Rodial may not be the first skincare brand that comes to mind for everyone, but it has carved out a loyal fan base thanks to its interesting blend of science-driven formulas and clever product names. One such offering is the Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream, which promises to refine skin texture, minimize wrinkles, and brighten complexion while you catch some beauty sleep. There’s definitely a fair bit of buzz around it, especially with ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and “Dragon’s Blood” (a sap taken from the Croton Lechleri tree) all in the mix.
Marketed toward those dealing with visible signs of aging and uneven tone, this night cream claims long-lasting hydration, skin-plumping effects, and a calming touch. Intrigued (and maybe just a bit curious about that catchy name), I used it nightly for a full week to see if it lived up to the hype, without being swayed by marketing angles or incentives. After all, this is not a sponsored review and the opinions are all my own. Keep in mind, everyone’s skin is different, and results may vary from person to person.
What Is Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream?
This is a nighttime moisturizer formulated to tackle common signs of aging, specifically wrinkles, uneven tone, and dryness. The idea behind a night cream, in general, is that it’s designed to work while you sleep, when the skin is less exposed to environmental stressors and more receptive to hydrating and reparative ingredients. In this case, it contains time-release retinol, which helps encourage smoother skin and can fade the look of fine lines, along with hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture. There’s also “Dragon’s Blood,” a sap extracted from the Croton Lechleri tree, included for its soothing properties. It aims to keep skin calm and supported while other ingredients work on improving tone and texture.
Did It Work?
I decided to discontinue my usual night cream for a few days (very scientific, I know) so I could fully gauge the effects of the Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream. For the first night, I applied a pea-sized amount all over my face and neck, letting it sink in before bed. I noticed it felt refreshingly lightweight despite being labeled as a night cream, and my skin felt pleasantly moisturized the next morning, no oily residue and no irritation.
On subsequent nights, I stuck to the same routine: cleanse, apply toner, then a thin layer of the night cream. By around the mid-week point, I’d started to pick up on a subtle improvement in how “plumped” my skin looked, particularly around the forehead. I wouldn’t say my fine lines disappeared, but they did appear a bit less pronounced in the morning light. There was also a mild brightening effect that I appreciated, though it wasn’t quite as dramatic as I’d hoped. Still, it was enough to make me feel like I was seeing at least some of the promised benefits.
After the full seven days, I could confirm it delivered decent hydration and a modest smoothing effect. It lived up to many of its claims, though perhaps not to the extent needed for me to swap out my trusted favorites. The idea of “Dragon’s Blood” is certainly intriguing, but in terms of performance, it’s more of a nice option rather than a must-have. For my personal rotation, I’d say it’s a good product, albeit not compelling enough to earn a permanent spot on my shelf.
Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
One of the standout elements here is the time-release retinol. Known for encouraging smoother skin and visibly softening fine lines, this ingredient is a staple in many anti-aging products. It works overnight to speed up cell turnover, which can help reveal a brighter complexion beneath. Because it can sometimes cause dryness or mild irritation (especially for retinol newbies), it’s smart to start slowly and let your skin adjust.
Next up is hyaluronic acid, which is all about hydration. It’s like a moisture magnet, pulling water into the skin so you wake up feeling plump and dewy. This particular formula pairs HA with Shea Butter for additional replenishment. While shea butter is highly nourishing, it can be comedogenic for certain people, meaning it might clog your pores if you’re prone to breakouts.
The famous “Dragon’s Blood” in the name actually comes from the Croton Lechleri tree sap. Beyond the cool factor of its name, it’s reputed to help calm redness and support the skin’s natural repair process. Another intriguing component is Chromabright, which aims to even out tone and give the complexion a nice boost of radiance over time.
As for other notables: Squalane can provide a silky feel and lock in moisture, and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps with overall brightness and strengthening the moisture barrier. If you’re wondering about vegan or vegetarian status, there aren’t any obvious animal-derived ingredients listed, making it likely suitable for vegetarians. Whether or not it’s fully vegan can sometimes depend on the source of squalane, so checking directly with the brand could offer more clarity.
Finally, there is added fragrance (under “Parfum”) to keep in mind if you have scent sensitivities. All in all, the ingredient lineup appears thoughtfully designed to hydrate, support elasticity, and target uneven tone. It’s a solid blend, though pay attention if you have particularly acne-prone areas, since moisturizing agents like shea butter could present a clogging concern. Otherwise, it’s mostly beneficial ingredients with minimal red flags.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
Having spent a week with this night cream, here’s a quick look at its strengths and a few areas where it fell short:
Pros:
- Lightweight formula that didn’t leave a greasy feel by morning
- Noticeable (though modest) plumping of fine lines after consistent use
- Hydrating texture thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid
- Includes time-release retinol, which can offer ongoing skin-smoothing benefits
- Pleasant overall experience, no irritation or redness
Cons:
- May not be the best choice for those prone to breakouts due to rich components like shea butter
- Skin looks somewhat brighter, but not dramatically so
- Price may feel a bit steep for the results delivered
- Contains fragrance (Parfum), which could be a downside for scent-sensitive users
My Final Thoughts
This cream ticks many of the right boxes for a night treatment: retinol, hyaluronic acid, and a satisfying shot of hydration. Although the Dragon’s Blood concept may sound like a tall tale, it’s at least entertaining, plus it did deliver enough overnight plumping and softening for me to applaud the brand for creativity. Having used many similar solutions in this category, I can confidently say I gave it a fair shot, and while I’m not entirely head-over-heels, I’m also not prepared to dismiss the cream’s benefits. The lightweight finish and modest brightening effect did make a positive impression, but those with breakout-prone skin may wish to stay cautious.
It’s a solid 7/10 in my book, certainly worth considering if you crave a dependable nighttime moisturizer that subtly smooths without feeling overly heavy. I might recommend it to a friend with drier skin, or someone who’s seeking a gentle retinol option that won’t leave their skin irritated. However, those with super oily or easily congested skin might be less enthused. Overall, if you want a reliable companion for your nightly routine, Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream is a decent place to start, but it isn’t guaranteed to dislodge your current favorite if you already have a go-to night cream you adore.
As for alternatives, I’ve tried plenty of other night moisturizers that also get the job done. Deascal’s Nocturnal Revive Cream is a standout all-rounder: it nourishes without feeling like an oil slick, deserves credit for covering most skincare bases, and caters to all skin types at a more budget-friendly price. Another honorable mention is the Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE, the name says it all if you’re after something that leaves your face visibly plump by sunrise. For those open to a gentle acid infusion, T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum by Drunk Elephant can provide a fresher complexion come morning (it’s more serum than cream, but it slots easily into your routine). Finally, Perfect Night’s Sleep Overnight Facial Cream by NEOM could be a blissful choice if you appreciate a calming, spa-like scent paired with skin-coddling hydration.
Before diving into any new product, though, it’s wise to keep some basic precautions in mind. Retinol (and many other actives) can sometimes irritate, especially if used too frequently, so patch testing beforehand is a smart move. And remember, the improvements seen with any anti-aging or hydrating formula aren’t permanent, sustained use is key if you want to soak up the final benefits in long-term form.