induced damage.
New research shows Quatrefolic® 5-MTHF supports healthy skin by protecting against sun damage.3 Dermal cells were exposed to UVA radiation, then treated with 5-MTHF before or after. The results were impressive:
• 5-MTHF was readily absorbed by skin cells and remained stable for up to 48 hours, crucial for cellular repair.
• At higher concentrations, 5-MTHF significantly reduced oxidative stress and damage from UVA exposure.
• 5-MTHF supplementation improved skin cell viability and DNA integrity.
These findings highlight Quatrefolic®’s potential as a science-backed solution for anti-aging and skin protection.
Bioavailability is Key
Another point to consider is the importance of bioavailability for active ingredients, and Quatrefolic® has clinical evidence to support its superiority here as well. Earlier this year, Gnosis shared results from a clinical study in Indonesia that confirmed Quatrefolic® (as HY-FOLIC®) is twice as bioavailable as folic acid, with significantly higher Cmax and AUCt values. These findings reinforce Quatrefolic®’s superiority in both efficacy and versatility, expanding its relevance from foundational nutrition to skin regeneration and beauty-from-within applications.4
Conclusion
While folate as Quatrefolic® speaks first to women’s health needs, new skin health evidence highlights its value across all genders.
References
1 Greenberg JA, et al. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Summer;4(2):52-9.
2 Herich D. Survey: Men’s Attitudes On Beauty & Personal Care. Global Cosmetics Industry. 2022, 190(9):37-40. https://gcimagazine.texterity.com/gcimagazine/october_2022/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1823533#articleId1823533
3 Barbarossa S, et al. Feeding skin cellular regeneration: the importance of 1C metabolism and the potential of 5-MTHF. Novel Approaches for Skin Health 10 June 2025.
4 Nafrialdi N, Suyatna FD, Int J Applied Pharmaceutics. 2024 Nov-Dec;16(6):64-68
