13 Best Gua Sha Facial Tools—Plus, Experts Share How to Use Them (2024)

Despite the recent spike in popularity, gua sha is a centuries-old practice. Originating in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the facial tool helps to give your face a more sculpted look by stimulating deeper tissue release and lymphatic drainage, which helps depuff. But that's not all.

The Benefits of Gua Sha

When a centuries-old practice is still relevant today, it’s for good reason. To explain how gua sha works, you first need to know about fascia, a thin layer of connective or fibrous tissue surrounding our muscles. “When fascia gets tense, it can restrict blood flow and lymphatic drainage,” says Toronto-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav. “Stimulating our facial fascia helps relax the face, facilitate blood flow, and promote lymphatic drainage for healthier-looking skin. Immediately, the skin should appear more vibrant due to the increase in blood flow and circulation; this will also promote better absorption of your topical skincare products and you'll be able to see a subtly sculpted appearance.”

Over time, you can expect an improvement in your overall skin texture and tone. “Long-term benefits come from the consistent relaxing of facial muscles, delaying the formation of deep-set wrinkles,” explains Morgan Rackley, licensed aesthetician at Luminous Skin Atlanta MedSpa.

However, it’s important to note that gua sha is not a medically proven therapy for dermatologic conditions. “The modality might create temporary petechiae [broken vessels] and bruising to the skin,” says California-based board-certified dermatologist Caren Campbell, MD. Or it can even result in broken blood vessels—and make skin conditions worse. She adds, "There is some science behind the use of it for muscle pain and aches, but not for skin-related issues or anti-aging.”

What to Consider

Gua sha tools are often made from semi-precious stones like quartz or jade so they retain their temperature for a long period of time. They can also be metal, or in some cases, glass. Before performing gua sha, a few things to keep in mind—make sure your face is freshly cleansed, and then apply a gentle oil (or serum) to help the tool glide smoothly. “Not too much oil, though, maybe four to six drops, depending on the thickness of the oil,” says Morgan Rackley, a licensed esthetician and owner of Luminous Skin Atlanta. “And be sure to include your neck!”

“Starting from the center of the face and working your way out, gently glide the tool across the contours of your face,” explains board-certified dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD. “Then work from your jawline down your neck toward your clavicle.” Experts recommend repeating this pattern at least three times.

Often, you’ll notice that there are divots or curves in the flat-shaped tool, which are best used along the jawline, cheekbones, and brow bones. The smoother sides of the gua sha facial tools can be used along the forehead, neck, and flatter areas of the face.

How We Chose

We’ve rounded up the 13 best gua sha tools that are editor-approved, whether you’re looking for something classic or a new twist on the traditional tool.

This little tool may be small, but it's mighty. Use it in place of your regular gua sha when you're traveling, or as an auxiliary one when you're at home and need something a bit smaller to get into those ultra-tense muscles (see: the jaw or by the temples). We think it's the perfect little add-on to your routine at home or away, and it costs less than $10 to boot.

A lot of skincare enthusiasts prefer a metal gua sha tool as they tend to be heavier than jade or quartz and also stay colder longer. This version from Face Gym is weighty but not unnecessarily so. Are you new to gua sha or lymphatic drainage? The brand ingeniously also includes a QR code on the enclosed pouch that demonstrates 10 different techniques you can try out with your new tool.

Scalp massage has tons of benefits, from boosting circulation and stimulating hair growth to simply feeling heavenly. This gua sha is designed specifically for the scalp; try it when you've just applied hair oil to help massage in the product, or anytime you're especially stressed or have a headache. One thing to note: The scalp is sensitive, so be gentle to optimize the feel-good benefits.

This groovy-looking tool may have a different look than other gua shas on this list, but it maintains the same muscle-relaxing vibes. Made from white jade, you simply drag it along areas that need to, well, chill in short strokes for up to five minutes each. We especially like to use it on the shoulders, neck, and calves—it's like you're your own masseuse.

Composed of Bian stone, which contains 40+ minerals (said to be known for their healing properties), each edge of the tool is intentionally architectured to enhance the gua sha practice. The long edge allows you to drain lymphatic fluid, the U-edge is great for the jawline, brow line, and cheeks, the short edge for under the eye, and the combed edge for stimulating blood flow. Lastly, there’s also a shorter pointy tip for acupressure. Follow the treasure trove of tutorials on the brand's site.

Look no further for the perfect sculpting skincare duo. This set comes with facial oil (a non-comedogenic blend of sunflower, moringa, and rose oils), plus a gorgeous gua sha tool made from ethically sourced rose quartz to use alongside it. This buy is ideal for beginners and travelers alike, as the set comes with an easy-to-follow guide as well as a pretty pink velvet reusable pouch to protect and store your new gua sha on the go.

For best results, use this heart-shaped gua sha facial tool for three to five minutes daily. The heart isn’t just adorable, it also has an ideal shape for hugging the contours of your jaw and cheeks. For additional healing and relaxation benefits, place the gua sha in the refrigerator for an hour (or even overnight) before use to help increase circulation; the rose quartz will stay cold but not frigid against your skin.

The abstract shape of this gua sha tool allows you to target both small and large areas of the face—just flip it around as is most comfortable. Plus, the jade material is calming, a nice reminder of how the tool will make you feel as you’re using it and long after. We also like how the natural stone makes each one unique, and you never know which one you'll get.

Meant specifically for the eye area, this mushroom-shaped massage tool is crafted from rose quartz for a soothing, cooling effect. To use, apply eye cream, serum, or gel to create slip, then gently roll the tool 360 degrees around the eyes—focusing on puffy areas under the eyes—until it looks like you actually slept a little bit. Trust us, this feel-good (and cute!) tool will be your new go-to on rough mornings.

Hoping to get the full benefits of gua sha on different parts of your body? Well, this four-piece set is a great go-to, as it contains different gua shas for pressure points on the full body and face. “[They] relax my tight sore shoulders and neck [and] stimulate blood flow in my face,” writes an Amazon reviewer, who adds that, “[I] get slightly flushed for a few minutes, but [it] goes away quickly.”

Designed by ​​TCM expert Sandra Lanshin Chiu, this gua sha will up-level your skincare regimen big time. Each is hand-crafted in nephrite jade, which is said to contain supportive healing properties and creates a uniquely beautiful tool beside your sink. In addition to the familiar curved sides, it also features a comb-like end that gently massages fine lines. It may be on the pricey side, but reviewers swear by this facial tool, calling it “the best Gua Sha tool on the market.”

Bring the spa home to you with this funky-looking skin tool that is meant to lift and define your facial features. Each side has a different purpose: The notched side helps relieve tension along the jawline and chin. But if you rotate to the smooth end, it aligns with the natural contours of the cheeks, forehead, and hairline. Finally, the rounded corners are great for pressure points like the temples. No matter how you use it, you'll be a fan.

Much larger than the typical gua sha—it even has a handle to give you a sturdy grip—this is a multifunctional tool that promotes lymphatic and blood circulation in the whole body. It’s made of natural resin with smooth edges and won't hurt your skin as you massage. “Great product! Easy to use, lightweight but sturdy,” exclaims an Amazon reviewer. “Covers a larger area than other similar tools. Would recommend!”