This post is your guide to the best oil for gua sha face massage. Here are the top 5 facial oils to use with a gua sha tool for the best results.
So, you’ve found your way into the wonderful world of gua sha. Good for you! This ancient Chinese beauty practice holds so many benefits for the skin, it’s no wonder it’s become such a staple in our skincare kits.
As gua sha is a form of massage, it’s important to pair it with a facial oil. If your skin isn’t sufficiently lubricated before you begin, you run the risk of damaging your skin. So please, for your skin’s sake, know which oil to use and be sure to apply it!
With so many oils available on the market, it can be tricky to find the right one for the job. When deciding on a facial oil, you need to consider your skin type, along with how thick the product is.
The best all-rounder oils are usually those that are lightweight, non-comedogenic (which means they won’t clog up your pores), and provide moisture and nourishment to your skin.
So, without further ado, here are all the best facial oils for gua sha!
5 Best Face Oils for Gua Sha Massage
1. Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil (not to be confused with CBD oil) comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. This is a great oil for most skin types since it’s hydrating but doesn’t clog pores. In fact, hemp seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 0, which means it won’t clog pores at all.
Hemp seed oil is high in antioxidants, including Vitamins A, C, E, and F, which help fight free radicals and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.
It’s also high in linoleic acid, which is an omega–6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid helps balance oil production, making hemp seed oil one of the best oils for oily or acne prone skin.
The biggest disadvantage of hemp seed oil is that it’s a fragile oil that can quickly go rancid. It has a shelf life of 3-6 months after opening and should be refrigerated. Unrefrigerated, it may only last 2-3 months.
2. Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is another excellent choice for all skin types, including sensitive and acne prone skin. This oil is thin and silky in texture to help the gua sha tool effortlessly glide across the skin without being too heavy.
Grapeseed oil has anti-aging, moisturizing, and rejuvenating properties that work well when coupled with gua sha. It’s high in antioxidants, linoleic acid, and vitamin E, making this facial massage oil a good choice for fighting signs of aging such as wrinkles and age spots!
Grapeseed oil has a comedogenic rating of 1, meaning it has a very low likelihood of clogging pores.
3. Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is a versatile facial oil that is soothing and mild. It’s filled with nutrients and antioxidants while still feeling light on the skin. This makes it a great oil for gua sha massage.
Sweet almond oil is high in oleic acid, which is an omega-9 fatty acid. Oleic acid is particularly beneficial for dry and aging skin since it penetrates deeply and locks in the moisture yet is still unlikely to clog pores.
This oil has a comedogenic rating of 2, which is considered low on the comedogenic rating scale. (Anything rated 2 or below will not clog pores for most people.) One major caveat is that you should not use sweet almond oil if you have a nut allergy.
4. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil isn’t really an oil at all, but a type of liquid wax. It closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making this a particularly beneficial facial oil.
Jojoba oil deeply hydrates skin while adding a dewy glow. Couple this with gua sha’s skin-smoothing and lifting abilities and you’ve struck gold!
Jojoba oil has a well-rounded nutrient profile. It’s rich in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, along with omega 6 and 9 essential fatty acids. It also contains minerals like zinc, copper, selenium, chromium, and iodine.
For those concerned about breakouts, jojoba oil has a comedogenic rating of 2. This means it won’t clog pores in the majority of people.
5. Squalane
The last oil on our list is squalane – considered by many to be the “holy grail” of facial oils. Squalane has many benefits that are unique to other plant and mineral oils.
Squalane is a hydrolyzed form of squalene, which is a natural component of the skin’s sebum. Although squalane oil is derived from plants, your skin instantly recognizes it since it’s so similar to natural squalene.
Squalane works like your skin’s own oil to make the skin more supple and hydrated. It also has powerful antioxidant properties that help reverse visible signs of aging caused by UV light and pollution.
Finally, squalene is light and breathable with a comedogenic rating of 0, making it ideal for use with a gua sha tool.
What About Gua Sha for the Body?
Now that we’ve covered the best facial oils for gua sha massage, let’s move onto the rest of the body. Did you know that gua sha isn’t just for your face?
Since gua sha increases circulation and relaxes muscles, it’s also incredibly helpful for the body. Here are some of the benefits of full body gua sha massage:
- Increases blood flow
- Drains lymph
- Eases muscle tension
- Releases stress
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces water retention
- Smooths the look of cellulite
See the video above for a wonderfully relaxing lower body gua sha massage that won’t cause bruising or redness.
The best body oil for gua sha massage
The oil you choose for a full body gua sha massage is just as important as the oil you use on your face.
We recommend our Contour Sleek Cellulite Firming Body Oil. This luxurious body oil is packed with powerful firming and detoxifying ingredients that can boost the effects of gua sha.
Camellia japonica oil, gotu kola, and essential oils of juniper, grapefruit, and geranium help to deeply hydrate the skin, eliminate toxins, and smooth the look of cellulite.
