In a perfect world, I’d treat myself to a professional facial every week, but since that’s neither practical nor budget-friendly, I rely on a collection of gua sha tools to use at home instead. Apart from it being a surprisingly therapeutic process, gua sha face massage helps me de-puff my face in the mornings unlike any other skincare remedy I've tried.
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For the uninitiated, gua sha (pronounced “gwa-shah”) is a smooth-edged skincare tool that originated from traditional Chinese medicine, designed for gently massaging the skin using repetitive sweeping motions. While scientific proof of some gua sha benefits is limited, skincare expert and founder of The Glass House Salon & Spa, Caroline Brooks, shares that gua sha tools are known to “help promote circulation, boost lymphatic drainage and relax facial muscle tension and reduce puffiness.” Such a massage can be performed either directly on clean, dry skin or in combination with a gentle face oil or a hydrating serum for better slip and easier manoeuvring.
Through testing all the different iterations, I've come to realise that not all gua sha tools are made equal. Each shape and stone differs from the rest – from old-school face massage stones to the more high-tech devices equipped with LED light therapy and even those designed for your body. “Generally, you'll want to avoid low-quality stones that may harm your skin in the long run,” says Caroline. “Stones that have a rough or uneven surface that may also cause irritation.” So, how on Earth can you tell which one of the hundreds out there is most effective?
As it turns out, the answer isn't strictly black-and-white. For starters, you'd do well to familiarise yourself with gua sha as much as possible (more on this below) and weigh up other equally important factors, such as your personal preferences on the size of the tool and material, as well as your budget. But fear not, because that's where this guide comes in.
To help you make your pick, I've put together a definitive edit of the very best gua sha tools that the beauty industry has to offer. Whether you're a self-proclaimed gua sha expert or a complete novice, you're bound to find one that suits your needs.
Meet the experts:
| Katie Brindle | Founder of Hayo'u. | Katie Brindle | Founder of Hayo'u. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melusine Tran | Founder of ex-beauty e-tailer Kosame Beauty. | Melusine Tran | Founder of ex-beauty e-tailer Kosame Beauty. |
| Melusine Tran | Founder of ex-beauty e-tailer Kosame Beauty. | Melusine Tran | Founder of ex-beauty e-tailer Kosame Beauty. |
| Caroline Brooks | Skincare expert and founder of The Glass House Salon & Spa. | Caroline Brooks | Skincare expert and founder of The Glass House Salon & Spa. |
How I tested
While gua sha tools can provide immediate de-puffing effects for some people, generally, noticeable results require consistent daily use over several weeks. This makes testing multiple products at once challenging. With that in mind, my testing process began by researching and interviewing experts to identify the best gua sha tools on the market in 2026. I shortlisted the five highest-rated tools and reviewed them individually over the course of a few months. When reviewing each one and trying out various massage techniques, I kept in mind different criteria such as whether or not the shape was convenient enough to hug the shape of the face/body, as well as prices and material. You can find out more about how we test here.
Why you can trust me
I’ve been a shopping writer for five years now, two years writing for titles including Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar, and the past three years here at Glamour, where testing products has always been a key part of the job. In that time, I’ve worked alongside experienced beauty editors, writers and contributors, attended press events, and tested new launches firsthand to gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on what actually works in the beauty industry.
I’ll be the first to admit that gua sha tools once felt like just another beauty fad to me. That was until a visit to a Face Gym completely changed my mind – after just one (!) session, my face actually felt visibly lifted. So, I decided to put other gua sha tools to the test over a few months, trying out some of the best on the market to find out which ones are actually worth your time (and money).
Ahead, our full edit of the best gua sha tools that actually work…
1. Best Overall: FaceGym Multi-Sculpt High Performance Tool
Specifications:
- Made from: Medical-grade stainless steel.
- Pros: Ideal for de-puffing and sculpting, delivers maximum cooling.
- Cons: Expensive.
- Tester: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
Mayola's review: FaceGym is a brand that thrives on innovative skincare devices, and this contouring tool that takes inspiration from a traditional gua sha is no exception. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing face massage or a more intense de-puffing session, this award-winning tool deserves to be on your radar.
Crafted from medical-grade stainless steel, it delivers an impressive (and lasting) cooling effect for congested skin and puffy areas. Over time, I’ve noticed it helps reduce puffiness, especially around my eyes and along my jaw. It’s not dramatic, but there’s a visible difference after I use it consistently, and my face feels less tense. It’s also quite relaxing, which I didn’t expect at first, but it’s become a small part of my routine that I actually look forward to.
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2. Best For De-Puffing: ESPA Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool
Specifications:
- Made from: Rose quartz.
- Pros: Perfectly fits the contours of the face, delivers a cooling effect.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, Beauty Contributor.
Denise's review: This gentle yet effective gua sha from ESPA is made from rose quartz and shaped like a heart to glide seamlessly along the contours of your face, no matter which massage technique you prefer. It works beautifully over your favourite face serum and is easy to keep hygienic – just wipe clean after each use.
I've been using it regularly for a few weeks now, and my skin is really glowing. My cheekbones and jawline feel more defined, and overall, I’ve seen a reduction in puffiness and water retention. I like to keep mine in the fridge overnight so it stays cooler for longer, which really helps maximise its de-puffing benefits.
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3. Best For Sculpting: Kora Organics Rose Quartz Heart Facial Sculptor
Specifications:
- Made from: Rose quartz.
- Pros: The heart-shaped shape allows for seamless sculpting and has an incredibly smooth surface.
- Cons: Expensive.
- Tester: Tobi Henney, Beauty Contributor.
Tobi's review: Crafted from rose quartz, this soothing gua sha tool is unique with its heart-shaped cut, and the stone itself is ideal for its soothing, sculpting and de-puffing properties. If used consistently, this gua sha will help improve elasticity, improve circulation and even aid in minimising the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
I use it morning and night over a few drops of my favourite Vitamin C serum, and I've experimented with a few different massage techniques to see what works best for me. My go-to is the gentle upward sweep along the jawline and cheeks to help lift and sculpt, followed by light strokes under the eyes to de-puff. Top tip: store it in a skincare fridge for a better cooling effect.
4. Best Heated: Stylpro Heated LED Electric Gua Sha
Specifications:
- Made from: Unspecified.
- Pros: Suitable for those who enjoy heated face massage, featuring LED therapy.
- Cons: Isn't ideal for de-puffing.
- Tester: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
Mayola's review: If you're not a fan of a cooling face massage, consider this unique gua sha device from Stylpro, which offers a heated setting for those who love a comforting and warming sensation. The device is designed to improve blood circulation, help with lymphatic drainage, and help with tension relief.
I’ve been using it as part of my evening routine for three weeks now, and it’s a little moment of me-time I genuinely look forward to each night. I start with a clean, dry face, add a few drops of my favourite serum, then switch on the device. It reaches a comfortably warm setting almost instantly, and I glide it along my jaw, cheeks, and neck. While the gentle heat is incredibly soothing, the gua sha feels a bit less precise than some manual tools with sharper contours that hug the jawline and cheekbones - but the LED technology gives it an extra boost, making it feel like a worthwhile addition to my routine, especially at its sub-£30 price point.
5. Best Cooling: Sisley Ginko Gua Sha
Specifications:
- Made from: Zamac.
- Pros: Handle makes it easy to use, cooling effect is long-lasting.
- Cons: High price point.
- Tester: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
Mayola's review: Crafted from naturally cooling Zamac, Sisley's gua sha tool stays refreshingly cool on the skin without needing to be refrigerated before use. The contours and ridges let me switch up massage techniques depending on whether I’m working my cheekbones, brow bones, jawline, or neck, and the handle feels really comfortable to hold and manoeuvre.
Over time, I’ve found that combining slow, deliberate movements not only helps the tool glide smoothly but also gives my skin an extra lift. Sure, while it may not be the most affordable option out there, its premium quality speaks for itself.
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Your FAQs on gua sha stones, answered by experts:
What is gua sha and what are its benefits?
For starters, let's unpack what gua sha actually is. Coming from traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha tools are designed for face massage that comes with a myriad benefits. Apart from aiding with blood circulation and de-puffing, they're also said to help with stimulating collagen and elastin production for firmer skin.
Some massaging techniques can even aid lymphatic drainage and reduce blockages in your lymphatic system, which helps maintain a healthy balance of fluids throughout your body. Elsewhere, some studies have even shown that consistent use of gua sha can even help ease muscle pain and migraines.
Sophie Perry, author and educator, says, “Regular Gua Sha practice offers numerous benefits, such as helping improve the skin’s appearance by boosting circulation, creating a brighter glow, reducing puffiness and fluid retention by assisting with the lymphatic system, and giving the face a more contoured, defined, and radiant appearance.”
She adds, “It’s important to note Gua Sha benefits go beyond the skin, I’ve seen incredible benefits with clients when combined with facial massage for improved nerve function with the boost of circulation. Additionally, it can help relieve tension, reduce headaches, and ease jaw discomfort, including TMJ-related pain.”
How to use gua sha properly
According to Caroline, there are several techniques that you can employ, depending on your goals:
- To contour your jawline, hold the stone at a 45-degree angle against the skin and move it from the chin towards the earlobe while applying gentle pressure.
- For lymphatic drainage, use the stone at a 0-to-15-degree angle against the skin, starting from the centre of the face and moving outwards towards the ears, lymph nodes and collarbones. This helps reduce inflammation, promotes circulation, and supports overall skin health.
- To de-puff your face, start from the centre of your face and then use the gua sha stone at a 90-degree angle to gently massage and push any excess fluids outwards towards the edges of your face.
While it's generally safe to use gua sha stones daily, Caroline recommends starting with once or twice a week to gauge your skin's reaction and adjust accordingly, especially if you have sensitive skin or active breakouts.
Which is better: a jade roller or gua sha?
Although they’re often grouped together, jade rollers and gua sha tools work quite differently. “A jade roller is designed for gentle, surface-level movement,” says Sophie, adding, “It rolls over the skin with very light pressure, helping to cool, soothe, and reduce mild puffiness. It’s simple to use and more about relaxation and a quick refresh rather than deeper work.”
“Gua sha, on the other hand, uses sculpted edges to apply controlled pressure and targeted movements. This allows you to work more precisely along the contours of the face, helping to stimulate circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage, and release muscle tension - especially in areas like the jaw and cheeks.”
Do gua sha stones actually work?
According to skincare expert and found of The Glass House Salon & Spa Caroline Brooks, gua sha stones are used to perform facial massages that help promote circulation, boost lymphatic drainage and relax facial muscle tension on all skin types. “This technique can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and enhance overall complexion,” she shares.
Meanwhile, Katie Brindle, founder of Hayo'u, shares that incorporating gua sha techniques into your daily routine can help stimulate collagen production, which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and boosts skin elasticity with minimal side effects. Doing so is relatively easy too – all you need to do is apply your gua sha in long strokes across your facial contours while applying a bit of pressure (but not too much).
By forcing you to concentrate and take your time, gua sha is also believed to be a great form of grounding self-care. “A gua sha is a staple step in my evening routine. It’s perfect for unwinding and de-stressing my skin through daily use,” explains Melusine Tran, founder of ex-beauty e-tailer Kosame Beauty.
Which gua sha stones are most effective?
This all depends on the kind of results you’re looking for. “Rose quartz is better known for its plumping and rejuvenating benefits,” explains makeup artist Saffron Hughes, “It is also a higher quality stone that stays cool during use. Whereas Jade is a softer stone and can encounter wear and tear with repeated use.”
As mentioned earlier, Caroline also shares that low-quality gua sha stones may actually be more harmful in the long run and those with uneven surfaces may actually cause irritation.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the best face masks, hyaluronic acid serum and vitamin C serums.
