Dragons blood extract
Description
Dragon's Blood Extract
Dragon's Blood – traditional antioxidant extract from the heart of the Amazon
Dragon's Blood Extract is obtained from the dark red sap of the Croton lechleri tree, known in Peru and neighboring Amazon basin regions as "Sangre de Drago" or "Sangre de Grado". This natural resin is remarkably rich in proanthocyanidins, taspine, catechins, tannins, and lignans, a combination of compounds that grants the extract a particularly high antioxidant capacity.
According to studies conducted by the producer of this active ingredient, the extract helps protect the skin against oxidative stress induced by environmental factors (pollution, free radicals) and supports a vital appearance for skin exposed daily to these aggressions. It is a valuable ingredient in formulations for mature or tired skin, as well as in products designed to care for areas prone to stretch marks.
The sap is harvested using a traditional method of diagonal incisions into the tree bark, a technique passed down through generations by local communities in Peru that allows the tree to continue growing and producing sap in subsequent years without being felled. Additionally, harvesting activities are supervised by the Peruvian natural resources authority, and suppliers develop their own replanting programs using nursery stock.
Ingredients (INCI): Glycerin, Croton Lechleri Resin Extract.
Technical Characteristics
- Appearance: Red-brown viscous liquid, characteristic odor.
- Extraction Method: Tree-secreted sap (harvested without felling) macerated in a mixture of glycerin and water.
- Solubility: Water-soluble, insoluble in oils - incorporates exclusively into formulations containing an aqueous phase.
- Origin, Sustainability: 100% natural origin, harvested via traditional methods that preserve the tree, supervised by the Peruvian natural resources authority.
- Recommended Usage Dosage: 2% - 4%
Scientific Studies and Documentation
The data below originate from in vitro and ex vivo studies conducted by the producer of this cosmetic ingredient. Results obtained in a finished cosmetic product will depend on the concentration used and the overall formula into which it is incorporated.
- High Antioxidant Capacity (In Vitro): According to producer testing, the extract demonstrates remarkable values across two standard methods for measuring antioxidant capacity: 3,094 µmol Trolox eq/g (DPPH method) and 2,366 µmol Trolox eq/g (FRAP method). In JNK pathway inhibition assays (associated with cellular oxidative stress), the extract reduced activation of this pathway down to 59% compared to the stimulated control level (100%)—a performance superior to the reference inhibitor used in the same assay (75%).
- Fibroblast Metabolic Activity (In Vitro): Producer testing based on succinate dehydrogenase activity measurement showed a +56% increase in fibroblast metabolic activity compared to the untreated control.
- Ex Vivo Studies on Skin Layers: According to producer documentation, on ex vivo skin models treated with the extract, observations included: improved stratification and quality of the new epidermis, increased expression of collagen IV, β4 integrins, and fibronectin at the dermo-epidermal junction, as well as increased expression of collagen I and III in the layer situated beneath the new epidermis.
- Published Cosmetic Study on the Appearance of Stretch Marks: Independent of producer data, a clinical study published in a peer-reviewed journal (Bogdan et al., Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 2017) evaluated a cosmetic product containing Croton lechleri extract combined with pomegranate oil applied to areas with stretch marks (striae distensae), showing results of a visible improvement in skin appearance across treated areas.
Note: The ex vivo data above describe observations on laboratory skin models used by the producer for research purposes—they do not represent a promise of tissue regeneration following cosmetic application of a finished product. We present these as evidence of the research depth behind this ingredient, not as a guaranteed result.
Properties and Benefits
- Potent Antioxidant: Helps protect skin against free radicals and daily environmental oxidative stress (pollution, environmental factors).
- Revitalized Appearance: Contributes to a fresh, vital appearance for tired skin or skin exposed to external aggressions.
- Support for Anti-Aging Formulations: Suitable for inclusion in mature skin products alongside other antioxidant active ingredients.
- Care for the Appearance of Stretch Marks: An ingredient studied in cosmetic formulas dedicated to stretch mark-prone areas, with results published in specialized literature.
Applications
- Antioxidant serums and creams for mature skin or skin exposed to environmental stress factors.
- Body care formulations dedicated to the appearance of stretch marks, ideally combined with oils rich in essential fatty acids.
- Body lotions and gels for areas exposed to oxidative stress (after-sun, post-workout).
- Enriched facial toners and essences for added daily antioxidant protection.
Formulation Guide
- Working Procedure: Add to the aqueous phase of the formula, preferably during the final stage of preparation at a moderate temperature.
- Compatibility, Stability: Being water-soluble, it can only be incorporated into formulas containing a water phase (creams, gels, lotions, toners). Stable across a broad pH range of 4.0 - 8.0.
- Color: May slightly tint the final formula, especially at higher dosages, a factor to consider in white or very light-colored formulas.
- Recommended Combinations: Can be paired with other antioxidant active ingredients for a synergistic protective effect, or with essential fatty acid-rich oils in formulations targeting the appearance of stretch marks.
Usage Safety and Storage
Profile: External cosmetic-grade ingredient with a long history of topical use.
Precautions: External cosmetic use only.
Storage: Store in a closed container in a dry, cool place, protected from direct light.
Details
Related Recipes and Articles
You'll like these too
Reviews
Write a valid review and earn loyalty points worth €0.40