Gua Sha and jade rollers have become increasingly popular because they help to reduce puffiness, improve skin tone, and sculpt out your cheekbones and jaw. It’s extremely important when using Gua Sha to use it with a face oil, serum, or moisturizing product to avoid pulling and damaging your skin.
Here we’ll take an in-depth look at the best face oils for gua sha and how to choose the right facial oil for you.
What Exactly is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese medicine technique that uses a Gua Sha stone to scrape the skin. You may also hear people refer to scraping or gua sha as “coining.” The stone is flat, smooth, and won’t scratch the skin when using the correct technique. It’s more like the stone is gliding across your face with gentle pressure.
Gua sha treatments can be used all over your body. Not only do Guasha treatments feel really relaxing as a type of massage, but they also have lots of benefits for the body, skin, and lymphatic system. Gua sha is more than just a beauty regimen- it provides many health benefits as well. It can greatly help those suffering from chronic pain anywhere on the body.
“Gua sha has beneficial short-term effects on pain and functional status in patients with chronic neck pain. The value of Gua sha in the long-term management of neck pain and related mechanisms remains to be clarified.”
Pain Medicine- Oxford Academic
A gua sha treatment typically uses a lot of pressure on the skin which results in some redness and bruising. This is where the advantages come from. The process can stimulate blood flow and help heal damaged skin when the small blood vessels are broken.
Benefits of Gua Sha
- Increases blood flow: the main benefit of gua sha is the stimulation of blood circulation. It will instantly brighten the complexion and can help with healing acne, reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Softens fine lines and wrinkles: the process of gua sha can tone your face, giving you a smoother texture.
- Muscle pain: Guasha is like a massage, helping with muscle cramps or any other kind of musculoskeletal aches and pain.
- Facial sculpting is one of the reasons gua sha has become so popular. Many on social media claim that gua sha can help to sculpt your facial features and chisel out jawlines and cheekbones.
How to Properly Use Gua Sha
You’ll first want to use a serum or oil on your skin before using your gua sha tool. Once that’s liberally applied, simply move your gua sha in long, upward strokes on the skin. Do the motion about six to eight times before moving to a different part of your face. Continue until the entire area you’re working on has been treated.
For Gua Sha newbies, it’s better to start out with light touch and gradually increase the pressure. It helps your skin and body adjust to it. You may experience some reddening, discoloration or patches of petechial hemorrhage which is pretty common at the beginning.
You should Gua Sha at least twice a week for best results. However, you can also Gua Sha daily, if you wish. Many people enjoy doing it at night to relax their muscles after a long day of straining their face from talking, holding tension, etc.
If you want to learn more about great products to use with Gua Sha- READ HERE!
Do You Need To Use a Face Oil With Gua Sha?
It is highly recommended to use face oil when doing gua sha. Using an oil will significantly reduce the chance skin damage. The action of gua sha is a pulling motion, so you want to reduce the friction and tugging of the skin by adding an oil so that the stone can glide across your face easily.What Type of Face Oil Should You Use for Gua Sha?
Choosing a face oil actually depends on a lot of factors! Your skin type and skin concerns must be considered when picking out a face oil for gua sha.
There is such a wide variety of oils for skin with a range of benefits. You can keep it very minimal by using an oil like jojoba or rosehip. You can also go with a specially formulated skincare oil that has added vitamins and beneficial ingredients.
Oils for Acne-Prone Skin: rosehip seed, squaline, argan, avocado.
Oils for Sensitive Skin: argan oil, seabuckhorn, chia seed.
Oils for Dry Skin: coconut oil, grapeseed, marula.
We have a long list of recommendations for you to level up your gua sha routine!
19 Oils for Gua Sha
1. The Ordinary 100% Rosehip Oil:
Rosehip oil has become increasingly popular for skin care. It’s rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish, strengthen, and repair the skin. The Ordinary Rosehip Oil is a lightweight formula containing 100 percent high-purity, sustainably sourced, organic, cold-pressed rose hip seed oil. This facial oil is suitable for all skin types including dry, combination and oily skin – as well as sensitive skin in need of extra hydration. This is a great option if you are just starting Gua Sha and want to use a simple, non-irritating oil.
- Great for sensitive skin and all skin types.
- Simple yet effective.
- Face may purge when using at the beginning.
- Can be too thick for some- causing breakouts.
$9.80/fl oz.
2. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Skin Therapy Oil for Face with Vitamin E:
This special formula is made with cocoa butter to moisturize, retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, vitamin C to brighten skin and dark spots, and cetesomate complex for essential vitamins and nutrients. It’s perfect for those who want to achieve a more youthful appearance without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive procedures. Plus, its perfect to use for gua sha because it provides the skin with a smooth, hydrated surface for you tool to glide accross.
- Improves skin clarity
- Great value for the price
- Fragranced
- Some reviewers claim it did not absorb into the skin
3. SOCO Symphony Anti Aging Elixir Oil:
SOCO Symphony is an all-in-one moisturizer that replaces the serum, night cream, eye cream and day cream. It harnesses the power of seven potent anti-aging ingredients — hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane and antioxidants such as grape seed and green tea extracts — to provide targeted hydration for a radiant complexion. Including this into your gua sha routine could be a game changer!
- “One-stop shop”- claims to replace moisturizers + eye creams!
- Improves skin tone and texture.
- Unpleasant scent
- On the pricier side
$42.72/ fl. oz
4. Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil:
Honey Grail Facial Oil is a nutrient-rich oil blend that combines the power of honey with sea buckthorn and five-flower oils to deeply hydrate, nourish + brighten skin. Loaded with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, this sweet oil replenishes skin with omegas, vitamins + amino acids. A great addition to your Gua Sha routine if you are suffering from very dry skin.
- Non-comedogenic
- Synthetic Fragrance Free
- Gives skin a “dewey glow”
- Lingering Smell
$48.00/fl. oz
5. Kiehls Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil:
Conquer redness, inflammation and hyperpigmentation with this calming facial oil. A unique blend of ingredients includes Hemp-Derived Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil and Green Oregano Oil, which are rich in Omega fatty acids to soothe skin. With a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores, this fast-absorbing oil can be used on all skin types — including sensitive. This is great to use as a gua sha oil because it will counteract the redness and tension that gua sha can temporarily cause post-massage.
- Calming for senstitive skin
- Poor packaging design- product tends to leak
$52.00/ fl. oz
6. Sunday Riley U.F.O Clarifying Face Oil:
This medicated acne treatment clears congested pores and calms breakouts. With 1.5 percent salicylic acid, this fast-acting, quick-drying oil clears acne and blackhead-causing buildup and debris from congested pores for smoother, blemish-free skin. Tea tree oil and black cumin seed oil support clear skin, while hexylresorcinol and licorice naturally brighten the appearance of old acne discolorations for a more even-toned complexion. Counterbalancing the potentially drying effects of salicylic acid, milk thistle and cucumber seed oil nourish the skin and smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles without leaving a greasy residue. Chamomile soothes stressed, blemish prone skin
- Great oil for those suffering from breakouts
- Skin treatment and face oil all in one
- Some reviewers reported discolored large pores
- Bad smell
$40.00/ fl .5 oz
7. Viva Naturals Organic Jojoba Oil:
Viva Naturals Organic Jojoba Oil is the perfect oil to use for gua sha. This jojoba oil is cold-pressed and certified organic, so you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality oil possible. Jojoba oil is also non-greasy and quickly absorbs into the skin, making it ideal for gua sha. Plus, the oil is extracted without heat to preserve its skin-nourishing nutrients.
- Simple, yet effective
- Affordable
- Not perfect for every skin type
- No added vitamins/skincare ingredients
$3.25/ fl. oz
8. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil:
Looking for a skincare oil that does it all? Meet Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil. This potent formula brightens, firms and hydrates the skin for a trifecta of visible results. This oil-soluble, shelf-stable vitamin C is a powerful brightening agent that can improve tone and texture, while the chios crystal oil helps to firm and revitalize the skin. Damascus rose petal extract calms and soothes, leaving behind a soft, natural scent. This is an oil for gua sha that will give you all the added benefits anyone might wish for.
- Absorbs well into skin
- Suits a variety of skin types and skin issues
- Expensive
$72.00/ fl. oz
9. ÓLEO PARA A FACE Kaya Anti-Aging Face Oil:
Costa Brazil’s Kaya Anti Aging Face Oil is a powerful skincare oil that helps to boost radiance, firmness and hydration. Rich in nourishing lipids, essential fatty acids, omegas 3, 6, 9 and vitamins A, C and E, this fast-absorbing, lightweight formula is perfect for enviromentally stressed skin. Antioxidants help to transform your skin from dull and lackluster to healthy and radiant. Using this during your Gua Sha routine will help you achieve that glowing, toned face you’re dreaming about!
- Fragrance free
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly
- Luxury item- very expensive
$125.00/ fl. oz
10. Honest Organic Beauty Facial Oil:
Looking for a gua sha-approved skincare oil that will nourish and replenish your skin? Look no further than Honest Beauty’s Organic Facial Oil! Made with a blend of 8 organic fruit and seed oils like avocado, jojoba, and apricot, this oil is perfect for all skin types.
- Affordable
- Clean skincare
- Some reviewers say it doesn’t absorb well
$29.99 /fl oz.
11. Earth Harbor Calypso Oil:
Calypso elevates the beauty of your skin through the power of superfoods. Formulated with succulent sea kelp, cranberry, chia seed and the deeply moisturizing powers of jojoba, calypso will leave your skin feeling incredibly soft and radiant.
- Lightweight but still moisturizing
- May not be a good option for those with sensitive skin.
$44.00/ fl. oz
12. Organic Veda Moringa Anti-Aging Aging Face Oil:
Looking for a powerful anti-aging oil that can help improve your skin’s elasticity and hydration? Look no further than Organic Veda’s Mooring Anti Aging Oil. This 100% natural oil is packed with nutrients and vitamins that can help revitalize your skin. Regular use of this oil can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The organic ingredients in this oil include Moringa seed oil, Sesame oil, Amla Fruit, Cassia auriculata, Rose petal, Moringa leaf and more. These ingredients work together to provide intense nourishment to the skin. Why not nourish your skin while giving yourself a beneficial gua sha massage?
- Clean ingredients
- Organic
- Antiaging- packed with antioxidants
- May not be hydrating enough for those with very dry skin
$8.23/ fl oz.
13. Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil:
This oil is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, all sourced from Certified Organic Noni Extract, Rosehip Oil, Pomegranate Oil and Sea Buckthorn Oil. Not only will your skin look and feel incredible after using this oil, but you can also use it in conjunction with gua sha to give your skin an extra boost of radiance.
- Very absorbant
- Antioxidant rich Noni fruit
$80.00/ fl. oz
14. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil:
Our Luna Sleeping Oil is formulated to enhance the appearance of a youthful, even-toned, luminous complexion. Blue tansy and German chamomile blend with retinoic acid ester complex to reduce the appearance of pores, wrinkles and fine lines while improving the signs of premature aging. Blue azulene helps to neutralize redness so that skin looks calm and even-toned when you wake up in the morning. A perfect oil to include during your evening gua sha ritual.
- Moisturizing
- Lightweight
- Can cause breakouts
- Herbal smell
$110.00/ fl oz
15. Pure Body Naturals Evening Primrose Oil:
Pure Body Naturals Evening Primrose Oil is 100% pure and expeller pressed from the seeds of Oenothera Biennis. Rich in essential fatty acids, it soothes and moisturizes the skin to address roughness, wrinkles, redness, dryness and irritation. If you’re wanting to stick to a simple oil for your gua sha, this is another great option.
- Potent oil
- Great value for the price
- Pungent Smell
$3.37/ fl. oz
16. Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy Facial Oil:
Calm and soothe redness, clarify the complexion, and balance surface sebum with this unique herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy oil. This formula is made with only pure plant oils to lock in hydration without clogging pores so your skin can stop overcompensating and find the balance it needs. A great oil for Gua Sha with those who have oily or acne prone skin!
- Non-comedogenic
- Silicone-free
- Can be irritating for sensitive skin
$48.00/fl oz.
17. Good Molecules Ultra Hydrating Face Oil:
Hydrate, nourish, and protect your skin with Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil from Good Molecules. This lightweight blend of camellia oil and sea buckthorn oil relieves dryness and leaves you with a soft, dewy glow—all while soothing redness.
- Clean ingredients
- Vegan
- Does not last long- small packaging
$20/ fl. oz
18. Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil Serum:
Kick-start your morning glow with this new hybrid skin oil-serum. Its oil phase is filled with nourishing ingredients like camellia oil and sea buckthorn extract to reduce redness, strengthen skin’s barrier, and prevent moisture loss—while the water phase heroed by chamomile extract includes support from vitamin E and sodium hyaluronate to keep skin hydrated, calm and bright. You can shake it up and watch as the two phases mix together to deliver one antioxidant-packed moisturizer that’s ideal for all skin types.
- Affordable
- Suitable for all skin types
- Some reviewers say it left their skin feeling greasy
19. Q+A Super Food Facial Oil:
This skincare oil is packed with antioxidants and fatty acids to nourish your skin. Jojoba seed oil moisturizes, berry extract oils deliver beneficial antioxidants, and prickly pear provides vitamins E and K to soothe and moisturize. If you are wanting to try Gua Sha but have dry and irritated skin, try this superfood oil!
- Gives a beautiful dewy glow
- Great for dry skin
- Not the best option for oily/combination skin.
$11.00/ fl oz.