Everyone who knows their way around a Gua Sha knows that using a good “gliding agent” is half the success. Many people use it with their favorite face oil. (You can find a list of the best face oils for Gua Sha here!)
But if you don’t like using oil, you could also opt for a nice serum. However, you have to make sure the serum checks a few requirements:
- it shouldn’t absorb too quickly
- it should match your skin type (Duh!)
- it needs to provide enough slip to avoid dragging your skin
Let’s look at which face serums fit those criteria and also address specific skin concerns!
Related: The special benefits of a stainless steel Gua Sha tool
Disclosure: Some of the links below are so-called provision links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I can earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Dry Skin
If you have dry or dehydrated skin it’s pretty clear what kind of facial serum you want to use: one that provides intense hydration!
A super effective AND very affordable option is the Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum by CeraVe. (Get it here!*) It’s thicker than most other hyaluronic acid serums and doesn’t absorb too quickly, which makes it perfect for using it with your Gua Sha massage.
Related: Your complete guide to using Hyaluronic acid in your skin care
Acne-prone Skin
When you have oily skin, you can definitely benefit from the lymphatic drainage that Gua Sha can provide. However, you’ll need to be careful to not overdo it, as it might also increase oil production – not what you want!
When it comes to active ingredients, you have two big players to help you regulate sebum production: niacinamide and salicylic acid.
Unfortunately, the most popular serums with these ingredients aren’t quite suited to be the best facial serum for Gua Sha massage. (Looking at you, The Ordinary Niacinamide!)
They are too “thin” and absorb too quickly to provide the slip you’ll need for your facial massage.
So instead, look for something that also has some oils, like jojoba or vitamin E. Those also help with your skin issues and will make the product slippery enough.
A good example is this Niacinamide serum by Glow Recipe*. It combines the Niacinamide with Hyaluronic acid, vitamin e and Moringa oil.
Related: Does Niacinamide actually help with acne?
Combination skin
Combination skin can go with the same option as acne-prone skin. That Niacinamide serum is a great choice for you, too, because it helps both with regulating oily skin as well as hydrating it.
Oh, and it also improves skin tone, which we all want, no matter which skin type!
If you’re struggling more with the dry aspects of combination skin, you could also have a look at the list of the best face oils for Gua Sha and pick a great face oil to add to your Gua Sha routine!
Mature skin
Gua Sha is great for mature skin. The increase it blood circulation it provides makes for a more youthful appearance and can decrease the appearance of fine lines.
To get the best results, it is especially important to avoid any dragging of the skin with the Gua Sha tool!
And you know what the best ingredient for both mature skin and amazing slipperiness is? That’s right, rosehip oil!
The night serum by Leven Rose (get it here!*) has rosehip oil and so much more: Jojoba Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Maracuja Oil, Tomato Seed Oil, Watercress Seed Oil, Calendula Oil and Lavender Essential Oil. All the best facial oils to add to your skincare routine.
If all those precious fatty acids aren’t gonna give you that youthful glow, I don’t know what will!
With all of that antioxidative power, that serum will also help with dark spots or other visible signs of skin damage. And it can protect your skin from free radicals.
Related: Which facial tools actually help?
Sensitive Skin
If you have super sensitive skin I actually wouldn’t recommend to do Gua Sha at all. The massage is quite intense and rather likely to irritate your already sensitive skin.
It’s literally too much pressure for your skin type. And unfortunately, not even the best facial serum for gua sha can help with that.
If you still want to enjoy the feeling of cool jade on your skin or are looking for some gentle depuffing, it would be a good idea to look at a jade roller instead of a Gua Sha stone.
Related: Which is better jade roller or gua sha?
Hope you found the best facial serum for Gua Sha and for you!
I hope this was helpful for you and you now know how to find your perfect Gua Sha serum. If you liked it, I appreciate any shares. Thank you and have a great day!
*These links are so-called provision links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I can earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
