8 Best Gua Sha Tools to Expertly Sculpt, Lift, and Tone

By Kiana Murden

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Few beauty tools offer as excellent lifting benefits as the best gua sha tools. "The literal gua sha Mandarin translation is ‘to scrape sand,’" explains Lin Chen, cofounder of Pink Moon. "Gua sha tools have been used as a unique approach for holistic healing in China for 4,000 years. It has been traditionally used over the body to help aid in the movement of qi (which is energy flow), increase circulation, and release tension." That said, Chen continues saying that research has shown that the practice was first used in the Paleolithic Ages, dating back to the Ming dynasty in China.

"While its popularity in the US and Europe is largely tied to its ability to ‘sculpt’ the face, its healing capabilities extend far deeper!" Chen instructs, explaining that the gua sha is used for lymphatic drainage, addressing stagnant energy, promoting blood flow, soothing headaches, reducing inflammation, shortening acute illnesses like colds and flus, as well as releasing tension from head to toe. Daily gua sha practice has the ability to enhance not only your appearance (think reduced puffiness, contoured facial muscles, and improved skin elasticity), but your mental and emotional well-being. Just think of how calming it is to glide a roller or stone across your skin. What's more, Chen says you can expect results instantly, though you should continue to use daily.

So you’re ready to try the restorative practice at home. Aside from the tool you choose, a proper technique is key to reap the anticipated benefits. Always start with clean skin, then prep with an emollient face oil or balm. "You also want to apply an oil that's silky and doesn't absorb right away or you might tug your skin," Chen advises. With skin ready, keep the stone as flat and close to the skin as possible, gliding at a 15 degree angle to avoid any unnecessary friction. According to Chen, you’ll want to avoid passing over active breakouts, even if you just target the chest and neck to increase circulation and decrease inflammation. Perform slow strokes, for about three to five passes, and you’re all set.

Here, the best gua sha tools to complete your practice from Pink Moon, Lanshin, Yina, FaceGym, and more.

Think of Pink Moon's tool as the ultimate stone for beginners, as its heart shape means it's versatile and easy to travel with. "I specifically chose rose quartz for the gua sha tool because it has a cooling effect that helps to immediately soothe inflammations and reduce puffiness," says Chen. "It stays cool so you don't need to keep in the fridge."

Tata Harper's gua sha spoon is designed with tension relief and facial sculpting in mind. It's dual-ended: The larger side can treat the cheeks, neck, and jawline, whereas the smaller side targets delicate areas around the face (the undereye for example) and accupressure points. Applying slight pressure to these areas can relieve jaw tension, headaches, and sinus pain.

Mo Mi's gua sha comb looks to improve circulation and relieve tension on the scalp by hugging the natural curves of your head. Crafted from solid brass, this promotes healthy hair follicles in support of a balanced scalp and tresses. The tool is best paired with a scalp serum, as the comb helps deliver the elixir to your entire head—making it a thoughtful addition to any hair strengthening or growth regimen.

Acupuncturist Sandra Chiu designed this Lanshin tool to construct a well-rounded gua sha routine. Handmade from nephrite, otherwise known as He Tian jade, this features various shapes to target different areas you’d like to treat along the face, neck, and body—specifically a sculpting V, curved waist, sculpting lip, and smoothing comb for a skin-boosting massage.

Yian's versatile gua sha tool boasts the healing properties of bian stone, according to mineralogy studies. One can glide the stone across the face, neck, and body to improve circulation, de-puff, and tone the skin. Those with a penchant for energetics will appreciate the promises of enhanced mental focus and increased positivity when incorporating the stone in their beauty ritual.

If you’d like a tool that makes performing a daily gua sha massage simple, look no further than Mount Lai's option. Its shape makes it easy to tone and sculpt your appearance, targeting large areas of the face while delivering lymphatic drainage and facial tension relief. With five stones to choose from, just select the composition that resonates with your intentions—from jade for balance to amethyst for tranquility.

Those partial to FaceGym's beloved facial workouts might reach for its gua sha tool, carved from stainless steel. The Multi-Sculpt offers six edges to lift and de-puff your skin, while releasing tension and boosting lymphatic drainage. The result? A fresh, glowing complexion similar to that of the label's in-office treatment.

When Shay Mitchell detailed her 58-step beauty regimen, we saw her glide Wildling's Empress Stone across her supple skin—performing three strokes along her cheek and jawline. "So I am a believer in anything you can do to de-puff your skin," she says, noting the importance of lymphatic drainage in her event preparation especially. So those eager to try a similar facial toning massage should give this Bian stone a try.