I've been incorporating gua sha tools into my daily skincare routine for the past two years now, and I don't really imagine myself going back. 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 (and before you say it: yes, I've tried them all).
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 massage can be performed either directly on clean, dry skin or in combination with a gentle face oil or a hydrating serums 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, having also interviewed a handful of experts to reveal everything you need to know about these coveted massagers. Whether you're a self-proclaimed gua sha expert or a complete novice, you're bound to find one that tickles your fancy.
Best gua sha at a glance – our top picks:
- Best overall: FaceGym Multi-Sculpt High Performance Contouring Tool
- Best for de-puffing: Joonbyrd Heartwarmer Body Gua Sha Tool
Skip to FAQs: What is gua sha and what are its benefits? | How to use gua sha | How we tested gua sha | What are gua sha stones for? | Which gua sha stones are most effective?
Meet the experts:
- Katie Brindle, founder of Hayo'u.
- Melusine Tran, founder of ex-beauty e-tailer Kosame Beauty.
- Caroline Brooks, skincare expert and founder of The Glass House Salon & Spa.
- Saffron Hughes, makeup artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk.
How we tested gua sha stones
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team has tested hundreds of gua sha tools from a number of brands. When reviewing each iteration and trying out various massage techniques, we always endeavour to keep 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. On the rare occasion where we can't test a tool in person, we consult our little black book of experts, as well as customer reviews, to bring you a truthful and reliable review nonetheless. You can find out more about how we test here.
Enter: our edit of the best gua sha tools that actually work…
Best overall
- Made from: Medical grade stainless steel.
- Pros: Ideal for de-puffing and sculpting, delivers maximum cooling.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: FaceGym is a brand that thrives on innovative skincare devices, and this contouring tool takes inspiration from 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. Made from medical grade stainless steel, it will also deliver an impressive (and lasting) cooling effect for congested skin and puffy areas.
Best gua sha for de-puffing
- Made from: Rose quartz.
- Pros: Perfectly fits the contours of the face, delivers a cooling effect.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: After a fool-proof gua sha stone that works just as well for beginners as it does for hardcore gua sha enthusiasts? Say no more. This iteration from ESPA is crafted from Rose Quartz and is shaped in the classic heart shape to seamlessly hug the contours of your face that will work well regardless of which massage technique you prefer. “I usually pop mine into the fridge overnight and I love that this gua sha maintains the cooling effect for maximum de-puffing benefits,” says GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet.
Best gua sha for the body
- Made from: Purple amethyst.
- Pros: Innovative design, great for tension relief.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: Having taken the beauty world by storm, Joonbyrd was founded by Dr Alexis Granite to bring joy to your daily body rituals. This purple amethyst gua sha does just that, thanks to its clever thermochromic silicone grip that syncs to your body's temperature, changing colour as tension is released. Use all over your body to smooth, sculpt and instil a sense of calm and wellbeing.
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Best LED gua sha
- Made from: White jade.
- Pros: Suitable for those who enjoy heated face massage, featured LED therapy.
- Cons: Isn't ideal for de-puffing.
Why we love it: If you're not a fan of a cooling face massage, consider this unique gua sha device from Vraiko, which offers a heated setting for those who love a comforting and warming sensation. The stone itself is made from white jade and is designed to improve blood circulation, help with lymphatic drainage, as well as help with tension relief. Plus, it also has a vibration function and a 630nm far-infrared light therapy to help stimulate collagen production. What's not to love?
Best gua sha for sculpting
- Made from: Rose quartz.
- Pros: The heart-shaped shape allows for seamless sculpting, has an incredibly smooth surface.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: Crafted from rose quartz, This soothing rose quartz 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 with minimising the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Sure, while it may not be the most affordable option out there, its premium quality speaks for itself. Top tip: store it in a skincare fridge for a better cooling effect.
Best gua sha facial comb
- Made from: Bian stone.
- Pros: Affordable, unique comb-like edge for better lymphatic drainage.
- Cons: May not be the best fit for beginners.
Why we love it: This gua sha massage tool is made of bian stone, which is rich in over 40 minerals known for their antioxidant and healing properties. Each product contains both a smooth edge and unique scraping edges to give you all the benefits of gua sha, from relaxed facial muscles to improved blood circulation. That said, we'd say that it may not be ideal for beginners as the comb side may not be as intuitive to use as other smooth-edged gua sha stones.
Bestselling gua sha tool on Amazon
- Made from: Jade stone.
- Pros: Reasonably priced, delivers a calming cooling effect.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: With over 16,000 reviews and a 4.5 star rating, this gua sha tool is a bestseller on Amazon, and with good reason. Handcrafted from 100% authentic jade stone from Salvador City in Brazil, this affordable sculpting tool is particularly fitting for beginners that aren't ready to commit to a premium price tag. It's also easy enough to pack with you for when you're travelling as it comes with its own protective case.
Best gua sha for facial contouring
- Made from: Amethyst.
- Pros: Perfectly hugs the shape of the face and allows for precise manoeuvring.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Made from calming amethyst, this facial gua sha brings a modern approach to an ancient Chinese tradition. Perfect for lifting and contouring your face, particularly around the cheeks, jaw and the under-eye area. A solid option for beginners.
Best gua sha for lymphatic drainage
- Made from: Naturally sourced jade stone.
- Pros: Perfectly fits the contours of the face, delivers a cooling effect.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: If you’re on the hunt for an affordable gua sha, look no further than this heart-shaped stone from Beauty Bay. It's made from 100% naturally sourced jade and is designed to help reduce facial tension and help improve lymphatic drainage to eliminate unwanted toxins. Whether you opt to use it on bare skin or alongside a one of your go-to nourishing face serums.
Save when you shop for the best gua sha stones with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Best gua sha for neck and décolletage
- Made from: Green aventurine.
- Pros: The elongated shape is ideal for neck and décolletage contours.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than other options on the market.
Why we love it: On the lookout for a quality gua sha to help contour the neck and décolletage areas as well as your face? This bestselling tool from Odacité features a slightly longer shape and is crafted from 100% natural Green aventurine stone, delivering solid lymphatic drainage and revitalising tired skin. The added cooling effect is great for de-puffing, making it ideal for your morning skincare routine.
Save when you shop for the best gua sha with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best gua sha wand for targeted areas
- Made from: Nephrite jade.
- Pros: Perfectly targets smaller areas such as undereyes and the skin that surrounds the lips.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Sometimes, a simple gua sha doesn't quite hit the spot – literally. This nephrite jade wand is perfect for targeting specific areas of the face, especially around the eyes and lips, with accuracy and ease. This is particularly useful if you have acne-prone skin, as you can easily avoid snagging any painful breakouts. That said, we probably wouldn't recommend this particulr gua sha for less experienced users as it's not as straightforward as other heart-shaped stones out there.
More FAQs on gua sha stones, according to 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.
The realms of TikTok have also unofficially crowned gua sha as one of the best sculpting tools, with plenty of anecdotal evidence that speaks for itself. A simple search for “gua sha” will reveal up 130K posts, with some users claiming it can lift and contour your features whilst reducing facial and jaw tension.
Material-wise, similar to the likes of facial rollers, gua sha tools are typically made from jade quartz, rose quartz or other types of crystals. Some practitioners believe gua sha can break up ‘stagnant energy’, which is believed to cause inflammation. As a facial technique, however, gua sha stones can indeed aid lymphatic drainage and reduce blockages in your lymphatic system, which helps maintain a healthy balance of fluids throughout your body.
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.
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, night creams, moisturisers for dry skin, gradual tanner, sun cream, eye creams, cleansing bars, hyaluronic acid serum and vitamin C serums.
