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Visit any online beauty retailer and you'll like find dozens of facial tools to choose from: jade rollers, ice globes, light therapy wands, you name it! The popularity of gua sha tools—these are typically simple, smooth-edged tools that are no bigger than your hand—has also been on the rise these days, as the tool can be used at home or during professional treatments to sculpt and de-puff the face.
Meet the experts: Joshua Ross is a celebrity aesthetician and the founder of SkinLab in Los Angeles, California. Liana Sahakyan, RN, MSN is the co-founder of Lauréate Aesthetics in Sherman Oaks, California.
“Gua sha is a massage therapy technique that utilizes different size shapes and sides of smooth stones to help increase circulation and can also help with lymphatic drainage,” Joshua Ross, celebrity aesthetician and founder of SkinLab, explains. It’s a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to stimulate blood circulation and promote healing.
Take a sneak peek at some of the best gua sha tools of 2024:
These tools are often used by aestheticians on their clients, but the even better news is that these magical tools can be purchased at just about any retailer so you can give yourself a facial massage all in the comfort of your own home.
Not sure where to start? Read ahead to check out our curated list of some of the best gua sha tools around.
1
Best Overall Gua Sha Tool
Wildling Empress Stone
Pros
- Multiple edges that can be used anywhere on your face and neck
Cons
- Breaks easily
“Wilding has a lot of different shapes and sizes with unique edges to try," Ross says. "Once you feel like you have the hang of it, you can play around with different edges to gain further benefits.” This tool in particular is made of pure and authentic medicinal crystals that can be used on your jaw, cheekbones, brow bone, and the back of your neck. Use it to sculpt, massage, and release tight muscles.
Rave review: "The weight in this stone is amazing. I love the perfect curve and the ridges on this stone. Feels great. Not to mention the energy it’s infused with to add even more results."
Type of stone | Bian |
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2
Best Body Gua Sha Tool
EcoTools A&G Stone Gua Sha Facial Massage Tool
Pros
- Can be used on the face and body
- Cheap
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's rough on the skin
The skin on your face isn't the only skin that needs some extra relief. This tool can be used to massage your face, neck, arms, and legs with a scalloped edge that's meant for the face and rounded tips that are perfect for other areas of the body.
Rave review: "I've been using this ever since I got it. I have anxiety and wrinkle my face a lot. This helps to relax my muscles and ease the strain and pain. I can't wait to see the improvement in my skin and facial structure with continuous use"
Type of stone | Jade |
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Pros
- Relieves tension
- Cheap
Cons
- May be slippery when used with facial oils or serums
This stainless steel option isn't just great for people who have broken a stone gua sha tool (or two), but it's also said to hold less bacteria than its crystal counterparts.
Rave review: "This thing has transformed my skin care routine. It's versatile, easy to use, and delivers amazing results. My skin has never looked better since incorporating this tool. A must-have for radiant skin!"
Material | Stainless steel |
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Pros
- Relieves puffiness under eyes
- Affordable
Cons
- Very few angles
The simple design of this tool allows for you to sculpt your jawline, chin, cheeks, and forehead with ease, and it has the perfect amount of curve to fit in your undereye area to relieve puffiness. Use it with your favorite serum for best results.
Rave review: "Love how my 66yr old skin feels!! Brighter and smoother!!"
Type of stone | Jade |
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5
Best Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool
Skin Gym Rose Quartz Crystal Sculpty Heart Gua Sha Tool
Pros
- Has a cooling effect
- Contours face
Cons
- Breaks easily
The heart shape is designed to seamlessly message the natural contours of your face to sculpt your skin and release muscle tension. Use it daily for best results.
Rave review: "This is my first time using a gua sha and wow I really see a difference on my chin area! I use it in the morning and at night."
Type of stone | Rose quartz |
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6
Most Affordable Gua Sha Tool
Rosenice Gua Sha Facial Tool
Pros
- Cheap
- Reduces puffiness
Cons
- Breaks easily
Reduce puffiness with a few swipes across your cheekbones and jaw with this jade stone. The coolness of the stone will wake up your skin while adding a glow to it. Use it to reduce tension on your neck and shoulder as well.
Rave review: "Easy to use and feels nice on the face. I can sit and watch TV while using. I see some results so far and will keep on using it."
Type of stone | Jade |
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Pros
- Reduces puffiness
- Relieves tension
Cons
- Expensive
This tool does it all—and that makes the $60 price tag 100 percent worth it. It's designed to increase blood circulation in the face, keeping your skin happy and healthy, while releasing toxins and reducing puffiness.
Rave review: "I am so pleased with my gua sha. I love using it to relieve tension around my eyes, forehead in the evenings, and also nice in the morning when I'm feeling puffy. Lovely pouch too!"
Type of stone | Rose quartz |
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8
Best Gua Sha Tool For Firming Skin
Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Sculpts and lifts
- Firms skin
Cons
- Pricey
This tool can be used to lift the skin around the jaw and cheekbones simply by moving the tool in an upward motion in said area. It works best when used right after applying your favorite serum.
Rave review: "The first time I used it I noticed a difference. I’ve been using it daily and I definitely see a difference in my jawline and neck."
Type of stone | Jade |
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Pros
- Affordable
- Feels cool on the skin
Cons
- Breaks easily
The pointed curve on this tool is ideal for sculpting and reducing the appearance of puffiness on the cheek and jawline, while the opposing scalloped end gently massages and firms the skin.
Rave review: "Love this! Lifts my skin and gives me a flushed look and relaxed feel!"
Type of stone | Rose quartz |
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10
Best Stainless Steel Gua Sha Tool
FaceGym Multi-Sculpt High-Performance Gua Sha
Pros
- Features six different edges
- More durable than other tools
Cons
- Some reviewers say the metal feels rough on skin
Made to visibly de-puff skin, this lifting, high-performance gua sha will give your skin a workout at home. It’s made from stainless steel and features six different edges that will instantly sculpt your skin while aiding in lymphatic drainage.
Rave review: "Next level sculpting! Great quality, heavy and well made. I use it at night to help my night cream penetrate while getting lymphatic drainage. I wake up less puffy in the morning."
Material | Stainless steel |
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How we chose the best gua sha tools
For the past few months, Women’s Health editors have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated gua sha tools. Our team consulted two aestheticians for opinions, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best gua sha tools for a variety of needs and preferences.
What are the benefits of using gua sha tools?
“Using a gua sha can help reduce puffiness and give you a more sculpted appearance,” says Ross.
According to Liana Sahakyan, RN, MSN, co-founder of Lauréate Aesthetics there are several other ways using the tools can benefit your skin:
- Improves circulation: The scraping motion of the tool is thought to stimulate blood circulation, which can help deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, promoting overall skin health.
- Lymphatic drainage: Gua sha may aid in lymphatic drainage, helping to remove toxins and waste products from the skin, which can reduce puffiness and improve clarity.
- Reduced tension: It can help release tension in facial muscles, potentially leading to a more relaxed and lifted appearance.
- Improves collagen production: Some proponents suggest that gua sha can stimulate collagen production, which may contribute to improved skin elasticity and a more youthful complexion.
- Increased product absorption: It can also help serums and oils better penetrate the skin.
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How to use a gua sha tool
Start off by cleansing your face and following up with an oil or serum so that your tool has the proper amount of slip. Then begin massaging.
“The gua sha stone should be used by pressing the smooth edge toward the face and sweeping outward toward the hairline and down the jaw,” Ross explains. "Start from the forehead and work your way down."
Ross and Sahakyan recommend performing each stroke three to five times before moving to the next area. Be mindful of not pressing too hard—you shouldn't feel any discomfort or pain.
Sydney Wingfield
Freelance Writer
Sydney Wingfield is a freelance writer specializing in the beauty and lifestyle spaces. A graduate of Penn State Harrisburg, Sydney's portfolio covers home trends, beauty launches, entertainment, and health news. Her work has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Women’s Health, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, and many others.
Reviewed byBrian Underwood
Beauty Director
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.