The first time I heard of Dragon’s Blood in skincare, the TV show Game of Thrones came to mind. Now I don’t watch much of the show but I have sneaked in scenes every now and then when Tim’s watching it (I almost always only stumble upon the sex scenes. Coincidence? ;)). In a world where anything could happen, why shouldn’t I imagine the image above? 😛

At one glance, doesn’t this look like a dragon? It’s actually Dracaena draco leaves, where Dragon’s Blood pigment is from

Of course, reality calls and when I do hear of Dragon’s Blood used in skincare again, I do a nonchalant pfft because one can’t help but go, really? Dragon’s blood? Rodial has a range of Dragon’s Blood skincare products but they’re quite pricey so I’m not too keen on trying them out just to see what this Dragon’s Blood thing is all about. That is, until a similar jar of it from Skin Physics landed on my desk for review. Ah-hah! Time to find out what it is and if it really works!

According to Skin Physics, this is what Dragon’s Blood is.

Formulated from the rare serum of Croton lechleri tree found deep in the Amazonian rainforest, which earned the name ‘Sangre de Drago’ (Dragon’s Blood), because when cut, it oozes a dark red sap. When applied topically, the sap dries to create a protective layer boosting the skin’s ability to regenerate and prevents further damage with its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antioxidant properties.

Okay, essentially, what the Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel is, a moisturiser. Even though Dragon’s Blood is a bright red resin obtained from the tree, the gel itself isn’t red. It looks like an unappealing brown gel in a jar. On the other hand, it’s very lightweight, not oily at all and absorbs very quicky onto the skin. It provides a good base for makeup as it doesn’t leave the skin feeling moist and sticky.

What I found interesting about the gel is the scent. Of course, I didn’t expect this to literally smell of Dragon’s Blood (plus how would I know what that smells like, eh?) but it has this fascinating scent that eludes me. Okay, you know when you extinguish the flame of a candle? That second right after you blow out the candle but before it starts to smoke? THAT’S the scent of this gel!

What this gel is supposed to do is tighten the skin while defending against external pollutants and impurities as the “protective shield” helps to regenerate and repair the skin. I’ve been having minor breakouts the past month for some reason and there are a couple which my itchy hands picked at that drew blood. They’re still very small spots but it does call for concern when even a tiny one starts to bleed. I find that the Sculpting Gel helped these spots to heal faster, if that’s even possible. I have it on during the day and when evening comes, the spot has shrunk to what is now a fading scar.

Overall, I find this a more than decent moisturiser. It keeps the skin well hydrated during the day and it’s not heavy that you feel an oil slick on the T-zone. It doesn’t contain SPF but that doesn’t bother me because I use a separate moisturiser anyway. Plus without SPF, you can use it at night as well.

It’s been over a month but I have yet to see any sculpting changes to the skin. To be honest, I’m not holding my breath for it because there’s only so much a moisturiser can do. But hey, if there’s any changes in my skin (if I look more, erm, contoured), you’ll be the first to know! 🙂

Am I convinced about this Dragon’s Blood yet? Well, I’m still skeptical but perhaps not as skeptical as I was before I tried it out. I’ll be a believer if a real dragon perches on my shoulder and offers me his blood. 😛 Okay, for the sculpting gel, is it something I’d recommend you try? I say yes. It’s a good moisturiser and it did expedite healing of my spots if that helps.

Skin Physics Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel retails at AU$69.00 for 50ml and is available at MYER, Priceline and selected pharmacies nationally.

What I like about it: Very interesting scent, a decent moisturiser, helped my spots heal quicker than usual

What I do not like about it: I still find the words “dragon’s blood” gimmicky even though it was called that even back in the 15th century. Gee, I’m no fun. 😛

Have you tried any Dragon’s Blood skincare products before? Did you notice any difference in your skin? Oh, and do you watch Game of Thrones? Or just only stumble upon the naughty scenes like I do?

Note: This product was provided for editorial consideration.