The 8 Best Gua Sha Tools We Recommend for Facial Massage, De-Puffing, and Tension Relief

“Traditionally, gua means ‘to scrape’ or ‘to scratch’ in Chinese. Although scraping implies abrasion or injury, gua sha does not break the skin,” says Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, PhD, double board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It consists of repeated, unidirectional strokes with a smooth edge over lubricated skin until ‘sha’ blemishes — tiny red spots — appear.” However, it’s worth noting that gua sha can’t help with moderate to severe texture or reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

“Using a gua sha tool will not reduce wrinkles or trigger collagen production,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.

As for which gua sha tools are the best, here are our top picks.

• Best for Beginners: Skin Gym Rose Quartz Crystal Sculpty Heart Gua Sha Tool
• Best Stainless Steel Tool: Kitsch Stainless Steel Gua Sha
• Best Jade Gua Sha: Osea Gua Sha Sculptor
• Best Rose Quartz Gua Sha: Pink Moon Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Toolkit
• Best Multipurpose (Face and Body): Aurift 6-in-1 Ceramic Gua Sha Tool for Face and Body
• Best Splurge: Solaris Laboratories NY It's Lit Heated LED Gua Sha
• Most Budget-Friendly: Rena Chris Natural Jade Classic Gua Sha
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Complete Skin Makeover Rosehip Remedy + Gua Sha Set

To find the best gua sha tools on the market, we researched highly rated options in materials like rose quartz, jade, stainless steel, ceramic, and even silicone. We prioritized gua sha tools that are popular among both consumers and licensed professionals.

We kept the following criteria in mind when evaluating products on the market. When choosing the best gua sha tools, we looked for natural, undyed stones and high-grade stainless steel, and for products that are smooth and nonporous to avoid irritation or cracking. We also looked for shapes that naturally follow the curves of the face and body, with rounded edges and comfortable grips that make them easy to maneuver. Durability and practicality matter, too, so we focused on tools that resist damage, clean easily, and often include storage pouches or cases. Finally, our selections were made to cover a range of needs, whether you’re aiming to relieve jaw tension, sculpt cheekbones, or calm sensitive skin.

We consulted four board-certified dermatologists for this article:

• Weston Wall, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Wall Dermatology in St. Petersburg, Florida
• Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, PhD, double board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama
• Shamsa Kanwal, MD, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Aesthetic Evolution Skin and Laser Clinic in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

There’s no single best gua sha tool for everyone, but a few features can help you find the right one for your skin type and goals:

• Material According to Wall, “Jade and rose quartz are popular for their cooling feel, while stainless steel is more durable and easier to sanitize, ideal for those with acne-prone skin.” Look for jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel. Avoid plastic or fake stones that can break or irritate the skin.
• Shape and Weight Tools should fit comfortably in your hand and contour to your face. Heart, wing, and spoon shapes work well, depending on the target areas. “Shapes with a long, curved edge work well for broader areas like the jawline and cheeks, while heart-shaped tools with notches are better for delicate contours around the eyes and nose,” says Wall. “Weight also matters. A slightly heavier tool often requires less pressure, helping prevent overscraping.”
• Grip and Glide The tool should move smoothly over facial oil without pulling, according to all of the board-certified dermatologists we interviewed. A balanced weight and rounded edges are key.
• Durability Natural stones can chip if dropped. Stainless steel and ceramic are sturdier.
• Ease of Cleaning Nonporous materials like stainless steel and silicone are the easiest to disinfect.
• Intended Use Some tools work better for full-body relief, others for delicate facial zones. Always consider how you intend to use the tool to make a targeted decision.
• Price and Quality Budget tools can work, but avoid anything that looks dyed or feels overly light or sharp. Regardless of material, a gua sha tool “should feel comfortable in your hand and allow for a steady grip,” says Wall.

“Stainless steel and glazed ceramic are nonporous, are easy to sanitize, and glide with less drag. Natural jade and rose quartz can have microfissures, are more fragile, and warm faster on contact,” says Kanwal. “From a dermatological perspective, porosity, surface smoothness, thermal behavior, weight, and allergen risk matter the most.”

Kanwal suggests performing a patch test to confirm that you’re not allergic to your gua sha tool. “Glide the tool with the intended serum on a 2-centimeter patch of your inner forearm for five minutes, then monitor that spot for 48 hours for itch, redness, bumps, or blisters,” she says. “For a formal evaluation, I recommend that your dermatologist patch test for contact allergens such as nickel, fragrance mix, balsam of Peru, limonene, linalool, and common preservatives.”

Keep in mind that in addition to possibly reacting to the tool material (nickel release from some stainless steels, metal plating, dyed or resin-bonded stones, and silicone or rubber grips), another trigger for skin reactions may be the slip medium, fragrances, essential oils, menthol, or preservatives on your tool, or even residue from harsh cleaners.

Many common mistakes stem from technique and hygiene. Wall says, “Using too much pressure, scraping over inflamed or broken skin, skipping lubrication, and not cleaning the tool properly (risking bacterial transfer) are the most common errors.” Always apply a facial oil or serum before starting, and wash your tool thoroughly after each use to minimize the risk of infection.

Wall recommends this step-by-step gua sha routine:

1. Cleanse your face and tool thoroughly to remove makeup, dirt, and bacteria.
2. Apply a facial oil or serum to moisten and prevent tugging. Hold the tool at a 15- to 30-degree angle to your skin — almost flat but not perpendicular.
3. Start at the neck, sweeping upward and outward toward the jawline.
4. Move to the face, gliding from the center out toward the hairline in slow, gentle strokes. Remember to use light pressure.
5. Clean the tool after use with gentle soap and water. Dry completely before storing.

Gua sha can complement a skin-care routine and help support skin health over time when used properly and consistently. Hartman suggests starting by using a gua sha tool once or twice per week and increasing the frequency as your skin adjusts. “Most people use it two to four times per week,” he says. Technique matters more than frequency. “You should never apply heavy pressure when using a gua sha tool. You should use light, gentle pressure,” Hartman says. “If you are feeling pain or irritation, stop immediately.”

“Slight redness that goes away in 15 minutes is okay,” he says. “Bruising is never okay and is a sign that you are using too much pressure.” For best results, always start with clean skin and apply a facial oil or serum to help the tool glide smoothly. Use slow, upward strokes, and take your time. Gua sha is just as much about ritual as it is about results.