THE BEST FACIAL OIL FOR GUA SHA
If like us, your skin care routine isn’t complete without gua sha or just getting acquainted with the beauty tool, then you probably know that the right facial oil can make or break your routine. The best facial oil for gua sha doesn’t just help your tool glide effortlessly, it also nourishes your skin, enhances your glow and takes your self care ritual to the next level. But with so many options out there, how do you choose which oil best for you?
No matter your skin’s texture or goals, we’ve got you covered! As here at Cult Beauty we’ve done the hard work for you and uncovered the best facial oils for gua sha – no matter your complexion type.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What Is Gua Sha
- Why Use Facial Oils With Gua Sha
- Best Facial Oils For Gua Sha
- A Step-By-Step Gua Sha Routine
- Best Facial Oils For Gua Sha FAQS
BUT FIRST, WHAT IS GUA SHA
Before we reveal the best facial oil for gua sha, it’s important to understand what gua sha actually is. A traditional Chinese medicine technique that has been around for centuries, the beauty phenomenon literally translates to ‘scraping sand’.
Aptly named, gua sha involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool (usually made from jade or rose quartz) to promote circulation, lymphatic drainage and muscle relaxation. It can be done on the face or body. During this process stagnant energy is broken down to promote healing from top to toe.
In more recent years gua sha has been adopted as a simple yet effective skin care practice – addressing various complexion concerns. By accessing of pressure points, it helps to promote skin regeneration and reenergises facial tissue. To get the most out of your gua sha routine, it's essential to pair it with the right face oils, as this helps the tool glide effortlessly while providing added skin benefit. The results? A complexion that looks radiant, plump and oh so glowy.
WHY USE FACIAL OILS WITH GUA SHA
One of the most important steps in your gua sha routine is to use a face oil. Using the best facial oil for gua sha not only provides slip to prevent the tool from dragging the skin, but it also contributes to a smooth, relaxing massage while maximising the technique’s benefits. And as if that wasn’t enough, other reasons to use a facial during gua sha includes:
To prevent skin damage: without a facial oil, the tool pulls the skin causing irritation and fine lines over time. However, with your chosen oil you can instantly reduce the risk of this friction.
To nourish and hydrate: applying your facial oil locks in some much-needed moisture, leaving your complexion soft, supple and smooth.
To enhance the glide: the slipperiness of the oil allows the gua sha to move more effortlessly, making the massage more effective and gentler on the skin.
To support lymphatic drainage: the enhanced slip helps the gua sha move fluid more efficiently, reducing puffiness and detoxifying the skin from within.
THE BEST FACIAL OIL FOR GUA SHA
Now we understand what gua sha is, it’s time to enhance your massage and ensure you are using the best facial oil for your specific regime. While there is not one best facial oil for gua sha, finding your most applicable formula depends on your skin type and texture. A case in point, those with dry skin will need a different oil to those with an oily or sensitive complexion. Not sure which oil to choose? No worries, your answers await below.
FOR DRY SKIN
Jojoba Oil
One of the best facial oils for gua sha, jojoba oil is ideal for all skin types, especially for those who suffer from dryness. Considered the mother nature of moisturisers, it’s similar to the sebum oil our skin naturally produces. When used for gua sha, jojoba grants your complexion with a protective moisture barrier and serves skin with beneficial flavonoids and vitamin E — in other words powerful antioxidants that defends against environmental damage. What’s more, it’s renowned for reliving dryness as it absorbs into skin quickly and quenches thirst instantly.
Marula Oil
Celebrated for its hydrating properties, marula oil is another great option for those with dry skin. Rich in essential fatty acids (we’re talking omega 6 and 9), antioxidants and vitamins C and E, this lightweight oil helps restore the skin’s natural barrier while allowing the gua sha tool to glide effortlessly for a complexion that is plump, firm and radiant.
Almond Oil
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin, almond oil is a deeply nourishing and hydrating choice for those with dry skin when performing gua sha. Preventing flakiness, the powerhouse softens rough patches, leaving your skin silky and supple. But that’s not all, naturally soothing and an anti-inflammatory, almond oil supports cell renewal and continues to comfort complexions long after your gua sha massage is complete.
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FOR OILY SKIN
Hemp Seed Oil
Considered the best facial oil for gua sha for those with oily skin, hemp seed oil hydrates your complexion, without excess shine. Leaving your visage balanced and refreshed, the lightweight solution is filled with nutrients that offer just the right amount of oil production for your specific needs. And, unlike heavier oils, hemp seed is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores – making it the ideal choice for keeping blemishes at bay too.
Grapeseed Oil
Infused with linoleic acid, grapeseed oil helps balance sebum levels, enhancing hydration without excess shine. Lightweight, fast-absorbing and packed with antioxidants, it delivers dew without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. Oh, and did we mention it gives your tool the perfect glide to promote lymphatic drainage and circulation without feeling heavy or greasy?
Squalane Oil
Mimicking your skin’s natural oils, squalane oil is a hydrogenated form of squalene (a lipid naturally produced by our skin). This makes it highly compatible with oily skin, providing hydration without overloading or making your face too greasy. Instead of turning complexions oilier, squalane helps regulate excess sebum, keeping your skin moisturised yet shine-free when carrying out your massage.
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FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Chamomile Oil
Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory and calming properties, chamomile oil helps reduce irritation while providing the perfect slip for a relaxing and effective massage. Making gua sha a gentle experience for all, this comforting combination utilises bisabolol to reduce the appearance of redness, puffiness and sensitivity, making it the ideal choice for delicate complexions.
Aloe Vera Oil
A soothing and lightweight option for sensitive skin, aloe vera is one of the best facial oils for gua sha as it offers cooling hydration without clogging pores. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and irritation, making the massage extra calming. Rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides, it supports skin healing and barrier repair, keeping the complexion balanced and nourished. Unlike heavier oils, aloe vera absorbs quickly, providing a refreshing, non-greasy glide for smooth, effortless gua sha movements.
Calendula Oil
Contrasting aloe vera, which offers an instant cooling effect, calendula works to strengthen the skin barrier over time, providing lasting protection against environmental stressors. Its ability to nourish while being incredibly mild makes it a standout choice for gua sha, ensuring a smooth, irritation-free massage while promoting a healthy, luminous complexion. Blending flavonoids and antioxidants, it helps calm redness, reduce sensitivity and accelerates skin healing, making it especially beneficial for conditions like rosacea, eczema or inflammation.
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FOR MATURE SKIN
Rosehip Oil
The best gua sha facial oil for those with mature skin? Rosehip oil. With a high concentration of vitamins A and C, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, this skin care saviours works with the tool to boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time. Not to mention, unlike squalane which mainly balances moisture levels, rosehip oil actively works to revitalise dull, aging skin, enhancing gleam and firmness over time.
Argan Oil
While rosehip oil focuses on brightening and collagen production, argan oil restores skin elasticity and reinforces your moisture barrier, helping to combat dryness and loss of firmness during your gua sha massage. Additionally, argan oil contains ferulic acid and polyphenols, which help protect against environmental stressors and free radical damage, a key contributor to premature aging.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
A potent and nutrient-dense oil that’s great for mature skin, sea buckthorn oil melds omega-7, carotenoids and vitamin C. Its naturally high levels of beta-carotene give it a rich, golden hue, which sets it apart from lighter oils like squalane, providing an intensive antioxidant boost that protects against environmental aging and UV damage. Additionally, flooded with fatty acids, it nourishes without feeling overly greasy, making it more balancing than heavier oils like marula.
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A STEP-BY-STEP GUA SHA ROUTINE
- Before you begin, always ensure your face and hands are thoroughly washed to give you a clear canvas.
- Next apply your chosen facial oil – picking the best facial oil for you gua sha needs.
- Now hold your tool at a 15-degree angle, making sure it’s flat against your skin rather that stood straight up.
- Using gentle, upwards strokes (rather than back and forth) move your gua sha in the same direction working in sections. We suggest starting from your neck and gliding upwards towards your jawline, chin, ears, cheeks and forehead. Repeat each stroke 5-10 times before moving onto a new area.
Once you’ve covered all bases, complete your routine with a cool compress (AKA a cold, damp cloth or gel pack) to comfort your complexion and reduce the look of redness.
THE BEST FACIAL OIL FOR GUA SHA FAQS
What to use instead of face oil for gua sha?
If you prefer not to use face oil for gua sha, there are several alternatives that provide enough slip to prevent tugging while still delivering skin care benefits – this includes everything from hydrating gels, serums, mists or moisturisers. It’s important to avoid applying foaming cleanser, make up removers or thicker formulas as they don’t allow for smooth gliding and cause irritation when used with gua sha.
Should you gua sha every day?
Ideally, yes you should gua sha everyday as this can not only boost circulation for a natural glowing complexion, but it relieves muscle tension, reduces the look of puffiness and enhances the absorption of all your skin care solution. However, having said this if you have sensitive skin, we suggest using your gua sha 2-3 times a week to avoid further irritation.
Can I use hyaluronic acid to gua sha?
While hyaluronic acid can be used with gua sha, it’s not recommended as it doesn’t provide enough slip for a smooth slide. To prevent skin tugging, it’s best to layer it with a facial oil or moisturiser.
So now you know that the best facial oil for gua sha makes all the difference, it’s time to find your perfect match and elevate your routine.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
