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11 best gua sha tools to sculpt and de‑puff your face – tried and tested
Welcome to gua sha 101
Gua shas (pronounced "gwah sha"): 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."
Apart from it being a very therapeutic process – I find gua sha-ing before I go to sleep a very relaxing ritual – since I've dedicated one into my daily skincare routine, I've noticed a great reduction in the overall puffiness and water retention that builds up on my face, especially after a long snooze.
From brands like Kitsch and Joonbyrd, here are the best gua sha tools to shop now. Scroll to the bottom of the article for answers to FAQs on gua sha, like how to use one.
Our top picks for the best gua sha tools 2026:
What are the benefits of gua sha?
Alongside a little serum or facial oil, a short massage with one of these tools instantly livens my skin and kick starts my day in the best way – feeling fresh and awake!
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 Dr. Karan Lal: "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.
Pros
- It combines heat, LED and vibration to lift and sculpt
- It’s simple and effective to use
Cons
- The plastic case feels quite cheap
If you want to take the whole gua sha thing to the next level, I’d highly suggest the Stylpro Heated LED gua sha. Adding extra excitement to your standard stone, this gizmo features heat, vibration and LED light technology to not only support your lymphatic drainage system, but to visibly lift and sculpt your facial contours.
You can choose between three light options: red improves collagen production, blue prevents breakouts and pink supports lymphatic drainage. So no matter your skin type, this tool can easily slot into your skincare routine.
I also really enjoy the heated element. After a long day at the office, coming home to a skincare routine that encourages me to wind down is just what I am looking for.
Customer review: Great little gadget. I love the vibration and heat. Fits nicely in the palm, the button is very easy to select the setting (but sometimes too easy to swap light settings by accident) but I don’t mind this.
Key Specifications:
| Stone type: | Electric |
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Member price: £22.50
This is more of a jade roller than a gua sha but it still delivers that same lifted effect while helping to de-puff. Use it around the brow bones, cheek bones and jawline, gently moving the tool upwards and outwards. To ensure a tug-free glide, it’s wise to apply a light layer of oil first so the tool can easily move over your skin.
The tool has quite a bit of weight to it – maybe not ideal for travelling, but for day-to-day it feels like a very luxe addition to my routine. My top tip is to also store it in the fridge; this cools the metal so you can benefit from the de-puffing effects as well as the lifting and snatching.
Customer review: “This face roller is a game changer. It has such a great weight to it. I definitely saw a difference after the first time I used it and used it almost every day.”
Key Specifications:
| Stone type: | Metal |
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Pros
- It makes a thoughtful gift idea
- The Supple Skin Oil is one of the brand’s most popular products for leaving skin feeling smooth and smelling delicious
Cons
- The gua sha isn’t currently available to buy separately
Remember not to forget your beautiful bod! That’s right, a gua sha can be used to relieve tension all over your body, not just your face! Bring the tool into the bath, lather up with a silky bath wash, and gently glide the tool over tense muscles or any areas you’d like. Think: neck, butt, hamstrings, chest, and abdomen.
Ngl, this L'Occitane bundle is yummy enough to buy for yourself (it comes with the Supple Skin Oil which is simply decedent!) but it also makes the perfect gift for literally anyone in your life. Because you don’t want to relax?
Key Specifications:
| Stone type: | Quartz |
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Pros
- It's an affordable option for beginners
- The inward and outward curved edges help to sculpt and reduce puffiness
- It can be stored in the fridge which makes it feel more cooling to use
Cons
- The stone in thinner than more expensive options so it can break if dropped
Starting off with the first gua sha tool I ever owned, and I still use it to this day. A great one for beginners (more so because of the price tag) the Sephora Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool is designed with three curved edges to sculpt and de-puff the face, giving you the full massaging experience.
The outward curved edge helps to reduce under-eye puffiness, while the inward curved edge is for your cheekbones and general sculpting. Then the steep dip is where you can really get into your jawline to smooth out any niggles. I love a multi-tasker!
Customer review: "After using this gua sha crystal for a week, I am so happy with it. The rose quartz is pretty, highly polished and cut just right for my face. It’s comfortable in either hand. I’ve noticed that my skin absorbs serums better, as well. The stone is so smooth and cool to the touch that I know it’s going to be nice to use on summer days."
Key Specifications:
| Stone type: | Rose Quartz |
|---|
Not only will the stainless steel design of this gua sha feel ultra-cooling on your face (which feels super 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
Customer 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."
Pros
- The unique shape of the gua sha comfortably fits around the contours of the eyes
- It's made from rose quartz, helping to calm and reduce puffiness
- It's a high-quality, heavy-duty tool
Cons
- It's heavier than most, so it may not be the best too for travel
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.
Customer 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."
Key Specifications:
| Stone type: | Rose quartz |
|---|
Pros
- Comes in a velvet bag so can be used as a gift
- Combines the benefits of both the gua sha and jade roller
Cons
- The metal can tarnish over time so be sure to properly clean the tool after use
Gua sha is one of the best facial contouring techniques to reduce puffiness and water retention – yerp, we’re talking snatched. But if you fancy swapping between a gua sha and something a little gentler, why not try this roller set? A jade roller is gentler than using a gua sha; store in the fridge and slowly roll the tool over your face and neck. Like the gua sha, it helps with de-puffing and drainage, but many find this process much more calming and stress relieving.
Customer review: “The gua sha stone and roller set arrives in a gift box with velvet bags for storage. I have been using every night after oiling my skin and it feels like a really deep massage for the face. Good value and a lovely way to treat your skin.”
Key Specifications:
| Stone type: | Stainless steel |
|---|
Pros
- When massaged in with a oil it helps to improve scalp health
- It feels very relaxing – like an at-home scalp massage
Cons
- The comb can be tricky to brush through curly/coily hair types
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.
Customer 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!"
Key Specifications:
| Stone type: | Jade |
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Pros
- It has three different ridges to sculpt and smooth
- The tool can be used to relax or to help work through knots
Cons
- It's expensive
The Joonbyrd Heatwarmer Body Gua Sha Tool (coming from our fave derm, Dr Alexis Granite) is designed to be used all over the body, working to sculpt and nix out any niggles or knots.
The edges of the gua sha feature different ridges, some smooth and some wavy, so you can massage with the tool however you like, whether that's for some gentle relaxing or to work out a muscle knot.
Customer review: "I absolutely adore using this body Gua Sha! The silicone grip makes it so much easier to use compared to the face Gua sha's I have used before. I get the most terrible stress knots in my shoulders and after using this for a few days it has managed to release the tension."
Key Specifications:
| Stone type: | Purple amethyst |
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Pros
- Made from Bian Stone – a heavy-duty, quality stone known for its anti-oxidant benefits
- The three edges can be used to tone, sculpt and de-puff the face
Cons
- It's expensive
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.
Customer 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."
Key Specification:
| Stone type: | Bian |
|---|
Pros
- Metal is a non-porous surface so it's a hygienic option and easy to keep clean
- The cooling surface helps to reduce puffiness and inflammation
Cons
- Some find that the U-dip is too low to use around the jaw line
Store this in the fridge and it'll wake you up quicker than a shot of espresso. The cooling stainless steel material helps to reduce puffiness after groggy sleeps, while promoting a brighter and more awakened complexion – even if you've only had a few hours of kip!
The steep dip in the tool moulds around the contours of your face so you can easily slide the gua sha across your jawline and cheekbones to lift and sculpt.
Customer review: "Absolutely brilliant at depuffing and smoothing. I use it every night before moisturising. It's so relaxing; definitely going to keep using it."
Key Specification:
| Stone type: | Stainless steel |
|---|
How do you use a gua sha?
- Firstly, you will want a clean face before you begin so that you don’t push dirt and grime further into your skin. It’s therefore advised to gua sha after you have cleansed your face.
- Next, “gently apply 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.
- Hold the gua sha at a 15-45 degree angle while you gently move the tool in an upward motion. It’s important to apply light pressure when using the gua sha around your eyes, but feel free to press down slightly harder on areas like the jawline and forehead.
Chin and jowls:
Hold the skin taut and place the gua sha in the middle of your chin. Move the tool upwards to in front of your ears and then take the tool down the back of your ears and neck. Repeat three-four times on each side.
Masseter:
Your masseter muscle is along the side of your jaw. Locate this by blenching down and you should see the muscle protrude. Then, place the gua sha flat against the muscle and gently move the tool up towards the ear. Repeat three-four times on each side.
Forehead:
Gently scrape the tool from the top of your eyebrows to where your hairline starts in a straight motion.
How to choose the best gua sha tool:
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!
How we test gua shas:
To create this edit, we spoke to experts Dr. Karan Lal and Sandra Lanshin Chiu who gave their advice on what makes a good gua sha. We also carried out our own testing where Cosmo beauty editors tested out these tools for a number of weeks, reviewing everything from quality and price to the overall results. We also ensured the gua shas were tested on a variety of skin types, from oily and acne-prone to dry and sensitive.
Meet the experts:
- Dr. Karan Lal 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 expert in Chinese medicine dermatology.
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is a contributing beauty editor at Cosmopolitan US 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.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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