Beauty — Skincare
The Best Face Oils For Gua Sha: Skin Type Recommendations
Molly Moore / 15 July 2024
You've got your Gua Sha and are ready to get sculpting but you want to know the BEST face oil to use with your Gua Sha?
I recently shared a beginner's Gua Sha routine and realized there are so many facial oils available it's difficult to figure out which one to use.
So I've pulled together the top recommended oils specifically for Gua Sha for every skin type so you can select the perfect one for you. I've also shared some product recommendations for each to make it a bit easier.
SUMMARY: Which Face Oil Is The Best For Gua Sha?
We're dedicated to finding and telling you more about the best women's lifestyle products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
Best Gua Sha oil for anti-aging: Rosehip Oil
Best Gua Sha oil for acne-prone skin: Jojoba Oil
Best Gua Sha oil for sensitive skin: Hemp Seed Oil
Best Gua Sha oil for dry skin: Squalane Oil
Best Gua Sha oil for soft skin: Marula Oil
Keep reading for a breakdown of all of the best oils and recommendations for each!
Want a beginner's Gua Sha Routine for a lifted face?
Check out our ultimate guide to easy Gua Sha routines
Considerations When Choosing a Face Oil for Gua Sha
Skin type is a major factor in oil selection. Here's a quick guide:
- Dry Skin: Look for oils high in fatty acids to keep the skin hydrated.
- Oily Skin: Lightweight oils, like grapeseed, won't clog pores.
- Sensitive Skin: Gentle oils, such as rosehip, avoid irritation.
- Acne-Prone Skin: Non-comedogenic oils can help without exacerbating skin concerns.
Focus on oils that target your skin's needs—whether that's hydration, protection, or anti-aging.
Each stroke of the gua sha tool, paired with the right oil, can improve blood circulation, skin texture, and collagen production—for a skincare routine that goes more than skin deep.
Hemp Seed Oil: Nourishment for All Skin Types
Loaded with vitamins C and E along with a rich array of fatty acids, it's the nourishing elixir your skin has been waiting for.
- Non-comedogenic: Doesn't clog pores, ideal for all skin types.
- Dry Skin Savior: Essential fatty acids keep skin hydrated.
- Anti-aging: Softens signs of aging like fine lines and crows feet.
- Skin Health Defender: Reduces symptoms of skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis.
- Universal Nourishment: Offers hydration and nutrients for a healthy complexion.
- Elasticity Enhancer: Maintains skin elasticity during facial massage.
Sweet Almond Oil: Hydration and Antioxidant Protection
Light in texture yet abundant in fatty acids, Sweet Almond Oil keeps your skin hydrated without leaving a heavy feel.
- Non-comedogenic: Doesn't clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types.
- Deep Moisturization: Rich in vitamins A and E, it deeply hydrates the skin, helping to prevent dryness and flakiness.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Helps soothe and reduce skin inflammation, making it beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin.
- Anti-aging: Contains antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Skin Health Enhancer: Improves complexion and skin tone, giving the skin a natural glow.
- Softening Agent: Makes the skin softer and smoother, enhancing the effects of gua sha massage.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with essential fatty acids that nourish and maintain skin health.
Rosehip Oil: Rejuvenation and Brightening
Notably lightweight and known as a 'dry oil', it absorbs quickly without leaving an oily residue—perfect for those smooth, upward strokes along facial muscles.
- Hydrates: Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, rosehip oil provides deep hydration, keeping the skin moisturized and supple.
- Moisturizes: Its high content of vitamins A and C helps to lock in moisture, improving overall skin texture and appearance.
- Exfoliates and Brightens: Rosehip oil promotes cell regeneration and helps to brighten the skin, leaving it looking more radiant and even-toned.
- Boosts Collagen Formation: It supports collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduces Acne Scarring: The oil is effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars and preventing future breakouts due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: Its anti-inflammatory benefits help to soothe redness and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Wrinkle-Fighting: Full of antioxidants and fatty acids, it helps to fight signs of aging, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Jojoba Oil: Balancing and Calming
Jajoba Oil not only provides a protective moisture barrier but also mirrors the natural sebum in our skin. This quality makes it exceptional for maintaining skin hydration without the fear of clogged pores or aggravating acne-prone skin.
- Non-comedogenic: Jojoba oil does not clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types.
- Hydrating: It mimics the skin's natural oils, providing long-lasting moisture without making the skin greasy.
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
- Antibacterial: Contains antimicrobial properties that help to prevent acne-causing bacteria, keeping the skin clear.
- Rich in Antioxidants: High in vitamin E and other antioxidants, jojoba oil helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
- Wound Healing: Speeds up the healing of wounds and minor skin injuries due to its skin-repairing properties.
- Balancing: Regulates sebum production, balancing oil levels in the skin and preventing overproduction.
Argan Oil: Moisture and Anti-Aging Benefits
Argan oil is a trove of vitamin E—a safeguarding hero that delivers a shield of protection and a surge of nourishment.
- Boosts Elasticity: Argan oil helps improve skin elasticity, making it firmer and more resilient.
- Hydrates Skin: Provides deep hydration, preventing dry and flaky skin.
- Prevents and Reduces Stretch Marks: Aids in skin regeneration, which can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Contains high levels of vitamin E and essential fatty acids that protect the skin from damage and reduce inflammation.
- Anti-aging Properties: Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by promoting collagen production.
- Soothes Skin: Its anti-inflammatory properties help to calm and soothe irritated skin.
Marula Oil: Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients (my favorite!)
This sumptuous oil is quickly absorbed, leaving no greasy residue, just beautifully soft skin. It's chock-full of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. I love to use it at night and wake up with the soften skin.
- Hydrating: Marula oil is intensely hydrating due to its high content of essential fatty acids, which helps keep the skin moisturized and supple during gua sha massage.
- Moisturizing: It has occlusive properties that prevent water loss, making it especially beneficial for dry skin, ensuring that the skin remains soft and smooth.
- Anti-inflammatory: The oil's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and irritation, providing a soothing effect on the skin.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Marula oil is packed with antioxidants, which protect the skin from environmental damage and help combat signs of aging.
- Non-comedogenic: Although marula oil has a moderate comedogenic rating, it is often considered non-comedogenic and can be suitable for various skin types without clogging pores.
- Nourishing: It nourishes the skin with essential nutrients, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the gua sha massage
Squalane Oil: Lightweight Hydration and Skin Barrier Support
This powerhouse hydrator is stellar for gua sha enthusiasts, particularly those with dry-to-normal skin types looking to elevate their ritual.
- Hydrating: Squalane oil is an excellent moisturizer that helps to keep the skin hydrated and supple during gua sha massage.
- Non-comedogenic: It does not clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: Squalane oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce redness and irritation, soothing the skin during the gua sha process.
- Antioxidant-rich: It contains antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage, promoting a healthy and youthful complexion.
- Lightweight and Fast-absorbing: Squalane oil is lightweight and quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for gua sha.
Grapeseed Oil: Skin Firming and Toning
Grapeseed oil is an excellent option, especially for those with oily skin. Its light and silky texture offers the perfect slip for your gua sha tool without leaving a greasy residue.
- Non-comedogenic: Grapeseed oil does not clog pores, making it ideal for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
- Lightweight: Its lightweight composition makes it easy to apply and allows it to be quickly absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
- Rich in Linoleic Acid: Contains linoleic acid, which helps to fortify cell membranes and enhance overall skin health.
- Supports Collagen Production: Helps support collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.
- Hydrating: Locks in hydration, helping to keep the skin moisturized and preventing dryness.
- Anti-inflammatory: Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and irritation, soothing the skin during gua sha.
- Antioxidant-rich: Contains antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage and promote a healthy complexion.
Apricot Kernel Oil: Gentle Nourishment for Sensitive Skin
Apricot Kernel Oil is great for sensitive skin. Its mild nature and soothing ability make it a highly recommended for inflammation, working to enhance your skin's texture and health.
- Hydrating: Apricot kernel oil is rich in fatty acids, providing deep hydration and keeping the skin moisturized during gua sha massage.
- Non-comedogenic: It does not clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: The oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and irritation, soothing the skin during the gua sha treatment.
- Rich in Vitamins: Apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamins A and E, which help to nourish and protect the skin from environmental damage.
- Lightweight: Its lightweight texture allows it to be easily absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for gua sha.
- Softening: The oil helps to soften the skin, improving its texture and making it smoother.
- Anti-aging: Apricot kernel oil promotes cell regeneration and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, contributing to a more youthful complexion.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Face Oil for Your Gua Sha Practice
Whichever oil you choose, ensure it's conducted with upward strokes to maximize the benefits of your gua sha ritual.
Try out a few oils based on your changing skin needs and different seasons. I like to choose a more nourishing oil in the winter and a lighter oil suited to sensitive skin in the summer.
You might also like
Weekly lifestyle inspiration.
In your inbox.
We think you’ll like
Get inspired with more content like this
Beauty — Hair & nails
50 Chic Fall Nail Designs For 2024
Beauty — Skincare
My Korean Skincare Routine For Flawless Glass Skin!
Beauty — Hair & nails