Dragon's blood has been used for a variety of purposes for thousands of years. Evidence of its use has been found in the Middle East, China, India, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. It has been used medicinally for health purposes. The indigenous tribes of Peru, Mexico and Ecuador, in particular, considered the resin a medicinal treasure, using it as a liquid bandage to stop bleeding, seal and protect wounds, and accelerate healing. It has a strong, sweetish fragrance. 

Current research into the properties of Dragon's Blood shows it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antitumor and cytotoxic, antiulcer and antiviral, immunomodulatory, muscular tissue regenerator, mutagenic and antimutagenic, purifier, skin conditioning, wound healing, among others (1,2,3).

The combination of these chemical compounds and a high polyphenol content make dragon's blood a super antioxidant for all skin types, especially in conditions where protection from oxidative stress and healing are required. Not only does Dragons Blood increase wound healing, it also forms a protective barrier over the skin to shield it from harsh elements. This reduces signs of aging such as pigmentation and skin damage from environmental damage and oxidative stress. 

Damaged, sensitive and mature skin can take comfort in the protective, nourishing and healing properties of this amazing plant resin. 

Dragon's Blood Benefits for Skin: Key Properties at a Glance

Here's a quick summary of the main  dragon's blood benefits for skin backed by research:

Damaged, sensitive and mature skin can take comfort in the protective, nourishing and healing properties of this amazing plant resin.

Explore our full dragon's blood skincare range and experience this potent extract in our botanical anti-ageing skin care collection.

1. Chen Z.-P., Cai Y., Phillipson J. Studies on the Anti-Tumour, Anti-Bacterial, and Wound-Healing Properties of Dragon’s Blood. Planta Med. 1994;60:541–545. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-959567. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

2. Pieters L., De Bruyne T., Van Poel B., Vingerhoets R., Totté J., Vanden Berghe D., Vlietinck A. In vivo wound healing activity of Dragon’s Blood (Croton spp.), a traditional South American drug, and its constituents. Phytomedicine. 1995;2:17–22. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(11)80043-7. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

3. Gupta D., Bleakley B., Gupta R.K. Dragon’s blood: Botany, chemistry and therapeutic uses. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2007;115:361–380. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2007.10.018. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

4. https://www.nia.nih.gov/

5. Efficacy of Dragon's blood cream on wound healing: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. ForooghNamjoyanaFatemehKiashibZahra BeigomMoosavicFatemehSaffaribBehzad SharifMakhmalzadehd

7. Porras-Reyes BH, Lewis WH, Roman J, Simchowitz L, Mustoe TA, Enhancement of wound healing by the alkaloid taspine defining mechanism of action, Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 203: 18-25 (1993)

FAQ

What is dragon's blood?

Dragon's blood is a dark red natural plant resin extracted from the sap of trees in the Croton, Pterocarpus, Daemonorops, or Dracaena plant groups. The most widely used variety today comes from Croton lechleri, a tree native to South America. It has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine across the Middle East, China, India, and the Americas, primarily for wound healing, stopping bleeding, and treating infections.

What are the benefits of dragon's blood for skin?

Dragon's blood benefits for skin include accelerated wound healing, stimulation of collagen production, anti-inflammatory action, strong antioxidant protection, and the formation of a protective barrier against environmental damage. Its key compound, taspine, stimulates fibroblasts (cells responsible for collagen production) to migrate to damaged skin and rebuild connective tissue. It is suitable for all skin types, particularly damaged, sensitive, and mature skin

What are dragon's blood extract benefits?

Dragon's blood extract is rich in proanthocyanidins, phenolic compounds, and the alkaloid taspine. Its extract benefits include extraordinary antioxidant activity (ORAC value of 2,897,110—multiple times more potent than vitamin C), anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, skin regeneration support, and protection against UV and oxidative stress. In skincare it is used in serums, creams, and masks to address ageing, hyperpigmentation, and skin damage.

What are dragon's blood properties?

Research shows dragon's blood has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antitumor, antiulcer, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and wound healing properties. Its high polyphenol and proanthocyanidin content makes it a super antioxidant capable of shielding skin from oxidative stress, while its cicatrizant action supports skin repair and regeneration.

Is dragon's blood safe to use on skin?

Topical use of dragon's blood is generally considered safe for most people. A 2015 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial found significant wound-healing benefits with no major adverse effects. As with any new skincare ingredient, a patch test is recommended before use. There is insufficient clinical data on safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so consult your healthcare provider before use in those circumstances.

How does dragon's blood help with anti-ageing?

Dragon's blood supports anti-ageing in several ways. Its taspine compound stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen, improving skin firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Its proanthocyanidins strengthen and protect existing collagen fibres, enhancing elasticity and suppleness. The resin also forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, reducing oxidative stress and environmental damage, the two major contributors to premature skin ageing.