Bakuchiol - A plant-derived active studied for improving the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation, firmness and skin texture. It can provide some retinol-like benefits without actually being a retinoid.

Dragon's Blood (Croton Lechleri Sap Extract) -The red botanical resin that gives the product its name. Rich in antioxidant compounds and traditionally valued for its soothing and skin-repairing properties.

Bio-Placenta Complex - Cosmetic growth-factor proteins intended to support skin renewal and repair. Promising technology, but the evidence for topical growth factors is still developing.

Niacinamide - Supports the skin barrier, helps improve uneven tone and provides additional calming and age-supportive benefits.

Four Forms of Hyaluronic Acid - Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate and Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate provide a multi-form approach to hydration.

Antioxidant + soothing support - Vitamin E, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (an oil-soluble Vitamin C derivative), CoQ10, panthenol, allantoin and bisabolol round out what is actually a pretty impressive formula.

Apply a small amount to clean skin on the face, neck and décolleté before moisturizer.

Start slowly. Introduce 2–3 evenings per week and gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts. Even though bakuchiol is generally well tolerated, this is still a multi-active formula and isn't something I recommend jumping straight into every day.

Unlike a traditional retinoid routine, this serum can be used alongside your Biophora acid products if your skin tolerates the combination. Introduce actives gradually rather than adding everything at once.

Bakuchiol gives us more flexibility than retinol. With retinoids and stronger acids, I will often separate them to avoid piling too much irritation into one routine. Bakuchiol isn't a retinoid, so it can be incorporated alongside acids - one reason I really like this formula within a Biophora routine.

Compatible doesn't mean “go wild.” This serum contains a lot of active ingredients. Start a few times per week and build up based on what your skin is telling you.

Don't let “Dragon's Blood” get all the attention. It's the memorable ingredient, but bakuchiol, niacinamide, multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid, growth factors and antioxidants are doing a lot of the heavy lifting in this formula.