8 Gua Sha Tools That Can Help De-Puff Your Face, Stat

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The 6 Best Gua Sha Tools for Sculpted, Glowing Skin—and We Can Show You the Proof

Your new daily ritual for a less puffy, more defined face.

By Esme Benjamin Esme Benjamin Esme Benjamin is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over a decade of editorial experience. She was previously a wellness editor at Culture Trip, and now writes beauty, lifestyle, and wellness content for Byrdie, among other sites. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 09, 2026 01:06PM 1 Comment

In This Article

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In This Article

• Top Picks
• Reviews
• What to Look For
• How We Tested
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Meet Our Experts
• Why Trust Byrdie

TL;DR

Our favorite pick is the Face Gym Multi-Sculpt, an easy-to-use, edged tool made from stainless steel, which helps depuff and define the face. We also love the Kitsch Stainless Steel Gua Sha, which is a beginner- and budget-friendly tool that helps sculpt around the eye areas, as well as aiding in lymphatic drainage. For a stone option, try the Wildling Facial Gua Sha Empress Stone, crafted with 100% authentic bian stone to lift and tone.

If you’ve seen the viral before-and-after gua sha videos on social media, you’ll know it’s hard to deny the transformative power of these little tools. There’s more to it than following a specific routine—it’s all in the gua sha and the ancient practice behind it. “Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine practice using a tool, like a stone, to relieve tension from water retention, muscle tightness, or other congestion,” explains board-certified hypnotherapist Dr. Giselle Wasfie. While gua sha can be used all over the body, it’s particularly beneficial for the face. The sometimes cooling, soothing tool boosts lymphatic drainage, reducing facial puffiness and inflammation, and can even stimulate collagen production for firmer skin. Plus, it’s a wonderful self-care ritual.

We asked our expert team to test 22 top-rated gua sha tools at home, assessing their ease of use, feel, quality, and overall effectiveness. After evaluating all the feedback and consulting with certified estheticians, we compiled this list of the seven best gua sha tools for achieving a defined, refreshed appearance.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Face Gym Multi-Sculpt at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE Kitsch Stainless Steel Gua Sha at Amazon $20 $13 Jump to Review Best Stone: Wildling Empress Stone at Amazon $69 Jump to Review Best for Scalp: Vegamour Gua Sha Scalp Comb at Vegamour.com $38 Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Lanshin Pro Gua Sha tool at Thedetoxmarket.com $129 Jump to Review Best Jade: Tata Harper Crystal Gua Sha Spoon at Tataharperskincare.com $20 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Face Gym Multi-Sculpt

View on Amazon $69 at Facegym.com What We Like

• The edges hug every curve of the face

• Depuffs and reduces jaw tension

• Made from shatterproof stainless steel

What to Consider

• Requires daily use for best results

Shape: Bow-shaped | Material: Stainless steel | Best used for: Depuffing and defining 

Leave it to Face Gym, a skincare brand specializing in snatched jawlines and cheekbones, to create our favorite gua sha. Made from shatterproof, medical-grade stainless steel, the tool glides nicely with no tugging and can be heated or cooled to enhance results and soothe skin. Our tester loved how easy it was to use and how well the six unique edges hugged the contours of her face—including the ridged end, which was great for draining fluid under her chin. Her complexion looked a little pink immediately after using the tool (a common, temporary effect of gua sha), but she also noticed a reduction in puffiness and a boost to her cheekbone definition. PSA for all the TMJ sufferers out there, the Face Gym Multi-Sculpt also excels at releasing jaw tension.

Alyssa Kaplan, editor with combination/oily skin (not pictured): “I could see some reduction in puffiness. My jaw line and face shape looked a bit more defined after using it. I also like that it helped relieve a bit of jaw tension.”

Best Budget

Kitsch Stainless Steel Gua Sha

$20 $13 at Amazon $27 at Target $27 $22 at Mykitsch.com What We Like

• Boosts circulation and aids lymph drainage

• Hygienic and easy to clean

• Effective around the eye area

What to Consider

• Slippery and difficult to grasp when hands are wet

Shape: Heart-shaped | Material: Stainless steel | Best used for: Depuffing 

If you’re new to the whole gua sha thing, this option from Kitsch is accessible and beginner-friendly. The tool’s classic heart shape is intuitive to use without an in-depth how-to guide, and it's made from lightweight stainless steel that’s simple to maneuver and clean. Our tester loved giving her face a massage with this gua sha; it was easy to grasp (unless her hands were wet), glided effortlessly over her skin, and worked wonders on her tense jaw area. The smooth, cool surface was especially good at depuffing the delicate eye area, and she even noticed a subtle brow lift.

Lauren, tester with normal skin (not pictured): “Right after using it, my skin was definitely less puffy. It was a nice little boost for my face, maybe a subtle lift if I focused under my eyebrows.”

Best Stone

Wildling Empress Stone

$69 at Amazon $69 at Credo Beauty $69 at Wildling.com What We Like

• Made from the highest grade, fair trade Bian stone (a healing stone)

• Helps visibly depuff

• Stimulates skin and drains lymph fluid

What to Consider

• Should be used daily for best results

• Might shatter if dropped

Shape: Round/pointed | Material: Bian stone | Best used for: Depuffing  

The creators behind the Wildling Empress Stone are impressively credentialed (an acupuncturist, holistic aesthetician, and herbalist, to be specific) and have been using gua sha for years, which explains the tool’s thoughtful design. It’s made from Bian, a stone that’s said to contain skin-beneficial trace minerals and negative ions, and is pleasantly smooth and cool to the touch. Our tester loved the 4-sided ergonomic design, encompassing a u-curve that hugs the cheekbone and jawline precisely, a short edge that's great for the eye area, a pointed tip to release tension, and even a comb edge for the forehead and scalp. It was really effective at draining lymph fluid from around the eye area, and her skin looked noticeably less puffy throughout the day. The one downside of using a stone gua sha is the risk that it might shatter if dropped, and we wish this one had a protective case to make it more travel-friendly.

Esme, tester with combination skin (not pictured): “I noticed it seemed to help with blood and lymph flow, leaving my skin pleasantly flushed and my eye area less puffy. The results seemed to improve throughout the day, especially around the eyes.”

Best for Scalp

Vegamour Gua Sha Scalp Comb

$38 at Vegamour.com What We Like

• Boosts circulation to the scalp

• Supports hair growth

• Promotes relaxation

What to Consider

• Hair health improvements are gradual

Shape: Comb | Material: Rose quartz | Best used for: Scalp and hair health 

This revitalizing scalp comb from Vegamour asks: Why stop at the hairline? Made from elegant rose quartz, it’s designed to massage and stimulate the scalp, and our tester says it provided instant relaxation. After applying her favorite Cécred hair oil, she tackled her scalp quadrant by quadrant, using the smooth, rounded teeth of the comb to massage any areas that felt tender or itchy (after wearing her hair in a tight ponytail all day, for example). Supposedly, the comb boosts circulation to the scalp, supporting healthy hair growth, but this was hard to assess in a short timeframe. Our take? This gua sha is worth owning for the tension-releasing benefits alone. It even helps ease minor headaches.

Shauna Beni-Haynes, former senior editor with combination skin (not pictured): “My scalp felt great right after using the tool. On days when I wore a high ponytail or tight hairstyle, the gua sha would help relieve any tension I felt in those areas.”

Most Comfortable

Lanshin Pro Gua Sha tool

$129 at Thedetoxmarket.com $129 at Lanshin.com What We Like

• Comfortable to hold and use

• Sculpts and defines the face

• Reduces puffiness

What to Consider

• Might shatter if dropped

Shape: Round/pointed | Material: Nephrite Jade | Best used for: Depuffing

While we can appreciate innovative gua sha shapes that go beyond the traditional heart, they’re not always the easiest to use. Finding a comfortable grasp isn’t an issue with this option, which was designed by gua sha and Chinese medicine expert Sandra Lanshin Chiu, L.Ac. Made from nephrite jade (another stone that’s said to have healing properties), the tool’s sleek shape was comfortable to hold and turn, according to our tester, and she found the experience of using it to be simultaneously stimulating and relaxing. Using face oil for slip, she could seamlessly glide the gua sha over her facial contours, leaving her skin snatched, glowy, and feeling great.

Ally Hirschlag, former associate editorial director with combination/sensitive skin (not pictured): “It feels like it's buzzing, which is lovely, and genuinely evokes that post-facial sensation. My cheeks and eyebrows look lifted after use, and any puffiness under my eyes is diminished.”

Best Jade

Tata Harper Crystal Gua Sha Spoon

$20 at Tataharperskincare.com What We Like

• Made from 100% Jade stone

• Depuffs skin

• Easy-to-use spoon shape

What to Consider

• Should be used daily for best results

Shape: Spoon | Material: Jade | Best used for: Acupressure 

You’re likely familiar with jade rollers, but have you ever tried a jade gua sha spoon? This dainty stone option from Tata Harper has a gentle scooped end for lifting and sculpting, and a pointed acupressure end for speedy tension relief. Our tester found the design easier to use than more common gua sha shapes, and appreciated how comfortable and calming it felt on her face. The smooth stone never tugged her skin, and she noticed a subtle depuffing effect after a quick five-minute routine. Applying the perfect amount of pressure through the acupressure point was simple and worked wonders on tight, clenched spots. Like most of the tools on our list, the results were immediate but not particularly long-lasting.

Shannon Stubbs, writer with dry/acne-prone skin (not pictured): “I was able to maintain consistent pressure easily, and it had a shape that I feel was simpler to use than other gua sha tools. I especially loved the pointed end for acupressure, which was very effective at relieving tension in the face.”

What to Look for in a Gua Sha Tool

• Shape: Gua sha tools come in a variety of shapes, but all are fairly thin and have curved edges. “Look for a gua sha tool that’s easy to grip, and the right size not only for your hand, but also for your face,” says celebrity aesthetician Biba De Sousa. Ideally, it should have a range of edges for different functions and areas of the face, she adds, including “smooth edges for lymphatic drainage and gentle 'teeth' for fascia release and muscle relaxation.”
• Material: Although shape is more of a factor when choosing your gua sha tool, the material is also worth considering. Rose quartz and jade are the smoothest-feeling options, but they may cause breakouts if you don’t wash them thoroughly after each use due to their porous quality. Gua shas made from stainless steel or other metals are naturally antibacterial and have the added benefit of retaining heat or cold longer. The only downside is that they may feel rougher on the skin, so use plenty of oil for slip.
• Additional Features: While traditional gua sha tools work great, those with additional features may appeal if you want to amp up your skincare routine. Try unconventional shapes targeting the scalp or deep pressure points, or opt for a high-tech gadget that offers benefits like red light therapy.

How We Tested Gua Sha Tools

We believe in using the products we recommend, so we prioritize testing them in real-life settings. For this article, we researched the top-rated gua shas around, then asked our team of expert testers to try 22 options IRL. Following manufacturer instructions, they used each gua sha several times a week for four weeks, providing in-depth insights about the experience, which informed our final selection of recommended products. 

• Gua Sha Tools Tested: 22
• Testing Period: 4 weeks
• Methodology: We tested each gua sha tool on a variety of skin types, ranging from oily and acne-prone to dry, normal, and sensitive.
• Factors Considered: Ease of use, feel, quality, and overall effectiveness

FAQ

• How do you use a gua sha tool?

  Ideally, Dr. Wasfie advises making gua sha a five-minute ritual as part of your morning skincare routine, along with washing your face and putting on sunscreen. Apply a little serum or face oil so that the tool glides more smoothly, then stroke or gently glide it across your face, moving down toward the neck to promote drainage, and then upward on your forehead for a lifting effect. “Use very light pressure overall to encourage circulation and lymphatic flow,” adds De Sousa. “Reserve deeper pressure for specific acupressure points or areas of muscle tension.”

• What shape gua sha tool should I use?

  There are pointed, heart-shaped, and scalloped gua sha tools. Gua sha tools typically have different-shaped and textured sides for use on various spots. Heart-shaped tools are ideal for targeting the area around the eyes and mouth, which can be more difficult to reach. Pointed and scalloped gua sha tools can effectively detect specific pressure points. You should avoid overly small or awkward shapes, like teardrops or half-moons, according to De Sousa. “They are difficult to grip and don’t provide enough surface contact. Some gua sha tools are breakable if dropped, and the small, awkward shapes are the hardest to control.” 

• What is the best material for a gua sha?

  While this will come down to personal preference, De Sousa highlights porcelain or natural stone for their cooling, balanced feel, and stainless steel for durability and easy sanitization. If you come across a plastic gua sha, avoid it at all costs, she says: “It feels very different from the natural material, and plastic is porous and can start degrading and bending over time, which could mean sharp edges and poor performance.”

• How long does it take to see results from a gua sha tool?

  Because gua sha tools help boost circulation and move lymphatic fluid, you can generally see depuffing results immediately after one session. In line with Eastern medicine, a holistic approach to facial sculpting means incorporating gua sha practices into your daily routine. “Long-term results, like improved elasticity, depend on consistency and vary from person to person,” says De Sousa. “Gua sha works best as a regular practice: the more often you use it, the more lasting the benefits will be.”

• How do you clean a gua sha tool?

  Like any beauty tool, such as makeup brushes, you will want to clean it regularly—soap and water will get the job done, or a quick spritz of alcohol. Just be forewarned that these do get slippery when wet so we suggest laying it out on a towel when washing, so as to avoid slippage and breakage.

Meet Our Experts

We reached out to the experts below to gather insights about what to know when buying a gua sha tool:

• Dr. Giselle Wasfie, D.A.C.M., is an acupuncturist and founder of Remix Acupuncture + Integrative Health in Chicago.
• Biba De Sousa is a celebrity aesthetician, skincare expert, and the president of Biba De Sousa Los Angeles.

Why Trust Byrdie 

Esme Benjamin is a Byrdie contributor who specializes in wellness and beauty content. Esme is a gua sha devotee and loves to use hers right out of the fridge for the best depuffing benefits. For this story, she tested the Wildling Empress Stone.

Edited by Shauna Beni-Haynes Read more:

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