Want glowy and de-puffed skin? Check out these gua sha tools rn (2024)

Want glowy and de-puffed skin? Check out these gua sha tools rn (1)

Gua shas: I bet they've been all over your TikTok and IG feeds, with influencers and celebs claiming they'll miraculously "contour the face" and "smooth wrinkles." But as much as I wish a gua sha facial could give me a defined and lifted face in under 60 seconds, take it from dermatologist Karan Lal, MD: "Gua shas will not snatch the face"—at least, not permanently. They can, however, massage your face to help decrease fluid retention, leaving you looking (temporarily) less puffy and more glowy.

Though the medical efficacy of gua sha is limited, the technique has been a sworn-by staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, meaning it's worth playing around with in your skincare routine. To help you figure out the best tools to try, I personally tested and reviewed a dozen gua sha stones on myself, as well as chatted with Dr Lal and gathered tips from Sandra Lanshin Chiu, an expert in Chinese medicine and holistic healing. But before we dive in, here's a little sneak peek of my favourite ones right now...

Our top picks for the best gua sha tools in 2024:

Want to know more? Cool, because I've highlighted some of the best gua sha tools around—from brands like Mount Lai, Odacité, and FaceGym—with help from experts, of course.

Rena Chris Natural Rose Quartz Gua Sha Stone

Now 19% Off

£7.64 at Amazon

Just learning about facial gua sha and want a quality tool without spending a ton of money? Pop this Amazon bestseller in your cart.

It was the third gua sha I tried out, and I can attest that the price does not represent its quality. Don't believe me? Check out one of the 25,000 five-star reviews.

Stone type: Rose Quartz

THE REVIEW: "I can tell you this stone one works the best and it also feels the best as you can control the pressure and do smaller strokes on sore areas. I love the circulation increase on my face, and I get a nice glow for the rest of the day when used in the morning," writes one tester.

Lanshin Intro Gua Sha Tool - Jade

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New to the practice? Confused about where to start? Not sure which tool is best for your needs? Enter: The Lanshin Intro Gua Sha Tool, which is designed specifically for beginners.

The unique shape is made so you can learn and master the basic foundations of facial gua sha. Take it from me, I had absolutely zero idea how to hold a gua sha, let alone scrape my face with it, but with video tutorials and testing this tool, I got the hang of it really damn quick.

Stone type: Jade

THE REVIEW: "Super great gua sha tool—it really allows you to follow the natural contours of your face with a really even pressure," writes one tester. "Perfect shape for the face, you can tell it was designed from deep knowledge and expertise," writes another.

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Mount Lai The Rose Quartz Eye Massage Tool

£32.30 at Amazon

There's nothing worse than waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and the jump scare that follows when you see how puffy your eyes are from zero sleep the night before.

Instead of rummaging through your freezer for that pack of frozen peas, get yourself this eye-de-puffing tool that works wonders on those bags.

Stone type: Rose quartz

THE REVIEW: "I have the Mount Lai gua sha tool and love it, so I bought this as well. There’s a good weight to it, and it feels amazing on the undereye—both cooling and relaxing. The shape is easy to hold and it is a perfect size," one review reads.

Odacité Crystal Contour Gua Sha - Blue Sodalite

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If you're clumsy like your girl, and the thought of holding a delicate gua sha tool covered in oil scares you a bit, you need to get yourself the Odacité Crystal Contour Gua Sha which is larger than most tools and will give you that extra grip you need.

Stone type: Blue sodalite

THE REVIEW: "This was a total spur-of-the-moment purchase, just because there’s some serious hype over gua sha, and I’m actually so surprised at how much I love this little tool! It’s relaxing to use, and I do it while watching tv. Definitely have noticed an improvement in 'glow' and a slight improvement in tone! Got the blue sodalite version!" one review reads.

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Act+Acre Scalp Gua Sha

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FYI!!! Your scalp is an extension of the skin on your face. This means you shouldn't be neglecting it, and nothing is better than a good scalp massage. The Act and Acre Scalp Gua Sha should be used on dry hair pre- or post-wash.

Stone type: Jade

THE REVIEW: "There is nothing more luxurious feeling than treating yourself to a scalp gua sha experience! The piece is stunning and I love the little felt holder it comes with. Worth every penny and then some!" one customer writes.

Wildling Empress Stone Gua Sha Facial Tool

£68.17 at Amazon

The bian stone is a blend of over 40 minerals which are said to be recognized for their healing properties in the practice. The edges are designed to perfectly mould to the contours of your face. Fun fact: Look at your stone for subtle white veins, they were formed as a result of a meteor.

Stone type: Bian

THE REVIEW: "So I LOVE Gua Sha and own too many tools. I can honestly tell you that I would never be without this one because of its super versatile shape and the comb edge is fantastic. It's a one-tool-wonder," one review reads.

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Face Gym Multi-Sculpt

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Not only will the stainless steel design of this gua sha feel ultra-cooling on your face (which feels superrrr good in the mornings), but it is also durable and hygienic. This means it's super easy to keep it clean before and after use.

Material: Stainless steel

THE REVIEW: "Whether you are purchasing for cosmetic reasons or more of a medical-based reason such as myself, I think you will find this tool to be extremely beneficial in reducing tension in the face and neck, it’s the best tool I’ve found so far to help provide relief," one tester writes.

Lanshin Pro Gua Sha Tool - Nephrite Jade

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Designed by Chiu herself—who, refresh, is an expert in facial gua sha and Chinese Medicine-based skincare—this baby is the crème de la crème of gua sha tools out there.

The nephrite jade—also referred to as "he tian" in China—used to hand-craft this gua sha is loved for its supposed healing properties. Once you get the hang of the practice, this is def a piece worth investing in.

Stone type: Nephrite Jade

THE REVIEW: "This is incredible, the creator of this brand has so much information and tutorials on IG—absolutely love the passion and education, it’s extremely enjoyable. Second, the little fabric container it comes in is perfect. It prevents lint from getting on it, it's stain-proof, and it’s really great. Does my skin look and feel amazing? Yes. Do I get compliments on my skin? Yes. I hesitated slightly because of the price, but I’m happy with my purchase, totally worth it :)" one review reads.

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How do you use a gua sha?

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You use a facial gua sha by "gently applying oil on your skin and using the tool in an intentional firm fashion in to out—nose to ear, chin to ear, chin to eye, eyebrow to hairline, clavicle to jawline," Dr. Lal says.

Need a visual? Don't worry, I gotcha. Check out this YouTube tutorial by Chiu.

How to choose the best gua sha tool:

Want glowy and de-puffed skin? Check out these gua sha tools rn (19)

Pay attention to the shape

"Stone quality, design, and craftsmanship matter when choosing a tool," Chiu has told Cosmo. "As with any product you use on your face, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask questions." Dr Lal agrees: You want to find a tool that is ergonomic for you—it shouldn’t be awkward or painful, he explains.

Purchase an oil

"Start with a hydrating mist or alcohol-free toner followed by a facial oil or a moisturiser to prep your skin and get the necessary 'glide,'" Chiu told Cosmo. "Skin that isn't freshly hydrated may result in some 'sha,' or red marks—they're not permanent, but it’s not what you’re going for."

Keep it clean

Not cleaning your gua sha is as bad (dare I say, worse?) as not cleaning your makeup brushes. "I recommend using soap and water to get rid of oils [after using the gua sha]. And then I would spray 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to disinfect the gua sha before use," says Dr Lal.

Your gua sha tools can harbour bacteria and dirt, which means that if they're not cleaned properly, that gunk can be transferred to your face and cause skin irritation and/or breakouts. So keep it clean, people!

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Meet the experts:

Want glowy and de-puffed skin? Check out these gua sha tools rn (20)

  • Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
  • Sandra Lanshin Chiu, founder of the holistic healing studio Lanshin in Brooklyn, NY, and also an expert in Chinese medicine dermatology. Chiu spoke to Cosmo about the benefits of gua shas in the past.

Why trust Cosmo?

Want glowy and de-puffed skin? Check out these gua sha tools rn (21)

Siena Gagliano is a contributing beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She's an expert at writing beauty stories that range from the best lip balms to the best organic sunscreen. She's an authority in all skincare categories, but after speaking to—and learning from—dermatologists and experts in Chinese medicine, she feels especially knowledgeable on the topic. Her gua sha tool picks were chosen with reviews, expert advice, and testing in mind.

From: Cosmopolitan US

Want glowy and de-puffed skin? Check out these gua sha tools rn (2024)
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